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 Mitra Jalali

Vice President HwaJeong Kim

Councilmember Anika Bowie

Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson

Councilmember Saura Jost

Councilmember Rebecca Noecker

Councilmember Nelsie Yang

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

ROLL CALL

3:30 PM

Council Chambers - 3rd Floor

Meeting started at 3:32 PM

6 -

Present

Councilmember Rebecca Noecker, Councilmember Mitra Jalali,

Councilmember Nelsie Yang, Councilmember Anika Bowie, Councilmember

Saura Jost and Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson

1 - Councilmember HwaJeong Kim

Absent

COMMUNICATIONS & RECEIVE/FILE

Letter from the Department of Safety and Inspections declaring 674 Magnolia

Avenue East a nuisance property. (For notification purposes only; public

hearings will be scheduled at a later date if necessary.)

CO 24-37

Received and Filed

Establishing one (1) new project through the Neighborhood STAR Year-Round

Program as adopted via City Council Resolutions # RES 24-829.

AO 24-56

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 as amended

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

Approving the application with conditions, per the Legislative Hearing Officer,

for the application submitted by Local Legend Hospitality LLC, d/b/a Local

Rumor (License ID#20240000988), for Liquor On Sale - 100 seats or less,

Liquor On Sale - Sunday, and Liquor-Outdoor Service Area (Sidewalk)

licenses 1811 Selby Avenue.

RES 24-1014

Adopted

Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to accept funds from

Blaze Credit Union for Right Track, the City’s Youth Employment Program in

an amount of $3,000 for the 2024 training program.

RES 24-1031

RES 24-1032

Adopted

Authorizing the Police Department to submit a second application for funds

under a Request for Proposals for the 2025 DWI Traffic Safety Officer Grant

Program, issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office

of Traffic Safety (OTS).

Adopted

Accepting a Sidewalk Easement from Saint Paul Academy and Summit

School in conjunction with the improvement of school property at 1150

Goodrich Avenue.

RES 24-1069

RES 24-1070

Adopted

Approving the City’s cost of providing Collection of Vacant Building

Registration fees billed during December 20, 2023 to March 20, 2024, and

setting date of Legislative Hearing for August 22, 2024 and City Council public

hearing for January 8, 2025 to consider and levy the assessments against

individual properties. (File No. VB2501, Assessment No. 258800)

Adopted

Approving the City’s cost of providing Securing and/or Emergency Boarding

services during April 2024, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for August

22, 2024 and City Council public hearing for January 8, 2025 to consider and

levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2501B,

Assessment No. 258100)

RES 24-1071

RES 24-1072

RES 24-1073

Adopted

Approving the City’s cost of providing Collection of Fire Certificate of

Occupancy fees billed during October 6, 2023 to April 26, 2024, and setting

date of Legislative Hearing for August 22, 2024 and City Council public hearing

for January 8, 2025 to consider and levy the assessments against individual

properties. (File No. CRT2501, Assessment No. 258200)

Adopted

Approving the City’s cost of providing Excessive Use of Inspection or

Abatement services billed during February 22 to March 21, 2024, and setting

date of Legislative Hearing for August 22, 2024 and City Council public hearing

for January 8, 2025 to consider and levy the assessments against individual

properties. (File No. J2501E, Assessment No. 258300)

Adopted

Approving the City’s cost of providing Graffiti Removal services during April 9

to May 16, 2024, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for August 22, 2024

and City Council public hearing for January 8, 2025 to consider and levy the

assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2501P, Assessment No.

258400)

RES 24-1074

RES 24-1075

Adopted

Approving the City’s cost of providing Removal of Diseased and/or Dangerous

Tree(s) services during May to June 2024, and setting date of Legislative

Hearing for August 22, 2024 and City Council public hearing for January 8,

2025 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File

No. 2501T, Assessment No. 259000)

Adopted

Approving a Theaters and Movie Theaters - New Location license to Victoria

Theater Arts Center d/b/a 825 Arts (License ID 20240000989) for the

premises located at 825 University Avenue West.

RES 24-1077

RES 24-1079

Adopted

Approving the application for change of ownership for 620 Club LLC d/b/a 620

Club for the Liquor On Sale - 100 seats or less, Liquor On Sale - Sunday,

Liquor Outdoor Service Area (Patio), Entertainment (A), and Gambling

Location (License ID #20240001045) for the premises located at 620 7th

Street West.

