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71
JUL 15, 2026 · ST PAUL, MINNESOTA · CITY COUNCIL
St. Paul Budget Committee Meeting - July 15, 2026: State Demography and Downtown Revitalization

The Budget Committee of the Saint Paul City Council met on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers. The meeting featured two presentations: an update from the Minnesota State Demographer on demographic trends and their budget implications, and a presentation on downtown revitalization efforts led by Assistant Mayor Summer Langer. Both items were received and filed. Presentation: Minnesota State Demography (SR 26-139) State Demographer Susan Brower presented an overview of population trends affecting Minnesota and Saint Paul. Key points: - Slowing growth: Minnesota's historically robust population growth has leveled off since 2010 due to declining natural increase (births minus deaths). The state's total fertility rate is 1.7 births per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1. - Natural change: Annual natural increase dropped from 30,000 in 2010 to just over 10,000 in the most recent period. This is driven by an aging population and falling birth rates. - Migration: Domestic net migration has been consistently negative for 20 years, with more people leaving Minnesota than coming from other states. International migration had a spike in 2022–2024 (up to 30,000 net in 2024) but dropped sharply to 10,000 in 2025 and is expected to approach zero in 2026. For Ramsey County, international net migration fell from 4,700 (2024) to 2,300 (2025). - St. Paul trends: St. Paul experienced historic growth in the 2010s but has seen erratic year-over-year changes since 2020. Metropolitan Council estimates show an average annual gain of about 300 residents; Census Bureau estimates show a loss of about 90 per year. - Implications: Slower growth challenges budgeting as per-person costs for services increase and tax base growth slows. The city cannot rely on growth to solve fiscal gaps. - Poverty: St. Paul's poverty rate for children is 20% and for seniors 15%, both higher than regional and state averages. These rates have moved with economic cycles. Councilmembers asked questions about the causes of domestic out-migration, the impact of federal immigration policy, and data quality concerns for vulnerable populations. Council President Noecker highlighted the poverty data as a concern. Presentation: Downtown Revitalization (SR 26-140) Assistant Mayor Summer Langer, joined by partners from Ramsey County and the Downtown Development Corporation, presented a comprehensive update on downtown revitalization. The presentation covered: - Why downtown matters: Downtown is a critical tax base; declining property values shift tax burden to residential properties. Several downtown buildings have seen significant value declines since 2006. - Partnerships: The city works closely with the Downtown Alliance, Downtown Improvement District, Downtown Development Corporation, Ramsey County, Visit St. Paul, and many private and institutional partners. - City investments: HRA commercial corridor programs, $5 million Downtown Vitality Fund, Neighborhood STAR grants, park investments (Pedro Park opened 2025, Wabasha Park completion fall 2026), park activations, public works projects, Gultier Plaza housing conversion (166 market-rate units), and policy initiatives (signage district, zoning study, parking ramp consolidation RFP). - Public safety: Coordination among SPPD, Metro Transit, Ramsey County Sheriff, DID safety ambassadors, and private security. A community prosecutor funded by DID will start in fall. A retail theft initiative is underway. Parking enforcement has increased (more citations in 2026 than all of 2025 by early June). - Housing: Several projects: Landmark Towers (187 units), Mary Hall (88 affordable units), Stella residences (178 units), Gultier Plaza (166 units). Goal to increase downtown population from 10,000 to 30,000. - Major developments: St. Joseph's campus demolition/greenfield, $50M state funding for Grand Casino Arena/River Center/Roy Wilkins, $13M for sewer redevelopment on West 7th. Ramsey County committed funds for housing, public realm, and economic development. - Private