Details Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final Meeting date/time: 12/4/2019 3:30 PM Minutes status: Final   Meeting location: Council Chambers - 3rd Floor Public Hearings at 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. The HRA will convene during the 5:30 portion of the meeting. The Final Hearing on the proposed 2020 Budget and Tax Levy, aka Truth in Taxation hearing, will be held at or after 6:00 p.m. Published agenda: Agenda Published minutes: Minutes   Meeting video: Video   Attachments: Meeting Items (76) Public Comments (46) 76 records Group Clear sorting Clear grouping Group by Type Group by Result Export Export to Excel Export to PDF Export to Word Show: Legislation only Legislation only All agenda items File # Ver. Agenda # Type Title Action Result Action Details Video AO 19-37 1 1 Administrative Order Amending ESG activities budgets. Received and Filed   Action details Not available AO 19-58 1 2 Administrative Order Amending the 2019 spending budget in the Department of Public Works General Fund Traffic Signs & Markings accounting unit. Received and Filed   Action details Not available AO 19-60 1 3 Administrative Order Amending the 2019 spending budget in the General Fund Right of Way Management accounting unit to better align budget to actual costs. Received and Filed   Action details Not available AO 19-61 2 4 Administrative Order Amending the 2019 spending budget in the Department of Public Works Special Fund Brushing and Seal Coating accounting unit. Received and Filed   Action details Not available AO 19-62 1 5 Administrative Order Amending CDBG activities budget. Received and Filed   Action details Not available AO 19-65 1 6 Administrative Order Authorizing the Library to reallocate $54,046 within its various accounting units in the 2019 adopted budget to most accurately reflect the projected actual spending in each accounting unit and provide the appropriate levels of spending authority. Received and Filed   Action details Not available RES 19-2025 1 7 Resolution Memorializing the City Council’s decision regarding the appeal of Dorian P. Nelson from decisions of the Board of Zoning Appeals denying building height and sidewall articulation variances for property at 1946 Wellesley Ave, granting the appeal for the building height variance but denying the sidewall articulation variance appeal. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-2026 1 8 Resolution Memorializing the City Council’s decision denying the appeal of Seth Brand from decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals which had granted an off-street parking variance for property at 1886 Ford Parkway. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-2027 1 9 Resolution Approving the Settlement Agreement and Release between the City of Saint Paul and Jerald Boitnott. Adopted Pass Action details Not available Min 19-49 1 10 Approval of Minutes Approving the minutes of the November 13 and 20, 2019 City Council meetings. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-2053 1 11 Resolution Approving the polling locations for the 2020 elections. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-1964 1 13 Resolution Approving assessment costs and setting date of City Council public hearing to ratify the assessment for installation of a fire protection system, as requested by Francesco O’Ryan, for 786 University Avenue West. (File No. FP2019-04, Assessment No. 197103) Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-2036 1 14 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Collection of Vacant Building Registration Fees billed during January 18 to August 19, 2019, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for January 7, 2020 and City Council public hearing for February 19, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. VB2005, Assessment No. 208804) Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-2037 1 15 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Boarding and/or Securing services during September 2019, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for January 7, 2020 and City Council public hearing for February 19, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2005B, Assessment No. 208104) Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-2041 1 16 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Demolition service during August 2019 at 1018 Jenks Avenue, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for January 7, 2020 and City Council public hearing for February 19, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments. (File No. J2003C, Assessment No. 202002) Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-2042 1 17 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Demolition services during September 2019 (C.D.B.G. Funds), and setting date of Legislative Hearing for January 7, 2020 and City Council public hearing for February 19, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2004C, Assessment No. 202003) Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-2043 1 18 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Collection of Fire Certificate of Occupancy Fees billed during July 17 to August 23, 2019, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for January 7, 2020 and City Council public hearing for February 19, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. CRT2005, Assessment No. 208204) Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-2045 1 19 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Excessive Use of Inspection or Abatement services billed during July 23 to August 21, 2019, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for January 7, 2020 and City Council public hearing for February 19, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2005E, Assessment No. 208304) Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-2046 1 20 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Graffiti Removal services during September 23 to October 27, 2019, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for January 7, 2020 and City Council public hearing for February 19, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2004P, Assessment No. 208403) Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-2047 1 21 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Removal of Dangerous Tree(s) during January to September 2019, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for January 7, 2020 and City Council public hearing for February 19, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. 