Public Meetings - St Paul, Minnesota

The Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Board of Commissioners met on August 12, 2026, at 2:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Saint Paul City Hall. The sole agenda item was a presentation and discussion on the Rice Larpenteur Alliance (RLA) annual report, led by Executive Director Kim O'Brien. The meeting concluded at 3:03 p.m. with the item received and filed. Presentation: Rice Larpenteur Alliance Annual Report - Kim O'Brien presented an overview of the RLA, a three-city (Saint Paul, Roseville, Maplewood) community and economic development initiative formed in 2018 to revitalize the Rice and Larpenteur intersection area. She highlighted: - Demographics: The area is one of the most densely populated in the region (18,000+ residents across four census tracts), 67% people of color, 37.5% speak a language other than English at home, with many Karen, Karenni, Nepali, Hmong, and Latino residents. - Key achievements (2019-2026): 60+ members, 500+ volunteers, 16 youth ambassadors employed, 30 business improvement grants totaling $223,000, 15 new businesses (10 in Saint Paul), 80+ new/retained jobs, 30 public art/sign installations, 7-9 miles of sidewalk infill, and eight sites substantially redeveloped. - Safety improvements: Drastic reduction in major crime per joint police reports from Roseville, Maplewood, and Saint Paul. - Funding history: Saint Paul contributed $75,000 annually from 2019-2025, matched by Roseville and Maplewood. In 2025, RLA also received $81,500 from the Commercial Corridor Opportunity Program. In 2026, Saint Paul general operations funding was zeroed out; only the Commercial Corridor grant (which cannot cover staffing) remains, forcing RLA to operate at half capacity. Every city dollar leveraged $2.50 from other sources. - Future needs: Sustained public investment to maintain momentum, focus on small business growth, redevelopment, housing, and job opportunities. RLA is working toward 501(c)(3) status and self-sustainability. Discussion Items - Commissioners praised the RLA model and its positive impact on a historically disinvested area. They asked about: - The funding gap: Chair Johnson noted that the $75,000 annual contribution was unique to RLA and questioned how to equitably replicate such support citywide. Commissioner Noecker clarified that the Commercial Corridor grant ($81,500) could allocate only 10% to staffing ($8,150), creating an effective cut of $60,000-$65,000 for operations. Chair Johnson also raised concerns about the chamber of commerce's role as the fiscal agent and the need for equitable investment across all corridors. - Business support during construction: Commissioner Bowie asked about advocacy for businesses during Rice Street reconstruction. O'Brien described RLA's role in marketing, connecting businesses to grants, and collaboration with the North End Neighborhood Organization (District 6), which now models its construction impact grants after RLA's 2025 program. - County and partner funding: Commissioners Yang and Bowie inquired about Ramsey County and other city contributions. O'Brien noted Ramsey County's grant is currently $0, and while Maplewood increased its contribution to $20,000, sustained support from all partners is critical. She emphasized that RLA aims for step-down of public funding as private funding grows, but this requires time. - Potential expansion: Commissioner Kim suggested the RLA model could be replicated in other intersections touching Saint Paul, such as the East Side, and noted that RLA has been a proof-of-concept for cultural corridor building. Key Outcomes - The presentation was received and filed by the Board (no formal vote taken). - Commissioners expressed strong support for the RLA's work and acknowledged the value of continued investment but raised equity and sustainability challenges. - Chair Johnson noted that the item was placed on the agenda to inform budget discussions; no immediate funding decision was made. - The next HRA meeting is scheduled for August 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

