Public Meetings - St Paul, Minnesota

The St. Paul City Council held a regular meeting on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 3:30 PM to 4:40 PM in the Council Chambers. The agenda included a consent calendar, a suspension item to appoint special counsel, discussion of a police drone grant application, new staff appointments, a staff report on the inaugural State of the Youth address, multiple public hearings on sound variances and Fire Department budget amendments, and several legislative hearing items. All seven council members were present. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda (items 2–31) was adopted as amended. Item 4 (RES 26-1298, Vacant Building Registration fees) was withdrawn. Routine approvals included authorizing Public Works to apply for federal highway safety funding for Snelling Avenue, approving assessment costs for multiple street projects (mill and overlay, reconstruction), accepting a $10,000 golf cart donation from The Toro Company, approving a development agreement with The Sanneh Foundation for Conway Park, and celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Seal Hi-Rise. All votes were 7–0. Public Comments & Testimony - 777 Ohio Street Special Tax Assessment (Item 46): Jessica Classen, daughter of the deceased property owner, and Adam Lynn, a relative, disputed $6,868 in charges for sewer work. They presented evidence that the city’s contractor did not perform the billed digging and that the work was not properly completed, leaving the basement flooded. They requested the charges be dismissed or adjusted. The council closed the public hearing and referred the item to the October 6, 2026 Legislative Hearing for further fact-finding, with a subsequent public hearing on October 14, 2026. The motion passed 7–0. Discussion Items - Suspension Item: Appointment of Special Counsel (RES 26-1544): Council President Noecker introduced a suspension item to appoint the Public Rights Project as special counsel for affirmative litigation challenging a federal grant rule. Adopted 7–0. - Police Drone Grant Application (RES 26-1399): Councilmember Kim pulled Item 16 from consent for discussion. Deputy Chief Halstrom explained the department applied for a $200,000 FY 2027-28 DOJ CPD Microgrant to add drones to the existing three-drone program. Councilmembers Kim, Yang, Jost, Coleman, Bowie, and Noecker raised questions about scope, budget, data ownership, transparency, and the need for a broader surveillance policy. Councilmember Coleman stated she would vote no due to privacy and civil rights concerns. Councilmember Jost noted the lack of prior outreach. Vice President Yang moved for a one-week layover to allow further study. The motion passed 7–0, laying the item over to September 9, 2026. - Staff Appointments (RES 26-1492): The council unanimously appointed Korinne Dennis as Communications Lead, Reggie Evans as Reparations Legislative Aide, and Joanna Zimny as Legislative Hearing Officer. Each was sworn in during the meeting. The resolution passed 7–0. - State of the Youth Address (SR 26-186): Councilmember Kim’s intern, JC Johnson Becker, presented a staff report on the inaugural address held earlier in 2026. The event featured youth speakers and poets covering topics such as sustainability, immigration, housing, and public safety. Feedback indicated the room was standing-room-only. The report was received and filed. - Proclamation: Jacy Johnson Becker Day (RES 26-1493): Councilmember Kim read a resolution declaring September 2, 2026 as Jacy Johnson Becker Day in St. Paul, honoring JC Johnson Becker’s leadership in organizing the State of the Youth address. Adopted unanimously 7–0. - 947 Fremont Avenue Abatement (Item 40): Legislative Hearing Officer Mormond presented options for forfeiture of a performance deposit. Councilmember Johnson moved to forfeit the remaining $10,000 deposit in $2,500 increments every 45 days to align with the 180-day completion deadline. The motion passed 7–0. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Adopted as amended (items 2–31) with unanimous votes. - RES 26-1544 (Special Counsel): Adopted 7–0. - RES 26-1399 (Drone Grant): Laid over one week to September 9, 2026 (7–0). - RES 26-1492 (Staff Appointments): Adopted 7–0; appointees sworn in. - SR 26-186 (State of the Youth): Received and filed. - RES 26-1493 (Jacy Johnson Becker Day): Adopted 7–0. - Public Hearings (Items 33–39): All adopted 7–0 (sound variance for University of St. Thomas events, Walk for Water, and Fire Department budget amendments totaling $153,618.15). - Item 40 (Abatement): Adopted as amended (forfeit $2,500 and $2,500 every 45 days) 7–0. - Legislative Hearing Consent Agenda (Items 41–45, 47–51): Adopted as amended. Items 42, 43, 47, 51 continued to September 9 or October 14, 2026. Item 46 referred to October 6 Legislative Hearing and October 14 public hearing. - Adjournment: 4:40 PM.

The Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Board of Commissioners met on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall. The meeting featured two major agenda items: a presentation on the proposed 2027 budget for Planning and Economic Development (PED) and the HRA, and an update on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts. The meeting adjourned at 3:00 PM. Discussion Items 1. PED and HRA Budget Presentation (SR 26-173) Executive Director Melanie McMahon presented the proposed 2027 budget, joined by Office of Financial Services Director Joe Harney and Budget Manager Madeline Mitchell. Key points included: - Levy and General Fund: A proposed 1.2% HRA levy increase amounting to $77,031. General fund cuts include eliminating the pooled car ($9,500 savings) and reducing travel/training budgets, with assurance that programs and services would not be impacted. - Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) Program: PED manages competitive grant programs (neighborhood and cultural STAR) comprising about 14% of overall STAR dollars. The commercial corridors program is proposed for elimination (previously funded with one-time dollars). A $3.75 million investment in the arena complex raised questions; staff committed to providing details before September 23rd. - Year-Round STAR: No allocation proposed for 2027; balances were shared. Commissioners noted that unspent balances exist and historical practice splits allocations eight ways. Chair Johnson and Commissioner Noecker discussed using above-budget STAR dollars. - Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA): Proposed allocations include $1 million for citywide down payment assistance, $1 million for emergency rental assistance, and funding for small-scale development and affordable housing gap subsidies. Commissioner Noecker requested additional columns showing 2026 budgeted amounts and current fund balances. - Housing Trust Fund: Proposals include ADU subsidies, historic preservation surveys (St. Paul immigration context), Healthy Homes ($300,000 from Housing Trust Fund plus $200,000 ARPA), and a rental assistance hotline ($100,000 via RFP). Commissioner Bowie questioned ongoing vs. one-time funding; staff clarified that special funds are inherently one-time. Commissioner Coleman expressed concern about RFP timing causing service disruption. - HRA General Fund: Comprehensive plan support, loan enterprise fund transfers, business assistance fund carryover ($200,000), and parking enterprise fund capital repairs were discussed. Commissioner Noecker requested total fund balances and detailed revenue/expense data. Commissioner Yang noted the need to exhaust the business assistance fund rather than add new dollars. - Staffing: No net FTE change; vacancies are being filled. Commissioner Noecker requested a column showing vacancy dates. - Follow-Up Requests: Commissioners asked for detailed fund balances, quarter-three actuals before the budget vote, and clarity on ongoing versus one-time funding. Chair Johnson emphasized the need for commissioner buy-in before returning unused funds to the state. 2. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Update (SR 26-172) Debt Administrator Jenny Wolfe provided a preview of a full presentation, which will be continued at the September 2, 2026 HRA meeting. Key points: - Decertification: Four TIF districts will need HRA board resolutions for early decertification. Districts with obligations fully paid or expected to pay off in 2026 will decertify. - Pooling for Affordable Housing: Currently, $14 million is pooled from districts that can be kept open. An estimated additional $6 million may be generated from pay 2026. For pay 2027, an estimated $4.6 million (19% of total captured, or 1.33% of the city's total tax base) would be released to the tax base. - Project Pipeline: The housing team has identified 12 projects seeking $20 million from pooled TIF, which would produce over 1,000 rental and ownership units. - Next Steps: The full presentation and discussion will occur on September 2, 2026. Commissioners were invited to suggest additional information for that meeting. Key Outcomes - Budget Presentation (SR 26-173): Received and filed. Extensive follow-up requests were noted; staff committed to providing additional data on fund balances, arena investment details, and quarter-three actuals before the September budget vote. - TIF Update (SR 26-172): Referred to the Housing & Redevelopment Authority with a due back date of September 2, 2026, for further discussion and possible action. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for September 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM.

