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 Cheniqua Johnson

Councilmember Saura Jost

Councilmember Matt Privratsky

Councilmember Nelsie Yang

Wednesday, April 16, 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 Anika Bowie, Councilmember Saura Jost, Councilmember

Cheniqua Johnson and Councilmember Matt Privratsky

1 - Councilmember HwaJeong Kim

Absent

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

Council President Noecker stated that Item 11 would be taken separately.

Councilmember Johnson moved approval.

Consent Agenda adopted as amended

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Bowie,

Councilmember Jost, Councilmember Johnson and Councilmember

Privratsky

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

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

of the Tobacco Products Shop License and adverse action against MSP

Tobacco and Vapor INC d/b/a MSP Tobacco and Vapor (License ID

#20240000984) for the premises located at 2419 7th Street West.

RES 25-541

RES 25-565

Adopted

Authorizing the City, on behalf of the Department of Parks and Recreation, to

apply for grant funds of $100,000 from the Minnesota Twins.

Adopted

Directing the Department of Safety and Inspections to proceed with the $500

matrix penalty and license suspension adverse action against Ayako

Nakandakari d/b/a Ayako Nakandakari (License ID #20170000614) for the

premises located at 762 Cleveland Ave S.

RES 25-567

RES 25-570

Adopted

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

of the Tree Trimmer & 1 Vehicle & Tree Trimmer - Each Add’l Vehicle License

application and adverse action against Carr’s Tree Service INC d/b/a Carr’s

Tree Service INC (License ID #20240001440) for the premises located at 307

State Highway 78 North.

Adopted

Authorizing the acceptance of up to $100,000 in total grant funding (with

indemnification obligations) from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency,

which will be matched with 10% in City funds specifically allocated for grant

matching, for a comprehensive analysis of the City’s storm sewer system

within the Beltline subwatershed; authorizing the execution of a grant

agreement; and amending the 2025 Grant Budget.

RES 25-574

Adopted

Authorizing the City to enter an amendment to lease agreement 15905 with

National Cooperative Leasing to expand the fleet size of the Evie carshare

program by 45 vehicles.

RES 25-582

Adopted

Approving the appointment of Councilmember Matt Privratsky as a member of

the Audit Committee.

RES 25-597

RES 25-602

RES 25-607

Adopted

Approving the Mayor’s appointment of Denise Wickiser to a two-year term on

the Advisory Committee on Aging.

Adopted

Approving the reappointments of Stephanie D. Dilworth and James T.

Farnsworth as community advisors to the Audit Committee as non-voting

members for an additional term of three years.

Adopted

Accepting theꢀgiftꢀof lodging expenses from Mayors for a Guaranteed Income

for Mayor Carter to attend the African American Mayors Association Annual

Conference from April 16-17, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

RES 25-609

Adopted

FOR DISCUSSION

Approving the Memorandums of Agreement between the City of Saint Paul

and AFSCME Clerical, Local 2508; AFSCME Technical, Local 1842 and the

Professional Employees Association, Inc. creating a pilot program for the

purpose of establishing an equitable language compensation premium for the

Saint Paul Public Libraries.

RES 25-466

Councilmember Bowie spoke in favor and moved approval.

Council President Noecker spoke in favor.

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Bowie,

Councilmember Jost, Councilmember Johnson and Councilmember

Privratsky

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

SUSPENSION ITEMS

Recognizing the 20th Annual Hmong National Development Conference,

themed “We Rise, United”, and Celebrating 50 years of Hmong resilience,

leadership, and impact in the United States.

RES 25-630

Councilmember Johnson spoke in favor and moved approval.

Council President Noecker spoke in favor.

Councilmember Yang spoke in favor.

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Bowie,

Councilmember Jost, Councilmember Johnson and Councilmember

Privratsky

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

Approving the partial loan forgiveness of up to $238,949.88 in combined

principal and interest on a City mortgage to the Commerce Building Phase I

and Commerce Building Phase II projects, 10 4th Street East (District 17,

Ward 2).

RES 25-643

Laura Haynssen from the Department of Planning and Economic Development gave a

staff report.

Council President Noecker moved approval.

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Nay:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Bowie,

Councilmember Jost, Councilmember Johnson and Councilmember

Privratsky

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

FOR DISCUSSION

Considering the appeal by the University of Saint Thomas to a decision of the

Planning Commission to uphold a condition of their 2004 conditional use

permit regarding drive access from Goodrich Avenue. (Public hearing closed

and laid over from March 12, 2025)

APC 25-1

Councilmember Privratsky moved to grant the appeal.

Council President Noecker spoke against granting the appeal.

Motion of intent is grant the appeal

5 -

Yea:

Nay:

Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost,

Councilmember Johnson and Councilmember Privratsky

1 - Councilmember Noecker

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

Granting the application of Central Internal Medicine Associates PA to rezone

property at 635 Cleveland Avenue South (southwest corner at Bayard Avenue)

from OS office-service to T2 traditional neighborhood and amending Chapter

60 of the Legislative Code pertaining to the zoning map.