investments: Downtown Revitalization Trust purchased First National and Great Northern buildings; Ecolab, Securian, Travelers campus improvements; St. Paul Hotel new ownership with renovation plans. - New businesses: Examples include Jenny's Cafe, Lenoir Bridal, Aldi (opening later 2026), Pinot's Pizzeria, St. Paul Indoor Farmers Market, several coffee shops, and a menswear store. - Events and activation: Example two-week calendar showing festivals, park activations, community events, and skyway activities. - Strategy: Coordinate partners, respond to inquiries, cut ribbons, be nimble, treat downtown as a pilot zone for citywide innovation. Councilmembers asked about property tax relief timeline, large employer attraction, quality-of-life crime enforcement, and homelessness response. Assistant Mayor Langer acknowledged the need for patience and incremental progress. Josh Olson (Ramsey County) noted the county's "Building Stronger Together" initiative and that planning for the $100 million downtown investment is underway with more details expected in 1–2 months. Dave Higgins (Public Works) emphasized the need for continued investment and targeted corridors (Fifth, Kellogg, Wabasha, Robert). Joe Spencer (Downtown Development Corporation) expressed optimism, noting that market bottom may be near but property tax assessments will lag, and urged sustained commitment. Key Outcomes - Both SR 26-139 (Demography Presentation) and SR 26-140 (Downtown Revitalization) were received and filed by unanimous voice vote. - No formal votes or referrals were made beyond acceptance of the presentations. - Councilmembers requested future updates on the county's downtown investment plans and continued partnership on homelessness response.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 56% · FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY 37% · PUBLIC SAFETY 5% · HOMELESSNESS 2%
72
JUL 15, 2026 · ST PAUL, MINNESOTA · CITY COUNCIL
Saint Paul City Council Meeting – July 15, 2026

The Saint Paul City Council met on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 3:30 PM to 4:36 PM. All seven council members were present (President Noecker, Vice President Yang, and Councilmembers Kim, Bowie, Jost, Johnson, and Coleman). The agenda included consent items, discussion items, ordinance readings, public hearings, and a legislative hearing consent agenda. Key actions included the final adoption of a tree preservation ordinance, a recognition resolution for Rondo Days drill teams, and a decision on a rent stabilization appeal. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was adopted as amended (item 21 removed for separate discussion) by a 6-0 vote (Councilmember Kim absent). Adopted items included 15 resolutions covering assessments, emergency management grants, liquor license revocation, solar agreements, board reappointments, collective bargaining agreements, and Neighborhood STAR grant changes. Public Comments & Testimony - John Burdy (West Side resident) testified during the Xcel Electric and Gas franchise public hearings, stating that the rate schedules in the ordinances needed updating to reflect the contract expiration (August 31, 2026) and noting that Saint Paul's franchise fees are the highest in Minnesota. - Lily Eggers (Ward 1 resident) used the public hearing on the Xcel Electric franchise to demand a public hearing on an unspecified "eviction plan," but was directed to speak to the agenda item. - Michael Smith (tenant at 1517 Portland Avenue) and Abby Hansen (Housing Justice Center) testified in support of Smith's rent stabilization appeal, citing habitability violations (egress window, fire extinguisher) and improper utility pass-throughs. - Robin Doroshow (landlord of 1517 Portland Avenue) opposed the appeal, arguing the rent increase was justified by rising costs and that they had made efforts to address issues. - OB Smith (Ward 3 resident) during the legislative hearing on the 720 Cottage Avenue tree assessment, spoke generally about the need for a public hearing on the city's eviction plan, and was asked to stay on topic. Discussion Items - Recognition of Rondo Days Drill Teams and Dance Groups (RES 26-1150): Councilmember Bowie introduced the resolution honoring the