St. Paul City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
City Audit Committee Operations and Future Studies
Tobacco Retail Regulations and Enforcement
Cultural Recognition and Community Values (Dolly Parton Day)
Library and Parks Funding / 2027 Library Levy
2027 Maximum Property Tax Levy for the City
XL Energy Gas and Electric Franchise Agreements
Streamlining City Property Conveyance to Water Services
Nuisance Abatement Appeal and Extension
Votes (20)
Approving the city of St. Paul audit committee's next two studies concerning the department of safety and inspections business licensing operations and the public works department's street maintenance and pothole repair operations and authorizing Wilder Research to conduct the respective studies in 2026 and 2027 (Item 21)
Moved by Council President Naker [0:05:40]
Council President Naker pulled this item from the consent agenda to highlight the audit committee's role in continuous improvement. The committee, including Council Members Johnson and Coleman, works to enhance city operations. The selected topics for 2026 and 2027 audits—business licensing and street maintenance/pothole repair—are areas of frequent community concern, and the studies aim to find ways to improve these services.
Approving adverse action against the tobacco shop license held by Northern Tier Retail LLC DBA Speedway number 4420 for the premises located at 11257 Street West (Item 22)
Moved by Council President Naker [0:12:35]
This item concerned a recommended $1,000 penalty for Speedway number 4420, which had its second violation in less than a year for selling tobacco to an underage buyer. Monica Schaefer (Assistant City Attorney for DSI) detailed the facts, explaining DSI's state-mandated underage buyer checks. Britney Standing (Speedway Area Leader) presented the licensee's perspective, emphasizing internal policy changes like removing the 'over 30 button' and mandatory retraining. Council President Naker underscored the importance of enforcing anti-tobacco policies.
Proclaiming September 25th, 2026 as Dolly Parton Day in the city of St. Paul (Item 23)
Moved by Council President Naker [0:22:27]
This item celebrated Dolly Parton's cultural impact, philanthropy, and advocacy for working people. Donna Valentine, a Twin Cities radio personality, accepted the proclamation on Dolly Parton's behalf, sharing personal anecdotes and praising Parton as a role model. Council members, including Miss Buoie, lauded Parton's legacy and her influence on art, music, and community values, emphasizing her generosity and the importance of supporting working families in St. Paul.
Library Board Meeting - Adopting Maximum Levy for 2027 (recessed from City Council)
Moved by Council Member Johnson [0:30:19]
The Library Board discussed the 2027 maximum levy, with a strong focus on earlier budget proposals that threatened to close the Dayton Bluff Library and cut Highwood Hills Rec Center services. Council Member Johnson critically highlighted how these cuts disproportionately affected the east side of St. Paul and stressed the importance of protecting basic services. Acknowledging a supplemental budget from the Mayor that restored funding, the Board decided to approve the original proposed levy (version one). Council members emphasized that government budgets should reflect community values, especially investment in future generations and vital public resources like libraries and parks.
Approving a 2027 maximum property tax levy for the housing and redevelopment authority (Item 24)
Moved by Council Member Johnson [0:40:24]
The Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) maximum property tax levy for 2027 was presented. Council Member Johnson noted that the proposal had passed unanimously at the earlier HRA board meeting.
Approving a 2027 maximum property tax levy for the city (Item 25)
Moved by Council President Naker [0:41:43]
This item involved adopting the city's maximum property tax levy for 2027. Council President Naker clarified it's the highest possible levy, with the Council committed to reducing it. Extensive discussion ensued about the balance between funding essential services (public spaces, safety, infrastructure) and the economic burden on residents due to rising costs. Council members emphasized fiscal responsibility, transparency in budget processes, exploring new revenue sources (like TIFF districts), and advocating for greater state and federal funding. The 6.8% proposed increase was acknowledged as a ceiling, not a floor, with a shared commitment to finding efficiencies and minimizing taxpayer impact.
Ordinance 26-40 amending appendix B of the legislative code relating to northern states power DBA XL energy gas franchise. (Item 26)
Moved by Miss Jo [1:07:07]
This ordinance, along with Items 27-29, forms part of new franchise agreements with XL Energy. Miss Jo highlighted key achievements, including a progressive franchise fee offering a 50% discount on bills for low-income residents enrolled in energy assistance programs (for both renters and homeowners). The Council also secured more frequent renegotiation opportunities (not every 20 years), allowing for better adaptation to city values, climate goals, and resident needs.
Ordinance 26-41 amending appendix C of the legislative code relating to Northern States Power, DBA, XL Energy, electric franchise. (Item 27)
Moved by Miss Jo [1:10:49]
This item is part of the XL Energy franchise agreements. The discussion highlights from Item 26 apply here as well, focusing on progressive fees and renegotiation frequency.