The Saint Paul City Council Public Safety Committee met on August 26, 2026, at 12:30 PM in Council Chambers to discuss two agenda items: the post-encampment closure response at Pig's Eye Park and an operational update from Catholic Charities. The meeting featured presentations from Assistant Mayor Cedric Baker and Keith Kozerski, Chief Program Officer of Catholic Charities, followed by extensive discussion among council members. No votes were taken; the session was informational and directive. Discussion Items Post-Encampment Closure Response (SR 26-177) - Assistant Mayor Baker reported that the Pig's Eye Park encampment closure occurred August 5–7, 2026, with an estimated 45–50 individuals remaining on site the morning of August 5. A coordinated effort involved St. Paul Fire, Police, Emergency Management, Public Works, Safety and Inspections, and the Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS). Ramsey County contributed $1.1 million in emergency shelter and intensive case management, deployed over 90 county employees, made more than 5,000 contacts, and provided $33,500 in outreach supplies. The city had previously transferred $200,000 for a contract with Catholic Charities and over $800,000 for additional shelter beds. - City teams (ONS, Fire CARES, DSI HEART) made 450 touch points, including two housing referrals. Since closure, only seven individuals from the encampment could be tracked through the HMIS system as having used shelter beds (not consistently), plus four tracked by Union Gospel Mission. 28 individuals had active housing referrals within 30 days. Baker noted that Ramsey County initiated weekly meetings of service providers to create individual action plans for encampment residents. - Baker highlighted significant challenges: activists blocked access, harassed staff, and placed nails/spikes to puncture tires. He described the Randolph encampment as a “more complex” situation due to multiple landowners, difficult ingress/egress, soil contamination, flooding, active train tracks, and booby traps. An estimated 140–150 people were now at Randolph, many believed to have moved from Pig's Eye. Emergency vehicles could not reach the site; a recent birth required a side-by-side vehicle. Baker stated the city intentionally did not want people moving to Randolph, but some advocated for that site, and service providers reported that conversations about shelter ceased once Randolph became known as an option. - Councilmembers questioned the data: Councilmember Jost asked for a breakdown of where individuals went, noting that 124 people were at Pig's Eye. Councilmember Kim asked about the definition of success and the methodology for tracking shelter utilization. Councilmember Johnson emphasized the need for direct contact with organizers and protesters, distinguishing between the Bruce Vento closure and Pig's Eye. Chair Bowie expressed that the presentation did not meet her expectations, criticized the speed of the closure, and stated that the city should have been better prepared with a safety strategy rather than a media strategy. She noted that advocates had warned of resistance during public hearings. Assistant Mayor Baker defended the city’s preparation, stating they went in “eyes wide open” and that the city cannot control where individuals choose to go. He asked for council members’ help in communicating the instability of the Randolph site. - Councilmember Coleman noted that an after-action review of the planning and operations had been completed and that lessons would be incorporated. She emphasized that staff harassment would not be tolerated and that future closures would involve legal consequences for obstruction. No date has been set for any future encampment closure. Catholic Charities Operations Update (SR 26-178) - Keith Kozerski provided an update on Catholic Charities’ shelter operations. As of July 1, 2026, Ramsey County requested a proposal, and Catholic Charities added 49 beds to the Higher Ground St. Paul shelter, bringing total capacity to 292 beds (220 men, 72 women). The beds were opened to the general population after low utilization from encampment individuals. Only one individual was documented as coming directly from Pig's Eye. Kozerski noted that the average overnight temperature (64°F) likely reduced demand; research indicates discomfort begins below 50°F. He expects utilization to increase as temperatures drop. - Barriers to shelter use include curfew (8:30 PM), inability to shelter couples due to physical setup, and limits on belongings (what an individual can carry). Catholic Charities is pet-friendly, does not require sobriety, and uses a harm reduction approach. The week after the closure, the St. Paul Opportunity Center saw a 40% increase in new users. Catholic Charities offered to send staff to encampments to address misconceptions about shelter rules. - Council President Noecker asked about barriers for couples and storage. Kozerski explained that the congregate bunk setup, designed to ensure safety for women fleeing domestic violence, prevents co-ed couples. He also noted that Catholic Charities previously operated a pay-for-stay model but discontinued it post-pandemic. Chair Bowie inquired about the possibility of 24-hour drop-in service; Kozerski indicated that curfew is tied to the coordinated shelter system (SHED) to ensure beds are rebooked if not claimed. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. The committee received information and directed follow-up. - Assistant Mayor Baker committed to providing more detailed data on where individuals from the encampment went and the number of service providers involved in weekly meetings. - The city will continue after-action reviews and incorporate lessons into future encampment responses, with emphasis on staff safety and legal enforcement against obstruction. - Catholic Charities will continue to work with the city and county to address barriers and increase outreach to encampment residents. - Councilmembers expressed the need for better communication, trauma-informed approaches, and a clear definition of success for future closures.