historic legacy of drill teams and dance groups in the Rondo community. Multiple former participants and leaders (ShaShu Adeley, Garland Jackson, Lynn Graham Washington) gave emotional testimony about the teams' impact on youth and community. The resolution was adopted 7-0. - Tree Preservation Ordinance (Ord 25-4): Final adoption after over 16 months of process. Council President Noecker thanked legislative aide Megan Jackett, the Public Input Group (PIG), and multiple stakeholders. The ordinance adds Chapter 92 to Title IV of the Administrative Code, requiring tree preservation planning for city-sponsored construction projects. Adopted 7-0. - Golf Course Zoning Amendment (Ord 26-35): First reading. A staff report explained the amendment would allow lighting at Highland Golf Course driving range until 10 PM and legalize existing winter lighting at Como Golf Course. The Planning Commission recommended striking the lighting restriction entirely. The item was laid over to July 22, 2026 for second reading and public hearing. - Mixed Municipal Solid Waste Contract Approval (Ord 26-36): First reading. Council President Noecker explained the ordinance would require City Council approval of organized trash collection contracts, increasing transparency and oversight. Laid over to July 22, 2026. - Rent Stabilization Appeal (RLH RSA 26-7) – Michael Smith, 1517 Portland Avenue Apt D: The hearing officer (Ms. Mormon) recommended granting the appeal, finding the landlord failed to provide adequate housing services (bedroom window could not stay open – emergency egress issue; faulty fire extinguisher) and that utility pass-throughs did not comply with Minnesota law. The tenant and his representative argued for denial of the 17.9% increase, citing habitability. The landlord argued the increase was needed due to rising costs and that they had addressed concerns. Councilmember Bowie moved to adopt the hearing officer's recommendation, which passed 7-0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda adopted as amended (6-0). - RES 26-1150 (Rondo Days recognition) adopted (7-0). - Ord 25-4 (Tree Preservation) finally adopted (7-0). - Ord 26-35 (Golf course lighting) laid over to July 22, 2026 for second reading. - Ord 26-36 (Solid waste contract approval) laid over to July 22, 2026 for second reading. - Ord 26-32 (Xcel Electric franchise) public hearing closed, laid over to July 22, 2026 for final adoption. - Ord 26-33 (Xcel Gas franchise) public hearing closed, laid over to July 22, 2026 for final adoption. - RES PH 26-153 (Irish Fair sound variance) adopted (7-0). - RLH RSA 26-7 (rent stabilization appeal) appeal granted, adopting hearing officer recommendation (7-0). - RLH TA 26-125 (720 Cottage Ave tree assessment) public hearing closed, laid over to July 22, 2026. - RLH RR 26-12 (594-596 Reaney Ave) public hearing continued to August 5, 2026. - Other legislative hearing consent items (RLH SAO 26-41, RLH SAO 25-73, RLH AR 26-42, RLH AR 26-43) were adopted as amended or as presented.

MISCELLANEOUS 43% · ARTS AND CULTURE 16% · LAND USE REGULATION 16% · ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 7%
73
JUL 14, 2026 · ST PAUL, MINNESOTA · TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Transportation Committee of the Planning Commission Meeting - July 14, 2026

This meeting of the Transportation Committee of the Saint Paul Planning Commission took place on July 14, 2026 (the agenda originally listed the meeting as July 20, 2026, but the confirmed date is July 14). No minutes or transcript were provided for this meeting. The only agenda item was a presentation and discussion on the Hoyt-Birmingham Residential Street Reconstruction, led by Laura Krause and Cheng Xiong of Saint Paul Public Works. No public comments, votes, or decisions are recorded. Further details from the meeting are unavailable due to the lack of documentation. Agenda Item - Hoyt-Birmingham Residential Street Reconstruction – Presented by Laura Krause and Cheng Xiong (Saint Paul Public Works). No additional information on the content or outcome of this presentation is available. Key Outcomes - No decisions, votes, or directives were recorded. The meeting may have been informational only, but this cannot be confirmed.

