Public Meetings - St Paul, Minnesota

The meeting took place on July 19, 2023, at 10:30 AM UTC. However, no agenda, minutes, or transcript were available for this meeting. Therefore, no details about the agenda items, discussions, public comments, or decisions can be provided.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission meeting scheduled for July 12, 2023 (per the provided meeting date) did not occur. The agenda dated July 21, 2023 explicitly states "MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELED." No minutes or transcript are available, and no business was conducted. The discrepancy between the user-provided date (July 12, 2023) and the agenda date (July 21, 2023) is noted; however, the cancellation applies to the meeting referenced in the source material. As a result, there are no consent calendar items, public comments, discussion items, or key outcomes to report.

The St. Paul Planning Commission convened on July 7, 2023, at 14:30 UTC. The main agenda included a public hearing on proposed electric vehicle (EV) charging zoning code amendments, followed by reports from the Zoning Committee and the Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee. The commission also welcomed two new staff members and addressed administrative items. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the June 9 and June 23 planning commission meetings by voice vote, with no corrections or objections. Public Comments & Testimony - Dan Collison (233 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis) and Bob Lund (vice president of facilities) represented Sherman Associates. They expressed general support for the EV charging policy but urged flexibility. Collison noted that they are targeting 3-5% of parking stalls equipped with Level 2 chargers and 50% as charger-ready across new properties. He raised concerns about requiring chargers on day one, management challenges, and the need for waivers if utility power cannot meet demand. Lund emphasized that requirements should be demand-based (per unit or employee) rather than per stall. He cited that in their Denver property, EV charging utilization was only 30-40%, and in their Minneapolis luxury property, they lost 3-6 leases per month due to lack of Level 2 chargers, while deeply affordable properties saw zero demand. He argued that charger-ready infrastructure is preferable to installing chargers immediately and cost about 50-70% of the total. Lund also noted that electrical infrastructure costs are rising 15-20% annually and transformers have long lead times. - No other public speakers testified, and the written record was extended to allow additional comments. Discussion Items - EV Charging Zoning Study: Staff (Bill) presented the draft code amendments, noting a longer-than-minimum public review period (released May 12). He recommended extending the public comment period to August 7, 2023, to allow the Business Review Council and other small business stakeholders time to provide input, given potential impacts on small businesses. There was no deadline pressure, and the timeline could accommodate a September or October city council hearing. - Commissioner Moore raised a question about EV charging in right-of-way, and staff clarified that while not currently possible, residents can request such installations; the city has about 35 EV Spot network units. - Commissioner Starley (an EV driver) discussed hotel charging and noted that EV travelers know which hotels have chargers, but staff and Sherman representatives noted that urban hotels may have low demand, and public parking might be more appropriate. - After the public hearing, Commissioner X (name not captured) expressed encouragement to focus on environmental benefits and future generations, despite costs. Commissioner Presley (acting chair) and Planning Director Padera reaffirmed the extension of the comment period. - Zoning Committee Report: Commissioner Riley reported on item 897 St. Paul Avenue, a rezoning from Office Service (OS) to Traditional Neighborhood (T2). No one spoke at the committee public hearing, and the committee recommended approval unanimously. During commission discussion, Commissioner Show noted the contrast with a previous controversial pizza place case and questioned the consistency of decisions based on business type and street context. Staff (director) responded that the street classification and non-conforming status were key differences, and there is a broader policy question about commercial uses in residential areas. - Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee Report: Commissioner Saeed reported on the second phase of the 1-4 Units Study. The committee discussed combining H1 and H2 zoning districts and eliminating H3, merging it into H2. The discussion was postponed to a special meeting on July 12, 2023, due to the complexity of the packet. Staff noted the study is about 60 days behind schedule, with a recommendation expected in August or September. Commissioner X suggested that new H districts might lead to a future commercial zoning study; staff mentioned existing T district studies are already underway. - Transportation Committee Report: Commissioner reported that the July 12 meeting was canceled. On June 26, they heard about