The Budget Committee of the Saint Paul City Council, chaired by Vice Chair Nelsie Yang, convened on August 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Council Chambers. The sole agenda item was a presentation from the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) on its proposed 2027 budget, led by Director Ia Zhang. The presentation covered recent initiatives, staffing changes, revenue trends, and use of special funds. The committee received and filed the presentation. The meeting also featured brief remarks from two student participants—a Right Track intern and a high school shadow. Discussion Items - DSI Budget Overview: Director Zhang presented a 2027 budget focused on maintaining non-general fund utilization (opioid settlement fund and recycling/solid waste fund), maintaining current revenue sources, and strategic use of vacancies. Key highlights included the ongoing implementation of the "Poly" digital permitting system (99% of permits submitted online vs. 55% pre-Poly; $2.84 million in online payments processed in the first year; 4 million records migrated). The citywide implementation has improved response times for complaint intake. Councilmember Bowie and others asked about coordination with other departments on uploading notes into Poly; Director Zhang noted later slides would address that. - Tenant Protections Program: A $380,000 one-time Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) fund was previously allocated to tenant protections, supporting two staff positions initially, then increased by three mid-year 2026 (total five). The 2027 proposal reduces by two positions (one customer service rep at half-time and one DSI Inspector I in code enforcement), leaving three positions dedicated to tenant protections and rent stabilization. Director Zhang stated the program has seen a slow ramp-up, focusing on outreach and education. Councilmember Bowie asked about organizational placement and supervision; Director Zhang confirmed a Management Assistant (MA) will provide oversight. Councilmember Coleman requested data on inspector workloads and response times post-Poly. The half-time CSR position has been difficult to fill due to high turnover; the inspector position is currently filled by a retiree expected to vacate. Councilmember Bowie expressed concern about losing customer service capacity given mixed feedback from residents, including reports of inequitable treatment and racism. - Staffing and Position Changes: The 2027 proposed changes result in a net decrease of 0.5 FTE (three positions added, two reduced). Changes include converting an Accountant 4 to Accountant 3 (due to retirement), eliminating a half-time CSR, and removing one DSI Inspector I. A new Procedures Coordinator position (funded via a job study) will support business improvement and Poly. Director Zhang noted high turnover for fire safety inspectors due to lack of take-home vehicles and pay disparities compared to other jurisdictions, though the city is exploring partnering with other departments for vehicles. - Revenue and Fund Balances: Revenue continues to grow, driven by rising valuations and cannabis registration fees. The budget reflects historical trends for summary abatement (ground maintenance) to match actuals. The cyberattack and Poly implementation delayed invoicing and cash receipting; the city expects to recover $1.8 million from 2025, which will accrue to the city's fund balance, not the 2027 budget. Councilmember Kim asked about the types of outstanding invoices (business licensing, etc.). OFS representative clarified that recovery is counted as a use of fund balance if needed. - City General Fund Increase: The general fund request for 2027 increases significantly ($1.9 million in current service level adjustments) due to contractual employee cost increases and a market study that boosted some DSI positions. Council President Noecker questioned why the increase was larger than previous years; OFS explained it was a one-time adjustment, not expected to recur. - Heart Team: Funded through opioid settlement funds (five FTEs including outreach and code enforcement). The team continues to conduct outreach and cleanup for unsheltered individuals. Councilmember Bowie asked about future vision; Director Zhang noted HART is part of a larger citywide effort with other departments (OFN, Cares, Familiar Faces). - Student Guests: Vice Chair Yang recognized Roshana (intern from Ward 7 office) and Caitlin Hang, a high school student shadowing from Johnson Senior High School. Caitlin shared her inspiration from Councilmember Noecker's Right Track career panel. Roshana thanked the council for opportunities. Council members expressed appreciation and noted the importance of programs like Right Track. Key Outcomes - The committee received and filed the DSI 2027 Budget Presentation (SR 26-179) as per the minutes. - No formal votes were taken; the presentation was informational. - Several council members requested additional data: inspector staffing and workload numbers (Coleman), detailed breakdown of the $1.9 million general fund increase (Noecker), and a list of outstanding invoices by category (Kim). - The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30 AM.