2002T, Assessment No. 209001) Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-1981 1 22 Resolution Establishing the rate of pay for Right Track Worker in Special Employment. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-2000 1 23 Resolution Approving the Memorandum of Agreement for the 2020 Wage and Fringe Adjustment between the City of Saint Paul and the International Union of Elevator Constructors, Local 9. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-2065 1 24 Resolution Changing the rate of pay for classifications in Grades 001, 002, 28H, and 31H of the Special Employment Salary Schedule 99; and Grade 001 of AFSCME Clerical, AFSCME Technical, and Tri-Council Laborers Salary Schedules. Laid Over   Action details Not available RES 19-2022 1 25 Resolution Approving the 2020 capital investment bonding priorities. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-1985 1 26 Resolution Authorizing the Police Department to enter into the Joint Powers Agreement with the State of Minnesota, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for the Minnesota Anti-Heroin Task Force Program. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-1957 1 27 Resolution Approving a transfer agreement with the Metropolitan Council to accept two traffic signal controllers for installation on University Avenue. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-2074 1 28 Resolution Authorizing the City of Saint Paul Department of Public Works to amend its existing towing contracts to increase towing charges for Snow Emergency Towing. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-2057 1 29 Resolution Accepting a gift from the Humane Society of the United States for travel costs for an Animal Control Supervisor from the Department of Safety and Inspections to transport a marmoset primate from Minnesota to Kentucky for final transport to a primate sanctuary in Florida. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-2029 1 30 Resolution Approving a waiver of the 45-day notice requirement to issue Liquor On Sale- 100 seats or less, Liquor On Sale- Sunday, Liquor Outdoor Service Area (Patio), and Liquor Outdoor Service Area (Sidewalk) licenses with conditions to Tori 2 LLC, d/b/a Tori (License ID #20190003530) at 603 7th Street West. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-2009 1 31 Resolution Approving adverse action against the Cigarette/Tobacco and Gas Station licenses held by Dabalato LLC, d/b/a McKnight Market (License ID #20090000223) at 275 McKnight Road. (To be withdrawn and resubmitted at a later date for a public hearing) Withdrawn   Action details Not available RLH OA 19-11 2 32 Resolution LH Other Appeal Type Making recommendation to Ramsey County on the application of James T. Connelly, Jr. for repurchase of tax forfeited property at 1615 STANFORD AVENUE. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RES 19-2078 1 12 Resolution Approving the West 7th Street Parking Study of West 7th Street between Seven Corners and St. Clair Avenue. Adopted Pass Action details Video Ord 19-64 1 33 Ordinance Granting the application of David Wetherill to rezone property at 600-602 Lawson Avenue West from RM2 Multiple Family Residential to T2 Traditional Neighborhood, and amending Chapter 60 of the Legislative Code pertaining to the zoning map. Adopted Pass Action details Video Ord 19-69 2 34 Ordinance Amending Section 105.04 of the Legislative Code to aid construction of boulevard rain gardens. Adopted Pass Action details Video Ord 19-72 1 35 Ordinance Amending Chapters 65 and 66 of the Legislative Code pertaining to hotel, motel, and inn. Laid Over to Second Reading   Action details Video Ord 19-73 1 36 Ordinance Granting the application of Blackstone 1, LLC to rezone property at 823 Englewood Avenue from R4 Single Family Residential to RT2 Townhouse Residential, and amending Chapter 60 of the Legislative Code pertaining to the zoning map. Laid Over to Second Reading   Action details Video Ord 19-74 1 37 Ordinance Amending Chapter 2.02 of the Administrative Code by creating the Office of Financial Empowerment. Laid Over to Second Reading   Action details Video Ord 19-75 1 38 Ordinance Amending Chapter 33 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code pertaining to Establishment of Permit Fees, Certificate of Compliance, and Fence Requirements. Laid Over to Second Reading   Action details Video Ord 19-78 1 39 Ordinance Amending Chapter 310 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code pertaining to Uniform License Procedures as it relates to the License Fee Schedule. Laid Over to Second Reading   Action details Video RES PH 19-389 1 40 Resolution-Public Hearing Amending the financing and spending plans in the General Government Accounts operating budget for 2019 flood related expenses in the amount of $4 million. Adopted Pass Action details Video RES PH 19-392 1 41 Resolution-Public Hearing Amending the City's Capital Improvement Budget and Operating Budget to reflect the final sale details resulting from the issuance of the G.O. Refunding Bonds, Series 2019H, and the Taxable G.O. Street Improvement Special Assessment Refunding Bonds, Series 2019I. Adopted Pass Action details Video RES PH 19-391 1 42 Resolution-Public Hearing Amending the financing and spending plans in the Fire Department for the Minnesota Task Force One team reimbursement from the City of Edina in the amount of $27,588.30. Adopted Pass Action details Video RES PH 19-395 1 43 Resolution-Public Hearing Amending the financing and spending plans in Fire Department in the amount of $32,400 for the 2018 Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant. Adopted Pass Action details Video RES PH 19-374 1 44 Resolution-Public Hearing Amending the 2019 spending and financing budget in the Department of Public Works General Fund Traffic Signals accounting unit by $128,762. Adopted Pass Action details Video RLH TA 19-880 1 45 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Amending Council File RLH AR 19-95 to reduce the assessment for Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during January to March 2019 at 984 ARMSTRONG AVENUE. (File No. CG1902D2, Assessment No. 190114) Adopted Pass Action details Not available RLH VBR 19-79 2 46 Resolution LH Vacant Building Registration Appeal of Daniel Curuz, tenant, to a Vacant Building Registration Notice at 1129 BEECH STREET. