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 Mitra Jalali

Vice President HwaJeong Kim

Councilmember Anika Bowie

Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson

Councilmember Saura Jost

Councilmember Rebecca Noecker

Councilmember Nelsie Yang

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

ROLL CALL

3:30 PM

Council Chambers - 3rd Floor

Meeting started at 3:30 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

Present

ROLL CALL

7 -

Councilmember Rebecca Noecker, Councilmember Mitra Jalali,

Councilmember Nelsie Yang, Councilmember HwaJeong Kim,

Councilmember Anika Bowie, Councilmember Saura Jost and

Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson

COMMUNICATIONS & RECEIVE/FILE

Correcting the 2020 - 2021 Community Proposal Funding Account

AO 24-74

Categories.

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

Council President Jalali stated that Item 20 would be taken separately.

Councilmember Noecker moved approval.

Consent Agenda adopted as amended

7 -

Yea:

Nay:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim, Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and

Councilmember Johnson

Authorizing the City to amend a lease agreement with Ramsey County for the

Ramsey County Sheriff's Office use of space in the City Hall Annex.

RES 24-1431

RES 24-1470

Adopted

Approving the City’s cost of providing Rubbish and Garbage Clean Up

services during June 28 to July 26, 2024, and setting date of Legislative

Hearing for November 19, 2024 and City Council public hearing for February

12, 2025 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties.

(File No. J2505R, Assessment No. 258508)

Adopted

Approving the City’s cost of providing Rubbish and Garbage Clean Up

services during July 24 to August 12, 2024, and setting date of Legislative

Hearing for November 19, 2024 and City Council public hearing for February

12, 2025 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties.

(File No. J2506R, Assessment No. 258509)

RES 24-1471

RES 24-1472

RES 24-1501

Adopted

Approving the City’s cost of providing Tall Grass and Weed Removal services

during July 29 to 30, 2024, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for

November 19, 2024 and City Council public hearing for February 12, 2025 to

consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No.

J2505T Assessment No. 258510)

Adopted

Authorizing a call for redemption of General Obligation Tax Increment

Refunding Bonds (Koch/Mobil Project), Series 2010A and terminating the

related Tax Increment Pledge Agreement.

Adopted

Approving the use of grant funds through the Ward 3 Neighborhood STAR

Year-Round Program for Monument Trail, LLC.

RES 24-1519

RES 24-1529

Adopted

Approving the application for change of ownership to the Recycling

Processing Center license now held by E-Z Recycling Center LLC d/b/a E-Z

Recycling Center LLC (License ID #20240000918) for the premises located at

875 Prior Avenue North.

Adopted

Approving the Phalen Creek Daylighting Development Agreement.

RES 24-1535

Adopted

Approving the application for change of ownership to the Gas Station,

Tobacco Shop and Malt Off Sale license now held by Ikesgas Inc d/b/a

Speedy Market (License ID #20240001530) for the premises located at 589

Dale Street North.

RES 24-1544

RES 24-1546

Adopted

Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to accept a donation in

the amount of $850 from the Northwest Como Booster Club to be used for

supplies for the Northwest Como Halloween Bonfire.

Adopted

Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to accept a donation in

the amount of $2,150 from the Northwest Como Booster Club.

RES 24-1547

RES 24-1555

RES 24-1557

Adopted

Approving the use of grant funds through the Ward 6 Neighborhood Star

Year-Round program for Elite Care Chiropractic P.A. and HerizonOne.

Adopted

Approving the application for change of ownership to the Tobacco Shop

license now held by YA Bricks Snacks & Tobacco LLC d/b/a YA Bricks

Snacks & Tobacco (License ID #20240001734) for the premises located at

879 Fremont Ave.

Adopted

Authorizing use of a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for the rehabilitation of

the Mary Hall building located at 438 Dorothy Day Place (District 17, Ward 2).