Ord 25-21

Councilmember Jost moved approval.

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Bowie,

Councilmember Jost, Councilmember Johnson and Councilmember

Privratsky

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

PUBLIC HEARINGS

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

to testify.

Amending Chapter 310.04 of the Legislative Code to regulate a more efficient

method of cancellation when licensee is not in compliance with providing

materials to be engaged in licensed activity.

Ord 25-30

Council President Noecker moved to close the public hearing.

Laid over to April 23, 2025 for Final Adoption

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Bowie,

Councilmember Jost, Councilmember Johnson and Councilmember

Privratsky

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

Approving the application of Breakaway Music Festival for a sound level

variance in order to present amplified sound on June 6 through June 7, 2025

at 400 Snelling Ave N - Allianz Field Grounds.

RES PH 25-62

Barb McMonigal-St Dennis from the Department of Safety and Inspections gave a staff

report and answered councilmember questions.

Councilmember Bowie moved Version 2. Approved 6-0.

Jarrod Fucci, applicant, spoke during the public hearing and answered councilmember

questions.

Bowie moved to close the public hearing. Approved 6-0.

Bowie gave remarks.

Councilmember Privratsky gave remarks.

Councilmember Johnson gave remarks.

Bowie addressed Johnson's concerns.

Council President Noecker asked for clarification.

Bowie asked for clarification.

McMonigal-St Dennis provided clarification.

Bowie moved Version 3.

Councilmember Yang asked for clarification and asked to lay the item over.

Bowie renewed her motion for Version 3.

Johnson asked if the public hearing need to be reopened.

Therese Skarda, Deputy City Attorney, stated that the public hearing would need to be

reopened if a further amendment was approved.

Johnson spoke in favor of a layover.

Noecker spoke in favor of a layover.

Privratsky asked for clarification.

Johnson spoke in favor of a layover.

Bowie renewed her motion for Version 3.

Councilmember Jost asked for clarification.

Noecker provided clarification.

Johnson asked for clarification.

McMonigal-St Dennis provided clarification.

Version 3 approved 5-0 (Councilmember Johnson being opposed)

Bowie moved to reopen the public hearing. Approved 6-0.

Fucci spoke during the public hearing and answered councilmember questions.

Bowie moved to close the public hearing. Approved 6-0.

Bowie spoke in favor and moved approval.

Johnson spoke in opposition.

Noecker expressed concerns and asked for a layover.

Privratsky asked for procedural clarification.

Noecker asked for procedural clarification.

Shari Moore, City Clerk, provided clarification.

Bowie asked if councilmembers preferred to return to Version 2.

Moore provided additional clarification.

Yang asked to vote on the amended version.

Noecker asked for procedural clarification.

Skarda recommended laying the item over.

Noecker asked Bowie what motion she would prefer to make.

Bowie asked for councilmember opinions.

Yang recommending laying the item over.

Bowie moved approval.

Adopted as amended

4 -

Yea:

Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and

Councilmember Privratsky

2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Johnson

1 - Councilmember Kim

Nay:

Absent:

Approving the applications of White Squirrel Bar for two sound level variances

in order to present amplified sound for a Saturday Patio Music Series and a

RES PH 25-63

Sunday Patio Music Series, June 1 - August 31, 2025, at 974 7th St W - the

White Squirrel Bar patio.

Council President Noecker moved approval.

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Bowie,

Councilmember Jost, Councilmember Johnson and Councilmember

Privratsky

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

Approving the application of El Burrito Mercado for two sound level variances

in order to present live music on certain Fridays for Fiesta Mexicana Fridays,

Fridays, May 2 through September 12, 2025 and, Saturdays for a Musica en

mi Barrio Summer Music Series beginning Saturdays, May 3 through August

16, 2025 at the El Burrito LaPlacita Patio space at 175 Cesar Chavez Street.

RES PH 25-67

Council President Noecker moved approval.

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Bowie,

Councilmember Jost, Councilmember Johnson and Councilmember

Privratsky

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

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

indemnity obligations and related documents) and amending the operating

budget for the Metropolitan Council’s Livable Communities Demonstration

Account Affordable Homeownership Grant Program for Rondo Community

Land Trust (RCLT) at 1036 Marshall Avenue (District 8, Ward 1).

RES PH 25-69

Councilmember Bowie moved approval.

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Bowie,

Councilmember Jost, Councilmember Johnson and Councilmember

Privratsky

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

LEGISLATIVE HEARING DISCUSSION ITEMS

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 120 LYTON

RLH TA 25-120

PLACE. (File No. VB2507B, Assessment No. 258827) (Public hearing closed

and laid over from April 9, 2025)

Assessment ratified.

Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer: I spoke with Councilmember Bowie and

I believe she will be moving to ratify the assessment.

Councilmember Bowie: I move to ratify the assessment.

