2026 Budget and Tax Levy Hearing

Dissent: None

Michelle Petrich, Finance Director, presented the preliminary 2026 city and EDA budget of $81.2 million, an increase of $7.1 million, including inflationary costs and new police (7) and firefighter (15) positions, partially offset by federal grants (COPS and SAFER). The preliminary levy was set at a 12% increase, resulting in an 11.53% combined tax increase. She presented three scenarios, with a median home monthly increase ranging from $18.10 to $19.10. Utility rates were also proposed to increase for sanitary sewer (2%), water (5.5%), and recycling (3%), with 0% for storm drainage. A member of the public, Dwenda Jerigan, expressed surprise and concern over a projected 16.02% increase on her property. The City Manager raised the possibility of funding for New Tracks bus service. Council members discussed the 'not to exceed' nature of the preliminary levy and the potential use of utility franchise fees to fund capital needs like roads and sidewalks. The hearing was continued to the next meeting.

Certification of Delinquent Miscellaneous Charges

Dissent: None

Moved by Council Member Stron [00:39] · Seconded by Council Member Schroeder [00:39]

Finance Director Michelle Petrich explained the request to certify unpaid property abatements/nuisance calls and police false alarms to property taxes. The total for property abatements was $8,160.51 (two items removed after payment) and for police false alarms $22,567.61. The process, required by Ramsey County, follows an annual cycle, distinct from quarterly certifications. No public comments were made during the hearing. Council members thanked staff for their work on collecting these delinquencies and reminded property owners to stay current with their bills.

Finance Commission Guidance on Work Plan (Pathways Project Review)

Dissent: None

Finance Commission Chair Bruce Bester presented a request to the Council for guidance on whether the Commission should conduct a 'deeper dive' into the finances of the 'pathways project,' prompted by an external letter criticizing existing financial analysis. Bester noted the Commission's disagreement with the letter's claims, stating the project is a small part of the budget. Council members expressed appreciation for the Commission's volunteer work but generally advised against dedicating significant resources to this specific review. Council Member McGrath suggested a broader approach, while Council Member Strong questioned the external instigator's process. Council Member Schroeder emphasized focusing on areas that would yield actionable value, specifically recommending more time on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), particularly concerning inflation and long-term funding strategies. Council Member Bower advocated for both council-directed and commissioner-initiated items, provided they are validated by the council. The City Manager sought clarity on the Council's direction, confirming a focus on the CIP and general financial planning rather than the specific 'pathways project' cost analysis.

Dangerous Animal Ordinance Amendments (Hearing Officer Requirements)

Dissent: None

Moved by Council Member Shartter [00:57] · Seconded by Council Member Grath [00:57]

Commander Steinber proposed an amendment to Section 501.15 of the city code to redefine the Dangerous Animal Hearing Officer. Previously, the ordinance specified the Animal Society's director or their designee (the City Manager). Due to the Animal Humane Society discontinuing services and the city's transition to a new Companion Animal Care Center, staff recommended changing the definition to an 'impartial employee appointed by the city or an impartial person retained by the city.' This change ensures a fair, transparent, and impartial process. Council members found the change straightforward and aligned with best practices.

Resolution Authorizing Publication of Summary of Ordinance Amendment

Dissent: None

Moved by Council Member Straw [00:58] · Seconded by Council Member Grath [00:58]

Following the adoption of the dangerous animal ordinance amendment, the Council considered and approved a resolution authorizing the publication of a summary of the ordinance. This is a standard procedure required by state law for such ordinance changes, requiring a supermajority (4/5) vote.

Appointment of Council Member to Civic Campus Final Design Stakeholder Group

Dissent: None

Moved by Council Member Grath [01:00] · Seconded by Council Member Strong [01:00]

City Manager Pat Trean requested the Council to appoint a member to the Civic Campus Final Design Stakeholder Group. This group will convene three meetings between January and April, starting January 15th, to finalize designs for the City Campus project, which includes a Maintenance Operations Center, License and Passport Center, and Dance Studio. The group will comprise neighborhood residents, a VFW representative, and members from five city commissions. Council Member Grath nominated Council Member Strong, citing her long tenure and involvement in the city's processes. Council Member Strong accepted the nomination.

Consent Agenda

Dissent: None

Moved by Council Member Gra [01:03] · Seconded by Council Member Stron [01:03]

The Consent Agenda included approval of payments totaling $912,761.35, approval of an expenditure of $59,600 to replace the city campus electronic sign, approval of a lawful gambling premises permit for St. Paul Firefighters Local 21 at the New Burger Dive in Rosedale Mall, approval of final payments for the Tamarack Park Pathway Project ($82,667.79) and the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Main Lining Project ($550,414.08), approval of a professional service agreement with Keith Stf for dangerous dog appeals, and receipt of the third-quarter financial report. Mayor Ro noted that the final payment items also included project acceptance and initiation of two-year warranty periods.