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RLH VBR 19-81 2 47 Resolution LH Vacant Building Registration Appeal of Shai Leibovich to a Vacant Building Registration Notice at 1129 BEECH STREET. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RLH TA 19-900 1 48 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Amending Council File RLH AR 19-139 to delete the assessment for Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during April to June 2019 at 930 CARROLL AVENUE. (File No. CG1903E4, Assessment No. 190140) Adopted Pass Action details Not available RLH VO 19-48 2 49 Resolution LH Vacate Order Appeal of Patrick Murphy to a Revocation of Fire Certificate of Occupancy and Order to Vacate at 61 COMO AVENUE. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RLH VBR 19-75 2 50 Resolution LH Vacant Building Registration Appeal of Lynse Paasch of Real-Time Leasing representing owner - Michael Gudejko to a Vacant Building Registration Notice at 885 CONWAY STREET. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RLH TA 19-899 1 51 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Amending Council File RLH AR 19-47 to delete the assessment for Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during October to December 2018 at 758 COTTAGE AVENUE WEST. (File No. CG1901B4, Assessment No. 190060) Adopted Pass Action details Not available RLH TA 19-902 1 52 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Amending Council File RLH AR 19-74 to delete the assessment for Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during January to March 2019 at 414 DAYTON AVENUE. (File No. CG1902A1, Assessment No. 190101) Adopted Pass Action details Not available RLH TA 19-878 1 53 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Amending Council File RLH AR 19-39 to delete the assessment for Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during October to December 2018 at 706 DAYTON AVENUE. (File No. CG1901A1, Assessment No. 190051) Adopted Pass Action details Not available RLH TA 19-879 1 54 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Amending Council File RLH AR 19-86 to delete the assessment for Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during January to March 2019 at 706 DAYTON AVENUE. (File No. CG1902C3, Assessment No. 190111) Adopted Pass Action details Not available RLH TA 19-882 1 55 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Amending Council File RLH AR 19-118 to delete the assessment for Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during April to June 2019 at 706 DAYTON AVENUE. (File No. CG1903A1, Assessment No. 190121) Adopted Pass Action details Not available RLH VBR 19-78 2 56 Resolution LH Vacant Building Registration Appeal of Carolyn Brown, Community Stabilization Project, to a Vacant Building Registration Fee at 914 EARL STREET. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RLH FCO 19-117 2 57 Resolution LH Fire C of O OR Correction Order Appeal of Chris Skarupa to a Correction Notice - Re-Inspection Complaint at 2015 FORD PARKWAY. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RLH VBR 19-63 3 58 Resolution LH Vacant Building Registration Appeal of Genarro Moten to a Vacant Building Registration Notice at 579 FOREST STREET. Adopted As Amended Pass Action details Not available RLH TA 19-892 1 59 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Amending Council File RLH AR 19-120 to delete the assessment for Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during April to June 2019 at 675 HALL AVENUE. (File No. CG1903A3, Assessment No. 190123) Adopted Pass Action details Not available RLH FCO 19-111 2 60 Resolution LH Fire C of O OR Correction Order Appeal of Jeff Langer to a Fire Certificate of Occupancy Approval With Corrections at 949 IOWA AVENUE WEST. Continue Public Hearing   Action details Not available RLH VBR 19-80 2 61 Resolution LH Vacant Building Registration Appeal of Joe Collins to a Vacant Building Registration Fee Warning Letter at 112 MANITOBA AVENUE. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RLH SAO 19-55 2 62 Resolution LH Summary Abatement Order Making finding on the appealed nuisance abatement ordered for 958 REANEY AVENUE in Council File RLH SAO 19-52. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RLH VO 19-52 2 63 Resolution LH Vacate Order Appeal of Daniel Ward to a Revocation of Fire Certificate of Occupancy and Order to Vacate at 2034 REANEY AVENUE. Adopted As Amended Pass Action details Not available RLH SAO 19-56 2 64 Resolution LH Summary Abatement Order Appeal of Blong Lee to a Summary Abatement Order at 1676 SEVENTH STREET EAST. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RLH VO 19-51 2 65 Resolution LH Vacate Order Appeal of Jay Mitchell, on behalf of Quality Residences, to a Revocation of Fire Certificate of Occupancy and Order to Vacate at 743 THIRD STREET EAST. Continue Public Hearing   Action details Not available RLH VBR 19-55 2 66 Resolution LH Vacant Building Registration Appeal of Angel Lawrence to a Vacant Building Registration Notice at 342 THOMAS AVENUE. Adopted As Amended Pass Action details Not available RLH FCO 19-110 2 67 Resolution LH Fire C of O OR Correction Order Appeal of Linda Brooks to a Correction Notice - Complaint Inspection at 421 VANCE STREET. Adopted Pass Action details Not available RLH TA 19-901 1 68 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Amending Council File RLH AR 19-96 to delete the assessment for Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during January to March 2019 at 1820 YORK AVENUE. (File No. CG1902D4, Assessment No. 190116) Adopted Pass Action details Not available Ord 19-71 1 69 Ordinance Amending Chapter 24.03 of the Administrative Code related to financial disclosure requirements. Public Hearing Closed; Laid Over to Fourth Reading/Final Adoption Pass Action details Video RES PH 19-364 2 70 Resolution-Public Hearing Adopting the Frogtown District 7 Plan as an addendum to the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan. Adopted Pass Action details Video RES PH 19-381 1 71 Resolution-Public Hearing Approving the Plat for the West Side Flats Phase III. (Public hearing continued from December 4) Continue