the John Ireland and Bullbird bridge reconstruction (three options), a half-million-dollar trail connection (half-block) connecting two bike trails, and the Flan Dro bike boulevard planning study for a 2.5-mile north-south connection on the east side. - Staff welcomed new planners Christina Hong (current planning team) and Anna Jerome (long-range planning team) to the commission. Key Outcomes - EV Charging Public Hearing: The commission voted to close the public hearing but extended the written comment period to August 7, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. The matter will be forwarded to the Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee for further review before returning to the commission. - 897 St. Paul Avenue Rezoning: The commission approved the rezoning from OS to T2 by voice vote, with no opposition. - 1-4 Units Study: The committee will hold a special meeting on July 12, 2023, to continue discussion, with a recommendation anticipated by late summer. - The meeting adjourned after the above items.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be generated.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on June 23, 2023, to approve minutes, hear reports from the Zoning Committee, and receive an informational legislative update from Planning Director Luis Pereira. The meeting included action on two zoning cases: a rezoning and a conditional use permit for additional parking. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes from June 9, 2023: Moved by Commissioner Hills, carried unanimously. Chair's Announcements - Chair Riley announced he would leave early; Commissioner Grill would take over. - New city planner Chris Kong will join the next meeting. - Reminder: A public hearing on EV charging zoning ordinance amendments will occur at the next meeting (chaired by Commissioner Presley). Planning Director's Announcements - None. Zoning Committee – New Business Case 23-043-758 – 898 Raymond Rezoning (RM2 to T2) - Rezone from RM2 (multiple-family residential) to T2 (traditional neighborhood) to allow more flexibility for retail/service retail uses in the existing building at 898 Raymond Avenue. - Current owner previously operated a salon; under RM2, a new use required a return to the Planning Commission. - Discussion: Some public opposition was received, primarily about the types of uses allowed in T2. Staff addressed spot‑zoning concerns: the building was originally zoned commercial in 1922, has been mixed‑use since construction, is within a half‑mile of Raymond Station (a transit node), and the Comprehensive Plan designates the area as T2. Commissioner Taghioff noted T2 is already on the same block. - Vote: Motion to approve the rezoning carried unanimously. Case 23-044-694 – 1600 W. 7th CUP (increase surface parking) - Conditional Use Permit sought by Dr. Ben Thomas (dentist) to increase the surface parking maximum from 36 to 54 stalls at 1600 7th St. W. (former Burger King site). The applicant plans a two‑story, 7,818‑sq‑ft dental office with an attached 1,744‑sq‑ft commercial space (e.g., orthodontist/oral surgery). - Staff recommended approval with conditions (building setback, entrance orientation, parking alignment with May Street). Zoning Committee discussed parking necessity given two high‑frequency bus lines and future transit‑oriented vision for West 7th. A compromise of 46 stalls (no net increase from existing 36? Actually current lot has 36, proposal was for 54, compromise 46 – an increase of 10) was reached. - Discussion: Commissioner Kantner noted trade‑offs between building placement and parking reduction; Commissioner Martinson raised stormwater concerns (site under 1 acre, city regulations apply). Chair Riley asked about EV charging requirements – not yet in effect. Commissioner Moore questioned parking priorities vs. comprehensive plan goals. Director Pereira cautioned that B3 zoning permits accessory parking without T‑district design standards. - Final Recommendation from Committee: Approve CUP to 46 stalls with conditions: building setback ≤15 ft from West 7th and Montreal Way; primary entrance oriented to those streets; parking ingress/egress aligned with May Street (subject to traffic engineer review). - Vote: Motion to approve the committee’s recommendation carried. Other Committee Reports - Comprehensive & Neighborhood Planning Committee: Cancelled; next meeting July 5 (subject to change). - Transportation Committee: Next meeting Monday, June 26 at 4:30 p.m. Agenda: John Ireland Boulevard bridge reconstruction (MnDOT presentation), Lath Trail connection (Public Works), and Flandro Bike Boulevard planning study. - Communications-Nomination Committee: No meeting; no update. - Task Force/Liaison Reports: No meetings; upcoming draft recommendations related to a study will be brought to CAC within the next month. Informational Presentation: Legislative Update and Conversation Planning Director Luis Pereira presented a summary of the 2023 state legislative session outcomes relevant to planning. Key topics included: - Housing: New rental voucher program (households up to 50% AMI); $100M for affordable housing (Minnesota Housing and EDHC); homebuyer assistance ($200M); manufactured home park co‑op funding; ADU fix‑up fund now includes