Ordinance 26-43 amending the legislative code by adding a new appendix B2 relating to Northern States Power DBA XL Energy Gas franchise fee. (Item 28)
Moved by Miss Jo [1:11:39]
This item is part of the XL Energy franchise agreements. The discussion highlights from Item 26 apply here as well, focusing on progressive fees and renegotiation frequency.
Ordinance 26-44 amending the legislative code by adding a new appendix C2 relating to Northern States Power DBA XL Energy electric franchise fee. (Item 29)
Moved by Miss Jo [1:12:12]
This item is part of the XL Energy franchise agreements. The discussion highlights from Item 26 apply here as well, focusing on progressive fees and renegotiation frequency.
Ordinance 26-46 amending chapter 51.01 01 of the administrative code titled disposition of city property authority and procedure to allow for conveyance of real property used by the St. Paul Regional Water Services to the Board of Water Commissioners. (Item 30)
Mr. Angelre presented a proposed ordinance amendment to streamline the process for conveying city-owned property to St. Paul Regional Water Services (Board of Water Commissioners). This is intended for parcels, often acquired in the 1800s for water utility purposes, that were never formally transferred. The amendment would allow transfer for less than fair market value, provided the property furthers the Water Services' mission and operations.
Ordinance 26-39, amending chapter 63 of the legislative code pertaining to salt storage regulation (Version 2) (Item 31)
Moved by Miss Buoie [1:17:41]
A public hearing was held for Version 2 of the ordinance amending salt storage regulations. No public testimony was offered during the hearing.
Resolution public hearing 26-182, ratifying the assessment for benefits, costs, and the expenses for the seventh street 7th place small operation and maintenance cost for 2025 (Item 32)
Moved by Miss Johnson [1:18:24]
Public hearing held. No public testimony was received.
Resolution public hearing 26-183, ratifying the assessment for benefits, costs, and expenses for the seventh place small operation maintenance cost for 2026 (Item 33)
Moved by Vice President Yang [1:19:10]
Public hearing held. No public testimony was received.
Resolution, public hearing 26-193, ratifying the assessment for benefits, costs, and expenses for the Grand Snelling parking lot operation and maintenance costs for 2027 (Item 34)
Moved by Miss Joe's [1:19:54]
Public hearing held. No public testimony was received.
Resolution, public hearing 26-201, amending the 2026 public works general fund street lighting maintenance accounting unit budget by $450,000 to provide the electrician support for the regional water services lead replacement project (Item 35)
Moved by Miss Kim [1:20:41]
Public hearing held. No public testimony was received.
Resolution, public hearing 26-244, accepting grant funds authorizing execution of a grant agreement and amending the operating budget with respect to the city sponsor sponsorship of a Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Contamination Cleanup Grant for the benefit of LSBD St. Paul Broadway 2 LLC for its project known as Ember on Pine located at 500 Broadway Street. (Item 36)
Moved by Miss Coleman [1:21:44]
Public hearing held. No public testimony was received.
Resolution public hearing 26-250, authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to accept grant funding in the amount of $2,926,000 from the state of Minnesota and to establish a budget in the grant fund to reflect said funds to support arts and cultural heritage at the Komo Park Zoo and Conservatory. (Item 37)
Moved by Miss Kim [1:22:45]
Public hearing held. No public testimony was received.
Resolution, public hearing 26-268, amending the 2026 St. Paul Regional Water Services budget resulting in an increase in spending and financing of $53,000 for a Metropolitan Council grant. (Item 38)
Moved by Vice President Yang [1:23:36]
Public hearing held. No public testimony was received.
Making finding on the appeal of Thomas Turbs for a nuisance abatement ordered for 2203 Selby Avenue in council file RHSAO 26-56. (Item 45)
Moved by Miss Coleman [1:24:43]
This item was a follow-up hearing on a nuisance abatement order for Thomas Turbs' property at 2203 Selby Avenue, concerning various materials in the yard and vehicles. Miss Emmy (DSI) reported that conditions remained largely the same, recommending abatement action. Mr. Turbs, citing health issues, requested a two-week extension to arrange for the removal of a travel trailer. Council Member Coleman proposed granting the extension to allow time for compliance and to review updated photos, with DSI authorized to abate if the deadline is missed.
Notable Quotes (21)
And the goal is really to look at how we are doing the work and to find ways to continuously improve um that work over time.
This means that DSI hires a person who is between the ages of 18 and 20 and they come they are hired for the purpose of going to tobacco shops or businesses with a tobacco license to attempt to purchase a tobacco product. if they are able to purchase that product, that is a violation of state and local law.
We have training that we offer. Um, and Jane did have her training certificate completed. She is the employee that um, sold to the minor using the over 30 button, which we have since removed from the system. So now all employees have to physically scan an ID or our system will not allow them to sell any tobacco products.
if we don't then the ordinance is just no more than the paper it's written on.
Dolly Parton has demonstrated the power of investing in others, reminding us that strong communities are built when we support one another and lead with generosity and love.