Public Hearing Pass Action details Video RES PH 19-390 1 72 Resolution-Public Hearing Authorizing an extension of the Lowertown Ballpark Project internal loan term. Adopted Pass Action details Video RES PH 19-385 1 73 Resolution-Public Hearing Approving the Energy Park Utility Company Schedule A. Adopted Pass Action details Video APC 19-4 1 74 Appeal-Planning Comm Public hearing to consider the appeal of St. Anthony Park Community Council to a decision of the Planning Commission denying the appeal and approving a conditionally approved site plan for improvement of a vacant lot for outdoor storage at 2495 Kasota Avenue. Continue Public Hearing Pass Action details Video PH 19-1 1 76 Public Hearing-Misc. Final Hearing on the proposed 2020 Budget and Tax Levy, aka Truth in Taxation hearing. Received and Filed   Action details Not available RES PH 19-388 1 75 Resolution-Public Hearing Approving an amendment to the Capital Improvement Budget; declaring official intent to reimburse expenditures from the proceeds of tax exempt bonds; authorizing interfund loans; providing for the use of Project Labor Agreements in accordance with policy; and authorizing execution of a redevelopment agreement and related documents for the Ford Site Redevelopment Project (District 15, Ward 3) (v). Adopted Pass Action details Video  Add New Comment 46 records Group Clear sorting Clear grouping Group by File # Group by Name Group by District Group by Opinion Export Export to Excel Export to PDF Export to Word File # Date  Name District Opinion Comment Action APC 19-4 3/10/2020 1:50 AM Stephen Sage   For This project was presented and sold as a place to store paper. However, it has become clear that the intent of Rohn is to establish a trucking hub on a wetland adjacent to Saint Anthony Park. There are houses within 350 feet of this development. We are on the other side of Highway 280, but the bridge over Kasota Ave. and the railway is an open space through which all of the noise and fumes created by these trucks will be funneled. There is no barrier between the site and our community. At the March 4 hearing we learned that while long term paper storage is a permitted use, parking is not. The city staffer argued that this was a technicality. I am writing to say that for those of us who live near this proposed development, this is not a technical matter. If approved, this development will exponentially increase the noise, pollution, and traffic congestion in our area. The community is clearly against this project. Please act accordingly. APC 19-4 3/4/2020 9:34 PM Cynthia Ahlgren   For I favor this appeal. Rohn’s plans to develop here are an opportunity to consider alternatives. The toxic dump sits on a wetland that drains into the aquifer. (See Metcouncil’s St. Paul Community Pages “Surface Water Ground Water Interaction” map). It shows the NW quadrant of Kasota/280 marked “recharges aquifers.” As rain and groundwater flow through this contaminated soil, do they not leach toxins into the aquifer or carry them into the Mississippi? Should we not consider removing the contaminants? Also, the Humane Shelter has purchased the building adjacent to this site for its new headquarters. Animals need a nontoxic environment. And plans for completing the Grand Rounds will bring cyclists over the railroad tracks via a bridge to Kasota Ave. (called the Bridal Veil Trail), to be beautified by landscaping. These changes suggest the possibility of future high density housing on Kasota, if the area is decontaminated. The 2040 Plan should look to such improvements in water & housing. APC 19-4 3/4/2020 7:45 PM Ryder and Shanan Seeler   For The development at 2495 Kasota by Rohn Industries runs in direct contrast to what the city of Saint Paul has committed to in their 2019 “Climate Action and Resilience Plan”. Our family supports the SAPCC appeal and strongly opposes the development of the 2495 Kasota land parcel. APC 19-4 3/3/2020 10:59 PM Robert & Carolyn Herman   For Our family supports the SAPCC appeal and opposes the development of the Kasota land parcel. When development of the site was proposed 20 years ago it was determined that the contaminated materials from a former ash dump would be hazardous to disturb. What has changed since then? We know that public health is threatened by these toxic wastes and one would think we would be cautious about digging into this site since we are now even more aware of the dangers of contaminated soil distrubance. We expect our government officials to fulfill their obligation to protect their constituents’ health.The owner of Rohn, Ron Mason, has said that a paved parking lot is probably the least disruptive option. No, the least disruptive option is to leave the land fallow, with no digging or replacement of soil. We do not oppose Rohn in its need for a parking facility but urge the company and the city of St. Paul to work together to find an alternative site. APC 19-4 3/3/2020 10:32 PM Ann Yetter     As a neighborhood resident, user of Energy Park Drive, and annual participant in the Kasota Ponds clean up every April, I am in favor of the appeal and against the truck parking plan. From a traffic perspective it would add to an already busy nexus of businesses and well-traveled roads, on and off ramps to Hwy 280, and from an environmental perspective digging up the polluted site without regard to the surrounding natural areas is nonsensical. We have precious few areas in the city for these birds and critters to make use of--why should destroying what is there for a parking lot for trucks take priority? +1 APC 19-4 3/3/2020 10:29 PM David Fan   For I live in Saint Anthony Park in District 12. For environmental reasons, I support the appeal. I do not want Rohn Industries to proceed. APC 19-4 3/3/2020 2:44 PM Mike Lukes   Against I would non like to see a permiable surface within the city converted to an asphault covered parking/staging lot when there are many, multiple more appropriate currently paved areas that can be used its stead. We learn in grade school about the hydrologic cylcle and that paved surfaces concentrate runoff and the nasty chemicals that are on that surface. In order to be a good role model to our children, we must practice what we preach...so please deny the modification and use of this permiable land and set a good eample to those after us...find another paved place for this use +1 