Resolution 26-197 Recognizing Community Health Workers Day in the City of Saint Paul
7-0 Adopted
Dissent: None
Moved by Johnson [CHW Day] · Seconded by Not specified
Councilmember Johnson introduced the resolution, emphasizing the vital role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in reaching diverse communities for healthcare access and support beyond traditional settings. Executive Director Sonny Aly and Board Chair Park Phillips of the Community Health Worker Alliance shared details of a statewide celebration at the Capitol and spoke about CHWs' impact on health equity and their efforts to leverage technology through the Community Health Innovation Platform.
BZA 25-3 Considering the appeal of Credit Union to a decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals denying a variance request to establish a 24-resident supportive housing facility on the property of 14 Sherborne Avenue
7-0 Adopted (staff recommendation to deny appeal)
Dissent: None
Moved by Ms. Kim [BZA 25-3] · Seconded by Not specified
Staff presented background on the appeal, noting the applicant sought to convert a 6-bedroom apartment building into a 24-resident supportive housing facility. The variance was denied due to the property being within 1020 feet of two other supportive housing facilities, violating zoning code separation requirements. Staff and the BZA found the request financially driven, lacking practical difficulty unique to the property, and likely to alter neighborhood character by creating a cluster.
BZA 25-5 Considering the appeal of Stronger Sober House to a decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals denying a variance request to establish an 11-resident supportive housing facility on the property at 5.19 Farrington Street
7-0 Adopted (staff recommendation to deny appeal)
Dissent: None
Moved by Ms. Kim [BZA 25-5] · Seconded by Not specified
Staff presented this appeal as similar to the previous one, where a variance was sought for an 11-resident supportive housing facility, exceeding the approved 7-person occupancy and violating distance requirements (736 feet from another facility). The Board of Zoning Appeals denied the variance, aligning with staff's recommendation, citing the financial motivation of the applicant rather than unique property hardships, and concerns about altering the essential character of the surrounding area by creating a cluster.
Resolution 26-1158 Authorizing the city to renew its lease with Metropolitan State University for the Danes Bluff Library
7-0 Adopted
Dissent: None
Moved by Johnson [Metropolitan State Lease] · Seconded by Not specified
Councilmember Johnson presented a motion for approval, explaining that the resolution is necessary to ensure the Danes Bluff Library can continue leasing its space from Metropolitan State University. The item was brought under suspension of rules due to a slight staff error in processing, highlighting the need for quick action to maintain library services.
Resolution 26-1223 Authorizing the proper city officials to enter into a joint powers agreement with Ramsey County to exercise their common uncooperative powers to support the operation of emergency shelter facilities
7-0 Adopted
Dissent: None
Moved by Johnson [Joint Powers Agreement] · Seconded by Council President [Joint Powers Agreement]
Councilmember Johnson introduced the resolution, highlighting its importance in supporting the city and Ramsey County's response to encampment issues, particularly the immediate need for emergency shelters. The agreement, valued at over $1 million from local affordable housing funding, facilitates additional beds and a partnership with Catholic Charities, with some funds allocated for direct provider support. The item was brought forward under suspension of rules due to its heightened sensitivity and urgency.
Ordinance 26-302 Amending Appendix C of the legislative code relating to Northern States Power dba Xcel Energy Electric franchise
7-0 Adopted
Dissent: None
Moved by Ms. Kim [Xcel Energy Electric Franchise] · Seconded by Not specified
This item was presented for final adoption, having undergone prior staff reports and public hearings. The Council President noted that questions raised in previous testimony regarding the need to update accompanying tables had been addressed by city attorneys, confirming that no updates were required.
Ordinance 26-33 Amending Appendix B of the Legislative code relating to Northern States Power dba Xcel Energy Gas franchise
7-0 Adopted
Dissent: None
Moved by Ms. Kim [Xcel Energy Gas Franchise] · Seconded by Not specified
This ordinance, related to the Xcel Energy Gas franchise, was brought forward for final adoption after having completed previous readings and public hearings, similar to the electric franchise ordinance.
Ordinance 26-27 Administrative ordinance placing a classification title Deputy City Clerk in the unclassified service pursuant to Section 12.3.2h of the Saint Paul City of Saint Paul Charter
Laid over
Dissent: Coleman raised questions about the unclassified nature of the position.
Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified
Director of Council Operations Jay Wellness presented the first reading of an ordinance to formalize the Deputy City Clerk position within the unclassified service. He explained the role's long history, statutory authorization (1965), and its importance for ensuring uninterrupted legal authority, especially during the City Clerk's absence. The unclassified status aligns it with other key executive positions within the council structure. Councilmember Coleman raised concerns about the unclassified aspect compared to a union position.
Ordinance 26-31 Amending section 2.24.5 C of the legislative code to eliminate the city's provisional 90 day minimum wage rate in the city of Saint Paul for workers between the ages of 14 17
Laid over
Dissent: None
Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified
Stephanie Bammer, Human Rights and Labor Standards Manager, presented the first reading of an ordinance to eliminate the 90-day provisional youth wage. This change would ensure that employees aged 14-17 receive the full city minimum wage from day one, rather than 85% of the small business rate for their first 90 days. The youth-focused training program rate would remain. Councilmembers inquired about the financial impact and outreach efforts to affected youth and businesses, noting positive feedback so far.