Adopted

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Bowie,

Councilmember Jost, Councilmember Johnson and Councilmember

Privratsky

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1141

UNIVERSITY AVENUE WEST. (File No. VB2506B, Assessment No. 258823)

(Public hearing closed and laid over from April 9, 2025)

RLH TA 25-76

Assessment ratified and made payable over 5 years.

Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer: I spoke with Councilmember Privratsky.

Per his request, the amended version before you makes the assessment payable over

5 years.

Councilmember Privratsky: I move approval.

Adopted as amended (assessment ratified and made payable over 5 years)

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Bowie,

Councilmember Jost, Councilmember Johnson and Councilmember

Privratsky

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 685

MINNEHAHA AVENUE EAST. (File No. VB2505C, Assessment No. 258818)

(Public hearing closed and laid over from May 7, 2025)

RLH TA 25-56

Laid over for 3 weeks.

Sean Ryan, property owner, appeared by phone.

Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer: This is the powerhouse at the old

brewery site on Minnehaha Ave. It has been in the vacant building program for a long

time. During the Legislative Hearing, it became apparent that the building was being

used for cold storage, but lacked the fire certificate of occupancy to do so. It was

referred to fire inspections and they approved it for cold storage use. However, building

inspections did not remove the site from the vacant building program until other

requirements were met. I'm thinking that there is a disconnect. My recommendation

was to approve the cold storage use and remove the property from the vacant building

program. Council has that authority. Perhaps it might be best, though, to lay this over

to allow further discussion between the City Attorney's Office, the Department of

Safety and Inspections (DSI), and myself. This would help us figure the situation out.

Sean Ryan: We completed the list of items needed for cold storage use, except for

one relating to powering the building. We have an open permit with our electrician, and

they are coordinating with Xcel Energy. We are asking for more time to complete that

and coordinate with DSI staff.

Councilmember Yang moved to close the public hearing. Approved 6-0.

Yang: I support referring this back to Legislative Hearing to give time for staff to

coordinate.

Moermond: It would work just as easily to lay the item over with the City Council. I

could meet with them outside of Legislative Hearing and save some bureaucracy.

Laying this over to May 7 works.

Yang: I move that layover.

Public hearing closed and laid over to May 7, 2025

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Bowie,

Councilmember Jost, Councilmember Johnson and Councilmember

Privratsky

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

Councilmember Privratsky moved approval.

Legislative Hearing Consent Agenda adopted as amended

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Bowie,

Councilmember Jost, Councilmember Johnson and Councilmember

Privratsky

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Kim

Absent:

Second Making finding on the appealed substantial abatement ordered for 594

BRUNSON AVENUE in Council File RLH RR 24-31.

RLH RR 25-8

Amended and public hearing continued to April 23, 2025

Appeal of Ana Silva to a Summary Abatement Order at 1016 DESOTO

STREET.

RLH SAO 25-32

RLH TA 25-201

Amended and public hearing continued to April 23, 2025

Amending Council File RLH AR 25-21 to ratify and spread payments the

assessment for Rubbish and Garbage Clean Up services during October 28

to November 8, 2024 at 1131 FARRINGTON STREET. (File No. J2512R

Assessment No. 258522)

Adopted

Appeal of Maher Safi, Downtown Smoke Shop, to a Notice of

RLH VO 25-6

Condemnation-Unfit for Human Habitation-Order to Vacate at 55 FIFTH

STREET EAST (381 MINNESOTA STREET).

Adopted

Appeal of Navid Amini to a Fire Certificate of Occupancy Correction Notice at

342 KELLOGG BOULEVARD WEST.

RLH FCO 25-8

RLH VBR 25-17

RLH TA 25-53

Adopted

Appeal of Scott Fergus to a Vacant Building Registration Renewal Notice at

922 MINNEHAHA AVENUE EAST.

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1540

MINNEHAHA AVENUE EAST. (File No. VB2506A, Assessment No. 258822)

(Public hearing continued to April 2, 2025)

Adopted as amended (assessment deleted)

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)

RLH TA 24-408

Adopted as amended (assessment reduced)

Appeal of Mary Hood to a Summary Abatement Order at 1311 SIXTH

STREET EAST.

RLH SAO 25-33

RLH SAO 25-29

Adopted

Appeal of Mario Lee to a Summary Abatement Order at 419 THOMAS

AVENUE.

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 435 VAN

BUREN AVENUE. (File No. J2504E2, Assessment No. 258314)

Adopted as amended (assessment ratified)

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 435 VAN

BUREN AVENUE. (File No. J2505E1, Assessment No. 258316)

Adopted as amended (assessment ratified)

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 435 VAN

BUREN AVENUE. (File No. J2506E, Assessment No. 258305)

Adopted as amended (assessment ratified)

Amending Council File AR 24-108 to delete the assessment for Collection of

Vacant Building Registration fees billed during July 25, 2023 to June 19, 2024

at 840 VAN BUREN AVENUE. (File No. VB2504, Assessment No. 258803)

Adopted

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting ended at 4:57 PM

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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

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

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Written public comment on public hearing items can be submitted to

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