Adopted

Approving the application for change of ownership for Wizards Auto Repair

LLC d/b/a Wizards Auto Repair for the Auto Repair Garage and Second Hand

Dealer Motor Vehicle Parts (License ID #20240000998) for the premises

located at 985 Randolph Avenue.

RES 24-1080

Adopted

Approving the Memorandums of Agreement between the City and the

International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 21 for the purpose of adjusting

the Paramedic Premium and Emergency Medical Technician wages for 2025.

RES 24-1082

RES 24-1091

Laid over to August 14, 2024

Authorizing the Office of Financial Empowerment and Emergency

Management Department to apply for the Cities for Financial Empowerment

Grant in the amount of $150,000 to support municipalities in building and

expanding emergency preparedness and recovery infrastructure with a focus

on financial empowerment.

Adopted

Approving the application for a change of ownership for St Paul Pilates &

Fitness d/b/a St Paul Pilates & Fitness for the Health/Sport Club (License ID

#20240000752) for the premises located at 655 Fairview Avenue North, Suite

RES 24-1095

170 B & F.

Adopted

Authorizing the Saint Paul Public Library to apply for the Minnesota Historic

and Cultural Heritage Grant from the Minnesota Historical Society to repair the

roof at the Riverview Library, for which SPPL will provide $66,000 in matching

funds.

RES 24-1097

RES 24-1101

Adopted

Authorizing the Library to accept terms of service, including indemnification

language, from IPVideo Corporation, through Motorola Solutions, Inc., to use

the HALO Device Manager software for managing HALO Smart Sensors in

Library spaces.

Adopted

Establishing the rate of pay for Human Resources Assistant, in AFSCME

Clerical.

RES 24-1115

RES 24-1116

RES 24-1118

Laid over to August 14, 2024

Changing the rate of pay for Water Control Systems Information Supervisor,

in SPSO, EG 09.

Laid over to August 14, 2024

Authorizing the City to accept the gift of travel expenses, lodging, and meals

from the Great River Passage Conservancy for Andy Rodriguez and Melanie

McMahon to attend the Highline Network convening in Detroit, MI from October

9-11, 2024.

Adopted

Authorizing the issuance and negotiated sales of Tax-Exempt Sales Tax

Revenue and Refunding Bonds and approving certain documents in

connection with the issuance of such sales tax revenue obligations.

RES 24-1121

RES 24-1132

Adopted

Authorizing the City Attorney’s Office to accept $160,042.00 in additional funds

and amend the 2024 Special Fund Budget for an amended award from the

Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), Office of Justice Programs

(OJP) Crime Victim Services grant program.

Adopted

Approving Ordinance Permit No. 20223460401 for Doran Companies on

Payne Avenue.

RES 24-1136

RES 24-1162

Adopted

Approving the Mayor’s appointment of Hannah Riederer and Maggie Lorenz to

the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Commission.

Adopted

Approving the Mayor’s appointment of Chris Tolbert to the Board of Water

Commissioners.

RES 24-1164

RES 24-1134

Adopted

Directing the City Clerk to notify the County Auditor to place a ballot question

on the November 5, 2024 ballot regarding changing the years when City

elections are to be held and approving the title and language for that ballot

question.

Adopted

FOR DISCUSSION

Celebrating Karen Reid on her retirement as Director of the Neighborhood

Development Alliance.

RES 24-1104

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Nay:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

Recognizing the 10 year anniversary of the Summer Children’s Defense Fund

Freedom Schools in the City of Saint Paul Public Schools.

RES 24-1154

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

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 Chapter 67 of the Legislative Code pertaining to the EG East Grand

Avenue Overlay District.

Ord 24-15

Public hearing continued to August 14, 2024 for Final Adoption

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

PUBLIC HEARINGS

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

to testify.

Accepting grant funds, authorizing execution of two grant agreements (with

indemnity obligations) and related documents, and amending the operating

budget with respect to the City’s sponsorship of a Metropolitan Council Livable

Communities Act Contamination Cleanup Grant, and a Metropolitan Council

Livable Communities Act Pre-Development Grant for the benefit of the

Gloryville project located at 1570 White Bear Avenue (District 2, Ward 6).

