North St. Paul City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Code Enforcement Updates
Water Service Entrance Discussion
Votes (2)
Code Enforcement Updates
Jason Melinger, Fire Chief, and McKenzie Foster provided an update on code enforcement. They discussed statistics on staff-entered and citizen-reported violations (e.g., tall grass, snow removal, garbage, tree issues) using the Open Gov system. Challenges like resident resource limitations and the emerald ash borer were noted. The process for correcting violations, including summary abatement orders (billed at $240/hour plus expenses), and situations requiring legal intervention were detailed. The importance of ordinance review, positive public reinforcement through various communication channels, and the potential for a mobile app to streamline documentation were also key points. Council members inquired about code accessibility, potential city-assisted tree removal programs, and how citizen complaints are updated.
Water Service Entrance Discussion
Roni, Public Works Director, presented the existing city ordinance stating property owners own and are responsible for water service lines from the main to their building, with the exception of the 'operation of the curb stop.' He compared this to policies in Burnsville, Little Canada, and Vadnais Heights, where ownership and responsibilities vary. Roni shared several real-life emergency scenarios, including basement flooding and a main line spraying water, illustrating the difficulties faced when curb stops are inoperable and the judgment calls required. The discussion underscored the ambiguity of 'operation of the curb stop' and the potential liability for the city. Council members suggested re-wording the ordinance to clarify responsibilities, considering a waiver for city operation of curb stops, and potentially allowing licensed plumbers to operate them. There was consensus to work with the city attorney on these revisions.
Notable Quotes (8)
So to date uh as listed we utilize open gov for documenting and categorizing and keeping track of all of our uh code compliance issues.
Yeah. So, and on the tree issues, obviously over the past few years, this has been a big problem for us because of the emerald ashbor as we know. um that has killed many a tree and a dead tree on your property is a violation.
And the the rate is uh $240 per hour plus expenses.
I do believe that there's a good amount of people that just aren't aware of the city codes.
Sewer and water service from a building to a connection at the main are owned by the property owners and they are responsible for all repairs maintenance except for the operation of the curb stop.
I definitely want to follow our policy and have something to stand behind and have the support of the people around me.
I would say, you know, in any ordinances [clears throat] there's I don't want to say in any, but in a lot of ordinances, and this is probably one, where there's got to be wiggle room. There's got to be, you know, judgment calls.
I think we should also have it if the plumber if they're hiring a plumber that the plumber could be able to shut it off, too. So then they then you're not having to, you know, if they know where it is, they like my the house I'm in now, there's a little manhole cover.
Ordinances & Resolutions (6)
System used for documenting, categorizing, and tracking code compliance issues, and for citizen resource submissions/complaints.
General reference to the book of city ordinances and codes for guidance on property maintenance and water service.
A guide created to promote property maintenance and provide information to residents, proposed for broader promotion.
A code that recently had language changes to aid enforcement.
A code currently being reviewed and updated to clarify requirements and issues with fence construction and appearance.
A proposed document for homeowners to sign, releasing the city from liability when operating curb stops, particularly in non-emergency situations.