Please note: this meeting's minutes have not been finalized yet. Actions taken on legislation and their results are not available. Details Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final Meeting date/time: 3/4/2020 3:30 PM Minutes status: Draft   Meeting location: Council Chambers - 3rd Floor Public Hearings at 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Published agenda: Agenda Published minutes: Minutes   Meeting video: Video   Attachments: Meeting Items (51) Public Comments (67) 51 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 RES 20-345 1 2 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Collection of Vacant Building Registration Fees billed during February 5 to November 22, 2019, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for April 7, 2020 and City Council public hearing for May 20, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. VB2008, Assessment No. 208807)     Not available Not available RES 20-346 1 3 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Securing and/or Emergency Boarding services during December 2019, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for April 7, 2020 and City Council public hearing for May 20, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2008B, Assessment No. 208107)     Not available Not available RES 20-347 1 4 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Collection of Fire Certificate of Occupancy Fees billed during October 14 to November 20, 2019, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for April 7, 2020 and City Council public hearing for May 20, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. CRT2008, Assessment No. 208207)     Not available Not available RES 20-348 1 5 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Excessive Use of Inspection or Abatement services billed during October 22 to November 21, 2019, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for April 7, 2020 and City Council public hearing for May 20, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2008E, Assessment No. 208307)     Not available Not available RES 20-349 1 6 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Towing of Abandoned Vehicle(s) services during August to December 2019, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for April 7, 2020 and City Council public hearing for May 20, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2003V, Assessment No. 208002)     Not available Not available RES 20-350 1 7 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Removal of Dangerous Tree(s) from January 2019 at 1425 6th Street East, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for April 7, 2020 and City Council public hearing for May 20, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments. (File No. 2005T, Assessment No. 209004)     Not available Not available RES 20-388 1 8 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for service during October to December 2019, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for April 2, 2020 and City Council public hearing for May 27, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. CG2001A1, Assessment No. 200100)     Not available Not available RES 20-389 1 9 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for service during October to December 2019, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for April 2, 2020 and City Council public hearing for May 27, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. CG2001A2, Assessment No. 200101)     Not available Not available RES 20-390 1 10 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for service during October to December 2019, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for April 2, 2020 and City Council public hearing for May 27, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. CG2001A3, Assessment No. 200102)     Not available Not available RES 20-391 1 11 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for service during October to December 2019, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for April 2, 2020 and City Council public hearing for May 27, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. CG2001A4, Assessment No. 200103)     Not available Not available RES 20-392 1 12 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for service during October to December 2019, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for April 2, 2020 and City Council public hearing for May 27, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. CG2001B1, Assessment No. 200104)     Not available Not available RES 20-393 1 13 Resolution Approving the City’s cost of providing Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for service during October to December 2019, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for April 2, 2020 and City Council public hearing for May 27, 2020 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. CG2001B2, Assessment No. 200105)     Not available Not available RES 20-398 1 14 Resolution Amending RES PH 18-367 by replacing Exhibit "A" with Exhibit "B".     Not available Not available RES 20-291 1 15 Resolution Accepting up to $1,000 from Endeavor Business Media for travel and conference expenses for Saint Paul Parks and Recreation staff to attend the national Parks and Recreation Summit in Phoenix, Arizona from April 22 to April 24, 2020.     