75
JUL 8, 2026 · ST PAUL, MINNESOTA · BUDGET COMMITTEE
Housing & Redevelopment Authority Meeting - July 8, 2026

The Saint Paul Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Board of Commissioners met on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting lasted approximately 16 minutes and included the approval of previous meeting minutes and two staff report introductions. No public comments were heard. The meeting was chaired by Chair Cheniqua Johnson, with six commissioners present and one absent (Commissioner Anika Bowie, excused). Approval of Minutes - Minutes 26-21: The minutes from the June 2026 HRA meetings (June 3, 10, and 24) were approved unanimously (6-0, with one absence). Discussion Items - Staff Report SR 26-134 – TWV Limited Partnership Loan Amendment (District 3, Ward 2): - Senior Project Manager Libby Logsden presented a request to modify a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) loan originally made to TWV Limited Partnership, a grouping of three affordable housing properties: Torre Day San Miguel (142 units), Westminster Place (99 units), and Vista Village (48 units). - The loan was originally $275,000 and has grown to approximately $727,000 with accrued interest. It is a deferred loan, with no payments made to date, maturing in 2042. - The request is to remove Torre Day San Miguel as collateral from the loan so that it can proceed to a November 2026 financial close for major rehabilitation, while keeping Westminster Place and Vista Village as collateral. The developer, Common Bond, is not seeking loan forgiveness for the interest portion at this time, but such a request is anticipated in the future. - The HRA discovered that its loan is actually in the first lien position (not second as previously thought), reducing risk. The estimated loan-to-value ratio is about 5.65% with the HRA in first position, compared to 15.5% if it were second position. - Commissioner Noecker asked questions about the impact on the other two properties and repayment terms. Staff clarified that removing Torre does not affect operations of the others and that the deferred loan structure means principal is typically carried but not paid as long as affordability terms are met. - The staff recommendation is to approve the amendment; the item will return for action on July 22. - Staff Report SR 26-136 – Three-Year Lease with Union Pacific Railroad for 43 Water Street (District 3, Ward 2): - Executive Director Melanie McMahon presented a proposed three-year lease with Union Pacific Railroad for exclusive use of an HRA-owned gravel parking lot at 43 Water Street (five parcels). The lot is currently managed by Trans Park Inc. and generates about $11,000 annually in parking revenue. - Union Pacific will use the site for construction trailer and employee parking during the reconstruction of the Mississippi River Lift Bridge. The project will take three years, with rail and marine traffic remaining in service. Construction equipment will be brought in by barge. - Lease terms: $1,600 per month rent ($19,200 annually) – an increase from current parking revenue. Union Pacific will also be responsible for site maintenance and security during the lease. - The lot lacks adequate stormwater systems and would require significant capital investment to continue as a parking lot. The West Side Flats Master Plan designates the area as future parkland. After the lease, the HRA intends to convey the property to the city's Parks Department (subject to future HRA approval). - The item will return for action on July 22 (not August 5 as noted in a slide). Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Unanimously (6-0). - Staff Reports Received and Filed: Both the TWV loan amendment and Union Pacific lease introductions were received and filed; they will be brought back for formal action at the July 22 HRA meeting. - Next Meeting: July 22, 2026 (the last HRA meeting for July; no meeting on July 15 or August 5). - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 2:18 PM.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 66% · ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE 21% · PROCEDURAL 9% · PARKS AND RECREATION 4%
76
JUL 8, 2026 · ST PAUL, MINNESOTA · BUDGET COMMITTEE
St. Paul Library Board Meeting – July 8, 2026: Equity & Anti-Racism Update

The St. Paul Library Board met on July 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Five members were present, two absent. The meeting focused on a staff presentation on equity, inclusion, and anti-racism coordination at St. Paul Public Libraries, followed by board discussion and announcements about upcoming events. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval (26-20): The board unanimously approved the Library Board minutes from June 3, 2026 (five in favor, zero opposed). Discussion Items - Staff Report 26-106 – Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Coordination: Coral Gessner, the equity, inclusion, and anti-racism coordinator for St. Paul Public Library, presented an overview of her role and the library's three-pillar framework: deepening equity behaviors and practices; advancing the library equity change team; and building community and new initiatives. She highlighted specific projects including: - Trainings on white supremacy culture characteristics (e.g., urgency) with the marketing and communications team. - The managers of color cohort, which provides peer support and skill-building for managers of color (who comprise about half of the management team). - Community competencies trainings, such as sessions on Indigenous communities delivered by the Minnesota Historical Society and Barry Hand. - Implementation of chosen/preferred names in patron accounts (2024). - A trans and non-binary inclusion effort for Trans Day of Visibility 2024, including printmaking quilts displayed at two branches. - Staff well-being initiative, currently in phase two. - Board Questions and Feedback: - Councilmember Kim asked whether the library's racial equity trainings supplement or replace citywide DEI trainings. Ms. Gessner clarified that the library's two trainings ("Four Essential Things to Know About Racism" and "Understanding and Interrupting Bias") build off city-provided trainings but are contextualized for library staff. Councilmember Kim also expressed appreciation for the managers of color cohort but raised a concern about the need for separate accountability spaces for white staff to address white supremacy culture, noting that burden should not fall solely on people of color. Ms. Gessner acknowledged the feedback and mentioned plans for future accountability spaces. - Councilmember Naker asked about the relationship between library equity work and broader city equity work, particularly whether community competencies trainings could be extrapolated to other city departments. Ms. Gessner noted that citywide training via the equity core team (e.g., Minnesota Humanities Center tours) exists, but library-specific scheduling challenges necessitate tailored offerings. - Chair Jules thanked Ms. Gessner for the presentation, expressed pride in the library's equity leadership during a time of federal rollback of DEI initiatives, and inquired about career pipelines for frontline workers into managerial positions. Ms. Gessner highlighted the managers of color cohort and equity change team as incubators for skill-building and leadership development. Key Outcomes - The board adopted the June 3, 2026 library board minutes (unanimous). - The board received and discussed the staff report on equity, inclusion, and anti-racism coordination; no formal action was taken. - Upcoming events announced: - Hamline Midway Library Opening: Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM (library open longer). Includes story time at 10:30 AM, ribbon cutting at 11:15 AM, tours, Two Scoops ice cream, artists, music, and a doodle booth. - Next Library Board Meeting: Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

RACIAL EQUITY 84% · PROCEDURAL 16%
77
JUL 8, 2026 · ST PAUL, MINNESOTA · CITY COUNCIL
St. Paul City Council Policy Committee Meeting: Noise Ordinance and Data Centers Discussion - July 8, 2026

The St. Paul City Council Policy Committee met on July 8, 2026, to discuss two major topics: potential changes to the downtown noise ordinance and the implications of data center development in the city. Presentations were given by city staff, police, community organizations, and energy providers. No formal votes were taken; the session was informational. Discussion Items Downtown Noise Ordinance - The Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) presented current noise regulations, including a citywide standard that prohibits noise causing "significant discomfort or annoyance to a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities." DSI noted that sound level limits vary by zoning: downtown Class III areas allow up to 80 decibels at all times, while residential Class I areas allow 65 decibels daytime and 55 at night. Amplified sound permits can allow higher levels. Solid waste collection is permitted at any time downtown, but restricted to 6 a.m.–10 p.m. in residential areas. DSI emphasized the need for better enforcement tools, such as administrative citations. - Commander Eric Hammer of the St. Paul Police Department explained that noise complaints are typically dispatched as priority 4 calls (lowest priority), and response times can be delayed due to higher-priority calls. Officers engage, educate, and encourage compliance; enforcement is a last step. Only one sound meter is available in the district, limiting precise decibel enforcement. - The Capitol River Council (CRC) presented results of community engagement conducted with over 150 downtown residents. Key findings: 32% said noise was not a concern at all, 16% rated it low priority, 13% high priority, and 37% medium priority. Almost half of respondents expressed concerns about racially biased enforcement. Common complaints included garbage trucks reversing, loud vehicles, altercations, and outdoor concerts. CRC noted that opinions were polarized between long-term residents (who want stricter rules) and newer residents (more mixed). No formal recommendations were made, but CRC suggested targeted approaches such as better coordination of trash pickup and public education on existing regulations. - Council members discussed the tension between downtown vibrancy and residential livability, the need for equitable enforcement, and the possibility of addressing specific noise sources (e.g., garbage trucks) rather