APC 19-4 3/3/2020 3:34 AM Tracy Kugler   For I am FOR the appeal and AGAINST development on this site. The history of this location as a tenuously stabilized dump site containing dangerous quantities of toxic materials is a clear indication that the site should not be disturbed. The fact that this area currently serves as an important remnant of wetland habitat further argues against paving it over. Let's stick to the commitments of the Climate Action and Resilience Plan when it comes time to make on-the-ground decisions like this. APC 19-4 3/3/2020 2:13 AM Aaron Kerr   For I am FOR the appeal. I am AGAINST the development. St. Paul's own Climate and Resilience Plan directly addresses the need for more green space in the city, and this contradicts that. Parking lots are imperious as well, further adding to excess runoff, pollution, and flooding. I don't think we need lost MPCA records to make a case for keeping this spot an undeveloped green space. APC 19-4 3/3/2020 1:36 AM Margot Monson   For I am for the appeal of the SAPCC to the St Paul City Council. I am against the development of the Kasota Ave site proposed by Rohn Industries because it will require excavation in site preparation of this do***ented polluted property. Any disturbance to this site will potentially impact the ecological integrity of the surrounding wetland habitat, human health from the air pollution created by increased particulate matter from site preparation and the noise from braking and idling diesel engines for the neighbors living within 1/4 mile, increased safety issues from semis operating in already congested Kasota Ave. As committed active participants in the Transition Town movement, St Anthony Park has been working for several years to transition away from unnecessary uses of precious resources, especially reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. As we experience more effects of climate change, if allowed to proceed, this operation will increase our carbon footprint in very real terms. APC 19-4 3/3/2020 1:29 AM Gregg Richardson     I’ve lived a couple of blocks from the proposed site for 32 years, and put in many hours of meetings and labor in trying to protect and improve adjacent wetland habitat. The proposed site is an old buried hazardous waste dump. Immediately adjacent are several pre-white-settlement wetland remnants that provide critical urban habitat for a number of species of wildlife, including migratory waterfowl. Due to continuing destruction of habitat across the continent, these urban remnants become increasingly important sanctuaries for for organisms that support crucial ecological diversity. The proposed project constitutes an imminent threat to these ecological functions. +1 APC 19-4 3/2/2020 11:38 PM Lynnette hansen     PLEASE do not allow the truck parking lot to be developed on Kasota for all of the important reasons already expressed in the opinions. We must not allow more toxic pollution in our middle of the city neighborhoods for the health of our residents children and grandchildren. +1 APC 19-4 3/2/2020 11:20 PM Laurie Christopherson   For I live on the other side of Hwy280 and I oppose the distruption of buried hazardous waste just to provide more parking for trucks. It doesn't make sense to expose us and the remaining wetland to any number of toxins. Paving over an area which is still rich in wildlife is disgusting. I am amazed that I can still witness dragonflies and ducks flying around my industrialized intercity neighborhood which already bears the brunt of MUCH air, noise, light, and billboard pollution. Just stop. Surely there are safer alternatives for truck parking. APC 19-4 3/2/2020 11:15 PM Lori Hamilton     It is irresponsible to dig up a known toxic waste site - especially so close to where children live and play. I am for the appeal and against the development of this site. +1 APC 19-4 3/2/2020 10:58 PM Rachel Fang   For I support the SAPCC's appeal to the St. Paul City Council and I OPPOSE Rohn Industry's development of the site at 2495 Kasota Avenue. I live within a mile of the site (just the other side of HWY 280) and I have serious concerns about the pollution that development of the site will release into the land, air and water! As more housing is added to this area, it is foolish to further endanger residents by adding to the already considerable air pollution created by the industrial developments along Kasota, along with the considerable noise and light pollution that current industrial use has created. In addition, the site is a vital greenspace for wildlife and provides a watershed for the area. APC 19-4 3/2/2020 10:56 PM Anna Pease   For I am a five year resident of 55108 and strongly believe the 2495 Kasota Avenue development should not proceed. It is 2020 and we are having on-going global conversations about environmental concerns. Preserving the small wild spaces we have in our community seems like a no-brainer. We don't need more exposure to pollutants! We urgently need as many clean and healthy spaces as possible that support wildlife and human life. Hurting those spaces is ultimately killing us and creatures that have no say in the matter. By developing the site, we would be stepping backward. We need to be walking forward by thoroughly cleaning up the 22 feet of buried contaminants and restoring the space to a source of health, not disease. Look ahead. Our wealth is held in green healthy spaces - this is the future. This is an opportunity to be a leader in environmental justice - for the sake of our future, please do not allow this development to continue. APC 19-4 3/2/2020 9:51 PM Tom Lucy   For Decisions like this need to be made through the lens of Saint Paul Climate Action and Resilience plan. When that happens the answer becomes clear. These wetlands need to be protected as in doing that we are protecting our residents as well. I for one thank Council Member Jalali for her leadership on this matter. APC 19-4 3/2/2020 9:50 PM       Decisions like this need to be made through the lens of Saint Paul Climate Action and Resilience plan. When that happens the answer becomes clear. These wetlands need to be protected as in doing that we are protecting our residents as well. I for one thank Council Member Jalali for her leadership on this matter. +1 APC 19-4 3/2/2020 9:07 PM Jeffrey Hanson   For Wetlands are critical is all watersheds, even