Not available Not available RES 20-358 1 16 Resolution Authorizing the Horticulture Department at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory to apply for a grant of up to $400 from the Mid-America Orchid Congress, and, if awarded, accept it for the purchase of orchid plants in the year 2020.     Not available Not available RES 20-352 1 17 Resolution Approving and authorizing the subordination, assignment, and assumption of the City of Saint Paul’s Metropolitan Council’s Neighborhood Commercial Spaces, LLC’s loan in the original amount of $1,450,000 to Neighborhood Development Center Entrepreneur Training Center (District 7, Ward 1).     Not available Not available RES 20-418 1 18 Resolution Approving the appointment of Paul Kurtz as Interim Director of Public Works.     Not available Not available RES 20-260 1 19 Resolution Approving the application with conditions, per the Deputy Legislative Hearing Officer, for Mucci's Italian LLC (License ID # 20150003362), d/b/a Mucci's Italian, to upgrade to a full Liquor On Sale - 100 seats or less, and Liquor On Sale Sunday licenses from an existing Wine On Sale, Malt On Sale (Strong) licenses, at 786 Randolph Avenue.     Not available Not available RES 20-371 1 20 Resolution Authorizing the Office of Technology and Communications to donate surplus cable studio set pieces to Lakes Area TV, which serves as the public access television station providing needed communication to the communities of Columbus and Forest Lake, for use in its programming.     Not available Not available RES 20-416 1 1 Resolution Recognizing March 10, 2020 as Abortion Providers Appreciation Day in Saint Paul, to honor the memory of Dr. David Gunn and the many other abortion providers and clinic staff face who support patients' reproductive choices.     Not available Video RES 20-417 1 21 Resolution Expressing deep appreciation for the Capital Hill Magnet School’s LEGO Wizards for their civic engagement and initiative in raising funds for a universally accessible playground at Victoria Park.     Not available Video Ord 20-8 1 22 Ordinance Granting the application of Glen Brown-Lowe to rezone property at 197 Baker Street East from RT1 Two-Family Residential to RM2 Multiple Family Residential, and amending Chapter 60 of the Legislative Code pertaining to the zoning map.     Not available Video Ord 20-9 2 23 Ordinance Granting the application of Rondo Center of Diverse Expression to rezone the properties at 315 Fisk Street North and 820 Concordia Avenue from RT1 Two Family Residential to T1 Traditional Neighborhood, and amending Chapter 60 of the Legislative Code pertaining to the zoning map.     Not available Video RES PH 20-59 1 24 Resolution-Public Hearing Approving the temporary installation of artwork in the public right-of-way on the Robert Street skyway windows between the Pioneer Endicott and First National Bank Buildings.     Not available Video RES PH 20-56 1 25 Resolution-Public Hearing Authorizing the City Attorney’s Office to apply for, and if granted accept, a $700 Workplace Wellness grant from the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce to offset the cost of a nursing room, and authorizing execution of a grant agreement.     Not available Video RES PH 20-29 1 26 Resolution-Public Hearing Authorizing the Mayor’s Office to accept a grant in the amount of $50,000 from the McKnight Foundation’s Midwest Climate and Energy Program to support the goals of the City of Saint Paul’s Draft Climate Action and Resilience Plan and to create more equitable mobility services.     Not available Video RES PH 20-61 1 27 Resolution-Public Hearing Approving and authorizing acceptance of a Livable Communities Transit Oriented Development grant from the Metropolitan Council for the River Balcony Schematic Design, and amending the 2020 Budget.     Not available Video RES PH 20-10 1 28 Resolution-Public Hearing Amending the financing and spending plans in the Department of Public Works Capital Budget to close out projects.     Not available Video RES PH 20-57 1 29 Resolution-Public Hearing Approving the application of Keg and Case Market for a sound level variance for live amplified music in an enclosed tent March 14 and 15, 2020 at 928 7th Street West.     Not available Video RLH TA 19-874 4 38 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 552 KENT STREET. (File No. J2006A, Assessment No. 208505) (To be referred back to Legislative Hearing on February 18, 2020)     Not available Video RLH TA 20-45 2 30 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1879 AMES AVENUE. (File No. J2010A, Assessment No. 208509)     Not available Not available RLH TA 20-64 2 31 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 971 BEECH STREET. (File No. J2010A, Assessment No. 208509)     Not available Video RLH VO 20-10 2 32 Resolution LH Vacate Order Appeal of Danya Knight to a Revocation of Fire Certificate of Occupancy and Order to Vacate at 858 BLAIR AVENUE.     Not available Not available RLH TA 20-131 2 33 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 880 CASE AVENUE. (File No. J2002V, Assessment No. 208001)     Not available Not available RLH TA 20-85 2 34 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 679 CHARLES AVENUE. (File No. J2010A, Assessment No. 208509) (Public hearing continued to October 7, 2020)     Not available Not available RLH FCO 20-14 2 35 Resolution LH Fire C of O OR Correction Order Appeal of Joseph Vance to a Re-Inspection Fire Certificate of Occupancy With Deficiencies at 1113 COMO PLACE.     