than broad quiet hours. Councilmember Bowie questioned whether police resources are best used for noise enforcement. Data Centers - Cure, a rural-based nonprofit, presented on the rise of hyperscale data centers (over 100 megawatts) and their resource impacts. They highlighted concerns about energy consumption (one 100 MW facility can power 75,000 homes), water use varying by cooling system, and the lack of transparency, including non-disclosure agreements. Cure advocated for 100% new clean energy from the start, community benefit agreements, and local zoning controls. They noted that states and cities are using moratoriums to study data centers. - Michael DeHern of District Energy St. Paul (Evergreen) described the opportunity to co-locate urban infill data centers (2–50 MW) with the district's hot water system. Captured waste heat can displace natural gas, helping the city meet carbon goals. He noted that most new cooling systems are non-water-consumptive. The existing pipe network covers most of downtown, making connections feasible. - John Marshall of Xcel Energy explained that the utility has excess capacity and that large data center projects like the Google facility in Pine Island are structured so that costs are not passed to other ratepayers. He highlighted franchise fee benefits for cities. Xcel is engaging with communities to address concerns about reliability and costs. - Council members asked about community benefit agreements (Cure noted few examples exist), workforce development (District Energy deferred to developers), and the need for data to validate community concerns. Councilmember Kim emphasized that this was the start of a broader conversation involving residents, labor, and industry. Key Outcomes - No decisions or votes were taken on either topic. - The noise ordinance discussion will continue; council members expressed interest in targeted approaches rather than broad quiet hours. - The data center conversation is considered a starting point; council plans to gather more information from stakeholders including residents, labor, and energy developers. Councilmember Kim noted that time constraints limited the depth of discussion and further meetings are expected.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 25% · PUBLIC SAFETY 14% · TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION 12% · ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE 11%
78
JUL 8, 2026 · ST PAUL, MINNESOTA · BUDGET COMMITTEE
Saint Paul City Council Meeting – July 8, 2026

The Saint Paul City Council met on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 3:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included consent agenda approvals, public hearings, and discussion items. Notable actions included the establishment of the GIS Supervisor pay rate, recognition of the 30th anniversary of the Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story play, a public hearing on the Tree Preservation Ordinance, and a tenant appeal regarding a fire correction notice. All votes were unanimous (7-0) unless otherwise noted. Communications & Receive/File - AO 26-39: Amended the financing and spending plans for the University Avenue Reconstruction Project. Received and filed. - AO 26-38: Established one new project through the Neighborhood STAR Year-Round Program. Received and filed. - AO 26-40: Amended CDBG Project Budgets, allocating $150,000 for demolition of 648-656 Bush Avenue and returning $7,821.70 NENO funds to the undesignated fund. Received and filed. - AO 26-41: Authorized moving $71,499 from signing and lighting materials budget for a garage door replacement at 899 Dale Street. Received and filed. Consent Calendar - Items 5 through 32 were adopted by one motion, with items 33 and 34 pulled for separate discussion. The consent agenda was adopted as amended (7-0). Key items included: - Res 26-903: Authorizing grant applications for federal and regional transportation funding. - Res 26-944: Approving tree removal costs and setting assessment hearings. - Res 26-968: Applying for curbside charging sub-grant from Rocky Mountain Institute. - Res 26-1000, 26-1001, 26-1002: Approving roadway infrastructure permits for the Highland Bridge (Ford Site) development. - Res 26-1016: Approving 2026 Right of Way Permit Fee Rates. - Res 26-1023: Naming Phalen Picnic Island to Tou Ger Xiong Island. - Res 26-1025: Authorizing a community garden license agreement with West Side Community Organization. - Res 26-1036, 26-1056, 26-1059: Accepting gifts for travel and training for city officials. - Res 26-1046: Authorizing solar interconnection agreement with Xcel Energy at Dayton’s Bluff Recreation Center. - Res 26-1052: Grant funds for Bewick Cafe LLC walk-in cooler/freezer project. - Res 26-1055: Approving special law for on-sale liquor licenses to Science Museum and Union Depot. - Res 26-1057: Approving sanitary sewer assessments for the Gold Line BRT project. - Res 26-1058: Honoring Catherine Plessner and recognizing July 9, 2026 as Catherine Plessner Day. - Res 26-1073: Approving change of ownership for liquor license at Mounds Park Lounge. - Res 26-1074: Approving new liquor license for Bewick Café. - Res 26-1075: Approving 2026 Cultural Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) Grant Program awards. - Res 