The Saint Paul City Council Policy Committee met on August 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers to receive two presentations: an update on the Sustainable Building Ordinance (SBO) and a proposed Tenant Bill of Rights from Home Line. No votes were taken; the meeting served as a discussion forum for future policy considerations. Discussion Items 1. Sustainable Building Ordinance (SBO) Update - Kurt Schultz (Clean Energy Coordinator, PED) presented the history, current operation, and stakeholder engagement for the 2026 update. The SBO, originally adopted in 2010 and updated in 2018, applies to new construction and major renovations receiving more than $200,000 in public investment. Over 120 buildings have complied, representing 8.5 million square feet and $2 billion in development. - Key stakeholder feedback: The SBO does not work well for small buildings (e.g., single-family homes); developers want additional green building certification options; downtown office-to-residential conversions should not be impeded; alternate pathways to energy compliance are needed; and the city should lead by example. - Proposed amendments (based on feedback): - Raise the public-investment threshold from $200,000 to $500,000. - For small projects (between $200,000 and $500,000), require only energy and water conservation overlay requirements (not full green building standard). - Add more eligible green building certification options. - For downtown office-to-residential conversions, remove the requirement to meet a full green building standard but retain overlay requirements (energy, water, waste, indoor environmental quality). - Increase the major-renovation threshold from 10,000 sq ft to 20,000 sq ft. - Add a minimum 1,000 sq ft threshold for new construction to exempt very small projects. - Require electrification of all city buildings and city/HRA HVAC systems (with waiver possibility). - Councilmembers asked about costs (1-2% incremental increase), staff capacity (adequate with two staff and CSBR support), and the lack of an enforcement mechanism (high compliance without penalties). - Next steps: Return to stakeholders for validation, then to Council for adoption with public hearing by end of 2026, implementation in early 2027. 2. Tenant Bill of Rights Presentation - Michael Dahl (Public Policy Director) and Maya Graham (Housing Attorney) from Home Line presented a suite of 12+ recommendations organized into six rights categories: fair application process, fair lease, habitable home, reasonable rent, safeguards against displacement, and retention of affordable housing. - Home Line reported record contact volume in 2025: over 20,200 new client contacts statewide; 2,892 renter households from Saint Paul (6,015 individuals). Top issues: repairs (830 calls) and evictions. Home Line helped prevent an estimated 363 evictions in Saint Paul. - Key proposals highlighted: - Ban application screening fees; require standardized rental applications; prohibit source-of-income discrimination (similar to Minneapolis ordinance). - Require landlords to show the actual unit before lease signing. - Prohibit unilateral lease changes, no-winter-move-out clauses that lock month-to-month tenants, class action waivers, and mandatory arbitration. - Regulate landlord towing of vehicles (require clear lease terms, notice). - Strengthen rent stabilization ordinance (narrowed exemptions). - Create a rental licensing program or enhance certificate of occupancy for rental-specific accountability. - Enact a right to renew / just cause for eviction (citing Brooklyn Center as a Minnesota example). - Councilmembers expressed interest in enforcement, legal vulnerability, and staff capacity. Councilmember Johnson emphasized the need for defensible ordinances; Councilmember Kim noted interest in coordinating priorities. - Home Line offered to provide additional research on legal challenges and existing ordinances in other cities. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken. The committee received both presentations for discussion. - For the SBO: Staff will return with refined proposals for adoption by end of 2026. - For the Tenant Bill of Rights: Council will prioritize which recommendations to pursue, with Home Line providing further legal analysis and examples from other jurisdictions.

This meeting was scheduled for the Transportation Committee of the Saint Paul Planning Commission. The agenda listed two presentation items, but no transcript or minutes are available, so the actual discussion, public testimony, and outcomes are unknown. Note: The agenda provided for this meeting is dated August 17, 2026, 4:30–6:00 PM, which conflicts with the user-supplied meeting date of August 12, 2026, 10:30 AM. This summary retains the user-supplied date. Agenda Items - Earl Street Phase 2 (Minnehaha Avenue to Burns Avenue) – Presented by Bryan Gravline (Saint Paul Public Works). No further details are available. - Maryland Avenue Reconstruction (E Como Blvd to Rice Street) – Presented by Amy Barnstorff (Ramsey County) and David Peterson (Saint Paul Public Works). No further details are available. Public Comments & Testimony - No transcript or minutes were provided; therefore, any public comments are not recorded. Discussion Items - No transcript or minutes were provided; therefore, any discussion among committee members is not recorded. Key Outcomes - No decisions, votes, or directives are documented in the available materials.