detached ADUs; quarter‑cent sales tax for housing in St. Paul (projected $4B); 4D tax classification reduction (to 0.25%), with potential implications for other taxpayers. - Transportation: Billions for roads, bridges, transit; vehicle sales tax, fee tab, and gas tax increases (indexed to inflation); 1% sales tax option for local roads/parks/bridges (requires ballot); Metro transit sales tax (3/4‑cent); LRT study requirement; EV/e‑bike credits. - City Priority Projects: North End Community Center (Rice St.), Mississippi River Learning Center, Third Street/Kellogg Bridge, Hill/Preble/Hudson housing, Rivers Edge park, Rondo innovation campus, and other earmarks. - CAP Board: $25M for University/Rice pedestrian/transportation investments; $5M for community vitality task force and implementation (report due Feb. 1, 2024). Some commissioners expressed frustration with CAP’s independence and parking regulations. - Met Council: $79M for BRT system (G‑line fully funded); new climate‑related planning requirements for 2050 comprehensive plans. - Land Use & Zoning: Legalized adult‑use cannabis (capped at 25 retail outlets in St. Paul, separation distances required); sacred settlements legislation (requires cities to permit micro‑housing communities on religious property, either by right or conditional use). City has an interim ordinance for one project at 540 Wheelock Parkway. - Energy & Climate: 100% carbon‑free electricity by 2040; net‑zero emissions by 2050; expanded weatherization grants (eligible up to 80% AMI). - Budget: LGA formula change increases aid to St. Paul; local option sales tax allowed; downtown TIF districts extended 10 years; historic tax credit reinstated; lead pipe removal funds; Promise Grant/Loan program for neighborhoods affected by civil unrest. Key Outcomes - Rezoning (898 Raymond): Approved unanimously. - CUP (1600 W. 7th): Approved (increase to 46 parking stalls with conditions). - Legislative Update: No action taken; informational only. Planning Director will share additional details and follow up on task force appointments. - Next Meeting: Public hearing on EV charging ordinance amendments (chaired by Commissioner Presley).

This meeting of the Transportation Committee of the Planning Commission was scheduled for June 21, 2023, but the provided agenda bears a date of Monday, June 26, 2023. No minutes or transcript were available; the summary below is derived solely from the agenda items listed, which may have been discussed on the actual meeting date. Discussion Items - John Ireland Boulevard Bridge Reconstruction – Matthew Parent (MnDOT) was scheduled to present for 30 minutes on the bridge reconstruction project. - Lafayette Trail Connection – Reuben Collins (Public Works) was scheduled for a 15-minute presentation on the trail connection. - Flandrau Bike Boulevard Planning Study – Reuben Collins (Public Works) was scheduled for a 30-minute presentation on the planning study. Key Outcomes No decisions, votes, or public testimony are recorded due to the absence of minutes or a transcript. The date discrepancy between the stated meeting date (June 21, 2023) and the agenda (June 26, 2023) is noted.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on June 9, 2023, from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. to approve prior meeting minutes, receive committee updates, and engage in two major new business items: an interactive 2024 city budget prioritization exercise led by the Mayor's Office, and an informational presentation on the Rondo Neighborhood Small Area Plan. No formal actions were taken on the new business items. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (May 26, 2023): The minutes were approved by unanimous voice vote (all ayes, no nays) following a motion by Commissioner Hood and no discussion. Committee Updates - Zoning Committee: Reported that no meeting was held since the last commission meeting; next meeting scheduled for June 15 with two items: a rezoning and a conditional use permit (expanded parking for a former Burger King site). - Comprehensive & Neighborhood Planning Committee: No report. - Transportation Committee: Reported no meeting on June 5; next meeting scheduled for June 12 with three items: review of the electric vehicle charging zoning study, consideration of the Central Village master plan, and an informational update on the 2023 Arterial Mill & Overlay program. - Communications-Nomination Committee: No report. - Task Force/Liaison Reports: None. Discussion Items 2024 City Budget Engagement Exercise (Jon Grubner, Mayor's Office) - Jon Grubner presented an interactive budget prioritization exercise designed to gather commissioner input on the 2024 budget. The exercise framed a $5 million prioritization challenge (out of an approximately $800 million total budget) and asked commissioners to allocate resources across four categories: Infrastructure, Emergency Response, Community Resources, and Economic Opportunity. - Commissioners first discussed the four categories in small groups, then individually used a QR-code-linked app to build a balanced budget by selecting spending options (with prune reductions) and revenue increases (e.g., sales tax, property tax, parking fees, PILOTs). - Key findings from group discussions: - One side of the room reached consensus on Infrastructure as the top priority, arguing it spurs economic opportunity and reduces emergency needs. - The other side identified both Infrastructure and Economic Opportunity as interconnected priorities, emphasizing tax-base growth. - Commissioners noted difficulty in balancing the budget, with many choosing revenue increases (sales tax, property tax, parking fees) to fund community services, affordable housing, and unsheltered response. - Grubner explained that the exercise is part of a citywide engagement effort (ward meetings, community organizations) to inform the Mayor’s budget address on August 14, 2023, followed by City Council review and a final vote in December. - Commissioner questions touched on the structural deficit, the small discretionary slice of the budget, and how political considerations affect budget decisions. Grubner responded that the administration prioritizes responding to community needs and maintaining fiscal prudence. Rondo Neighborhood Small Area Plan Informational Presentation (Tony Johnson, Planning Department) - Tony Johnson presented an update on the Rondo African American Cultural Enterprise District Small Area Plan, a process that began in 2021 following a $6.2 million state legislative award to Reconnect Rondo. - The plan aims to guide redevelopment after the I-94 highway construction that devastated the historic Rondo neighborhood in the 1950s-60s. The land bridge/cap is a key long-term project, but the plan also addresses immediate anti-displacement measures, affordable housing, cultural visibility, and economic opportunity. - Johnson reported extensive community engagement: multiple open houses (e.g., January 12, 2023), attendance at neighborhood events (Little Africa Fest, Jazz Fest), and a Rondo Round Table advisory group. Typical meeting turnout was about 150 in-person and 50 online. - Key community priorities identified at an anti-displacement open house (Nov. 15, 2022): - Increase affordable homeownership options - Create cultural spaces and youth programming - Build community ownership (e.g., community investment trust, reinvestment fund) - The small area plan is being developed concurrently with other studies: restorative development modeling, anti-displacement overlay district, NEPA environmental review, and a net-zero demonstration project. - The plan boundary is an orange-lined area with a gray context area; the African American Cultural Enterprise District boundaries are still being determined. - Johnson expressed hope to complete the plan by spring 2024, after which it would come back to the Planning Commission for adoption as an addendum to the Comprehensive Plan. - Commissioner discussion covered: - How the plan interacts with existing station area plans (e.g., Green Line): Johnson noted potential to revisit height restrictions and other regulations. - The concept of an overlay district (rather than a full historic district) to guide development and placemaking. - Environmental concerns of living above a highway: Johnson referenced the NEPA study and air quality monitoring, and noted that capping the freeway can mitigate some pollution (e.g., at Maxfield Elementary). - The relationship with MnDOT's “Rethinking I-94” study and a possible Twin Cities Boulevard alternative: Director Luis Pereira cautioned that the plan must maintain flexibility to align with future MnDOT decisions. - Short-term interventions: Commissioners suggested tree planting, air quality sensors, and screening around the freeway; Johnson acknowledged these could be part of the plan but noted coordination with MnDOT would be needed. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved (unanimous). - Budget engagement input collected via app; commissioners' prioritizations will be shared with the Mayor’s Office for the 2024 budget proposal. - Rondo Small Area Plan is progressing toward a spring 2024 completion; no formal action was taken at this meeting, but the commission will be asked to adopt the plan when finalized. - The Transportation Committee will meet on June 12 to discuss Central Village master plan, EV charging zoning, and the arterial mill and overlay program.

This meeting was scheduled to take place on June 2, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., according to the provided timestamp. However, the available agenda indicates a different date (Monday, June 12, 2023, 4:30–6:00 p.m.) and a different time. No meeting minutes or transcript were provided, so the summary reflects only the planned agenda items. Discussion Items - Electric Vehicles Charging Zoning Study – Bill Dermody (Planning & Economic Development), 15 minutes. - Arterial Mill & Overlay 2023 Program – Reuben Collins (Public Works), 25 minutes. - Central Village Park Master Plan: Transportation Elements – Dave Ronzani (Parks), 30 minutes. Notes - The meeting was open to the public, with additional time for comments at the chair’s discretion. - No votes, decisions, or public testimony are documented in the available materials. - Date discrepancy: The system specifies June 2, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., but the agenda lists June 12, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. This conflict is noted.