RES 24-1560

RES 24-1569

RES 24-1400

Adopted

Accepting the gift from Allianz Field for rental space expenses for a

community event.

Adopted

Approving the May 1, 2024 - April 30, 2027 Maintenance Labor Agreement

between the City and the United Association of Plumbers, Local 34 and

Sprinkler Fitters, Local Union No. 417.

Adopted

Approving the Memorandum of Agreement between the City and AFSCME

Council 5, Technical - Local 1842 for the purpose of regrading the

classifications of DSI Fire Safety Inspector II and DSI Fire Safety Inspector III.

RES 24-1504

RES 24-1511

Adopted

Approving the Memorandum of Agreement between the City and Operating

Engineers Local 49 in order to provide preferred license premium pay for

Heavy Equipment Operators in the Saint Paul Regional Water Services.

Adopted

FOR DISCUSSION

Declaring Youth Civic Engagement Day in the City of Saint Paul.

Councilmember Bowie gave an introduction.

Two students gave remarks.

RES 24-1521

Bowie moved approval.

Councilmember Noecker spoke in support.

Councilmember Yang spoke in support.

Adopted

7 -

Yea:

Nay:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim, Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and

Councilmember Johnson

Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 410.12, subd. 7, seeking a recommendation from the

Charter Commission to amend Chapter 6.03 of the City Charter by ordinance

pertaining to the application of Administrative Citations for violation of City

ordinances.

RES 24-1572

Jon Grebner, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Mayor's Office, gave a staff report.

Councilmember Jost spoke in support.

Councilmember Kim spoke in support.

Council President Jalali spoke in support and moved approval.

Adopted

7 -

Yea:

Nay:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim, Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and

Councilmember Johnson

Accepting the Department Efficiency and Collaboration Study between Parks

and Recreation and the Public Library Report conducted by Wilder Research.

RES 24-1420

Councilmember Noecker gave an introduction.

Heather Brit from the Wilder Foundation gave a staff report and answered

councilmember questions.

Noecker moved approval.

Adopted

7 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim, Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and

Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

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.

First Reading

Amending the gas and electric franchises granted by the City to Northern

States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation (“Company”).

Ord 24-32

Russ Stark, Chief Resilience Officer in the Mayor's Office, gave a staff report and

answered councilmember questions.

Laid over to November 6, 2024 for Second Reading

PUBLIC HEARINGS

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

to testify.

Amending Title XXIII of the Legislative Code to add Chapter 224A titled Wage

Theft.

Ord 24-27

Saben De Smit from the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters spoke

during the public hearing.

Mowlid Mohamed from ISAIAH spoke during the public hearing.

Rick Varco from SEIU Healthcare spoke during the public hearing.

Tristan Scoglund spoke during the public hearing.

Sheigh Freeberg from UniteHere spoke during the public hearing.

Leah Van Dassor from the St. Paul Federation of Educators spoke during the public

hearing.

Zach Thoemke from the Painters Union spoke during the public hearing.

Kera Peterson from the St. Paul Regional Labor Federation spoke during the public

hearing.

David Kroger from the Painters Union spoke during the public hearing.

Nate Gurol spoke during the public hearing.

Nick Petrucelle from the Ironworkers spoke during the public hearing.

Councilmember Bowie moved to close the public hearing. Approved 7-0.

Councilmember Noecker spoke in support.

Councilmember Johnson spoke in support.

Councilmember Yang spoke in support.

Councilmember Bowie spoke in support.

Council President Jalali spoke in support.

Laid over to November 6, 2024 for Final Adoption

Establishing a financing and spending plan in the Department of Parks and

Recreation in the amount of $482,510.25 to reflect funds received from

Ramsey County for the Hidden Falls Drive Reconstruction project (and

entering into a cooperative agreement).

RES PH 24-243

Councilmember Jost moved approval.

Adopted

7 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim, Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and

Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to accept tree planting

grant funds, enter into a grant agreement, and amend the financing and

spending plan in the amount of $90,749.

