Public Safety and Police Department Enhancements

The South St. Paul Police Department introduced its therapy K9, Riley, in partnership with Soldier 6, focusing on officer mental health and community relations. They formalized a training and career development program for new officers and secured federal and state funding for ballistic vests and license plate reader technology. For 2025, a new transparency and data page will launch on the city website, featuring real-time crime data and maps to inform residents.

South Metro Fire Department Growth and Modernization

The Fire Department responded to a historic 8,114 incidents in 2024. Thanks to a grant, more firefighters were added to staff a third ambulance 24/7. A new regional training partnership with Burnsville, Eagan, and Lakeville was established, providing recruits with improved hands-on experience, including live fire exercises. The department developed its first formal strategic plan, renewed its EMS contract with M Health, securing $2.5 million in revenue over three years, and replaced a nearly 30-year-old ladder truck. The department also welcomed a new service dog, Finnegan, after the loss of Hagan.

Major City Infrastructure and Utility Improvements

South St. Paul undertook a complete reconstruction of 7th Avenue South, including water main replacement under I494 to mitigate sinkhole risks. The Conquered Exchange also received a full reconstruction with streetscape improvements. The Wakakota Scenic Trail Head project was completed, enhancing outdoor recreational access. Significant progress was made on the water treatment plant at well #3 to address radium levels, and staff completed an inventory of lead water service lines, securing grant funding for their replacement. Funding was also secured for PFAS contamination at well #4. Pedestrian safety was improved through sidewalk repairs and new trails around Sidles Lake. For 2025, a $1 million Safe Route to School grant was secured for Marie Avenue pedestrian access improvements.

Community and Economic Development Initiatives

South St. Paul modernized its zoning code and subdivision ordinance, passing new rules to facilitate outdoor dining, signage, residential additions, and craft production, aiming to reduce red tape and support local businesses. The city continued its public tree canopy restoration efforts with DNR grants, planting 124 new trees in 2024. The South Conquered Corridor study and the Library Reuse Study began, with the latter's report due in May 2025. The 'The Backyards' development, adding 263 market rate housing units, was completed. The EDA's low-interest loan programs supported homeowners, seniors, and businesses. Major progress was made on the Hardman Triangle Super Block redevelopment, including demolitions and property acquisitions, with a master plan adopted in March 2025 and a preliminary development agreement with Zavi Development.

Fleming Field Airport Infrastructure Upgrades

Major infrastructure improvements at Fleming Field included the reconstruction of a key taxiway to enhance safety and reliability for aircraft operators. The airport's aging beacon system was replaced, improving nighttime visibility and overall airport safety. Looking ahead to 2026, a major fuel system replacement project is planned to modernize fueling infrastructure and ensure long-term efficiency for airport users and businesses.

Public Works Department Road and Fleet Modernization

The Public Works department invested in critical road maintenance, completing street overlays on Richmond Street, Syndicate Avenue, and 9th Avenue South, which extend road lifespans and reduce long-term costs. Preventive measures like crack sealing and chip seal coating were also performed. The city's vehicle fleet was significantly updated with a new tanker truck, three single-axle dump trucks, three pickup trucks, and one one-ton dump truck, ensuring readiness for snow removal and daily operations. For 2025, additional street overlays are planned, and an employee will be certified in playground inspection and maintenance.

Parks and Recreation Enhancements and Programs

The Parks Master Plan was finalized in 2024, providing a 10-20 year roadmap for park improvements, with playground replacements scheduled to begin in 2025. Nearly $30,000 in grants from DNR, MDH, No Child Left Inside, and SHIP supported new youth and community rental programs for year-round activities like cross-country skiing and biking. The Summit Park tennis courts will be resurfaced with USTA funding. The city council approved a pool feasibility and design study in October 2024 to explore options for a future aquatic facility. Various facility upgrades were completed, including a new volleyball court at Lorine Park, a trail overlay at Caposia Landing, Caposia Park pavilion upgrades, and eight renovated ball fields. Community events like the 5K color run, Splish Splash Bash, and Giant Egg Hunt saw continued success. Plans for 2025 include replacing the Zamboni and upgrading HVAC systems at Doug Woo Arena.

Community Engagement and Historical Preservation

A community task force successfully intervened to save the 'Lucy' statue, relocating it to the Dakota County Caposia Library as a symbol of community spirit. A memorial was dedicated in Lashi Park to local historian Lois Gvy and the 90 South St. Paul women who were the first in the nation to vote after the 19th Amendment, preserving this significant historical moment. The 'Knockout Hunger Border Battle' between South St. Paul and West St. Paul involved over 200 volunteers packing more than 30,000 oatmeal packets for local food shelves. A new committee was formed to continue the South St. Paul Memorial Day parade and program, ensuring the preservation of this time-honored tradition after the local VFW merged.

City Clerk Services and Rental Housing Standards

The City Clerk's office managed three elections in 2024: the presidential nominating primary, statewide primary, and presidential general election. A major change was the introduction and expansion of in-person early voting at City Hall, increasing accessibility from 7 to 18 days with extended hours, utilized by over 3,300 residents in November alone. Significant changes were made to the rental licensing program to improve housing quality, requiring property owners to provide leases and screening processes, and strengthening the inspection program. For 2025, the office plans to evaluate and realign city precincts to reduce congestion and improve parking and staffing balance, especially for large precincts like Caposia Education Center.

Public Housing Modernization and Energy Efficiency

The South St. Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) completed a major plumbing modernization project at the John Carroll Highrise, requiring temporary resident relocation for 18 months and resulting in fully updated kitchens and bathrooms, along with hazardous materials mitigation. The 20-year Energy Performance Contract (EPC) with HUD closed, and a new Project Development Agreement was signed with Johnson Controls for a new EPC. This new agreement will facilitate a range of energy-efficient upgrades for both John Carroll and Nan McKay high-rise buildings, including HVAC heat pump units, solar panel systems, LED lighting, and geothermal options. The HRA is actively applying for funding through Minnesota Housing's POP forgivable loan program, HAI Group, and a HUD emergency capital grant to support these projects.