26-1077: Approving 2026 Neighborhood STAR Grant Program awards. - Res 26-1092: Adopting report that Tenant Right to Repair initiative petition is insufficient. - Res 26-1142, 26-1064: Authorizing police department grant applications for firearms storage and crisis intervention. - Res 26-998 and 26-1051 (labor agreements) laid over to July 15, 2026. Discussion Items - RES 26-969 (Item 33): Establishing the rate of pay for the classification of GIS Supervisor, EG 09, SPSO, Grade 019. A technical amendment was added (version two). Adopted as amended (7-0). - RES 26-1106 (Item 34): Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story. Councilmember Johnson introduced the resolution. Rose McGee, creator of the play, testified alongside supporters from the Minnesota Humanities Center and Sweet Potato Comfort Pie. The resolution recognizes McGee’s contributions and the play’s enduring impact. Adopted (7-0). Public Hearings & Testimony - RES PH 26-146 (Sound level variance for 4th Annual Rondo Block Party on August 1, 2026 at 820 Rondo Avenue): No public testimony. Public hearing closed and resolution adopted (7-0). - RES PH 26-147 (Sound level variance for Chicano Fest on July 11, 2026 at 235 Marshall Avenue): No public testimony. Public hearing closed and resolution adopted (7-0). - Ord 25-4 (Tree Preservation for City Sponsored Construction Projects): Public hearing held. Multiple speakers testified in support. - Tom Darling (Summit Avenue Residential Preservation Association) expressed support for the ordinance, noting it prioritizes tree preservation over replacement. He thanked Megan Jackett for her work. - Gary Todd (Ward 2) asked whether the ordinance would force alternative designs to preserve trees and requested periodic reporting on its effectiveness. - Bridget Allen Alice (tree input group member) emphasized the high value of preserving mature trees for mental, physical, and financial health. - Michael John Peace (Saint Paul Parks Conservancy) praised the collaborative process and noted trees are now acknowledged as public infrastructure. Public hearing was temporarily reopened due to a video feed issue, then closed. The ordinance is laid over to July 15, 2026 for final adoption. Legislative Hearing Items - Item 43 – RLH FCO 26-51: Appeal of Ambe McKenzie, tenant of unit 5 at 683 Kansas Avenue, to a Fire Certificate of Occupancy Correction Notice (June 9, 2026). Legislative Hearing Officer Joanna Zimny reported findings including leaky drain, smoke alarms removed, and holes. The appellant McKenzie testified about ongoing problems with the landlord, alleged theft, and retaliation. Council President Noecker offered to assist after the meeting. The council denied the appeal and granted until August 7, 2026 for compliance (7-0). - Legislative Hearing Consent Agenda (Items 40-42, 44-49): Adopted as amended (7-0). Notable actions: - Item 40 (399 Blair Ave): Public hearing continued to July 15, 2026. - Item 41 (947 Fremont Ave): $5,000 of $15,000 performance deposit forfeited; granted 180 days; referred to August 11, 2026 Legislative Hearing. - Item 44 (1655 McAfee St): Appeal denied; lower unit to be vacated immediately. - Item 47 (65 Rose Ave E): Appeal of Jay Mitchell (Quality Residences LLC) adopted. - Item 49 (855 Third St E): Additional extension granted to Paris Getty. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous (7-0). - Consent agenda adopted as amended. - GIS Supervisor pay rate established (adopted as amended). - 30th anniversary of Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story recognized. - Sound level variances for two community events approved. - Tree Preservation Ordinance public hearing concluded; ordinance laid over for final adoption on July 15, 2026. - Tenant appeal at 683 Kansas Avenue denied; compliance deadline set for August 7, 2026. - Several property appeals resolved with specific conditions as noted. - Multiple grants, permits, and license changes approved. - Labor agreements for Saint Paul Supervisors' Organization and Professional Employees Association laid over to July 15, 2026. - Meeting adjourned at 4:30 PM.

PARKS AND RECREATION 27% · ARTS AND CULTURE 21% · PUBLIC SAFETY 14% · COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 10%
79
JUL 1, 2026 · ST PAUL, MINNESOTA · TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Transportation Committee of the Planning Commission Meeting - July 1, 2026

The Transportation Committee of the Planning Commission met on July 1, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., per the provided schedule. However, the agenda lists the date as Monday, July 6, 2026, creating a date discrepancy. The only agenda item was a presentation on the Public Works Draft ADA Transition Plan by Laura Krause of Saint Paul Public Works. No minutes or transcript are available, so details on discussion, public testimony, or decisions are absent. Discussion Items - Public Works Draft ADA Transition Plan – Laura Krause (Saint Paul Public Works) presented the draft plan for committee review. No further information on the content, committee questions, or public input is documented. Key Outcomes - No decisions, votes, or next steps are recorded. The meeting may have concluded without formal action, or outcomes were not captured in available materials.