small wetlands. Ducks, frogs, turtles, geese, beetles and all sorts of living things like small wetlands, often more than larger ones. This being a small wetland is no excuse to destroy it. Have worked for many years in the SAP area on recycling and the creation of Floating Treatment Wetlands. It is amazing how small, incremental wetlands can have a positive benefit. It is far worse when we destroy any wetland.SAP needs more wetlands, not less. This appeal should be supported and the building of this parking should NOT be allowed. APC 19-4 3/2/2020 8:58 PM Naomi Cohn   For I support SAPCC's appeal of the 2495 Kasota Avenue project. I'm a 20 year resident of the 55114 zip. Developing the site would ~Expose my neighbors to contaminants from the old ash dump as well as adding to the already heavy burden of heavy truck traffic and air pollution (from 280/94 and industrial traffic). Since the City has, in recent years, approved many new units of residential housing in 55114, the number of residents who would be exposed to the health and safety risks of this development would be greatly increased. ~Reduce our resilience to stormwater and flooding events. Unpaved open space, pristine or not, is vital for human health. Saint Paul should be looking at creating more unpaved open space in our community. Not destroying it. 55114 is already woefully short of open space. Maintaining and adding to wetlands and pervious open space will improve our community's ability to absorb storm and other flooding events, and limit/reduce the heat island effect in the area APC 19-4 3/2/2020 8:54 PM     For I mistakenly said I was against. I am against the development. I am FOR the appeal. Here is a repeat of my comment-- We are responsible for more than the economic development of our city. We are also responsible to maintain water purity, human health, wildlife corridors, wetlands, and green space. Covering this site with impermeable surface destroys nesting grounds for turtles that live in the adjacent pond, exposes workers to hazardous waste (the do***entation of which has been lost), further destroys a natural wetland, goes against the city's climate goals, degrades the water in the adjacent natural ponds, and goes against the work of the local community who have been caring for and working to rehabilitate this area. While parking may be needed for Rohn Industries, other sites are available for lease. We need to be restoring wetlands, not paving over them. APC 19-4 3/2/2020 8:35 PM Rosemary Slowiak   For I support the appeal “2495 Kasota Ave - St. Anthony Park Community Council.” As a St. Paul resident who has engaged with the St. Paul Climate Action and Resilience Plan and been very involved in gr*** roots environmental justice work with St. Paul 350, I stand in solidarity with the St. Anthony Park Community Council and all the work they have done to protect their community from harmful pollutants buried at this site that would be released if it is developed. I live next to a brown field that was once considered for development, but dedicated neighbors chose to transform it into green space instead. It is now known as Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, a community ***et treasured by many. The decades of research and remediation SAPCC has done at the Kasota site exemplify the vision and goals expressed for natural infrastructure and citizen engagement in St. Paul's Climate Action and Resilience Plan. Please grant their appeal. APC 19-4 3/2/2020 8:20 PM Anna Graber   For I support the appeal "2495 Kasota Ave - St. Anthony Park Community Council." I am an expectant mother living in SAP near Kasota Ave. I am deeply concerned that sufficient environmental testing has not be performed on this site. Development of this former dumpsite could very well release toxic materials into the air that will settle on my property and that of our neighbors, making it hazardous for our children to play in our yards or for us to garden on our property. We are a young family hoping to live decades in our recently purchased home in this beautiful neighborhood--this kind of development could lower our property values, harm the city's tax base, and push us to a cleaner environment in the suburbs. APC 19-4 3/2/2020 7:32 PM Frank Steen     I'm in favor of the appeal. The issue was dealt with 20 years ago - was a good decision at the time. Why would we back track? Safety of the people and environment should take precedence over profit. +1 APC 19-4 3/2/2020 4:11 PM Chelsea DeArmond   For I support the appeal “2495 Kasota Ave - St. Anthony Park Community Council.” As a St. Paul resident who has engaged with the St. Paul Climate Action and Resilience Plan and been very involved in gr*** roots environmental justice work with St. Paul 350, I stand in solidarity with the St. Anthony Park Community Council and all the work they have done to protect their community from harmful pollutants buried at this site that would be released if it is developed. I live next to a brown field that was once considered for development, but dedicated neighbors chose to transform it into green space instead. It is now known as Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, a community ***et treasured by many. The decades of research and remediation SAPCC has done at the Kasota site exemplify the vision and goals expressed for natural infrastructure and citizen engagement in St. Paul's Climate Action and Resilience Plan. Please grant their appeal. APC 19-4 3/1/2020 11:06 PM Betty Wheeler   For Wooden beams, metal pipes, nails, broken bricks, concrete, gl***, etc. (in many soil borings at varying depths) are ample evidence of demolition materials. Widespread asbestos use in 1930s-60s strongly suggests asbestos was discarded here too. Friable asbestos in soil cannot be reliably identified in the field; it must be identified by high tech lab equipment. MN rules require inspection by a certified, licensed AHERA inspector if asbestos is suspected. But NO testing for asbestos has yet been required here. CFR 40, pt. 61, subp. M (NESHAP) requires strict criteria for asbestos removal. The project consultants are not proposing to follow these rules; the MPCA's NAD letter doesn’t require them either. The MPCA's current approval basically states the proposer's on-site manager should stop digging if s/he (happens to) 'see' or 'smell' asbestos. Relying