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City of North St. Paul Planning Commission Regular Meeting - 12/4/25
North St. Paul City CouncilFriday, December 5, 2025
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cuz I had plenty. >> I can't remember. Can we actually buy deer meat in Minnesota? >> Oh, probably somewhere. >> I don't know where, but >> you can't sell it if you've harvested it as a hunter. >> So, may be farm raised. >> Oh, that's true. >> Yeah, >> but you can't sell gay meat. >> I just I used to have so many friends in Texas that hunted and I don't know nobody up here that hunts. So, >> a lot of kids don't need it actually. >> Yeah. I mean, I got a package if you really want a package. Just to be honest, >> what's your rifle or gun of choice? >> Ready to go. use a shotgun or the clock says it's 6:30. >> All right. All right. I will open bring the meeting to order for what is it? December 4th, North St. Paul Planning Commission. And with that, >> can you take role, please? >> Yes, I can. Commissioner Alvarez >> here. Commissioner Rathy here, >> Commissioner Chair Ble >> here, >> Commissioner Weise >> here, >> Commissioner Mu here, >> and Commissioner Gadboy and Commissioner Keane Burrback are absent. >> Excellent. Thank you. And our council, >> our esteemed council chair or leazison council, >> Mr. Norby is >> Mr. RB is also here. I appreciate that. All right, we have an agenda in front of us. Pretty simple agenda tonight. So, let's just get rolling. Um, uh, motion to approve the agenda as written. >> So, move. >> I'll give it to M Commissioner Muick. >> I'll second. >> Second from Commissioner Rothy. In favor, say I. I. Um, and with that, I'm I've got my um a couple of different things going on here. I'm looking at I was looking at meeting minutes from last time, so you have to excuse me. Sorry. Um, first item of of the agenda is recognition of you. Commissioner Rothi will be leaving us um as of the end of this month. So, this is his last meeting unless he decides to come back and speak in during the public statements period. >> I might do that. >> Yeah, you should. You might have something good to say. So, you know, bring it. >> I appreciate that. I really do appreciate you being here. Um, and we live close, so it's not like I'm not going to see you around. I hope. >> Oh, yeah. Nothing formal, but uh just a definitely an expression of appreciation because I know it takes something to get here for these meetings and I think this is a really good group. So, >> you have participated well and and for the commission's benefit, the council will have a little more formal recognition at a January meeting upcoming. >> We'll uh we'll let you know. Yeah, >> I think they do it for all the outgoing commissioners from all the commissions. >> Yeah, I don't recall the the actions taken, but there's something. >> Let me know the date because the 8th I'm going ice fishing. >> Yeah, you got your priorities. >> 8th through the 11th. We're going up north. >> 8th is a Thursday, so it won't be that. >> Perfect. >> Probably the 6th. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Certificate of participation just like in fourth grade. >> Mhm. >> Good. Suitable for framing. >> Yes. Let's get a little plastic trophy, too. >> Little sticker that says like I voted. >> Yeah. >> Well, thank you. >> I served. You're welcome. I commissioned. >> Okay. With that, the next agenda item is approval of the meeting minutes from November 6th. Um I was absent for that meeting. So, I would welcome any any uh uh a motion to approve the meeting minutes or further comment. I'll make a motion to approve. >> Motion to approve from Commissioner Rothy. Second. >> Second. >> Second from Commissioner Weise. Any further discussion? >> Then all in favor say I. >> I. >> All oppose. Nay. >> None. Okay. And with that, MI is open to the public, but the public is not here. They're home where it's warm, I expect. And we do not have a public hearing tonight. >> So with that, we have commission business. Uh capital improvement plan is the first thing on the list. I believe that's the resolution you gave me. Is it >> correct? Okay. What else to present? >> Would you like would you like a brief overview? >> You're going to have to go through all that you did last. >> All 200 pages. Yeah. >> All 200 pages. 12. >> And we're not talking about excavators being replaced, by the way. Frame of reference. >> Because we did talk about that cover that >> because that is in there. >> Yeah. Uh so yes, the plane commission reviewed the CIP, the capital improvement plan, the proposed one at the last meeting and after some discussion and review asked to or tabled it to allow staff to better outline the goals and objectives from the comprehensive plan that are relevant to the CIP. Uh so background CIP is a long-term planning tool used by the city and and many government agencies to plan out the public infrastructure and facilities that will be needed in the next 5 to 10 years with financial projections of how they the costs and how they might be able to be paid for. The CIP is updated by the city on an annual basis and because schedule change, priority change, needs change of the city and so included in your materials is the proposed 2026 to 2035 CIP. Again, a 10-year