The Saint Paul City Council met at 3:30 PM on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in Council Chambers. Five members were present initially (Noecker, Yang, Kim, Jost, Coleman), with Bowie and Johnson absent but later arriving for the ordinance and public hearing sections. The meeting covered consent items, ordinance readings, public hearings, and a legislative hearing, concluding at 4:04 PM. Consent Calendar - Reallocation of Police Activity Budget (AO 26-55): Received and filed. - Special Assessment Policy Amendments (RES 26-692): Adopted. - Sanitary Sewer Service Line Repair Assessment (RES 26-1216): Adopted; public hearing set for September 16, 2026. - Seventh Place Mall Operation & Maintenance Costs for 2025 and 2026 (RES 26-1230, RES 26-1232): Adopted. - Police LEMHWA Grant Application (RES 26-1267): Adopted. - Grand/Snelling Parking Lot Costs (RES 26-1270): Adopted. - MnDOT Traffic Signal Interconnect Agreement (RES 26-1279): Adopted. - Settlement of Lawsuit – Jon Berry v. City of St. Paul and Councilmember Bowie (RES 26-1296): Adopted. - Appointments to Visit Saint Paul Board (RES 26-1305) and Public Housing Agency (RES 26-1306): Adopted. - Restitution for ST. PAWS LLC Violations (RES 26-1311): Adopted ($40,201.23). - Collective Bargaining Agreements: Fire Fighters Local 21 (2026-2028), Deputy Chiefs LELS (2026), IBEW Local 110 MOA for Minnesota Paid Leave program – all adopted. - Administrative Citations Implementation Working Group (RES 26-1314): Adopted. All consent items were approved 5-0 (Bowie and Johnson absent). Ordinances Final Adoption – Ord 26-31 (Elimination of Youth Subminimum Wage): - Sponsored by Coleman, Yang, and Kim. This ordinance amends Section 224.05(c) to eliminate the provisional 90-day minimum wage rate for workers aged 14-17, ensuring all workers are paid the standard minimum wage regardless of age. - Councilmember Coleman highlighted the ordinance as a step to eliminate discrimination and support young workers contributing to family incomes. Vice President Yang shared personal experience and emphasized dignity in work. No opposition was recorded during previous hearings. - Vote: Adopted unanimously (7-0). Ord 26-27 (Deputy City Clerk Classification): Withdrawn. First Reading – Ord 26-38 (Fire Chief Selection Committee): - Sponsored by Yang. Establishes a Qualifications and Examining Committee for the Fire Chief position. Council adopted Version 2 of the ordinance (7-0) and laid it over for further consideration to August 19, 2026. Public Hearings All 20 public hearing items (RES PH 26-148 through 26-189) were adopted unanimously (7-0 after full attendance). Key items: - Sanitary Sewer Assessments (RES PH 26-148): Ratified assessments for sewer replacement along the Metro Transit Gold Line BRT project. - Alley Vacation (RES PH 26-177): Approved petition to vacate alley at 779 Lexington Parkway South. David Lundy (sponsor) testified in support, citing increased density and affordable housing. - Judgment Bonds (RES PH 26-188): Amended operating budget for bond issuance and judgment payment. - Big Belly Donation (RES PH 26-184): Accepted a $6,951.60 garbage/recycling station from the Highland District Council. - Sound Level Variances (RES PH 26-185 through 26-189): Approved for St. Paul Get Down (Aug 29), UST Back to School Pep Rally (Sep 3), Selby Ave JazzFest (Sep 12), and UST Football Game (Aug 27). One member of the public, Isaac (17), youth program manager for the Get Down, testified in support, emphasizing the event provides performance opportunities and revitalizes parks. Legislative Hearing Item 29 – Appeal of Lucky Tiger Jack Rosenbloom (369 Dale Street North): - Mr. Rosenbloom appealed a summary abatement order for a damaged fence. He argued the fence is structurally sound after partial repairs and sought court review of the reasonableness of city requirements. The hearing officer (Ms. Mormond) noted a city inspector found the fence unsound and recommended an extension for the owner to submit an engineer’s plan. - Councilmembers discussed the need for a structural engineer’s statement to define “structurally sound” and considered traffic safety at the intersection (frequent car accidents). - Motion: To grant an extension for compliance until October 26, 2026, allowing time for the owner to provide an engineer’s report or complete repairs. Adopted 6-1 (Councilmember Johnson opposed). Legislative Hearing Consent Agenda (Items 28, 30-33): - Item 28 (1083 Bradley St.): Referred to August 18, 2026 Legislative Hearing. - Item 30 (2177 Fairmount Ave.): Findings adopted. - Item 31 (1400 Hewitt Ave.): Adopted. - Item 32 (444 Johnson Parkway): Adopted as amended (compliance granted to September 14, 2026). - Item 33 (594-596 Reaney Ave.): Adopted as amended (granted 180 days for rehabilitation). The consent agenda was adopted 7-0. Key Outcomes - Unanimous elimination of the youth subminimum wage (Ord 26-31). - Fire Chief selection committee ordinance laid over for further discussion. - All public hearing resolutions approved, including sound variances for four community events. - Summary abatement appeal for 369 Dale St. N. granted extension to October 26, 2026 (6-1 vote). - Budget engagement events announced: Mayor’s budget address (Aug 13) and Ward 7 budget engagement at Battle Creek Rec Center. - Newell Park playground design event announced for the evening of Aug 12.