on sight and smell are unacceptable criteria. Either leave the site alone or have it remediated, rigorously following NESHAP and MN rules. APC 19-4 3/1/2020 10:32 PM Betty Wheeler   For Many soil borings show both lead and demolition materials across this Kasota site and at all depths of waste. MPCA and MDH have not taken this issue seriously. From Water Gremlin’s lead exposure case: The judge required “new changing areas and shower facilities, to ensure workers are free of lead when they leave the facility. [T]he judge ordered Water Gremlin to clean up lead contamination in employees’ vehicles and test their homes for lead contamination and abate if needed…It is essential that no lead leave the facility where it may continue to poison children.” How will on-site workers change or shower here? They will drag lead home on their clothing. How much lead will blow our way, when the contractors are digging, dumping and sending up clouds of lead into the air? MDH says “no amount of lead exposure is safe for children.” Will MPCA, MDH and the City ignore the health of the workers’ children here? The children in our community? Development ‘as usual’ here would be dangerous. APC 19-4 3/1/2020 9:35 PM Perry So   For Pat, thank you for pointing out the mistake that I and others have made. Please register my opinion in my earlier comment as being FOR the appeal, and therefore against the development. APC 19-4 3/1/2020 8:46 PM Mari Hirabayashi   For I would respectfully submit that it is irresponsible to excavate this site unless a full removal/clean-up of contaminants is planned, and that especially in areas with very few wetlands it is important to preserve what wetlands exist. APC 19-4 3/1/2020 7:03 PM Sherman Eagles   For For the last twenty years of my work career I analyzed the safety of life-critical medical devices. Because a failure of these devices could cause severe injury or death, they were rigorously designed and tested to ensure they worked as intended, and analyzed that if they did fail could the consequence of the failure be mitigated. If there was no mitigation, an analysis was performed to justify that the benefits received by the patient population was worth the risk of a failure. If this was not satisfactory, the device could not be used. The safety analysis performed by MPCA for this site is, in my opinion, inadequate to show that there will be no hazardous pollution released if the site is disturbed. When considering whether this is acceptable and worth the risk to health if hazardous material is released, please consider environmental justice, over 26% of the residents at risk downwind of the site in SSAP are in poverty. Please support the appeal. +1 APC 19-4 3/1/2020 3:34 AM Pat Thompson   For Please note that multiple commenters have checked the incorrect box for their stance (Against when it should be For), indicating how confusing this form is. They are for the appeal and against the development. I ***ume this will be reconciled in City Council review rather than just counted as-is. +1 APC 19-4 2/29/2020 10:59 PM Karlyn Eckman     I live in South Saint Anthony and am a water quality researcher at UMN. This site contains 22 feet of buried contaminants from the historic Elm Street Ash Dump. I have studied the pond complex for about 35 years and read the original do***ents at MPCA, which are now missing. Approvals by City staff, MPCA and Health Departments were not informed by a thorough do***ent review, because archived do***ents are now lost. Disturbing the soil will release contaminants (asbestos, lead, arsenic, cadmium) that are difficult to detect by observation alone. These will be carried by wind, and if wetted, will flow into the ponds, sewers and Mississippi. I strongly disagree with development at the site and urge you to reconsider this appeal. Doing otherwise negates decades of community, agency and business investment at the Kasota Pond complex. +1 APC 19-4 2/29/2020 7:41 PM Lisa Habeck     I am fully against the proposed parking hub to be built on a known toxic waste site. This is an opportunity for St. Paul to be forward-thinking, follow their own Comprehensive plan, and preserve green space. Land and soil management is crucial to climate change mitigation, and this is a chance for members to show they are not stuck in "business as usual". To ignore glaring detrimental environmental factors and expose citizens to toxins is irresponsible. The Kasota Ponds are teeming with life, thanks to the help of hundreds of volunteers over the last 33 years. The run-off and pollution caused by this development will harm the ponds and the people. +1 APC 19-4 2/29/2020 3:29 PM Pat Thompson   For The Planning Commission members who voted against SAPCC's appeal and city staff have relied on MPCA's opinion. But MPCA has lost important records about this site. 20 years ago SAPCC members read the contents of boxes of files describing the toxic contents of the Elm Street Ash Dump, including 2495 Kasota. Despite this, MPCA has signed off on plans that don't meet its published sampling guidelines for depth and spacing. Will MPCA now approve development on all the brownfields where they have lost records? Is that the standard St. Paul wants for its people? The toxins on this site can't be seen or smelled--the recommended method in the approved work plan--and by the time an "onsite expert" might be called to run a test, the toxins will be exposed to air. Planning Commissioner Taqee Khaled, who studied epidemiology at the U, said during the Commission's discussion, "these things don’t get proven out until the people are dead." I don't want that for my city. Please vote yes! +1 APC 19-4 2/29/2020 1:06 PM Tom Hysell     The development of 2495 Kasota Avenue should NOT proceed. The only appropriate action at this site is to remove the polluted material and restore it to its original wetland. Or, at a minimum, leave the polluted ash dump undisturbed. I am for the appeal of the CUP and against the development. +1 APC 19-4 2/28/2020 10:22 PM Steven Yetter   Against Please, please, please DO NOT ALLOW the development of 2495 Kasota Avenue to proceed. This proposal should never have been approved in the first place. The only appropriate actions at this site are to either remove the polluted material and restore it to its original wetland or leave the polluted ash dump undisturbed. There are other places