Not available Not available RLH TA 20-62 2 36 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1021 FULLER AVENUE. (File No. J2009A, Assessment No. 208508)     Not available Not available RLH TA 20-63 2 37 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 930 JESSAMINE AVENUE EAST. (File No. J2010A, Assessment No. 208509)     Not available Not available RLH TA 20-44 2 39 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 595 LAWSON AVENUE EAST. (File No. J2009A, Assessment No. 208508)     Not available Not available RLH TA 20-75 2 40 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 865 LAWSON AVENUE EAST. (File No. J2010A, Assessment No. 208509)     Not available Not available RLH TA 20-66 2 41 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 876 LAWSON AVENUE EAST. (File No. J2009A, Assessment No. 208508)     Not available Not available RLH VBR 20-10 2 42 Resolution LH Vacant Building Registration Appeal of Jay Mitchell, on behalf of Quality Residences, LLC, to a Vacant Building Registration Fee Warning Letter at 1011 MARGARET STREET.     Not available Not available RLH TA 20-61 2 43 Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1826 ROBLYN AVENUE. (File No. J2009A, Assessment No. 208508)     Not available Not available RLH VBR 20-8 2 44 Resolution LH Vacant Building Registration Appeal of Jay Mitchell, on behalf of Quality Residence, to a Vacant Building Registration Notice at 716 SIMS AVENUE.     Not available Not available RLH VBR 20-9 2 45 Resolution LH Vacant Building Registration Appeal of Dave Meyer to a Vacant Building Registration Notice at 2442 STEWART AVENUE.     Not available Not available RLH AR 20-20 2 46 Resolution LH Assessment Roll Ratifying the assessments for Property Clean Up services during October 1 to 11, 2019. (File No. J2009A, Assessment No. 208508)     Not available Not available RLH AR 20-21 2 47 Resolution LH Assessment Roll Ratifying the assessments for Property Clean Up services during October 14 to 31, 2019. (File No. J2010A, Assessment No. 208509)     Not available Not available RLH TA 20-64 2   Resolution LH Tax Assessment Appeal Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 971 BEECH STREET. (File No. J2010A, Assessment No. 208509)     Not available Not available RES PH 20-51 1 48 Resolution-Public Hearing Approving the plat for the Rice Street Flats.     Not available Video APC 19-4 1 49 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.     Not available Video APC 20-2 2 50 Appeal-Planning Comm Public hearing to consider the appeal of Meri Hauge and Don Hauge to a decision of the Planning Commission denying the appeal of a zoning administrator decision to approve a site plan for Luther Seminary south campus improvements including expansion of a parking lot at 1465 Branston Street.     Not available Video  Add New Comment 67 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 RES 20-416 3/13/2020 10:20 PM Jonathan Thompson   Against I don't get why women can kill their kids if they don't want them, but fathers still have to pay child support for kids they don't want. Anyway, making an abortion appreciation day is ridiculous. That's like making a Holocaust Appreciation Day supporting the Nazis. +1 -1 RES 20-416 3/12/2020 9:49 PM Debra Braun   Against Two abortion providers in St. Paul (at Planned Parenthood) told one of my clients that most likely they would break the neck of her 22-week-baby if he survived the abortion (apparently to ***ure her that she would not have to deal with a live child). See the pregnant woman’s testimony at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVUXD-2P1bs This would violate both state and federal law. Fortunately, with our help, this woman decided against the abortion and her son is now a healthy toddler. Do you really want to honor such people who would do this to innocent children? +2 -1 RES 20-416 3/11/2020 1:11 PM Cecilia Coulter   Against What a sad day this is. Abortion is the intentional killing of a live human. Over 60 million dead since R v W, around 9,000 dead per year in MN alone. A society that celebrates this number of murders is sick, a sickness that permeates throughout. The womb is the most dangerous place to be right now. +2 -1 RES 20-416 3/11/2020 2:26 AM Jeffery T   Against The loss of human life should never be applauded or celebrated in any way. +4 -2 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. RES 20-416 3/10/2020 1:36 AM Greg McCool   Against I am disappointed to see that this resolution was p***ed, but I am even more disappointed that it was on your agenda in the first place. Ignoring for a moment my own beliefs on abortion: how did any of you think this resolution was a good idea? With polls generally showing only about half the country in support of abortion access, this is a tremendously divisive issue (yes, even in a progressive city like St. Paul). Please stick to the issues your constituents elected you for: public safety, housing, transportation. P***ing resolutions like this one will only divide us further. +3 -1 RES 20-416 3/9/2020 8:52 PM Shawna Wicker   Against As a Saint Paul resident, I am disappointed and saddened that this resolution was even proposed, let along unanimously p***ed. Your job, as City Council men and women, is to represent your constituents and our interests. This is by no means an issue that is decided