RES PH 24-187

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

Accepting grant funds, amending the Planning and Economic Development

operating budget, and authorizing execution of a grant agreement related to

the City’s sponsorship of a Minnesota Investment Fund grant for the benefit of

Simpli-Fi Automation Inc. for its project located at 370 Wabasha Street North

(District 17, Ward 2).

RES PH 24-185

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

Approving the application of Center for Broadcast Journalism for a sound level

variance in order to present amplified sound on Saturday, August 10, 2024 on

7th Street East between Hope Street and Arcade Street.

RES PH 24-176

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

Approving the application of Irish Fair of Minnesota for a sound level variance

in order to present amplified sound on August 9, 10 and 11, 2024 at 200

Justus Ohage Blvd - Harriet Island Regional Park.

RES PH 24-177

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Nay:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

Approving the application of James J Hill House, Gibson Stanton, Site

Manager for a sound level variance in order to present amplified sound on

August 17, 2024 at 240 Summit Ave - James J Hill House.

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

Approving the application of MN Department of Human Services for a sound

level variance in order to present amplified sound on August 14, 2024 at 1600

Phalen Dr - Phalen Regional Park.

Adopted

4 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang and

Councilmember Jost

Nay:

3 - Councilmember Kim, Councilmember Bowie and Councilmember Johnson

Absent:

Approving the application of MN Department of Human Services for a sound

level variance in order to present amplified sound on August 14, 2024 at 1000

Wheelock Pkwy E - Phalen Regional Park Softball Fields.

Adopted

4 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang and

Councilmember Jost

Nay:

3 - Councilmember Kim, Councilmember Bowie and Councilmember Johnson

Absent:

Approving the application of Ka Vang for a sound level variance in order to

present amplified sound on August 17, 2024 and August 18, 2024 at 425 Rice

St - parking lot.

Adopted

4 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang and

Councilmember Jost

Nay:

3 - Councilmember Kim, Councilmember Bowie and Councilmember Johnson

Absent:

Approving the application of Lakeside Guitar Festival/MN Last Waltz for a

sound level variance in order to present amplified sound on August 9, and

August 10, 2024 at 1360 Lexington Ave - Como Lakeside Pavilion.

Adopted

4 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang and

Councilmember Jost

Nay:

3 - Councilmember Kim, Councilmember Bowie and Councilmember Johnson

Absent:

LEGISLATIVE HEARING DISCUSSION ITEMS

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1841 DAYTON

RLH TA 24-268

AVENUE. (File No. J2420R, Assessment No. 248524)

Adopted as amended (payment to be made over 4 years)

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1762

ENGLEWOOD AVENUE. (File No. VB2409A, Assessment No. 248825)

RLH TA 24-221

Laid over to September 11, 2024 to consider an updated prorated vacant building fee if

work is complete.

Also in attendance:

Mike Mortimer, owner/appellant

Brad Egan, owner's attorney

Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer: This property has been in the Vacant

Building Program since December 27, 2021. The vacancy initially resulted from a fire

and a death on the property. What is before you is the December 27, 2023 –

December 26, 2024 Vacant Building Fee. 7 months in, if we had finaled permits, I

might have recommended pro-rating the fee down to 6 months. 4 permits remain not

yet finaled. I met with the owner and attorney in the hall. This was our second

conversation, the first being in the Legislative Hearing. Their ask is to show grace to

continue to the matter for 5 weeks to September 11.

Brad Egan: Mike Mortimer has owned this property for 45 years. Mortimer was a union

electrician and fixed a lot of problems with property himself. Three days before

Christmas in 2021 there was a fire, resulting in Mortimer's stepson being killed. He

signed a repair contract while dealing with the remorse of the incident, and then had to

spend a lot of time fighting the contractor, who gutted the property instead of just

dealing with the part that was fire-damaged. A lot of Mortimer's improvements were

taken out. He rented it and always had good tenants. There were then issues with the

mortgage company and insurance company, which are now resolved. He's also had

heart issues which have slowed him down as the primary contractor.

Council President Jalali: What is your ask?

Egan: We want another 5 weeks to complete the work before council again considers

this fee.

Jalali: What is the hope for what will happen in that time?

Egan: Mortimer will complete the electric work. He is not just repairing. He is improving

the property. I have photos to share as well. On the screen you can see the

high-quality work.

