City Hall and Court House

15 West Kellogg Boulevard

Council Chambers - 3rd

Floor

City of Saint Paul

651-266-8560

Meeting Minutes - Action Only

City Council

Council President Rebecca Noecker

Vice President HwaJeong Kim

Councilmember Anika Bowie

Councilmember Mitra Jalali

Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson

Councilmember Saura Jost

Councilmember Nelsie Yang

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

ROLL CALL

3:30 PM

Council Chambers - 3rd Floor

Meeting started at 3:31 PM

6 -

Present

Councilmember Rebecca Noecker, Councilmember Nelsie Yang,

Councilmember HwaJeong Kim, Councilmember Anika Bowie,

Councilmember Saura Jost and Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson

1 - Councilmember Mitra Jalali

Absent

COMMUNICATIONS & RECEIVE/FILE

Establishing three (3) new project through the Neighborhood STAR

AO 25-11

Year-Round Program as adopted via City Council RES # 25-200, 25-215, and

25-271.

Received and Filed

CONSENT AGENDA

Items listed under the Consent Agenda will be enacted by one motion with no separate

discussion. If discussion on an item is desired, the item will be removed from the

Consent Agenda for separate consideration.

Approval of the Consent Agenda

Consent Agenda adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Jalali

Absent:

Receiving a recommendation from the Board of Water Commissioners to

make changes to Title XI of the Legislative Code regarding the organization of

water-related fees and charges.

RES 25-196

Adopted

Directing the Department of Safety and Inspections to proceed with the denial

of the Second Hand Dealer-Motor Vehicle License and adverse action against

Azak Auto Sales LLC d/b/a Azak Auto Sales LLC (License ID #20240000279)

for the premises located at 817 Vandalia St Ste 1C.

RES 25-274

RES 25-308

Adopted

Authorizing the Departments of Emergency Management and Public Works to

apply for the FY2024 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities

(BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant programs from

Department of Homeland Security - FEMA to support funding for the

Lowertown Flood Mitigation project.

Adopted

Authorizing the Fire Department to pay for all costs for Fire Department

training and/or costs associated with unplanned emergency response

incidents in 2025.

RES 25-312

Adopted

Adopting the Ramsey County All Hazard Mitigation Plan.

RES 25-330

RES 25-331

Adopted

Approving the Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Saint Paul and

the Tri-Council LIUNA Laborers, Local 363, to provide premium pay for the

union employees holding the title Water Utility Worker in the Saint Paul

Regional Water Service selected to the leads. (To be laid over one week for

adoption)

Laid over to March 5, 2025

Approving the reimbursement funds used for the Heights Affordable Housing

Partnership East Metro Local Business Networking Event.

RES 25-345

Adopted

FOR DISCUSSION

Approving the appointment of Biftu Adema-Jula as the Legislative Aide in

Ward 1.

RES 25-341

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Nay:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

1 - Councilmember Jalali

Absent:

Approving the appointment of Megan Jekot as the Legislative Aide in Ward 2.

RES 25-342

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Jalali

Absent:

Approving the appointment of Jenne Nelson as the interim Legislative Aide in

Ward 4.

RES 25-343

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Jalali

Absent:

Proclaiming February 26th, 2025 as Mike Smith Day in the City of Saint Paul.

RES 25-351

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Jalali

Absent:

SUSPENSION ITEMS

Appointing the Public Rights Project as special counsel for the purpose of

providing legal representation to the City of Saint Paul in the matter of City and

County of San Francisco, County of Santa Clara, City of Portland, Martin

Luther King, Jr. County, City of New Haven, City of Saint Paul v. Donald J.

Trump, President of the United States, et al.

RES 25-365

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Jalali

Absent:

ITEMS FOR RECONSIDERATION

Considering the appeal of Sean Ryan - Ryan Companies, US Inc. to a

ABZA 25-1

decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals denying four variance requests to

construct a mixed-use development on the property at 2200 Ford Parkway.

Council President Noecker moved reconsideration. Approved 6-0.

Laid over to March 5, 2025

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Jalali

Absent:

Considering the appeal of Sean Ryan - Ryan Companies, US Inc. to a

decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals denying two variance requests to

construct a commercial building on the property at 0 Cretin Avenue South

(Highland Bridge Block 2C).

ABZA 25-2

Council President Noecker moved reconsideration. Approved 6-0.

Laid over to March 5, 2025

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Jalali

Absent:

ORDINANCES

An ordinance is a city law enacted by the City Council. It is read at three separate

council meetings and becomes effective after passage by the Council and 30 days

after publication in the Saint Paul Pioneer Press. Public hearings on ordinances are

generally held at the second reading.

Final Adoption

Amending Title IV of the Administrative Code to add Chapter 92, titled Tree

Preservation for City Sponsored Projects.