among St. Paul residents, and therefore should not be something the Council puts forth to represent our city. Why make us more divided than we already are? +1 -1 RES 20-416 3/9/2020 1:35 AM Patricia Maetzold   Against I am a St Paul resident and I am grieved by the actions of the city council in honoring someone in an industry that makes millions of dollars by playing on the fears of women in the name of women's rights and reproductive choice. Why are we not honoring those who protect and defend life such as the doctors and nurses who work on the NICU or the counsellors that provide better options than ending a life or the teachers who strive to make a difference in the lives of our children? Those are the ones who should be honored. Yes, the death of Dr. Gunn was tragic and totally not prolife. The death of all the babies he destroyed is also tragic and the emotional pain he caused for the many women who trusted him and his council as their child's life was ended deserves no honor. It is horrible to think that our council unanimously voted to approve this. Isn't there anyone in government who will stand up for life?!! +7 -1 RES 20-416 3/9/2020 1:23 AM Hugh Maetzold   Against My comment was just stated and lacked my name and against. Being for life from beginning to end. +6 -1 RES 20-416 3/9/2020 1:16 AM Jason Holm   Against It is shameful that this resolution was proposed. And it's appalling that you p***ed it unanimously. The Pensacola, FL murder of Dr. Gunn is inexcusable, but how many appreciation days are you going to set aside to honor all of the children he murdered? And how many more days will you allow children to be murdered at the Planned Parenthood in your very own city? +7 -1 RES 20-416 3/9/2020 1:00 AM       The death of Dr. Gunn was a tragedy equally as abhorrent to lives taken through abortion. I wish St.Paul had a voice that represented this one for life. +5 -1 RES 20-416 3/8/2020 10:06 PM Marla Helseth   Against I am against this resolution. It matters not how many euphemisms your Council uses for abortion; abortion is still the intentional killing of human life, and it is not something that should be celebrated and it most certainly does not take courage. There are many in Minnesota that will not be "appreciating" abortion providers on this day (March 10) or any day. Pro-life Minnesotans will continue to speak out against abortion in every lawfully provided avenue and will encourage others to do the same. +8 -1 RES 20-416 3/6/2020 2:11 PM     Against disgraceful! babies are humans and have rights too! +7 -1 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 20-2 3/4/2020 6:11 PM Norry Waalen   For I live 1/4 block from Monkey Island with the playground equipment, at 1524 Branston St. Our grand kids play at Money Island. The playground is elevated higher than the street level, higher than the eye sight level seen from driving a car in the street. A child or an adult for that matter, could easily cross the street chasing a ball down hill without paying attention because the street is quite narrow. More street and speed ***ps would not have a preventative impact as a visitor to the area is looking for the parking lot. Visitors moving in and out of a parking lot each day would add considerable more street volumn than the current residents related to the current seminary housing. The added parking spaces adds on top of the existing residents, not just by number of spaces added, but by turnover in the lot each day. The seminary perhaps could share parking spaces with the new housing built on former lots they sold, just as the Luth church shares parking with new housing lots. +1 APC 20-2 3/4/2020 6:49 AM Cynthia Ahlgren   For I support the appeal. I live 2 blocks from the Branston Street playground. When my children were young they played there with friends. The playground is on an island with streets on all sides, and it sits up much higher than the street level. I worried about cars, and imagined a child chasing a ball as it rolled down the hill and into the street. However, with Branston being a dead end, the traffic was slight and comprised only of residents who lived there and were aware of the need to watch out for children. Expanding the parking from 6 to 19 would not only increase the traffic, but bring in new, unfamiliar visitors who would be less aware of the heightened need to be alert to the presence of young children. The safety and seclusion provided by the dead end (a cul-de-sac) would be lost. It would be wiser and safer if the seminary parking could be expanded elsewhere around the campus. +1 APC 20-2 3/3/2020 11:34 PM David Hansen   Against I agree with the CC's suggestions for improved signage in the area surrounding 'Monkey Island'. I do not, however, object to Luther Seminary's proposed changes to the parking area. I think removing the old garages would be an improvement. I do not see that that employee or student parking parking would create a hazard. I live about 4 blocks away from the Branston St. project. -1 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 20-2 3/3/2020 7:02 PM Roger Paquin   For Agree with the comments above. I live at 1484 Branston directly across from the parking lot. The garage spaces are currently used for storage. In the 5 years I've lived at this location, I have never seen the garages used for anything other than storage. End result, you're moving from 6 parking spaces to 