The Saint Paul Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Board of Commissioners met on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. Vice Chair Saura Jost called the meeting to order with four commissioners present (Noecker, Yang, Jost, Coleman) and three absent (Bowie, Johnson, Kim). The meeting lasted approximately two minutes, concluding at 2:02 PM. Approval of Minutes - Min 26-24: The Board unanimously approved the July 2026 HRA meeting minutes (4 yeas, 0 nays, 3 absent). Motion by Commissioner Coleman. Discussion Items - RES 26-1263 – Additional Funding for 47 Douglas Street Rehabilitation Project (District 9, Ward 2): Commissioner Noecker sponsored a resolution to allocate additional funding for a previously delayed rehabilitation project at 47 Douglas Street. The additional gap funding amounted to "just under thirty thousand dollars" to cover increased project costs. The resolution was adopted unanimously (4 yeas, 0 nays, 3 absent). No public testimony or opposition was noted. Key Outcomes - Vote on July Minutes: Approved 4-0 (3 absent). - Vote on RES 26-1263: Adopted 4-0 (3 absent). - Next Meeting: Scheduled for August 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 2:02 PM.

The Saint Paul Library Board met on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers. Six members were present (Board Members Noecker, Yang, Bowie, Johnson, Jost, and Coleman), with one absent (Board Member Kim). The meeting covered approval of previous minutes, a staff report on newcomer services that was laid over, a presentation on a $1 million Mellon Foundation grant, and adoption of a resolution amending the library's spending plan by $920,000 to accept those grant funds. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (Min 26-23): The minutes from the July 8, 2026 Library Board meeting were approved unanimously (6-0). Discussion Items - Staff Report 26-154 – Newcomer Services: This item was laid over to the October 7, 2026 meeting because the presenter was unavailable. The motion to lay over passed 6-0. - Staff Report 26-156 – Strengthening Libraries as Spaces of Belonging Project: Rebecca Ryan presented an overview of a three-year, $1 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation awarded to the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library. The grant aims to build trust in public institutions, address learning and information needs, and provide safe, welcoming spaces. Specific activities include hiring a Spanish-speaking community specialist and a specialist for the Karen/Keren community, supporting digital literacy materials (CellEd, adult basic education, North Star Digital Literacy Assessment), funding one FTE library safety specialist for 2027–2028, expanding Family Literacy Nights, and exploring new bilingual children's books in Karen and English. Board Member Johnson praised the investment as a "big deal." Board Member Noecker asked for an exit strategy to avoid relying on the general fund for grant-funded positions; staff noted the positions will be posted as three-year grant-funded and clearly labeled as such. Chair Jost expressed excitement about the impact on libraries, including the new Hamlin Midway Library. - Resolution PH 26-178 – Amending the Financing and Spending Plan: This resolution amended the Saint Paul Public Library Agency's spending plan by $920,000 to reflect the multi-year transfer of grant funds from the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, sourced from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The resolution was adopted unanimously (6-0). Key Outcomes - Approved the July 8, 2026 minutes (6-0). - Laid over Staff Report 26-154 (Newcomer Services) to October 7, 2026 (6-0). - Received and filed Staff Report 26-156 (Strengthening Libraries as Spaces of Belonging Project) with no formal vote; it was presented as an informational update. - Adopted Resolution PH 26-178, amending the spending plan by $920,000 to accept the Mellon Foundation grant funds (6-0). - Chair Jost announced the opening of the Hamlin Midway Library and the upcoming library budget address at that location on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM. The next Library Board meeting will include the budget presentation from the director. The meeting adjourned after the announcements.