Ord 25-4

Laid over to August 27, 2025

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Jalali

Absent:

First Reading

Amending Chapter 85 of the Legislative Code regarding Water Rates.

Ord 25-6

Laid over to March 5, 2025 for Second Reading

Amending Chapter 87 of the Legislative Code pertaining to Water Service

Connections.

Ord 25-7

Ord 25-8

Laid over to March 5, 2025 for Second Reading

Amending Chapter 88 of the Legislative Code pertaining to Water Meters.

Laid over to March 5, 2025 for Second Reading

Amending Chapter 89 of the Legislative Code pertaining to Fire Supplies.

Ord 25-9

Ord 25-10

Ord 25-11

Laid over to March 5, 2025 for Second Reading

Amending Chapter 90 of the Legislative Code pertaining to Fire Hydrants.

Laid over to March 5, 2025 for Second Reading

Amending Chapter 91 of the Legislative Code pertaining to Water Code

miscellaneous provisions.

Laid over to March 5, 2025 for Second Reading

Amending Chapter 92 of the Legislative Code pertaining to Plumbing.

Ord 25-12

Ord 25-13

Laid over to March 5, 2025 for Second Reading

Amending Chapter 93 of the Legislative Code pertaining to Water Service

Connections.

Laid over to March 5, 2025 for Second Reading

Amending Chapter 94 of the Legislative Code pertaining to Interior Work.

Ord 25-14

Ord 25-15

Laid over to March 5, 2025 for Second Reading

Amending Chapter 96 of the Legislative Code pertaining to Connection of Air

Conditioning Equipment to City Water.

Laid over to March 5, 2025 for Second Reading

Amending Chapter 97 of the Legislative Code pertaining to Well Drillers.

Ord 25-16

Laid over to March 5, 2025 for Second Reading

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Live testimony is limited to two minutes for each person. See below for optional ways

to testify.

Granting the application of East Mall Associates & Wengler Family Limited

Partnership to rezone the properties at 841 and 857 Grand Avenue from BC

community business (converted) and B2 community business to T3

traditional neighborhood and amending Chapter 60 of the Legislative Code

pertaining to the zoning map.

Ord 25-5

Laid over to March 5, 2025 for Final Adoption

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Jalali

Absent:

Amending the financing and spending plans in the Department of Public

Works Capital Budget for the 6th/Kennard and West Side Pedestrian

Improvement Projects.

RES PH 25-21

RES PH 25-22

RES PH 25-23

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Jalali

Absent:

Amending the financing and spending plans in the Department of Public

Works Capital Budget for the 2025 Lighting Improvements Program and the

2021 Wabasha Signal Project.

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Jalali

Absent:

Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to accept Parks and

Trails Legacy Funds, enter into grant agreements (which include an

indemnification clause), and amend the financing and spending plan in the

amount of $3,151,341.

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Jalali

Absent:

Accepting grant funds, authorizing execution of a grant agreement (with

indemnity obligations and other documents related thereto), and amending the

operating budget for the City's sponsorship of a Metropolitan Council Livable

Communities Demonstration Account Transit Oriented Development (“TOD”)

Grant for the Hamm’s Brewery Redevelopment (East End) at 680-694

Minnehaha Avenue East (District 4, Ward 7).

RES PH 25-29

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Jalali

Absent:

Amending the financing and spending plans in the General Government

Accounts in the amount of $34,195.99 for Inflation Reduction Act tax credit

services.

RES PH 25-32

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Jalali

Absent:

LEGISLATIVE HEARING DISCUSSION ITEMS

Ratifying the assessment for Rubbish and Garbage Clean Up services during

RLH AR 24-98

June 12 to 24, 2024. (File No. J2504R, Assessment No. 258504)

Adopted as amended (776 Desoto Street removed for separate consideration in

March 4, 2025 Legislative Hearing)

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Jalali

Absent:

Ratifying the assessment for Tall Grass and Weed Removal services during

July 1 to 22, 2024. (File No. J2504T, Assessment No. 258507)

RLH AR 24-99

Adopted as amended (714 Lafond Avenue removed for separate consideration

in March 18, 2025 Legislative Hearing)

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Jalali

Absent:

LEGISLATIVE HEARING CONSENT AGENDA

Items listed under the Consent Agenda will receive a combined public hearing and be

enacted by one motion with no separate discussion. Items may be removed from the

Consent Agenda for a separate public hearing and discussion if desired.

Approval of the Consent Agenda

Legislative Hearing Consent Agenda adopted as amended

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Jalali

Absent:

Appeal of Casandra and Patrick Bradley to a Correction Notice-Complaint

Inspection at 365 BATES AVENUE.