19. You're changing the parking usage from student-residents to commuters. Given that it's right next to a park where a number of kids play, the neighborhood is uniformly against the expansion. +1 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 20-2 3/2/2020 7:50 PM Hollis Waalen   For I live at 1524 Branston St which is across Hendon from "Monkey Island". I agree with the comments above, that enlarging the parking facility and expanding to include visitors, students and faculty would significantly increase traffic on a very narrow, residential street that surrounds a popular playground. My grandchildren play in this park and I have witnessed small children getting into the street surrounding the park as they aren't aware of the boundaries between street and park. One-way signs may help reduce wrong-way traffic but won't eliminate the risk to small children. The current parking provides space for residents of the street which is very different than providing parking for three times as many nonresidents. I agree that the seminary's current parking should be adequate for this use. The compromise suggested by the Hauges that the parking spaces be expanded to a smaller number and that the spaces be ***igned to those with permits is a reasonable compromise. +1 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 RES 20-347 3/2/2020 6:22 PM Sharon4USA   Against When Jurisdiction/Authority of Marcia Mormond is challenged She it can not proceed, Cities,Council Ponzi Revenue on the Backs of Propertys when Corporations are given TIF Financing published at http://stpaul-code-cops.blogspot.com No Way can the City Audit itself RES 20-346 3/2/2020 6:17 PM Sharon4USA   Against Horrors of Council to kick out Pettiford Family at 603 Edmund, dying of Kidney Failure published at http://sharons-whistleblowerblog.blospot.com 70KI REVENUE TO UNJUST ENRICH CITY AND COUNCIL RES 20-348 3/2/2020 6:14 PM Sharon4USA   Against Constitutional Challenge of Marcia Mormond Authority/Jurisdiction to hear any Fraudulent Stale Dated Revenue Raising Schemes published at http://sharons-whistleblowerblog.blogspot.com RES 20-345 3/2/2020 6:10 PM Sharon4USA   Against Citys RICO Ponzi taxing Scheme to raise Revenue published at http://sharons-whistleblowerblog.blogspot.com APC 20-2 3/2/2020 5:14 PM Misha Dashevsky   For Dear Council members, I live across the street from the proposed lot. 1494 Branston. Luther Seminary has characterized the lot's expansion to 19 spots as an addition of just several. That's misleading. Currently, there's space for six vehicles belonging to the residents of adjacent homes along with several garages used for storage--not parking. The current space is more like a large driveway. The proposed lot would significantly increase the coming and going on Branston--a narrow, alley-like street not intended for much traffic. That in itself is concerning, but it's immediate proximity to a busy playground (where my children and many of my neighbors' kids play) right across the street creates a danger unique to its location. I would like Luther to explain why the large lot next to Olson Campus Center is insufficient. It's appears to comfortably accommodate all employees, students, and visitors. Thank you for your attention and consideration, Misha Dashevsky +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 20-2 3/1/2020 10:47 PM Bob Beck   For I live on the corner of Branston and Hendon and I oppose the proposed parking expansion. The existing parking lot and garage space accommodates the residents of Seminary housing along Branston. The Seminary proposal expands the parking to accommodate student commuters, staff and the like. This is a new use not an expansion of an existing use. The new "parkers" will not be local residents. They will not know the children who play on Monkey Island, they will come and go out of synchrony with the resident community and fail to exhibit the cautions practiced by residents. The Sem could expand the lot next to the Olsen Center with ease. It srtikes me as odd that they claim to suffer from declining enrollment and need more parking. Taking a public resource and handing it off to a poorly managed private user is bad policy and bad politics. Respectfully submitted, Bob Beck +1 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 20-2 2/29/2020 11:37 PM Pat Thompson     This comment is submitted on behalf of the St. Anthony Park Community Council. While SAPCC has not taken a position for or against this appeal, nor changed its position on the overall Luther Seminary site plan, we believe there are steps that the city and its Department of Public Works can take to improve the safety of children on Branston: 1. The one-way portions of Branston Street are not clearly marked. This requires signage in two places: at the north end of northbound Branston at Hendon, DO NOT ENTER signs, and at the south end of the park triangle, a split/one-way indication showing the Branston northbound one-way is to the right. 2. Addition of speed ***ps along both sides of the park area to ensure safe driving speeds. Given the presence of the children's play area in an unexpected location at the top of a small hill, speed ***ps would ensure an appropriate rate of speed. We urge the City Council to endorse the implementation of these measures. +2 -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 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