The Budget Committee met on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers, City Hall. Chair Johnson presided. Roll call showed five present (Bowie, Coleman, Jost, Noecker, Yang, Johnson) and two absent. The committee received presentations on the Evie Carshare Program and District Council funding, both received and filed without formal action. Discussion Items Evie Carshare Program Update (SR 26-161) - Presentation by: Aaron Kaiser (Public Works) and Amanda Lagrange (CEO of Our Car). The update covered the EV Spot Network, which includes EV Spot charging and EV carshare. St. Paul operates 170 charging plugs (50% public, 50% for carshare) and 179 vehicles (167 free-float, 12 hub-based). The service area covers about 18 square miles (1/3 of the city) and is expanding to the east side, adding 3 square miles (total 38% coverage). - Funding history: The system was built largely with federal grants (DOE, MPCA) and local match. Operations funding is now at risk due to federal cuts, reduced philanthropy, and shifting regional solicitation requirements. The program faces a drastically changed funding landscape. - Performance: In 2026, over 3,000 carshare users and 80,000 trips recorded (up from 4,000 users in 2025). User survey (2025) found: 62% using for groceries/household goods, 47% for commuting, 41% for medical appointments, and 66% said carshare allowed them to sell or postpone vehicle purchase. 46% of users combine carshare with transit. - Financial challenges: Insurance costs are 23% of annual expenses, having doubled in 2025. Electricity rates are rising. The program has experienced maintenance issues (copper wire theft, equipment damage) and unexpected utility minimum usage penalties from Excel Energy. The city is negotiating with Excel to adjust rates but faces slow progress. - Budget request: Public Works requested a $440,000 above-base increase for the EV Spot Network (covers 14% increase in charging operating costs, $300,000 for EV carshare operating support, and $60,000 for expansion). Separately, Our Car is seeking $1.1 million from multiple partners (Minneapolis, Ramsey/Hennepin counties, Met Council); St. Paul's share ($300,000) is part of that $1.1 million. The committee asked about verification of low-income access plan eligibility (self-attested but reviewed by member services) and about leveraging purchasing power with Excel and insurers. Councilmembers Yang and Noecker expressed strong support for the program and requested further data on station usage and partnership commitments. - Outcome: Report received and filed. Update on District Councils (SR 26-162) - Presentation by: Zoe Borgeray (PED District Council Coordinator). Overview of the 17 district councils: independent nonprofits that partner with the city via annual Community Engagement Agreements. They provide community input on planning/development, amplify city messaging, support city engagement, and maintain district plans. - Budget changes from FY2025 to FY2026: Total allocation increased from $1,441,211 (FY2025: $1,096,211 General Fund + $345,000 CDBG) to approximately $1,700,000 (FY2026: increased General Fund by $200,000 ongoing + $59,660 HRA General Fund ongoing + one-time $345,000 transfer from HRA Parking Fund to replace CDBG). CDBG removal eliminates federal compliance burdens (e.g., 15% indirect cost cap). The funding formula (based on population, poverty, non-English speaking, and employment data) was updated with current demographic data; minimum allocation rose from $62,922 to $55,049. The formula dates from 2005 and is population-heavy. - Discussion: Council President Noecker asked whether the $345,000 one-time parking fund transfer creates a 2027 funding gap (answered: yes, a future source must be found). She also inquired about practical effects of removing CDBG requirements—Borgeray noted it may take time to assess but relieved administrative burdens. Councilmember Johnson noted the city's interest in equitable distribution and asked that district councils be surveyed on their experience with the change. Councilmember Noecker questioned whether additional funding for districts with higher poverty/non-English populations comes with expectations for targeted engagement (translation, childcare, etc.); Borgeray said expectations are still being developed but language access and equity are now eligible expenses. - Outcome: Report received and filed. Key Outcomes - Both SR 26-161 (Evie Carshare Update) and SR 26-162 (District Councils Update) were received and filed with no votes taken. The committee will continue budget discussions at the August 13 community engagement session.

