North St. Paul City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Proclamations: Arbor Day and National Animal Therapy Day
Special Event and Food Truck Permitting Ordinance Amendment
General Obligation Street Construction and Utility Bonds Sale
2025 Street and Utility Improvement Project Contract Award
City Department and Commission Reports
Votes (4)
Approve ordinance amending chapter 122 of the North St. Paul city code, which is a special permit
Dissent: One unnamed Council Member voted 'Nay'.
Moved by Council member Woods [00:09:43] · Seconded by Council member Norby [00:09:51]
Attorney Jeff explained the ordinance clarifies special event permitting by removing an inactive vendor license requirement. The new system requires an event umbrella permit and an annual food vendor permit (costing $80-$160, including a fire inspection). Public citizens, representing St. Peter's Catholic Church, expressed concern that the new annual food truck fee, though streamlining the process, creates a financial burden for their nonprofit fundraising events, as they traditionally used a single 'umbrella fee' to cover all vendors. Council member Norby suggested a future workshop to assess the financial impact on local charities and potentially revisit the food truck ordinance.
Award and sale of the $6.53 million general obligation street construction and utility bonds series 2025A
Moved by Council member McKinzy [00:34:10] · Seconded by Council member Woods [00:34:20]
Michaela Hwitt from Baker Tilly presented the results of the bond sale, noting the volatile market conditions but a successful outcome with a 4.0217% true interest cost. A major announcement was the city's S&P credit rating upgrade from AA to AA+, attributed to strong financial performance, increased reserves, and sound financial policies like the formal fund balance policy and long-term operating forecast. This upgrade is expected to yield interest rate savings for the city.
2025 street utility improvement project – receive bid, award contract, and authorize professional construction services
Moved by Council member Woods [01:00:13] · Seconded by Council member McKenzie [01:00:26]
Engineer Dolly outlined the scope of the 2025 street and utility improvement project (City Project 25-01), covering full road reconstruction, new utilities, and Casey Lake Park enhancements. The project bids were favorable, with RL Larson Excavating being the low bidder at $5,137,768.48, which was within the engineer's estimate. An open house for the public is scheduled for the following day. Discussion included contractor qualifications and the city's contractual protections against price volatility and contractor default.
Approve construction service proposal with WSB for the 2025 street and utility improvement budget
Dissent: One unnamed Council Member voted 'Against'.
Moved by Council member Norby [01:01:06] · Seconded by Council member Woods [01:01:17]
Engineer Dolly recommended approving the professional services agreement with WSB for $625,936. This agreement covers essential construction phase services, including a full-time construction observer (Mark Lynch), contract administration, surveying, and staking, ensuring the project's quality and compliance.
Notable Quotes (7)
So what this specific ordinance is doing is actually removing a vendor license requirement that is currently inactive under the code.
I want my umbrella fee. I can't wait to pay you my umbrella fee. which which is how it's going to be this year. What's going to affect you is the next year.
my recommendation would be that a we do vote on this tonight, but we also asked Brian to contact local charities and get the cost burden that this will change in in 26 to a workshop to see if we would want to revisit the food truck ordinance.
Again, the purpose for the bonds the proceeds are used to finance various street reconstruction projects that were identified in the city's 5-year street reconstruction plan for which the city did hold a public hearing and approve that plan. various utility projects within the city as well as related costs of issuance for the project.
the results of the rating review this week week was an upgrade from a double A to A plus. So that's great great news for the city and reflects the accomplishments that the city's made related to the financial stability.
We're trying to do everything we can to kind of protect that investment and then walk away and reset that infrastructure life cycle clock for this whole area. Trying to address as many things as we can.
I guess the most interesting thing to me was that the low two bids were only separated by $23,000 on a bid that was over $5 million. So that generally indicates that we're probably getting the best market price for the improvements that we possibly could.
Ordinances & Resolutions (24)
Official declaration designating a special day for tree planting and appreciation.
Official declaration recognizing the benefits of therapy animals.
Minutes from previous city council meetings, approved on the consent agenda.
Ordinance regarding consumption and display permits, approved on consent agenda.
Document outlining future development and management of city parks and open spaces, received final approval.
Supplemental agreement, approved on consent agenda.
Permit for a specific charitable gambling event, approved on consent agenda.
Summary report of building permits issued, approved on consent agenda.
Ordinance related to special event permits and vendor licensing.
Annual permit required for food trucks and vendors operating in the city.
County-level food safety license for food vendors.
Bonds issued to finance street reconstruction and utility projects.
Resolution to award the sale of General Obligation Street Construction and Utility Bonds Series 2025A.
City plan identifying street projects to be financed by the bonds.
City policy governing minimum fund balance levels, contributing to credit rating upgrade.
City document for budget and planning, contributing to credit rating upgrade.
City project for street reconstruction and utility upgrades on several avenues and in Casey Lake Park.
Agreement for the 2025 street and utility improvement project with RL Larson Excavating.
Agreement for engineering and construction observation services for the 2025 street and utility improvement project.
City plan outlining capital projects, including the 2025 street and utility improvements.
Minnesota Department of Transportation specifications applied to city construction materials.
Ongoing public works program to inspect and address lead service lines.
Document under discussion by the Planning Commission for regulating downtown development.
Economic Development Authority program to enhance downtown building exteriors.