North St. Paul City Council — Transcript
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Police Chief Oath of Office
Public Safety and Infrastructure Concerns
Rezoning for Delaware and 17th Avenue Development
Park Planning and Design Services Contract
Public Works Storage Needs
City-Wide Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Official Newspaper Designation for Public Notices
Arts and Culture Commission Projects
EDA Budget and Facade Improvement Program
Votes (3)
Oath of Office for Police Chief Ray Rosales
Dissent: None
Moved by null · Seconded by null
The formal swearing-in ceremony for incoming Police Chief Ray Rosales. The event included an opening prayer, the reading of the oath of office, and remarks from Chief Rosales expressing his commitment to the city and appreciation for the support received. Outgoing Chief Phil Benroth was also acknowledged.
Delaware and 17th Avenue Development Project Resolution
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Cole [00:29:40] · Seconded by Council Member Norby [00:29:40]
The council considered a resolution to approve the rezoning of 2329 17th Avenue from R1 to R2, along with a preliminary plat and planned unit development for an upcoming housing project. The item was presented by the City Manager, indicating it was primarily a procedural approval following prior presentations.
Contract with HGA for Park Planning and Design Services
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Schwe [00:44:40] · Seconded by Council Member Wong [00:44:40]
Park Board representatives presented their recommendation to contract with HGA for Phase One of park planning and design, focusing on McKnight Fields and two pocket parks. The selection process involved reviewing over 12 bids, with HGA chosen for its clear understanding of North St. Paul's unique needs, creative ideas (like integrating the Gateway), and a robust, non-superficial community engagement strategy. The cost for Phase One is $60,000. Discussions included funding clarification from the City Manager and a suggestion from Public Works to consider allocating a portion of McKnight Fields for city storage needs.
Notable Quotes (4)
I just want to say I'm very grateful and humbled to be in this role in this position... I am a very lucky person to come into this position simply because of what I know I'm about to inherit and that is Rock Solid a government that a local government that is also Rock Solid and very supportive.
One of or a couple of the biggest reasons that we decided to go with them was this very clear investment and understanding of North St Paul its needs what resources we have and kind of like the culture and climate of the city and it really stood out.
The community engagement we're used to doing mailers and Facebook but the reality is is sometimes the people utilizing the parks most aren't the ones who see these surveys and they have a way to get into the parks and get this information use the car show use the information the the public Gatherings we have now to really get the right feedback.
One issue that we've had for a very long time is we don't have a lot of space for the city we have a very small yard for the public works facility... one idea that was floated kind of throughout the years um that area of the t-ball field is not used very highly and it was just thrown out there at some point to do we have it as an outside storage for that with a large privacy type fence.
Ordinances & Resolutions (8)
Bid for a facilities assessment, part of the consent agenda.
Resolution for rezoning, preliminary plat, and planned unit development for 2329 17th Avenue.
Contract for consulting services to develop a park master plan.
Methodology used by HGA for community engagement in park planning.
Ordinances related to fences, discussed by the Planning Commission.
Designation of the newspaper used for legal public notices, under review for broader reach.
Final proposed plan from the Park Board to be presented to council.
Economic development program for local businesses, under discussion for its structure (loan/grant).