North St. Paul City Council — Transcript
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Uncollected Park Dedication Fees
Review of Draft Park and Open Space Master Plan
Selection of Park Planning and Design Services Firm
Reinstatement of Annual Park Cleanup Day
Public Works Updates and Commissioner Reports
Votes (4)
Public Comment: Uncollected Park Dedication Fees
John Schal presented findings from his data requests, revealing that $80,100 in park dedication fees from the 89-unit Sentinel building were not collected, despite being part of the construction agreement. He expressed frustration over the lack of city response regarding who authorized this waiver and where city code permits such an action.
Park and Open Space Master Plan Review
Moved by Sarah [5:27] · Seconded by Laura [5:30]
Brandy presented the final draft of the Citywide Policy Guide for Park and Recreation. The document includes public comments, needs analysis, and a compilation of existing plans, suggesting a two-step planning process for future widespread park improvements. Commissioners provided feedback on minor factual errors regarding park names (e.g., Casey Lake, Dorothy Park, Central Park, Rotary Park) and spelling (Colby Hill/Hills). The commission agreed to review the full document individually and make a motion to accept or decline it at the next meeting.
Recommendation of Park Planning and Design Services Firm
Moved by Dave [11:48] · Seconded by Sarah [11:57]
The subcommittee recommended HDA as the park planning and design services firm, having reviewed 12-16 proposals and conducted interviews. HDA was chosen for its holistic community engagement approach, functional and spectacular designs (evidenced by previous projects like Theo Wirth Park), and a local connection. The firm's pricing was competitive. It was also suggested to consider acquiring more downtown space for a potentially more impactful park project. The commission moved to recommend HDA to the City Council.
Park Cleanup Day Discussion
The commission discussed reinstating an annual park cleanup day, to be scheduled around Earth Day. It was suggested to schedule it for April 26, 2025, and involve the wider community, not just high school groups as in the past. The plan includes discussing budget and volunteer coordination in upcoming meetings. It was agreed to add this event to the 2025 calendar.
Notable Quotes (10)
you can see that there's a missing number and there's 89 units in the Sentinel and it's $900 a pop a unit and it's blank they didn't collect it it was part of the construction agreement that they would pay it but it was not paid
I have submitted no less than four additional data request saying who authorized it where is the authorization where is the code where the regulations of the city that says you can wave it and who waved it I've received nothing
what you have in the packet today is um the three additional chapters that weren't in there before so a summary of our public comments from our um survey that was completed over the course of the summer
the document is really beautiful it's really well laid out easy to understand and I know um for those of us who've been on this uh Council through Co have gone in circles on this park document so being able to put a stamp on it and feel good about it at least uh in the right direction is is promising
I would like to make a motion by next meeting we make a motion to accept or decline the master plan
we really liked their holistic approach um that was really inclusive to not just people online or people you know that can typically answer to surveys this was a really thoughtful approach of getting in and getting to people who may not even always be able to answer those surveys
I'd actually like to bring in front of council the opportunity to maybe acquire a different space within downtown seeing what this company can do with a small amount of space is really spectacular being able to bring something iconic idealistic something that can represent our community can bring entertainment to downtown
one of the biggest reasons that we pick them is because of their amazing attention to detail in their Community engagement strategy and really taking the time to make sure that they're hearing everyone's voices in the community
i'd like to see us make a plan for next year um usually what we used to do is have Park cleanup right around Earth thing so like this last weekend would have been Park cleanup
I think rather than just tying it to the high school because when we first had Park cleanups so now I'm talking 15 years ago when I maybe 16 when I was first a park commissioner we used to do that all the time and then the high school kind of took it on themselves
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
Requests submitted by a citizen seeking authorization and justification for waived park dedication fees for major construction projects.
Agreement for The Sentinel project that included a provision for park dedication fees, which were not collected.
Draft document (also referred to as 'Citywide policy guide for Park and Recreation and open space in the community') presented for review and potential adoption.
The specific title of the draft master plan document presented for review.
Existing comprehensive plan whose park and recreation recommendations were reviewed and incorporated into the master plan draft.
An existing park plan whose recommendations were reviewed and incorporated into the master plan draft.
An existing plan whose recommendations were reviewed for the master plan draft, noted as potentially not formally adopted by the city.
Document issued by the city for Park Planning and Design Services, resulting in multiple company bids.
Document prepared for the commission to formally recommend HDA to the City Council for park planning services.
Budgetary framework referenced in discussions about funding and cost analysis for park design services.
Document outlining the timeline for the Howy Park construction project.