RES PH 24-255

RES PH 24-260

RES PH 24-261

Councilmember Kim moved approval.

Adopted

7 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim, Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and

Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

Approving the application of Anderson Race Management for a sound level

variance in order to present amplified sound on November 2, 2024 at Harriet

Island - 200 Dr Justus Ohage Blvd.

Councilmember Johnson moved approval.

Adopted

7 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim, Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and

Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

Amending the 2024 Regional Water Services budget resulting in an increase

of spending and financing of $60,000 for postage fees.

Councilmember Yang moved approval.

Adopted

7 -

Yea:

Nay:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim, Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and

Councilmember Johnson

Authorizing the Office of Neighborhood Safety to enter into a Joint Powers

Agreement with Ramsey County to accept a federal grant subaward to fund

outreach to Familiar Faces clients and partial staffing costs of a stabilization

center for short-term housing of Familiar Faces clients, and to amend the

budget of the Office of Neighborhood Safety accordingly.

RES PH 24-262

Councilmember Bowie moved approval.

Adopted

7 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim, Councilmember Bowie, Councilmember Jost and

Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

LEGISLATIVE HEARING DISCUSSION ITEMS

Appeal of Francis Crowley to a Vacant Building Registration Fee Warning

RLH VBR 24-63

Letter at 912 FRY STREET.

Appeal denied.

Francis Crowley, owner, appeared by phone

Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer: This is a single-family rental home that

had a fire on March 1, causing it to be referred to the Vacant Building Program. The

Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) provided two additional vacant building fee

waivers to extend the waiver period through September 17, and then sent a Vacant

Building Registration letter after 6.5 months. We are now 7.5 months in. This is an

appeal for the fee, not an assessment. The owner wants consideration for payment

options. Council can only do that during the assessment process. Council can look at

reduction or payment over time during the assessment process if that is appealed. The

owner indicated there was a slowdown in the work due to theft.

Francis Crowley: After the fire, I tried doing the work myself. I had two knowledgeable

guys who were going to start right away but then in June or July we had delays. Some

boards needed to be taken off. Their truck with their tools was also stolen twice. They

are working now and will probably finish this week. Damage is all exterior except for the

smoke...

Council President Jalali: What is your ask?

Crowley: To remove or reduce the fine.

Councilmember Jost moved to close the public hearing. Approved 5-0.

Jalali: I didn’t hear anything in his testimony that would justify not imposing the cost.

My inclination is to not grant that request.

Councilmember Kim: Could you restate your recommendation?

Moermond: Deny the appeal. It is fire damaged and uninhabitable. Right now it’s just

the matter of: Does it belong in the Vacant Building Program? It does. Should there be

a fee? Yes. Reduction can come during the assessment process.

Kim: I am taking the lead on this in Councilmember Bowie's absence. She is

supportive of Moermond's recommendation and I move approval.

Adopted

5 -

Yea:

Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Bowie

Absent:

Making finding on the appealed of Ray Krueger to a nuisance abatement

ordered for 327 MAPLE STREET in Council File RLH CO 24-7.

RLH SAO 24-71

Laid over for two weeks to allow City staff to check on progress.

Ray Krueger, owner, appeared by phone

Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer: Council heard the appeal on this a few

weeks ago. There were 3 orders: A summary abatement order (SAO) related to the

yard, a vehicle abatement order (VAO) related to undrivable vehicles on unapproved

surfaces, and a correction order (CO) related to needed fixes on the house. Council

granted to October 11, 2024 on the SAO, the VAO, and the repair of the back steps

listed in the CO. Council granted to Oct 1, 2025 on the remainder of the CO. A lot is

not done. Photos shown on screen from when the order was written show conditions at

that time and then again on October 15. The son left a Legislative Hearing to put

plates on a car. Still, the back of the car shows it sitting on dirt, an unapproved

surface. It's also not clear if it was running on its own, as an extension cord was seen

connected to the car when inspectors were out there. The back porch is not fixed.