The St. Paul City Council met on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 3:31 PM in Council Chambers. Council President Rebecca Noecker presided with six members present (Councilmember Anika Bowie absent initially but arrived later for the discussion item). The meeting adjourned at 4:06 PM. The council considered a consent agenda, a contested ballot question on tenant right to repair, final adoption of two ordinances, multiple public hearings, and legislative hearing appeals. Consent Calendar - Communications & Receive/File items (AO 26-42, 26-46, 26-49, 26-50, 26-52, 26-53) were received and filed. - Consent Agenda items 7 through 29 were adopted by a 6-0 vote, with item 30 pulled for separate discussion. Notable adoptions included authorizing police grant applications (RES 26-1145), a project labor agreement for Merriam Park Skate Park (RES 26-1151), accepting a $1,000 donation from Blaze Credit Union for Right Track (RES 26-1156), revised NFL security agreement (RES 26-1165), settlement of a lawsuit (RES 26-1172), acceptance of $1,250,000 for Fire Department burn building restoration (RES 26-1180), and various license approvals and budget adjustments. - Three items were laid over to August 12, 2026: the Fire Fighters Local 21 collective bargaining agreement (RES 26-1177), the Deputy Chiefs agreement (RES 26-1251), and the IBEW Local 110 paid leave MOA (RES 26-1262). - Item 30 (ballot question on tenant right to repair) was removed for separate consideration. Public Comments & Testimony - Deputy City Clerk Classification (Ord 26-27): Three union representatives testified against the proposed ordinance. Chelsea Berry (AFSME Clerical Local 2508) argued the position should remain union-represented, stating the change would eliminate a union job and that signing authority is not a valid reason to make it appointed. Kristen Kojel (also AFSME Local 2508) called the move “union busting” and urged the council to stand with union workers. Paul Tischler noted that previous deputy city clerks held union representation and that high-level manager positions exist within unions. Tom Bashin also supported keeping the position unionized. No public testimony was offered on any other public hearing item. Discussion Items - Tenant Right to Repair Ballot Question (RES 26-1253): Vice President Yang moved approval, expressing support for letting voters decide and noting Duluth passed similar language. Councilmember Johnson opposed, citing legal advice that the ordinance conflicts with state law and is unconstitutionally vague, and argued it cannot be enforced as written. Councilmember Jost also opposed, emphasizing legal concerns and the risk of voters approving unenforceable language. Councilmember Kim supported the motion, stating willingness to take risks on behalf of tenants and faith in democratic processes. Councilmember Coleman opposed, noting shared values but concerns about enforceability and legal risk. Council President Noecker opposed. Roll call: 2 in favor (Yang, Kim), 5 opposed (Bowie, Coleman, Johnson, Jost, Noecker). The resolution failed. Key Outcomes - Failed: RES 26-1253 (ballot question on tenant right to repair) – vote 2-5. - Adopted (Final): Ord 26-35 (golf course amendments – allows miniature golf and lighted operation until 10 p.m., applicable to Highland National Driving Range) – unanimous 7-0. - Adopted (Final): Ord 26-36 (requiring City Council approval of mixed municipal solid waste contracts) – unanimous 7-0. - Laid Over to August 12, 2026: Ord 26-27 (Deputy City Clerk classification) and Ord 26-31 (youth minimum wage elimination) – both with public hearings closed and unanimous votes to lay over for final adoption. - Adopted (all unanimous 7-0): RES PH 26-167 ($400,000 HRA transfer for Commercial Corridors), RES PH 26-132 ($250,000 DNR trail grant), RES PH 26-160 ($2,285,000 Como Friends donation), RES PH 26-162 ($35,000 Police Foundation donation), RES PH 26-164 ($25,000 Port Security Grant), RES PH 26-163 (Council Office Renovation loan), RES PH 26-170 ($50,000 EV charger grant), RES PH 26-157 ($202.88 Fire Explorers donation), RES PH 26-165 ($360,000 hazmat team JPA), RES PH 26-168 ($500,000 MART training/equipment), RES PH 26-173 ($21,131.47 MNTF1 reimbursement), RES PH 26-161 (IndiaFest sound variance), RES PH 26-172 (Wabasha Brewing sound variance). - Legislative Hearing Consent Agenda: Item 48 (1047 Arcade St. vacant building appeal) – legislative hearing officer recommended a 90-day waiver of vacant building fee; council adopted the recommendation. The remaining items (49–58) were adopted as amended on consent.