80
JUN 24, 2026 · ST PAUL, MINNESOTA · CITY COUNCIL
Saint Paul HRA Meeting – June 24, 2026: Fund Reservations, Covenant Release, and Property Sale

The Saint Paul Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Board of Commissioners met on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall. Chair Cheniqua Johnson presided. Commissioners Anika Bowie and Molly Coleman were excused; Commissioners HwaJeong Kim and Molly Coleman arrived later during the meeting. The meeting lasted 20 minutes and included three action items: a resolution to reserve funds for state housing applications, a resolution to release a 4(d) affordable housing covenant on a property being sold to an owner-occupier, and a public hearing to approve the sale and redevelopment of an HRA-owned parcel. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public testified during the public hearing for Item 3 (1087 Ross Avenue sale). Chair Johnson called for testimony, and seeing none, closed the hearing. Discussion Items - RES 26-1008 – Reservation of Funds for Saint Paul Projects Applying for Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Funding – Chair Johnson expressed strong support for the resolution, noting the importance of state investments in the city's affordable housing and redevelopment projects, particularly on the East Side and throughout the city. She thanked staff and developers for their work over many years. The board discussed no further questions; the resolution was approved 4-0 (Commissioners Noecker, Yang, Johnson, Jost in favor; Bowie, Kim, Coleman absent). - RES 26-1026 – Authorization to Release the 4(d) Affordable Housing Incentive Program Covenant on 556 Gotzian St. – Executive Director Melanie McMahon introduced the item, noting it was a time-sensitive action item. Project Management Tech Lucas Allen presented, explaining that 556 Gotzian Street is a single unit restricted at 50% AMI enrolled in the 4(d) program in 2023. The property is being sold to an income-qualifying owner-occupier (80% AMI) who is also using down payment assistance. Since the property will no longer be a rental, the 4(d) covenant, which provides up to an 80% property tax reduction for rental units, was being requested for release to clear title. Commissioners discussed the timing and process: the sale was initially scheduled before the HRA meeting, pushing back the closing to accommodate board action. Chair Johnson raised concerns about the lack of earlier communication to the HRA regarding the sale, and whether property owners in the 4(d) program fully understand their obligation to notify the city of a pending sale. Commissioner Noecker noted that the annual compliance check mitigates risk, as non-compliance simply means loss of the tax benefit. Further discussion explored whether there is a mechanism to recapture the tax benefit if the property stops being affordable mid-year; staff agreed to follow up with state partners on implementation details. Commissioner Kim asked whether the title company's discovery of the declaration triggered the notification. Staff clarified that owners are expected to have awareness through annual compliance. The board approved the resolution 6-0 (Noecker, Yang, Johnson, Jost, Kim, Coleman in favor; Bowie absent). - RES PH 26-145 – Sale and Conveyance of HRA-owned Parcel at 1087 Ross Avenue – This was a public hearing item. Chair Johnson opened the hearing; no testimony was offered. Commissioner Yang moved to close the hearing and approve the resolution. The board voted 6-0 to adopt, authorizing the sale, development agreement, and expenditures for redevelopment in District 4, Ward 6. Key Outcomes - Adopted RES 26-1008 (4-0) – Reservation of funds for Saint Paul projects applying for Minnesota Housing Finance Agency funding. - Adopted RES 26-1026 (6-0) – Released the 4(d) affordable housing covenant on 556 Gotzian St. to facilitate the sale to an income-qualifying owner-occupier. - Adopted RES PH 26-145 (6-0) – Approved the sale and redevelopment of the HRA-owned parcel at 1087 Ross Avenue. - Next Meeting: July 8, 2026 (no meeting July 1 or July 15; next meeting after July 8 is July 22). - Adjournment: 2:20 PM.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 61% · PROCEDURAL 39%
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