There is piled scrapwood. There are also lots of items in front that shouldn’t be there.

The owner thinks he should be allowed to keep all materials outside while doing

repairs. The problem is that the scrapwood seen cannot be used for that purposes, in

my opinion. My recommendation is council find that SAO and VAO are not complied

with, and authorize the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) to abate the

nuisance.

Ray Krueger: The vehicle in question might have questionable body work but it does

start on its own. Seeing it getting charged is not evidence it doesn’t work. One thing

she was going to get back to me about is that this parking drive has been here since

before I was born. Also, the car is entirely on the pavers. The driveway has never led to

a garage, and I was supposed to be gotten back to on if that is allowed in a

grandfathering-in circumstance.

Council President Jalali: What is your ask?

Krueger: The car is fine, the lumber is put away, a railing is up on the back steps and

treads are in place. What I want to address is how this originated. I've been asking

that since the beginning. English common law, Roman comman law, and the 6th

amendment...

Jalali: We aren't going to go there. You are out of time.

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

Johnson: I reviewed the Legislative Hearing minutes and appreciate that background

information. How has the car been checked for operability? Krueger said it is now

operable.

Moermond: I don’t know if staff confirmed that. They were out on October 15 and it was

still on an unapproved surface without plates.

Johnson: Krueger said the lumber is put away. There’s more than just lumber, right?

What else needed to be put away.

Moermond: An October 15 photo shows wet lumber and trim pieces. Some wood

pieces have been nailed many times. This does not appear to be repair lumber but

rather scrap taken from the side of the house. Wood also needs to be stored properly.

Johnson: I move a two week layover for staff to go check. I know there are safety

concerns with this owner and I encourage them to treat City staff respectfully.

Public hearing closed and laid over to November 6, 2024

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Bowie

Absent:

Ordering the rehabilitation or razing and removal of the structures at 455

ROBERT STREET SOUTH within fifteen (15) days after the August 2, 2023,

City Council Public Hearing. (October 22, 2024 Legislative Hearing)

RLH RR 23-31

Removal ordered within 15 days.

Tom Radio, attorney o/b/o owner, appeared in person

Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer: When last you heard this in early

September, you indicated that in order for there to be continued conversation past

today, there needed to be a nuisance abatement plan implemented. That plan included

a fence, alarm system, cameras, and lighting. These items also meant the side

needed to be electrified. None of these things are done. The owner has bids and there

has not been resolution between seller and buyer about who is financially responsible

for these items. Without resolution, I recommend removal in 15 days.

Radio: I am asking for a 2 week layover to work out an agreement on the $36,000

abatement plan. If we can’t agree, we will seek other buyers. If the building is razed, it

becomes less marketable and an impediment to redevelopment. Removal is a step

backward.

Council President Jalali: Two weeks to do what?

Radio: To finalize a purchase agreement and enter into a contract on these

enhancements, so work can move ahead.

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

Noecker: I was willing to grant some time a month ago and none of the conditions are

met. I move Moermond’s recommendation.

Adopted as amended (remove only)

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim, Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Bowie

Absent:

Appeal of Sharon Lee Anderson to a Vacant Building Registration

Requirement at 697 SURREY AVENUE.

RLH VBR 24-64

Appeal denied.

Sharon Anderson, owner and appellant, appeared by phone

Lauren Lightner Ross, social worker for appellant, appeared by phone

Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer: This was referred to the Vacant Building

Program after a condemnation and order to vacate. The condemnation order was not

appealed. The condemnation was established and the Vacant Building Registration

comes from information obtained there. I found that photos corroborated the

statements in the condemnation report. It indicates gross unsanitary conditions,

hoarded conditions creating a fire hazard, lack of maintenance, overwhelming smell of

cat urine, very small walking paths, questionable plumbing and water hookups, and the

area around the structure being in bad condition. You can see photos on the screen in

front of you, including an aerial view showing the roof, which was called out for being in

bad repair. The photos were taken by a police officer who was doing several welfare

checks and shared the photos with the Department of Safety of Inspections (DSI). DSI

staff did not enter. The appellant says they shouldn’t be in the Vacant Building

Program because there are possessions inside and the property is owned outright. The

issue is this property still falls within the definition of a vacant building, according to

City code. Conditions call for it being a Category 2 Vacant Building, and it will need an

inspection report and rehabilitation to be lived in again.