The most important thing about Dolly Parton was that she was someone we could all look up to. Whether you're three years old, 23 years old, 73 years old, she was a role model for humans.
there wouldn't be no Beyonce without Dolly Parton and you know Beyonce sees Dolly Parton as her global star too so I just wanted to also u just recognize how this is opportunity to um uplift that legacy see and preserve not only that history and that impact
I was very clear then that I wasn't willing to accept the idea that those losses were inevitable. And I had strong disagreements about the fact that so many of those reductions were hyperfocused on the east side of of St. Paul where I represent.
it is much harder for me as a council member and as a member of the library board to stomach the thought of telling the next generation of St. Paul residents, St. Paul leaders that we are not willing to invest in their future.
what we wanted to make sure and that I think our community and this board made clear is that we would not pass a 2027 budget that included the Dayton's Bluff Library being closed.
this is just one step in the process. This is the maximum levy. Um every council that I have ever been part of um has worked to bring the levy down from the mayor's proposal but we are required to set the maximum at this point and so this is absolutely the highest that it will go.
our sustainability or the cost of doing business in the city can't come at the expense of our frontline um public spaces, especially our libraries, our rec centers.
even though this is a 6.8% 8% levy. Um, and we I think that amounts to 14 or $15 million. That's an increase in what's being levied from last year. This is a cut to the city budget. We were facing a deficit of $26 million.
I cannot stress how important transparency is around found revenue, around budget solves that would not have to fall back on the taxpayers because we have an obligation equally to represent our community.
I'm always committed to bringing it down through really creative and innovative ways and I would encourage us to remember that we're always trying to keep up with the pace of uh pace with the cost of living and sometimes it seems like we we fall behind
The fact that we truly are in an impossible situation as a city where every cost is going up, the needs are going up, and uh that vacuuming sound you hear is all of our tax dollars going up to the federal and state levels and not coming back.
this progressive franchise fee takes folks that are enrolled in that program that Excel has and offers an additional 50% discount on those residents Excel bills. Um, and this is uh offered to folks whether you're a renter or a homeowner.
the biggest one being that this conversation will happen again in my term. We don't have to wait 20 years to have the conversation to have the negotiations.
the ordinance amendment will allow the city to convey property that we own, like the one in Anoka County, to water and for less than fair market value, but only as long as the city council determines that the property will be used to further the mission and operations of St. Paul Regional Water Services and its facilities.
I just uh throw myself at the mercy of the city council to uh request just a two-eek extension allowing this car salvage to remove the travel trailer.
I would be inclined to move a twoe layover so that we could get the photos and actually assess the situation and if um improvements have been made.
Ordinances & Resolutions (21)
Approving adverse action against Northern Tier Retail LLC DBA Speedway number 4420 tobacco shop license.
Proclaiming September 25th, 2026 as Dolly Parton Day in the city of St. Paul.
Approving a 2027 maximum property tax levy for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA).
Approving a 2027 maximum property tax levy for the City of St. Paul.
Amending appendix B of the legislative code relating to Northern States Power DBA XL energy gas franchise.
Amending appendix C of the legislative code relating to Northern States Power, DBA, XL Energy, electric franchise.
Amending the legislative code by adding a new appendix B2 relating to Northern States Power DBA XL Energy Gas franchise fee.
Amending the legislative code by adding a new appendix C2 relating to Northern States Power DBA XL Energy electric franchise fee.
Amending chapter 51.01 01 of the administrative code titled disposition of city property authority and procedure to allow for conveyance of real property used by the St. Paul Regional Water Services to the Board of Water Commissioners.
Amending chapter 63 of the legislative code pertaining to salt storage regulation.
Ratifying assessment for benefits, costs, and expenses for the Seventh Street 7th Place small operation and maintenance cost for 2025.
Ratifying assessment for benefits, costs, and expenses for the Seventh Place small operation maintenance cost for 2026.
Ratifying assessment for benefits, costs, and expenses for the Grand Snelling parking lot operation and maintenance costs for 2027.
Amending the 2026 Public Works general fund street lighting maintenance accounting unit budget by $450,000 for electrician support for regional water services lead replacement project.
Accepting grant funds and authorizing execution of a grant agreement for a Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Contamination Cleanup Grant for Ember on Pine project.
Authorizing Parks and Recreation to accept grant funding of $2,926,000 from the State of Minnesota for arts and cultural heritage at Komo Park Zoo and Conservatory.
Amending the 2026 St. Paul Regional Water Services budget for a Metropolitan Council grant.
Making finding on the appeal of Thomas Turbs for a nuisance abatement order.
Council file related to the nuisance abatement order for Thomas Turbs.
Existing program used as a basis for the progressive franchise fee discount.
Grant from MN DEED for LSBD St. Paul Broadway 2 LLC for Ember on Pine.