The St. Paul Planning Commission met on May 26, 2023, at 2:30 PM UTC. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, director announcements, zoning committee reports, a major discussion on the Ford Site Highland Bridge Master Plan amendments, a parking landscaping zoning study, and a transportation committee update. Several votes were taken, including a recommendation to deny extended hours for a pizzeria and a split recommendation on the Ford Site master plan amendments. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from April 28 and May 12, 2023, were approved unanimously. Motion by Commissioner Ritzburg, seconded by Commissioner Saeed. Discussion Items Director's Announcements - Director Predator announced: - Two new city planner positions filled (backfilling for Michael Wade and promotion of Emma Brown), starting in June. - Hiring a research analyst for the research and mapping team, a new full-time position to support database improvement. - Creation of two new planning supervisor positions: one for current planning (zoning administration, environmental review) and one for long-range planning (neighborhood plans, comprehensive plan, zoning studies). - The City Council approved the Summit Avenue Regional Trail Plan on May 24, 2023; it will next go to the Metropolitan Council. - A budget activity exercise led by John Grevner from the Mayor's office would take place later in the meeting, involving devices and breakout groups. Zoning Committee – 629 Aldine (Pizzeria Hours Extension) - Item: Application to extend non-conforming use business hours for a carry-out/delivery pizzeria at 629 Aldine from current 8 AM–12 AM to 8 AM–6 AM (closed two hours). The zoning committee voted 4–1 to recommend approval of the staff recommendation (denial). - Discussion: Commissioner Acha, the dissenting vote, argued the extension fits the neighborhood character, citing nearby late-night uses (bars, Taco Bell) and 30 letters of support. Commissioner Rowe opposed the extension, citing noise, traffic, proximity to homes, and impact on residential character. Commissioner Riley noted that the pizza ovens can run after 10 PM (fryer must be off) and that the applicant had not proposed a more moderate hour (e.g., 2 AM). Commissioner Martinson expressed concern about setting a precedent for other businesses wanting similar hours. The motion to approve staff recommendation (denial) passed 9–1 (one abstention). - Outcome: The commission recommended denial of the hours extension. Zoning Committee – 1566 Rice (Auto Repair and Sales) - Item: Conditional use permit for auto repair and outdoor auto sales at 1566 Rice Street. The zoning committee voted to approve with modified conditions allowing flexibility. - Discussion: Minor clarification that the permit is for a new owner relocating from another city; the use is existing. The motion to approve passed unanimously. Ford Site Highland Bridge Master Plan Amendments - Presentation: Spencer staff presented six proposed amendments to the Ford Site master plan, primarily related to the civic and institutional land use category: 1. Exempt civic/institutional uses from minimum FAR requirements. 2. Add cross-reference to zoning code for maximum parking calculation. 3. Exempt the project from the 20 surface parking space maximum (the most controversial). 4. Exempt civic/institutional uses from maximum setback requirements. 5. Provide flexibility for the shared transportation corridor. 6. Cleanup items for park land improvement. - Discussion: Commissioners expressed concerns about the permanence of the zoning changes, the surface parking lot (proposed 330 spaces, up to 375 allowed), and equitable public access to the ball fields. Commissioner Martinson noted that denying the amendments could lead to the site being marketed for sale. Commissioner Riley moved to approve amendments 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 (all except 3). That motion passed (voice vote: majority in favor). A separate motion to approve amendment 3 failed (2 in favor, remainder opposed). Commissioner Riley then moved to recommend denial of amendment 3, citing conflict with the master plan's vision for environmental sustainability and neighborhood character. That motion passed (all in favor except Commissioners Starling and Saeed). - Outcome: The commission recommends approval of amendments 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, and denial of amendment 3 (surface parking exemption). Parking Landscaping and Zoning Study - Presentation: Spencer presented proposed zoning code text amendments to landscaping requirements for surface parking lots, including lowering the threshold for internal pedestrian walkways from 425 spaces to 250 spaces, and adding mandatory safety and design standards. The committee recommended approval, with a request for further study on solar energy standards. Staff indicated that future zoning study would be more appropriate. - Discussion: Commissioner Holst moved to approve the zoning code amendments as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Transportation Committee - Commissioner Brisbane reported that the next meeting (scheduled for Memorial Day) was canceled. The committee had a productive discussion about the St. Paul Bike Plan, noting that staff is presenting to all district councils. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes of April 28 and May 12, 2023. - Approved: Conditional use permit for 1566 Rice Street. - Recommended Denial: Extension of operating hours for 629 Aldine (pizzeria). - Recommended Approval: Ford Site Master Plan amendments 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6. - Recommended Denial: Ford Site Master Plan amendment 3 (surface parking exemption). - Approved: Parking landscaping zoning code amendments. - Next Steps: The Ford Site master plan amendments and parking study will go to the City Council for three readings starting June 21, 2023, with a public hearing on June 28, 2023, and adoption anticipated July 12, 2023.