The St. Paul City Council held a special public hearing on August 26, 2026, starting at 4:35 PM and adjourning at 5:37 PM, to receive public testimony on police surveillance technology and data privacy (PH 26-16). The hearing was sponsored by Councilmembers Bowie and Yang. Thirty individuals testified, each limited to two minutes, with additional written comments submitted to the public record. All speakers opposed current or expanded use of automated license plate readers (ALPR), drones, and AI-powered surveillance systems, and urged the council to cancel contracts with companies including Flock, SkyDio, and Axon. Public Comments & Testimony - Privacy and Constitutional Concerns: Multiple speakers argued that ALPRs and AI-powered surveillance violate the Fourth Amendment and Minnesota state statute (Minn. Stat. § 13824), which prohibits a statewide ALPR repository and restricts use to active criminal investigations. One speaker noted that the 1983 U.S. Supreme Court case Knotts v. United States left open the constitutionality of dragnet surveillance, and later cases like Carpenter v. United States (2018) suggest such warrantless tracking is unconstitutional. - Data Sharing and Immigration Enforcement: Several residents testified that St. Paul's Flock data was accessed by ICE during Operation Metro Surge in early 2026, contradicting the city's sanctuary city commitment. One speaker stated, "During Metro Surge, ICE agents used Flock databases to hunt down our immigrant neighbors." Speakers demanded transparency and an end to contracts that facilitate immigration enforcement. - Company Misconduct and Error: Many speakers cited documented abuses, including police using Flock to stalk romantic partners, false positives (one in ten license plates misread according to a study), and the ease with which officers can search databases without justification (e.g., one officer typed "heehee" as a reason). SkyDio drones were described as having AI capabilities, contrary to police statements, and were used to surveil protesters. Two speakers referenced the recent defeat of a SkyDio pilot program in North Minneapolis. - Complicity in Genocide: A large number of speakers – including members of the Free Palestine Coalition, Veterans for Peace, and Women Against Military Madness – condemned SkyDio for selling drones to the Israeli military, which they said are used in the genocide of Palestinians. One speaker noted that SkyDio's technology is also used by ICE. Another said, "To contract with SkyDio is to be complicit in the kidnapping and the murder of our residents, our neighbors, and my family back home." - Budget and Liability: Two speakers raised concerns about the cost of these systems, especially during budget cuts to libraries and other services, and the liability from false arrests and misuse. One veteran with PTSD described feeling intimidated by drones and helicopters, echoing a common theme that surveillance does not enhance safety but creates fear. - Calls for Action: Nearly all speakers urged the council to end contracts with Flock, SkyDio, and Axon, and to ban AI-powered mass surveillance permanently. Several called for the release of the full contracts with these companies, which they said were hidden from the public and the council. Many thanked the council for its initial resolution to end the Flock contract and asked for an ordinance. Key Outcomes - Public Hearing Closed: After all testimony, the council voted unanimously (7-0) to close the public hearing. The item (PH 26-16) was received and filed. - Next Steps: Council President Noecker stated that the council would "process this and decide how to move forward" and encouraged residents to follow up with their individual council members. No further votes or directives were taken during the hearing. - Documented Discrepancy: The meeting minutes record that 30 people spoke, while the transcript suggests approximately 28 speakers; however, the official count from the minutes is authoritative.

