North St. Paul City Council — Transcript
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Public Forum - Weather Considerations for Outdoor Events
Commissioner Introductions and Subcommittee Structure
Snowy Trading Cards Distribution
Mural Projects Update
Utility Box Wraps for Veterans Park
Heart Hands Project Completion
Art Cart Planning and Organization
Public Art Concepts ('Donuts' Subcommittee)
Commissioner and City Council Liaison Reports
Votes (3)
Autumn Arts Festival Goal Setting Discussion
The commission engaged in a critical discussion to define the core purpose of the annual Autumn Arts Festival. The debate centered on whether to strictly maintain its arts and culture focus or to expand it into a broader community fair with attractions like bounce houses and petting zoos. Concerns were raised about potentially diluting the artistic mission and detracting from artist vendors' sales. Key outcomes included support for extending hours for popular activities, exploring an interactive Pink Portrait Booth, and a general consensus to keep art at the heart of the event while integrating complementary, art-related family-friendly activities.
Placeholder Event Discussion (Asian Night Market / Taste of North St Paul)
The commission discussed a proposed new placeholder event, initially envisioned as an 'Asian Night Market.' Questions arose regarding existing community interest and potential partnerships with local cultural groups. Commissioner Amanda Black proposed an alternative: a 'Taste of North St Paul' event, focusing on showcasing diverse local restaurants through culinary arts, which garnered positive reception as a way to engage with different cultures through food. The need for a suitable indoor venue for a potential winter event was also acknowledged.
Art Night (Paint Night) Class Planning
Jordan presented a tentative schedule and budget for upcoming Art Night classes, which included terracotta pot painting, candle making, watercolor bookmarks, a hand-knit chunky blanket experience, and mandala on coasters. The proposed total cost was within the allocated budget, leaving room for an additional class. Key discussion points involved setting participant caps, evaluating instructor fees, and exploring dynamic pricing options for the more expensive chunky blanket class. The commission supported adding a second mandala class and investigating a 'chunky pillow' alternative or a higher registration fee (e.g., $30-$40) for the knit class to cover material costs and ensure accessibility.
Notable Quotes (8)
is this event to focus and celebrate the Arts or are we also trying to create a community fair type of event where the community comes out
I don't want too many other little events to distract from maybe that
I mean it'll make people go but I don't know how that really correlates with Arts
we don't want to dilute the the mission and what it is that we're trying to accomplish with the Arts Festival we don't want our vendors to be upset we don't want them to not have a good Fair
has the community like expressed interest do we have folks from these communities who are like hey this would be really fun to do
another option way to go that's sort of dipping your toe into an Asian market would be sort of a taste of North St Paul if we can have our our local restaurants
the total would be $2,110 um which our budget is $2,500 so what's left would be $490
I would say like for someone who maybe has not knit before and might not realize everything that goes into it like and also for accessibility if we're willing to like subsid I this it's like I think like the 30 to 40 range is really good
Ordinances & Resolutions (4)
Recommendations for new park designs in North St Paul, created by HGA
Fundraising campaign for the M Dance Troop at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, supported by former utility box artist Julie Jong
Fundraising campaign for the nephew of former commissioner Emily Heg Win, recovering from a tragic hockey accident
Drafted letter to solicit artists for veteran-themed utility box wraps in Veterans Park