plan. Uh the reason this is before the planning commission for a uh review is state statutes say the designated planning agency of a municipality must review the proposed capital improvements for compliance with an adopted comprehensive plan prior to authorization by the governing body which of course city council north St. Paul Planning Commission is the city's planning designated planning agency. So the role of the commission is to ensure the projects included in the CIP are in alignment with the comprehensive plan. So to help review that or flush that out, uh first of all, on the bottom of the first page of the report, which is page nine in your packet, I outlined the groups of categories. There are eight categories how the projects are grouped together in the CIP. building and facilities, capital, technology, parks, playgrounds, paths, pavement, excuse me, preservation, ponds, natural resources, environment, street utility, reconstruction, utility, infrastructure, and vehicles and equipment. As part of this, to help again clarify how the CIP fits in with the comprehensive plan, I went through the current plan, the 2020 2040 comprehensive plan for the city and pulled out the goals and policies that are stated in the plan that appear to be the most relevant to the items in the comprehensive plan. There's a whole list of there under things under housing, transportation, parks and open spaces and trails, services, capital improvements, financing, uh, program, transportation, improvement projects, utilities. That's so the comprehensive plan doesn't necessarily line up with the same ASAP words as those in the CIP. And so there are goals and policies in each of those subheadings. Uh so for example, there's one that says enhance and expand the parks, trails, and open space system to ensure that all have access to quality community facilities. Uh there's a similar one. It says enhance the park's open space and trails through making functional and aesthetic improvements. Uh another one says construct proposed trails as generally shown in the park's open space and trails plan. develop and update park master plans. Uh, one that makes really a lot of sense includes service provision, maintenance costs, and overall timing of capital improvements as considerations in the downtown street redesign. Now, that project, I think, is for the most part done. Another one talks about making improvements to the Magnite Field uh complex. Uh there's a big section under the program transportation improvements include the trunk highway 120 and Century Avenue pavement preservation project, trunk highway 120 and highway 36 interchange project, 7th Avenue and trunk highway 120, Century Avenue intersection improvements, for example. These are some of the major ones that have been identified that need attention or should need attention within the next 10 years. Under utilities, we talk about they want to have uh should we will be having neighborhood street utility projects, proposed water system impro uh improvements and installing a new 750,000galon water tower. M >> so when you look at those that are in the comp plan versus those that are in the cip it's staff's opinion that the projects included in the cip when viewed in relationship to the goals and objectives policies and the comprehensive plan that the CIP is compliant with the comprehensive plan goals objectives and policies and that's the key the state law says that the proposed capital improvements uh they are to be reviewed uh for compliance with the adopted comprehensive plan. Long way to say it's staff's opinion that the proposed projects are in compliance and then based on that we're recommending the plane commission adopt the resolution that finds the CIP compliant with the comprehensive plan. And there is a resolution for your consideration that was included in the packet. uh but w with the finding the now therefore be resolved the plane commission nor St. Paul and I left out a word I should say finds that the 10-year capital improvement plan is in compliance with the north St. all comprehensive plan. So that is if you are in agreement that is the resolution we would recommend you adopt. I'll take questions. >> I really appreciate you doing this. This is much much easier and um more efficient to have it pulled out like this and it was made it me made it a lot easier for me to to review the actual spreadsheets then. So, I I really appreciate that. Um, there wasn't anything that jumped out at me particularly um that I would comment on. It all looks pretty u aligned in my opinion. >> I would like to say thank you for the uh the matrix on the housing expansion, >> especially on based on the population. I >> was it was a pleasant surprise that you're able to get that done so quickly. I I've got a very good staff and they they jumped on it. That's a very Patrick, that's the very last page in your packet, but and I handed Yeah, I handed out copies, I think, too. Did I? >> Yeah, you did. And for some reason, I'm having trouble getting to it. >> But that that was a a bonus supplement. >> Yeah. >> Oh, I didn't hand it out, but I have copies. I forgot. >> Yeah, it was a separate document. >> Yes. in the in the electronic packet that I >> and I have printed copies if you need or want. But is there