City Hall and Court House  
15 West Kellogg Boulevard  
Council Chambers - 3rd  
Floor  
City of Saint Paul  
651-266-8560  
Meeting Minutes  
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 - Councilmember Rebecca Noecker, Councilmember Nelsie Yang,  
Councilmember HwaJeong Kim, Councilmember Anika Bowie,  
Councilmember Saura Jost and Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson  
Present  
1 - Councilmember Mitra Jalali  
Absent  
COMMUNICATIONS & RECEIVE/FILE  
Establishing three (3) new project through the Neighborhood STAR  
AO 25-11  
1
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  
Councilmember Johnson moved approval.  
Consent Agenda adopted  
6 - Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,  
Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember  
Johnson  
Yea:  
0
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  
RES 25-196  
2
of water-related fees and charges.  
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  
3
4
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  
5
Adopted  
Adopting the Ramsey County All Hazard Mitigation Plan.  
RES 25-330  
RES 25-331  
6
7
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.  
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  
8
Adopted  
FOR DISCUSSION  
Approving the appointment of Biftu Adema-Jula as the Legislative Aide in  
Ward 1.  
RES 25-341  
10  
Councilmember Bowie spoke in favor and moved approval.  
Adopted  
6 - Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,  
Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember  
Johnson  
Yea:  
0
Nay:  
1 - Councilmember Jalali  
Absent:  
Approving the appointment of Megan Jekot as the Legislative Aide in Ward  
2.  
RES 25-342  
11  
Council President Noecker spoke in favor and moved approval.  
Adopted  
6 - Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,  
Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember  
Johnson  
Yea:  
0
Nay:  
1 - Councilmember Jalali  
Absent:  
Approving the appointment of Jenne Nelson as the interim Legislative Aide in  
Ward 4.  
RES 25-343  
12  
Councilmember Jost moved approval.  
Council President Noecker spoke in support.  
Councilmember Bowie spoke in support.  
Adopted  
6 - Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,  
Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember  
Johnson  
Yea:  
0
Nay:  
1 - Councilmember Jalali  
Absent:  
Proclaiming February 26th, 2025 as Mike Smith Day in the City of Saint  
Paul.  
RES 25-351  
9
Councilmember Kim spoke in support and read from the resolution.  
Butch Inks, Fire Chief, gave remarks.  
Mike Smith, Fire Captain, gave remarks.  
Councilmember Yang spoke in support.  
Councilmember Bowie spoke in support.  
Councilmember Johnson spoke in support.  
Councilmember Jost spoke in support.  
Council President Noecker spoke in support.  
Kim moved approval.  
Adopted  
6 - Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,  
Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember  
Johnson  
Yea:  
Nay:  
0
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  
Councilmember Jost spoke in support.  
Councilmember Johnson spoke in support.  
Councilmember Bowie spoke in support.  
Councilmember Kim spoke in support and moved approval.  
Adopted  
6 - Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,  
Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember  
Johnson  
Yea:  
0
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 - Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,  
Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember  
Johnson  
Yea:  
0
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 - Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,  
Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember  
Johnson  
Yea:  
0
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  
13  
Council President Noecker moved to lay over for 6 months.  
Laid over to August 27, 2025  
6 - Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,  
Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember  
Johnson  
Yea:  
0
Nay:  
1 - Councilmember Jalali  
Absent:  
First Reading  
Amending Chapter 85 of the Legislative Code regarding Water Rates.  
Ord 25-6  
14  
15  
Laid over to March 5, 2025 for Second Reading  
Amending Chapter 87 of the Legislative Code pertaining to Water Service  
Connections.  
Ord 25-7  
Laid over to March 5, 2025 for Second Reading  
Amending Chapter 88 of the Legislative Code pertaining to Water Meters.  
Ord 25-8  
Ord 25-9  
Ord 25-10  
Ord 25-11  
16  
17  
18  
19  
Laid over to March 5, 2025 for Second Reading  
Amending Chapter 89 of the Legislative Code pertaining to Fire Supplies.  
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  
20  
21  
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  
22  
23  
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  
24  
25  
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  
Council President Noecker moved to close the public hearing.  
Laid over to March 5, 2025 for Final Adoption  
6 - Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,  
Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember  
Johnson  
Yea:  
0
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  
26  
Councilmember Jost moved approval.  
Adopted  
6 - Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,  
Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember  
Johnson  
Yea:  
0
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.  
RES PH 25-22  
27  
Councilmember Johnson moved approval.  
Adopted  
6 - Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,  
Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember  
Johnson  
Yea:  
0
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.  
RES PH 25-23  
28  
Councilmember Yang moved approval.  
Adopted  
6 - Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,  
Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember  
Johnson  
Yea:  
0
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  
29  
Councilmember Johnson moved approval.  
Adopted  
6 - Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,  
Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember  
Johnson  
Yea:  
0
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  
30  
Councilmember Bowie moved approval.  
Adopted  
6 - Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,  
Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember  
Johnson  
Yea:  
0
Nay:  
1 - Councilmember Jalali  
Absent:  
LEGISLATIVE HEARING DISCUSSION ITEMS  
Ratifying the assessment for Rubbish and Garbage Clean Up services during  
RLH AR 24-98  
54  
June 12 to 24, 2024. (File No. J2504R, Assessment No. 258504)  
Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer: I ask that 776 Desoto Street be  
removed for separate consideration in March 4, 2025 Legislative Hearing. The  
resolution is amended accordingly.  
Councilmember Jost moved approval.  
Adopted as amended (776 Desoto Street removed for separate consideration in  
March 4, 2025 Legislative Hearing)  
6 - Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,  
Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember  
Johnson  
Yea:  
0
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  
55  
Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer: I ask that 714 Lafond Avenue be  
removed for separate consideration in March 18, 2025 Legislative Hearing. The  
resolution is amended accordingly.  
Councilmember Bowie moved approval.  
Adopted as amended (714 Lafond Avenue removed for separate consideration  
in March 18, 2025 Legislative Hearing)  
6 - Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,  
Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember  
Johnson  
Yea:  
0
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  
Councilmember Yang moved approval.  
Legislative Hearing Consent Agenda adopted as amended  
6 - Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,  
Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember  
Johnson  
Yea:  
0
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  
RLH TA 24-396  
RLH TA 25-78  
31  
32  
33  
34  
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)  
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  
35  
36  
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  
37  
Adopted as amended (assessment deleted)  
Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 815 HOLTON  
STREET. (File No. J2503R, Assessment No. 258502)  
RLH TA 25-75  
RLH TA 24-409  
38  
39  
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)  
RLH TA 24-423  
RLH TA 24-410  
RLH TA 24-405  
RLH RR 24-44  
40  
41  
42  
43  
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  
44  
45  
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  
46  
47  
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)  
RLH TA 24-413  
RLH TA 24-411  
RLH TA 24-415  
48  
49  
50  
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.  
RLH SAO 25-15  
RLH AR 24-96  
RLH AR 24-97  
ADJOURNMENT  
51  
52  
53  
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  
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.  
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Visit www.stpaul.gov/council for meeting videos and updated copies of the agendas,  
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Meetings are live on St Paul Channel 18 and replayed at various times. Check your  
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