RLH FCO 25-1

RLH VBR 25-8

Adopted

Appeal of Paul Yang to a Vacant Building Registration Requirement at 985

BRADLEY STREET.

Adopted

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1333 EDMUND

AVENUE. (File No. J2503R, Assessment No. 258502)

RLH TA 24-396

RLH TA 25-78

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 463 FOREST

STREET. (File No. J2504R, Assessment No. 258504) (Legislative Hearing on

February 25, 2025)

Adopted as amended (assessment deleted)

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 463 FOREST

STREET. (File No. VB2504, Assessment No. 258803) (February 25, 2025

Legislative Hearing)

RLH TA 25-113

RLH TA 25-111

Adopted as amended (assessment ratified)

Amending Council File RLH TA 24-472 to Continue the Public Hearing for the

Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1055 FOURTH STREET

EAST adopted by Council on February 12, 2025. (File No. J2505R,

Assessment No. 258508) (Public hearing continued to September 10, 2025)

Public hearing continued to September 10, 2025

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1452

HAZELWOOD STREET. (File No. VB2505B, Assessment No. 258817)

(Amend to delete)

RLH TA 25-54

Adopted as amended (assessment deleted)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 815 HOLTON

STREET. (File No. J2503R, Assessment No. 258502)

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 804

HUBBARD AVENUE. (File No. J2504T, Assessment No. 258507)

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1528 HURON

STREET. (File No. J2504T, Assessment No. 258507)

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1982

LONGFELLOW AVENUE. (File No. J2504T, Assessment No. 258507)

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 115

MAGNOLIA AVENUE WEST. (File No. J2504R, Assessment No. 258504)

Adopted

Ordering the rehabilitation or razing and removal of the structures at 925

MAGNOLIA AVENUE EAST within fifteen (15) days after the December 4,

2024, City Council Public Hearing. (amend to grant 180 days)

Adopted as amended (granted 180 days)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 2023

MAGNOLIA AVENUE EAST. (File No. J2503R, Assessment No. 258502)

RLH TA 24-473

RLH TA 24-408

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 918 PARK

STREET. (File No. J2504T, Assessment No. 258507) (Public hearing

continued to April 16, 2025)

Public hearing continued to April 16, 2025

Making finding on the appealed nuisance abatement ordered for 801 PIERCE

BUTLER ROUTE in Council File RLH SAO 25-4.

RLH SAO 25-14

RLH TA 24-412

Adopted

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1412

PORTLAND AVENUE (1410 PORTLAND AVENUE). (File No. J2504R,

Assessment No. 258504)

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 460 PRIOR

AVENUE NORTH. (File No. J2503R, Assessment No. 258502)

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 115 ROBIE

STREET WEST. (File No. J2504T, Assessment No. 258507)

Adopted

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 809 THOMAS

AVENUE. (File No. J2503T, Assessment No. 258506)

Adopted

Appeal of Richard Howe to a Summary Abatement Order at 1670 YORK

AVENUE.

Adopted

Ratifying the assessment for Rubbish and Garbage Clean Up services during

May 24 to June 10, 2024. (File No. J2503R, Assessment No. 258502)

Adopted

Ratifying the assessment for Tall Grass and Weed Removal services during

June 27 to 28, 2024. (File No. J2503T, Assessment No. 258506)

Adopted

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting ended at 4:28 PM

City Council meetings are open for in person attendance, but the public may also

comment on public hearing items in writing or via voicemail. Any comments and

materials submitted by 12:00 pm of the day before the meeting will be attached to the

public record and available for review by the City Council. Comments may be

submitted as follows:

The public may comment on public hearing items in writing or via voicemail. Any

comments and materials submitted by 12:00 pm of the day before the meeting will be

attached to the public record and available for review by the City Council. Comments

may be submitted as follows:

Written public comment on public hearing items can be submitted to

Contact-Council@ci.stpaul.mn.us, CouncilHearing@ci.stpaul.mn.us, or by voicemail at

651-266-6805. Live testimony will be taken in person in the Council Chambers, and by

telephone by registering to speak by noon on the day before the meeting. The

registration link is located on the City Council website at www.stpaul.gov/council or

https://forms.office.com/g/TD3xN7WHy5.

Council Meeting Information

The City Council is paperless which saves the environment and reduces expenses.

The agendas and Council files are all available on the Web (see below). Council

members use mobile devices to review the files during the meeting. Using a mobile

device greatly reduces costs since most agendas, including the documents attached

to files, are over 1000 pages when printed.

Web

Meetings are available on the Council's website. Email notification and web feeds

(RSS) of newly released minutes, agendas, and meetings are available by subscription.

Visit www.stpaul.gov/council for meeting videos and updated copies of the agendas,

minutes, and supporting documents.

Cable

Meetings are live on St Paul Channel 18 and replayed at various times. Check your

local listings.