North St. Paul City Council — Transcript
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Park Facility Rental Policy Updates
Grant Funding for Park Projects
Park Project Updates & Community Events
Votes (1)
Revision of Park Facility Rental Policies and Fees
Dissent: None
Moved by Cassidy [21:13] · Seconded by Ingred [21:40]
Staff presented research indicating that rental fees for Casey Lake Park were low compared to other cities, while Howy's were more in line. Key issues driving policy changes included frequent police calls for 10 PM curfew violations, unaddressed property damage, and difficulties enforcing alcohol policies. Staff proposed a $50 increase across the board for Casey Lake Park (residents, non-residents, deposits) and an increase from $150 to $200 for Howy deposits. A significant policy shift involved converting the $150 alcohol deposit into a non-refundable $100 fee, with a provision for entire deposit forfeiture if alcohol is found without prior payment. The consensus was to increase deposits for greater accountability and to implement the flat alcohol fee, but to delay increasing general rental fees for Casey Lake Park at this time.
Notable Quotes (6)
what staff is recommending is for Casey Lake Park, just across the board for residents, non-residents, and deposits, everything gets increased by $50.
the 10pm has been an issue there... damaging the lawn with tents, volleyball courts, all sorts of stuff. So, kind of this is to hopefully get people to take our rules more seriously.
I think if they're going to have alcohol at any of their events, that should be tacked on not just as a deposit, but as an additional fee.
I'd like to see the deposit fees increased... if we're not covering costs and you know, for example, that thousand door... we're clearly not making out for any of that and we really should be.
The part that we're talking about is specifically if you do not pay the alcohol fee and you rent the facility and we find that you had alcohol, are we going to just withdraw or withhold $100 from your deposit or from your overall fee? Or are we gonna charge a higher rate because you were dishonest?
You don't get your deposit back. Forfeit your deposit. Any of it? You don't get nothing back. You lied to us.
Ordinances & Resolutions (6)
Meeting materials distributed to commissioners, containing pricing research and proposals.
The policy governing facility rentals, subject to proposed amendments.
Changes to allow or disallow alcohol in parks would require an ordinance change.
Capital Improvement Plan, listing future park projects for which grants are being sought.
A survey conducted to gather input for the McKnight Park development, with results pending.
A community engagement program promoted to encourage visits to city parks.