Ordinance 26-35 Amending chapter 65 of the Legislative Co Pertain to Golf course us
Public hearing closed, laid over for final adoption
Dissent: None
Moved by Ms. Kim [Golf Course Use] · Seconded by Not specified
A public hearing was held on an ordinance to amend regulations concerning golf course use, specifically clarifying language regarding outdoor lighting. A motion was made to consider Version 2 of the ordinance, which aimed to specify that golf courses equipped with lighting for night use shall not operate such outdoor lighting after 10 o'clock, focusing the restriction solely on lighting operations.
Ordinance 26-36 Adding Chapter 86.13 to the administrative code requires City council approval of mixed municipal solid waste contracts
Public hearing closed, laid over for final adoption
Dissent: John (Saint Paul, West Side) expressed concerns about the council's input timing.
Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified
During the public hearing, John (from Saint Paul, West Side) expressed concerns about the timing and depth of the City Council's involvement in solid waste contracts. He argued that the council's authority should extend to the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage, enabling front-end decision-making rather than merely approving a pre-negotiated contract. The City Attorney indicated they would respond to the query.
Resolution 26-150 Amending the financing and spending plans in the Department of Public Works Capital budget to transfer municipal State aid funding into the Water Shepherd's Rehabilitation Project
7-0 Adopted
Dissent: None
Moved by Ms. Kim [Public Works Capital Budget] · Seconded by Not specified
A public hearing was held regarding amendments to the Public Works Capital Budget, specifically concerning the transfer of municipal State aid funding to the Water Shepherd's Rehabilitation Project. No public testimony was received.
Resolution 26-151 Amending the financing and spending plans and the Department of Public Works Capital Budget for the University Avenue Street Reconstruction Reconstruction Project
7-0 Adopted
Dissent: None
Moved by Ms. Kim [Public Works Capital Budget] · Seconded by Not specified
This item involved a public hearing for amending the Department of Public Works Capital Budget to address financing and spending plans for the University Avenue Street Reconstruction Project. No public testimony was received.
Resolution 26-155 Approving the application of the Department of Parks and Rec for a sound of a very uncertain present amplified sound for a national night out event Tuesday, August 4th as to 71 McEwen Street Martin Luther King junior Martin Luther King Records center
6-0 Adopted
Dissent: None (one member absent)
Moved by Ms. Kim [Parks and Rec Application] · Seconded by Not specified
A public hearing was held to consider the Department of Parks and Recreation's application for a sound variance to permit amplified sound at a National Night Out event. No public testimony was received on this item.
Resolution public hearing approving the application of Dual Citizen Brewing Company for some of the variance in order to present and provide sound for a backyard Blues Fest event on Friday out of 7 Saturday, August 8th at and Dual citizen right
6-0 Adopted
Dissent: None (one member absent)
Moved by Ms. Kim [Dual Citizen Brewing Company] · Seconded by Not specified
A public hearing was held to consider Dual Citizen Brewing Company's application for a sound variance to present amplified sound for their Backyard Blues Fest event. No public testimony was received.
RLHTA 26-125 Ratifying the peeled Special Tax Assessment for property at 7.20 Cottage Avenue East
6-0 Adopted
Dissent: None (one member absent)
Moved by Ms. Kim [Special Tax Assessment] · Seconded by Not specified
This item, a ratification of an appealed Special Tax Assessment, was continued from the previous week. No new staff report or public hearing was conducted, as the public hearing was previously closed. The council proceeded directly to a vote on the legislative hearing officer's recommendation.
LHS 26-50 Making finding on the appeal of Gary Graham's to a nuisance abatement order for 3.14 Wyoming Street Houston Council a 26 46 this month
Public hearing continued to August 19th (granting 3 weeks extension)
Dissent: None
Moved by Ms. Kim [Nuisance Abatement Order] · Seconded by Not specified
The item concerned an appeal to a nuisance abatement order regarding a vehicle and trailer at 3.14 Wyoming Street. Staff reported that one vehicle remained outstanding. Gary Grimes, the appellant, requested an additional three weeks to remove the vehicle, citing personal difficulties. The council discussed whether to grant an extension or enforce the abatement.
Special Meeting: Public Hearing on Encampment Closures
Public hearing recessed; reconvene at another time.
Dissent: A significant majority of public speakers voiced strong opposition to the encampment sweeps.
Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified
Following the regular meeting, a special session was dedicated to a public hearing on the city's plans for encampment closures. Numerous residents, advocates, and unhoused individuals testified, overwhelmingly opposing the sweeps. Common themes included the lack of adequate shelter, the destruction of community and trust, increased risks of overdose and violence, the financial waste of sweeps compared to housing investments, and the dehumanizing effect of displacement. Speakers urged the council to prioritize long-term, compassionate housing solutions and to listen to the lived experiences of those affected.