any other comments, thoughts on the CIP? >> Yeah, I didn't see anything that stood out as out of place, that's for certain. >> How does this align with the previous years of what has been done? Um, you know, from a budget perspective, I mean, do the budgets align with what has been gone through in the past? Uh I'm again I'm just taking it from an observational perspective. >> That's my understanding. I I haven't done a deep dive. I I don't want swear on a Bible, but that's >> again the the advantage of reviewing it every year. Projects get shuffled around and oh in 2026 we need to do this instead of that and we'll push that other that out to 2028 >> to accommodate 2026. Like the water tower I think is well here's an example. It's not ex directly related, but the fire department has been planning to get a new ladder truck. >> It's about a $2 million truck. Jason, the fire chief has been working on it and their fire department team picked out one. They like it. It will meet their needs. If they order it by the f before the first of the year, they will avoid a six or 7% price increase. It was originally programmed for 2028. If they move it up into 2026 and put get the order put in and it takes at least a year to build it, they'll save that money. So, that's an item where with some planning numbers and projects are going to be moved around to uh take advantage of that savings. >> Excuse me. >> And a lot of this stuff on here, I mean, I remember seeing past years as well, too. So things just keep getting pushed down the line. But >> yeah, >> I mean there are things I have questions about, but they're not pertinent to this meeting. So >> I'll ask somebody else. >> And just and and just for everyone's benefit, I think you know this that just because a project's in the CIP, there's no guarantee it's going to happen. >> They all have to be individually vetted, analyzed, studied, a budget put together. And they might be great, they might be necessary, but may never happen. Like the highway 120, Highway 36 intersection that's been talked about for 15 or more years. >> Mhm. >> We're not holding our breath. >> There'll be another 10 at least. It could probably >> 20 or 25. >> Yeah. Well, it depends on who you ask. Yeah, Mr. Mandot. Well, I'm I'm I'm predicting it'll be sometime between now and within a few years of my death. >> Yeah. Well, see, I I look at it this way. I didn't envision that the Hadley intersection was going to be done, that interchange was going to be done for 10 or 15 years. And all of a sudden, boom, it was there. >> Well, and then and then Manning Manning got done out Stillwater, which is >> same way. >> And now County Road 17 is the next one coming up. Yeah. >> Where the stop lights are. >> It'll happen sometimes, but like you say, probably not in my lifetime. So, good work. Um, anybody want to make a motion to adopt the resolution finding the 10-year capital improvement plan in compliance with the comprehensive plan? >> No one wants to make a motion in that regard. >> Okay. >> I thought we'd let Jim make the motions tonight. Yeah. Well, yeah. >> Go out with a flare and >> Exactly. >> I will observe and I will wait for somebody to make a motion on this one. >> All right. I will so move. >> So moved by Commissioner Muick and a second. >> I'll second. >> A second by Commissioner Alvarez. Uh any further discussion? If not, all in favor say I. >> I. Any nays? No nazs. Thank you all. >> We have and I will take care of that. >> Thank you. >> On the way out. >> Yeah. And then well I'm sorry I jumped ahead of the next item. My >> proceed. >> So the last very last page on the electroners is the little table with the uh population numbers, the housing unit numbers. Uh these are through October and we will keep we as a staff will keep adding to this as we get into 2026 for the comprehensive plan update. But that gives you a little background of housing numbers and where we're at. There you go. Uh it was purely for information. You talked about it for the comprehensive plan update. So we got it done. M >> what do the numbers of the different the different uh columns represent? >> Does that represent new? >> Yes. >> Of as of that year. >> Yeah. So for example in 2020 there was one new single family detached home built. >> 2022 there were three >> going down the line. >> Right. Uh and then of course then the multif family we had big one in 2021 and then 2024 was when the uh I think article 7 building was completed. >> So those were the two big changes. So and then in those what almost five years six years six years we've added 388 housing units in the city. >> Where does the population number come from per year? >> Well 2020 was from the census. >> Yeah. And then after that it was uh estimates by the state demographer. >> Okay. >> And or the Met Council. They both >> I'd have to ask the state demographer how they come up with their numbers because there must be some estimating method. >> Yeah. And I the Met Council does some of them too. Uh I they have statistitians on staff. >> Yes, they do. >> Okay. And I think think for both of them they look primarily at the number of housing units are added but they also look at birth rates and death rates and >> well and and the my impression is that the apartments have done well downtown >> I believe so everything that I've heard has been very positive. >> So that's good news. >> All right. >> Can I ask a question about 2024? Wasn't one of the student built houses completed in 2024? And where would that fall? >> Or did it not get completed? >> Maybe it didn't get completed until technically until 25. >> Yeah, I'll I'll I'll check that. But I >> a good question. Or >> Well, I because I know one was completed in 25. What would have been the one in 24 >> on um Eldridge? >> The one over on Eldridge. >> Yeah. >> Would it maybe have been when the permits the permits were issued? Maybe the >> It could have been It could have been started in 23. >> Yeah, it could be that when it was permitted. That's true. >> That's probably the date. >> Go ahead. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, good question. >> It might It'd be great to have that as an explanation though, just so that we keep that consistent from year to year. >> Well, and the new student belt just got started. >> Yeah. >> And so that'll be a 2025 permit, but And >> that's a duplex, right? >> Yes. >> Yeah. Oh, there she is. >> Oh, we're all done. We're just about done. >> Yeah, we were just about to adjourn. >> Do you have a report? >> No. >> Oh, again for information. Uh, we'll keep updating them. >> Good. I appreciate that. I just think it makes it easier for the cop plan. >> Absolutely. >> It's an easy agenda tonight. >> Yeah. I appreciate you going out in the cold. Nonetheless, >> I thought it was Wednesday. >> You thought it was Wednesday >> all day. I was thinking it was Wednesday. >> Well, I've been there. I know what that's like. >> And then the news said Thursday. I'm like, >> whoa. >> Today is the fourth day in the week. That's why we have reminders 4 hours in advance for this for this meeting so I don't miss it. >> I have my methods. The only other thing I wanted to report that's not on here is the first meeting in January will be on Thursday, January 8th, not >> the first Thursday because I didn't think anybody wanted to come on New Year's Day. >> I was wondering about that >> and I didn't and so we we shifted it a week. >> Figured that was going to be the case. >> So I can put the champagne and the party poppers on ice for another week. I'd say you can just keep those things and use them on the on the designated day. >> Yes. >> And that's all I have for today. >> Okay. Um, with that, are there reports from commissioners starting with you, Mr. Mr. Mu? >> Nothing from me, >> Mr. Weiss. >> No, just thank you, Jim. >> Okay. >> It's been good getting to know you and >> car show this summer. >> Absolutely. I will be at more of them again next year. >> Well, I I'd like to just say thank you for taking care of the meeting last month when I was out. >> Um >> I definitely took care of it. I don't know. >> We survived. >> I read the meeting minutes. It all looked fine to me. >> You could have watched it online. I mean, you could have seen that gall getting there getting a workout. >> Yep. Yeah. I was I was busy babysitting if I remember right. >> Nice. Sounds like a great time. >> Yeah. So, we are doing reports. >> I have nothing. >> Okay. >> I am happy that Snow is here and I'm very thankful to work with the with the team the last three years. It's been a great experience and a good group of people to work with. >> Uh been through some transition in time and obviously Ken's on board. So, >> um I think there's a lot of really good things that we this group does and hopefully they continue to do good work as well. >> I have no other report. >> Come visit for fun. >> I will. >> Yeah. Yeah, if you're really bored. >> I have nothing. I'm sorry to see you go. >> I would like to say uh how much I appreciate staff can your your work and and your staff >> if they're doing what I think they're doing. Your production has been very good. >> Sorry. And it seems it seems like you always have something of value to bring that's new >> and I wanted to express that publicly because I I really do appreciate it. >> Makes our job way easier. >> And my staff helps me make my job very there. >> It's the way it's supposed to work. Collaboration is everything. >> Yeah. And they're they keep me on the street and narrow so that's good. >> Good. >> Council member Norby >> again. I just want to echo everyone else's sentment and say, you know, Jim, thank you very much. It's been wonderful. Don't be a stranger. >> I will not be. Yeah. >> Before you adjourn, I'll just say happy holidays. We won't see you. Happy New Year. See you next year. >> Yeah. It's going to go zipping by and all of a sudden it's going to be past the holidays and be back in the grind. >> We'll be back at it. >> Then before you know, it'll be spring and then summer again. >> Won't that be nice? And then we'll be talking about the state fair and uh >> you know you can get tickets for the state fair already. >> Yeah, why not? >> Yeah, >> go figure. All right. Um motion to adjurnn. >> I'll make a motion to adjurnn. >> I'll second that. >> Commissioner Rothy and Commissioner Gadboy. I appreciate it. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Thank you. We have no names. >> So we we know officially now that you were here tonight. >> Yep. Does anybody want a printed copy of the table? I It was in