The St. Paul City Council met on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 3:30 PM in the Council Chambers. All seven council members were present. The meeting covered consent agenda items, a suspension item, a resolution on Flock Safety, an ordinance for the fire chief selection committee, multiple public hearings, and legislative hearing items. The meeting adjourned at 4:31 PM. Consent Calendar - Items 5–23: Adopted as amended. Item 21 (RES 26-1404) was removed for separate discussion and then adopted unanimously (7–0). It approves $140,000 in grant funds from the Ward 1 Neighborhood STAR Year-Round Program for the United Church of God In Christ, Inc., which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. - Suspension Item – RES 26-1479: Adopted (7–0). Approves a use agreement between the Department of Parks and Recreation and Neighborhood House for the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center, and terminates the prior lease. Council President Noecker noted this was a last-minute addition to resolve a funding snag. Discussion Items - RES 26-1421 – Flock Safety Resolution: Adopted (7–0). The resolution calls upon the City of Saint Paul and Ramsey County to end their contracts with Flock Safety. Council President Noecker and Councilmember Jost co-sponsored. Council members expressed concerns about public trust, data sharing with third parties, and federal overreach during Operation Metro Surge. Councilmember Yang noted the majority of constituent communication supported ending the contract. Councilmember Kim called for a future ordinance addressing broader AI-powered mass surveillance. The resolution also requires a report from the administration within 60 days. - Ord 26-38 – Fire Chief Selection Committee: Adopted as amended (7–0). This administrative ordinance establishes a Qualifications and Examining Committee for the Fire Chief position. Vice President Yang highlighted the committee's stellar representation, including community voices and St. Paul residents. The committee will review applications and send top five recommendations to the mayor for interview; the council will then confirm the appointment. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 26 – Residential Permit Parking Area 23 Expansion: Two residents spoke in support of expanding permit parking on Princeton Avenue and Mount Curve Boulevard. Jenny Housum (229 Fairmount Ave) argued there was no evidence against the expansion and noted St. Thomas arena events increase parking demand. Murray Thurston (200 Mount Curve) supported it despite expecting it to push cars to his street. Both supported the city's staff recommendation. - Item 40 – Appeal of Paul Mulcahy (272 Richmond Street): Mr. Mulcahy testified, requesting waiver or reduction of the vacant building registration fee. He explained he inherited the property after his sister's death and has made improvements (new roof, windows, etc.). He noted a building permit was approved and aims for completion by February 2027. No other public testimony was offered on legislative hearing items. Key Outcomes - Permit Parking Expansion Denied: The council voted 7–0 to deny modifying Residential Permit Parking Area 23 boundaries. Councilmember Coleman moved to deny, citing lack of consistent parking demand, enforcement issues, equity concerns about privatizing public right-of-way, and the need to address root causes (St. Thomas parking and mode shift). Councilmembers Noecker and Jost supported the denial. - Vacant Building Registration Appeal Denied: The council voted 7–0 to deny the appeal of Paul Mulcahy, as recommended by legislative hearing officer Ms. Mormond. The fee can be addressed later at the assessment stage, with potential proration and payment plans. Council President Noecker urged Mr. Mulcahy to continue work and noted the late billing issue will be reviewed citywide. - Public Hearing Items Approved: All remaining public hearing items (items 27–35) were adopted unanimously (7–0 each), including: - Accepting $70,469.50 from Green Cities Accord for tree planting. - Approving final plat at 500 Broadway St. - Accepting $3,922 donation for Dr. Justus O’Hage Memorial Restoration from St. Paul Parks Conservancy. - Approving Energy Park Utility Company rate amendments. - Accepting $2,907,008 in Parks and Trails Legacy Funds. - Approving sound level variances for University of St. Thomas football events, Waldmann Oktoberfest, and Church of Lumen Christi block party. - Accepting 2025 State Homeland Security Program grant for Police Department. - Legislative Hearing Consent Agenda: Adopted as amended. Items 37–46 were approved, with two items (appeals of Erin Metz Verdeja and Lindquist) continued to September 2, 2026. Item 40 (Mulcahy) was removed for separate hearing and the appeal denied. All votes 7–0. Other Business - Good News: Council members shared community events: East Side Freedom Library labor solidarity picnic (Sept 12), Dayton's Bluff Library discussion series (Sept 24), United Church of God in Christ 25th anniversary (Aug 29), Selby Jazz Fest (Sept 12–13), and the Downtown Action Series (Aug 27). Councilmember Kim celebrated the inaugural State of Our Youth Address which had over 120 participants and standing room only. - The council then adjourned to hold a special public hearing on surveillance technology.