Councilmember Noecker moved to close the public hearing approved 6-0.

Jalali: What would extra time mean for the resolution before us?

Moermond: I ask that the amount be prorated based on the continued amount of time.

I also ask that if the work is still not completed that the assessment should be

ratified.

Jalali: I would like to do that.

Councilmember Jost: I support that motion.

CM Johnson: Could you explain the prorating?

Moermond: We will update the percentage of the assessment that is to be paid based

on how long the building will have been in the vacant building program. If the building

end up having been in the program for 9 of the 12 billed months, Council could prorate

the assessment proportionally.

Johnson: I support that motion.

CM Yang: I'm sorry for your loss. I support the motion. I hope you take advantage of

this extra time

Jalali: The motion again is to lay this over to September 11, and update the prorating

of the assessment accordingly if the work is done.

Public hearing closed and laid over to September 11, 2024

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

Appeal of Steven R. Schwartz to a Vacant Building Registration Notice at

1105 PAYNE AVENUE.

RLH VBR 24-39

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

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 Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 342 BATES

AVENUE. (File No. J2420R, Assessment No. 248524) (Legislative Hearing on

August 6, 2024)

RLH TA 24-303

RLH TA 24-236

RLH RR 24-27

Public hearing continued to August 14, 2024

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1056 BEECH

STREET. (File No. J2420R, Assessment No. 248524) (Public hearing

continued to January 8, 2025)

Public hearing continued to January 8, 2025

Ordering the razing and removal of the structures at 303 CHARLES AVENUE

within fifteen (15) days after the August 7, 2024, City Council Public Hearing.

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 549 DAYTON

AVENUE. (File No. J2420R, Assessment No. 248524)

Adopted

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 729 DAYTON

AVENUE UNIT 1 (File No. J2421R, Assessment No. 248526)

Adopted

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 729 DAYTON

AVENUE UNIT 2. (File No. J2421R, Assessment No. 248526)

Adopted

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 729 DAYTON

AVENUE UNIT 3 (File No. J2421R, Assessment No. 248526)

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 927 DESOTO

STREET. (File No. J2418A, Assessment No. 2488522)

Adopted as amended (assessment reduced)

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1047

DESOTO STREET. (File No. J2421R, Assessment No. 248526)

Adopted

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1069

FREMONT AVENUE. (File No. J2420R, Assessment No. 248524)

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 978

HYACINTH AVENUE EAST. (File No. J2420R, Assessment No. 248524)

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1137

KINGSFORD STREET. (File No. VB2408A, Assessment No. 248824)

Adopted

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 601

LEXINGTON PARKWAY NORTH. (File No. J2421R, Assessment No. 248526)

Adopted

Ordering the rehabilitation or razing and removal of the structures at 1156

LINCOLN AVENUE within fifteen (15) days after the June 12, 2024, City

Council Public Hearing. (Amend to remove 15 days with no option for repair)

Adopted as amended (remove within 15 days)

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 972 ORANGE

AVENUE EAST. (File No. J2420R, Assessment No. 248524)

Adopted

Making finding on the appealed substantial abatement ordered for 975

REANEY AVENUE in Council File RLH RLH RR 23-61.

Adopted

Appeal of Colin Gulling to a Rent Stabilization Determination at 1184

SEMINARY AVENUE.

Public hearing continued to August 21, 2024

Appeal of Linda Carreno to a Summary Abatement Order at 670 SIMS

AVENUE.

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 749 SIMS

AVENUE. (File No. J2420R, Assessment No. 248524)

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 392/394

UNIVERSITY AVENUE WEST. (File No. J2420R, Assessment No. 248524)

Adopted

Ratifying the assessments for Property Clean Up services during January 10,

2024 at 927 DESOTO STREET. (File No. J2418A, Assessment No. 248522)

Adopted as amended (assessment reduced)

Ratifying the assessment for Rubbish & Garbage Clean Up services during

February 1 to 12, 2024. (File No. J2420R, Assessment No. 248524)

RLH AR 24-50

RLH AR 24-51

ADJOURNMENT

Adopted

Ratifying the assessment for Rubbish & Garbage Clean Up services during

February 14 to 27, 2024. (File No. J2421R, Assessment No. 248526)

Adopted

Meeting ended at 4:51 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.

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