nearby for Rohn Industries to put their trailer transfer station. Amy Brendmoen, Mitra Jalali, Jane Prince, Dai Thao, Chris Tolbert, Nelsie Yang, Rebecca Noecker, please do the right thing and vote against this proposal. +1 APC 19-4 2/28/2020 10:08 PM catherine ryan     I am not sure what I think about this proposal yet because I haven't been following it clobusin sely. On the surface, it seems to me that it would be good to have the business use the lot, remain in St. Paul and pay taxes. I have participated in the Kasota Pond clean up and I don't see why having the parking lot across the street would harm the pond, since it is already immersed in not only an urban environment, but also an industrial one. Why would one more business there cause any further damage? Couldn't Rohn's relocation be off-set by a commitment to contribute to the well-being and upkeep of the pond? Or planting more trees in SAP, which has been devastated by Emerald Ash disease? I think it's best to keep our businesses here in St. Paul and require them to be good stewards of the surrounding land. +1 -3 2 APC 19-4 2/28/2020 8:13 PM Tim Wulling   For Some of the policies in 2040 Comprehensive Plan that support retaining natural, open spaces follow. Policy LU-21 The Kasota Ponds natural habitat should be protected rather than be split into smaller, unconnected pieces. Policy LU-48 To be consistent with this policy, it would be better to make use of existing parking surfaces in South St. Anthony Park for Rohn Industries’ trailer parking, rather than break apart Kasota Ponds which is one of the few remaining natural areas amid the industrial area along Kasota Avenue and extending into South St. Anthony Park. Policy LU-57 With the Kasota railroad crossing and Hwy 280 ramps opposite the driveway to the proposed parking, congestion could back up to the railroad crossing. Policy PR-28 The project would inhibit the ecological function of the performed the the existing larger, contiguous natural space. Kasota Ponds is valuable open space serving ecological functions. Do not diminish it. +1 APC 19-4 2/28/2020 8:07 PM Ranae Hanson   Against We are responsible for more than the economic development of our city. We are also responsible to maintain water purity, human health, wildlife corridors, wetlands, and green space. Covering this site with impermeable surface destroys nesting grounds for turtles that live in the adjacent pond, exposes workers to hazardous waste (the do***entation of which has been lost), further destroys a natural wetland, goes against the city's climate goals, degrades the water in the adjacent natural ponds, and goes against the work of the local community who have been caring for and working to rehabilitate this area. While parking may be needed for Rohn Industries, other sites are available for lease. We need to be restoring wetlands, not paving over them. +1 APC 19-4 2/28/2020 8:05 PM Tim Wulling   For I live in St. Anthony Park. I support the appeal “2495 Kasota Ave - St. Anthony Park Community Council.” I oppose the Rohn Industries Trailer Storage Project at 2495 Kasota Avenue. The project would pave land that is now undeveloped, natural habitat. Further, the land is part of approximately 17 acres of undeveloped land, ponds, and wetlands. Even though the project would affect only 1.67 acres, that land is in the middle of the 17 acres and would break the larger natural habitat into smaller, separated pieces. The four Kasota Ponds and ***ociated wetlands are identified as “public waters and wetlands” in the St. Paul For All 2040 Comprehensive Plan (Map WR-1, p. 201) and by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (map at https://www.fws.gov/wetlands). Kasota Ponds provide habitat for both resident and migratory species. +1 APC 19-4 2/28/2020 7:27 PM Sandra Jacobs   Against I support the Rohn Industries development and I oppose the appeal by the council. I think there is a way to get this done in a safe manner. Rohn Industries is a good St. Paul company and we should support our businesses. I am a neighboring business in the district. -1 Ord 19-74 12/16/2019 1:27 PM Sharon Anderson   Against Another Bloated Agencys Duplication costing Taxpayers, used apparantly to create a Job for Stark Sanctuary City cannot afford all these newly created Agencies, Look at the Mess DSI HAS created http://taxthemax.blogspot.com APC 19-4 12/7/2019 1:04 AM Perry So   Against We are new to the neighborhood, and our house is located 1500 feet from the proposed site. Any potential release of toxins from construction work at the site is unacceptable to us particularly as we are expecting our first child. As we work to mitigate against toxins within our structure, this one decision could potentially render all our efforts useless. Langford Park, St Anthony Park Elementary School, the Co-op Pre-School are all well within 3000 feet of this site, so the number of children at risk is much higher than those who live in the immediate vicinity of the site. Rohn Industry is a valued member of our community and we should work together to find sustainable and safe ways for them to grow. It simply shouldn’t take precedence over the safety and health of the neighborhood. +1 APC 19-4 12/2/2019 11:42 PM Mary Boyd-Brent   Against For those of us living in this area who daily drive past the site where Rohn proposes to build without remediation, this development poses a real threat to health. I do not oppose the development in principle but most definitely do unless remediation occurs first. Thank you. +1 RES 19-2045 12/2/2019 4:26 PM WhistleblowerSharonAnderson   Against Legal Notice via email,blogs,fb and twitter https://sharon-mn-ecf.blogspot.com/ COUNT III STEINHAUSHER QUO WARRANTO 2012Case Fixing Terminated 2017. https://www.nationalbcc.org/images/stories/DOJ-St-Paul.pdf RES 19-2045 11/27/2019 1:44 PM SharonScarrellaAnderson   Against Citys Ponzi Taxing Schemes must Seize and Desist Forcing Legislative HEARINGS without Valid Complaints must be Illegal Delegation of Councils Authority,Musical Chairs Justice Delayed is Justice Denied Affiant Sharon Callenging Constitutionality of these Bogus Billings 9 months later is Bizzare or 2006 Theft of Water,Cars,Trailers unabated up to 2019 and 2020 MANDATES Theft by Swindle,Deceptive Trade etc. http://sharon4council.blogspot.com Refunds mandated 4.5% interest on Fraud is CitysCriminal intent