Note: This summary is based solely on the agenda, as minutes and transcript were not available. The agenda listed the meeting date as August 28, 2026, conflicting with the specified date of August 20, 2026; the latter is used here. The meeting included roll call, approval of previous minutes, public hearings, new business, and announcements. Public Hearings - 2315 Highland Parkway & 706 Mississippi River Boulevard – Site Plan Appeal: An appeal of a zoning administrator's decision to approve a site plan for the Mississippi River Residences, a new multifamily development in RM3 zoning, District Council 15, Ward 3. Staff contact: Tia Anderson. - 1400 University Avenue – Conditional Use Permit (CUP): A request to operate a 76,292-square-foot indoor family entertainment and recreation facility in the former Herberger's building at Midway Marketplace, including modification of the 40,000-square-foot floor-area condition under Zoning Code § 65.652. T4 zoning, District Council 13, Ward 1. Staff contact: Kady Dadlez. New Business - Minor Text Amendments Zoning Study: Initiation, release for public review, and setting of a public hearing date for proposed minor text amendments to the zoning code. Staff contact: Bill Dermody. Site Plan Review - A list of current site plan review applications was presented for public hearing and decision. Staff contact: David Eide. Announcements - Remarks by the Planning Commission Chair and Planning Director. No votes, decisions, or public testimony are recorded due to the absence of minutes and transcript.

The Saint Paul City Council Policy Committee, chaired by Vice Chair (in place of Chair Rebecca Noecker, excused), met on August 19, 2026, for a presentation from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) on connected and automated vehicles (AVs). MnDOT Director of Connected Automated Vehicles Tara Olds and Policy and Planning Manager Thomas Johnson Kaiser provided an overview of AV technology, current state and federal policy landscape, and ongoing work by the Governor's Advisory Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles. The presentation was followed by councilmember questions and discussion. The item was received and filed. Discussion Items - Overview of Automated Vehicles: Tara Olds explained AV levels 0–5, noting that no vehicles sold in Minnesota exceed Level 2 (requiring human driver at all times). Key benefits cited include potential safety improvements (human factors contribute to over 90% of crashes, with 400+ annual fatalities in Minnesota), increased accessibility, and economic growth. Risks and unintended consequences were acknowledged, including workforce displacement, deadheading, and equity concerns. - MnDOT Demonstration Projects: Olds described three Minnesota AV projects: MedCity Mover (Rochester, 2021–2022), Bear Tracks (White Bear Lake, 2022–2023), and GoMarty (Grand Rapids, ongoing through 2028). All currently require a human operator behind the wheel. Wheelchair securement still requires human assistance. - State and National AV Activity: Thomas Johnson Kaiser reported that Minnesota has no specific AV laws (neither prohibiting nor authorizing driverless operations). The Governor's Advisory Council, established in 2018, released policy recommendations in early 2026. During the 2026 legislative session, several AV bills were introduced but none passed. State-level policy themes include testing/deployment, data privacy, insurance, safety verification, accessibility, and workforce impacts. - Local Considerations: Presenters noted that most AV regulation occurs at the state level, often with local preemption. They encouraged St. Paul to follow state/federal conversations and participate in forums like NACTO, US DOT peer exchanges, and the Governor's Advisory Council meetings. - Councilmember Questions and Comments: - Councilmember Coleman asked about the legality of driverless operations under current silence in law. Johnson Kaiser confirmed the ambiguity, noting MnDOT's position that nothing expressly prohibits or authorizes AVs. - Coleman also raised safety trade-offs, referencing a California study showing AVs may be unoccupied 50% of the time. Olds acknowledged both potential benefits and challenges, citing an IIHS study showing 68% fewer crashes with Waymo vehicles compared to human drivers. - Councilmember Yang inquired about workforce impacts. Presenters said data is limited; job losses likely among drivers, but job creation claims from industry are hard to verify. MnDOT is partnering with DEED on workforce preparation. - Councilmember Bowie asked about local representation on the Governor's Council: currently no St. Paul representative, but Minneapolis and League of Minnesota Cities have seats. She also raised equity concerns for immigrant and East African drivers. Presenters noted ongoing stakeholder engagement with labor groups (Teamsters, SEIU, MULDA) and varying perspectives. - Councilmember Kim encouraged using the city's legislative platform to advocate for state-level AV policies. Key Outcomes - The presentation was received and filed (unanimous consensus, no formal vote required). - Several councilmembers expressed interest in incorporating AV-related priorities into the city's 2027 legislative platform, particularly around worker protection, equity, and local input. - MnDOT committed to providing information on streaming options for an upcoming AV summit with a workforce panel.