The Saint Paul City Council held a special meeting on August 4, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 12:58 PM to continue the public hearing on the Mayor's Encampment Plan, which involves the eviction of the Pig's Eye encampment scheduled for the following day. Council Vice President Nelsie Yang chaired the meeting. Council President Rebecca Noecker and Councilmember Saura Jost were absent. Councilmembers present: Yang, Kim, Bowie, Johnson, and Coleman. Over 15 members of the public testified (the official minutes record 15 speakers, but the transcript includes testimony from at least 20 individuals). Nearly all speakers opposed the eviction and called for a delay or moratorium. Public Comments & Testimony - Jim Seaman (New Freedom Store) offered services to help find a permanent solution, criticizing the cost of shelter beds ($20,000 per bed) and the mayor's focus on crime statistics (750–800 calls, $35,000 per homeless person per year). He argued that giving people apartments ($900/month, $15,000/year) would be cheaper and effective. - Mary Manning (Bloomington resident, formerly homeless) expressed strong opposition to the sweep, stating encampments provide autonomy and community while shelters are unsafe. She argued the $1 million for 50 beds should instead fund rental vouchers. - Jordan (volunteer) yielded his time to Jim Seaman, who continued his argument for lockable doors and permanent addresses. - Catherine Card (retired Lutheran pastor, St. Paul resident) questioned the mayor's absence and urged the council to show compassion and see the holy in vulnerable people. - Joshua Fuss (executive director of a nonprofit) argued the decision was already made, criticized the state's reduction of chemical dependency treatment beds from 10,000 to 1,400, and called the $1 million inadequate. He noted that most homeless people are not drug users but are unable to afford housing. - Melissa O'Connell (survived building buyout in Los Angeles) shared her trauma from sweeps in L.A. and shelters, and called for systemic solutions and healing. - Justin Lewendusky (Open Hands Midway, speaking on behalf of 94 people of faith from over 25 faith communities) demanded a 30–60 day delay to prepare for displacement, criticizing Mayor Hur for lack of planning and coordination. - David Menickee (St. Paul Outreach Center) emphasized the humanity of encampment residents and the volunteer resources available, asking for an extension to create a coordinated plan. - Adam Beers (public health professional) calculated that police cost $1,375.38 per person to remove, and argued that money could provide housing documents, cell phones, work boots, etc. He equated the sweep to supporting ICE. - Violet criticized the council for not issuing an emergency moratorium despite unanimous public opposition, accused an attendee of transphobia, and warned of police brutality. - Tom Evanstad (candidate for governor) expressed facing homelessness himself, called out Mayor Hur and Police Chief Axel Henry, and demanded a 60-day moratorium, proposing $250 million from the police budget to house all homeless people. - David (testifier) used a poetic metaphor, accusing the council of cruelty without conviction, and urged them to stand by their decision or defer to democracy. - Rebecca Homard (Ward 7 resident) noted that over 200 online public comments opposed the eviction, and criticized Mayor Hur's absence and lack of response. She called on Councilmember Johnson specifically to stop the eviction. - Kelsey Fire shared personal experience of feeling safe at encampments, and urged policy based on humanity rather than fear. - Scout (We Are Zine) accused Mayor Hur of being distracted by scandals and image issues, and questioned whether the council is merely the mayor's "do-nothing cronies." - Nen (mutual aid volunteer) reported that city support claims are false, that police are already destroying belongings and arresting people, and that there is nowhere for residents to go. She said "blood will be on your hands." - Dan Crivet (Ward 3 resident) relayed that the county manager stated they need more time for contracts, and urged a pause. - Melissa O'Connell (returning) offered to build bridges with Mayor Hur and warned of trauma from armed factions shooting rubber bullets. - Lennon framed the issue as settler colonialism and private property enforcement, calling for disarmament of the police. - Another testifier quoted Friedrich Engels, accusing the city of "social murder" through sweeps, and linked the drug crisis to government policy. - Matthew Resnick (Seattle tiny house village founder) offered his expertise in creating tiny house village programs as a solution. - A Christian volunteer shared his personal experience of homelessness and foster care, and called on the government to follow Christ's example of service. - Adam Beers (returning) again criticized the $1 million for only 49 cots, called the mayor a sexual predator, and accused Assistant Mayor Cedric Baker of stalking him. - Final speaker (quiet voice) expressed exhaustion from witnessing injustice, and asked the city to "lead with love." Key Outcomes - The council closed the public hearing at 12:58 PM on a motion by Councilmember Kim, with a 5–0 vote (Councilmembers Noecker and Jost absent). No further action or vote was taken on the encampment plan itself; the meeting was adjourned immediately after.