The Budget Committee met on August 19, 2026, to receive an overview of Mayor Melvin Carter's proposed FY2027 budget and a quarterly report on 2026 budget-to-actuals through the second quarter. The proposed operating budget totals approximately $888 million, includes a 6.8% property tax levy increase, and funds nearly 3,200 FTEs. The meeting featured detailed presentations by Budget Manager Madeline Mitchell and Finance Director Joe Harney, followed by extensive council discussion and questions. Discussion Items - SR 26-170 Mayor's Proposed FY2027 Budget Overview – Budget Manager Madeline Mitchell presented the $888 million operating budget, explaining the $26 million general fund gap, how it is closed (majority via 6.8% levy increase generating $14.3 million, plus department reductions and non-tax revenue growth), and department-by-department changes. Key proposals include: elimination of the Fire CARES division (saving $720,000 via attrition), closure of Dayton's Bluff Library (saving $270,000), elimination of 7 sergeant and 4 commander positions in Police (saving $2.4 million), reduction in Parks afternoon hours at non-hub centers, and investments in police academies ($2 million for 1.5 academies), EMS academies, and a new $1.1 million deferred maintenance fund. Ms. Mitchell noted that the median home value of $290,000 would see a $174 total increase in city property taxes, sewer, storm sewer, recycling, trash, and water fees. - Councilmember Questions and Comments – Councilmembers raised numerous points: Vice-Chair Yang expressed strong opposition to the Dayton's Bluff Library closure and the CARES team elimination, called for a phase-out plan, and questioned unrealistic salary assumptions for unfilled positions (e.g., HERO director). Councilmember Bowie questioned the accuracy of budget projections for settlement costs (currently $750,000) and asked about the city exploring toll fees as new revenue. Councilmember Kim queried vehicle repair budgets for Police and Fire, overtime budgets, the effectiveness of police academies given hiring struggles, and the possibility of charging admissions at Como Zoo. Chair Johnson asked for clarification on fund balance policies, library fund reserves, and the reallocation of $155,000 for events from OFS to Police. Councilmember Jost asked for details on the elimination of Police commander and sergeant positions (demotions vs. layoffs). Councilmember Bowie also sought details on the alley pilot program's performance. Ms. Mitchell committed to providing follow-up information on many of these items. - SR 26-171 2026 Budget to Actuals – Finance Director Joe Harney presented the Q2 budget-to-actuals report. General fund spending was at 50% of budget (slightly higher than Q2 2025’s 47%). Revenue tracking was broadly on pace. Notable issues: DSI revenue collection difficulties due to cyber incident and Poly system transition; Public works historically under-collecting revenue; judgment bond payment for the lawsuit settlement already made but budget amendment pending; and Como Zoo fund running a deficit, which rating agencies view negatively. Director Harney noted a manual process to reassign interest payments and property tax receipts, which will smooth out in later quarters. Key Outcomes - Both agenda items were received and filed by unanimous consent (with one council member absent). - The Budget Committee directed staff to compile a list of outstanding questions from the discussion (e.g., specific FTE change details, vehicle and overtime budgets for Police and Fire, library fund balance options, CARES team phase-out plan, settlement budget adequacy, and the feasibility of new revenue sources like toll fees) to be addressed in subsequent departmental budget presentations. - The committee will continue budget hearings with individual departments in the coming weeks.