Council President Jalali: Your recommendation is to not grant the appeal?

Moermond: My recommendation is to deny the appeal.

Lauren Lightner Ross: Sharon is asking that I as her social worker state what she's

asking for. She feels that it should go to district court because the warrant was signed

by a district court judge that removed her from her home.

Sharon Anderson: I am the owner and also a candidate for the State House of

Representatives in District 67b. Councilmember Johnson needs to investigate the

warrant that was signed by the district court judge, which states that there is probable

cause that a crime was committed.

Jalali: You need to stick to the topic of the public hearing which is the matter of the

Vacant Building Registration.

Anderson: The warrant was null and nullified the condemnation, which was never

properly served. I'm in the hospital. You better get your ducks in a row. The warrant

must go to the judge. No matter how you rule, we are appealing that to the judge.

Moermond has been served in a PDF format. The warrant, our objections, and she is

recklessly disregarding her subject matter jurisdiction. The constitutionality of a

warrant that would negate any condemnation or Vacant Building Registration.

Therefore, I'm the owner, I've been in the hospital for 30 days. I think Councilmember

Noecker better visit me at the Highland Chateau to get this resolved. The 5th

amendment, the taking clause. The 8th amendment, cruel and unusual punishment...

Jalali: We understand your request.

Councilmember Johnson moved to close the public hearing. Approved 5-0.

Johnson: I don't find any reason to not move forward with Moermond's

recommendation. I move approval.

Adopted

5 -

Yea:

Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Bowie

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.

A motion was made by Councilmember Yang to Approve the Consent Agenda

The motion carried by the following vote:

5 -

Yea:

Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang, Councilmember Kim,

Councilmember Jost and Councilmember Johnson

Nay:

2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Bowie

Absent:

Appeal of Daniel Oberhauser, tenant, to a Rent Stabilization Determination at

296 BATES AVENUE, UNIT 8.

Adopted

Appeal of Jorge Sosa, tenant, to a Rent Stabilization Determination at 296

BATES AVENUE, UNIT 9.

Adopted

Appeal of Lee Yang, Yangs Invest LLC, to a Vacant Building Registration Fee

Warning Letter at 933 BEECH STREET.

Adopted

Making finding on the appealed of Kelly Sater to a nuisance abatement

ordered for 1240 BLAIR AVENUE in Council File RLH SAO 24-65.

Adopted

Making finding on the appealed of Greg Gustafson to a nuisance abatement

ordered for 1244 BLAIR AVENUE in Council File RLH SAO 24-64.

Adopted

Appeal of Dinh Thong to a Vacant Building Registration Notice at 899 BURR

STREET.

Adopted

Making finding on the appealed of Karen Nowak to a nuisance abatement

ordered for 121 CURTICE STREET EAST in Council File RLH SAO 24-62.

Adopted

Making finding on the appealed nuisance abatement ordered for 1746

LINCOLN AVENUE in Council File RLH SAO 24-50.

Adopted

Appeal of Jerry Brashier to a Correction Notice at 511 MINNEHAHA AVENUE

EAST.

Amended and public hearing continued to November 13, 2024

Second Making finding on the appealed substantial abatement ordered for 401

ROSE AVENUE EAST in Council File RLH RR 24-11.

RLH RR 24-37

RLH RR 24-40

RLH CO 24-8

Adopted as amended (granted 180 days)

Third Making finding on the appealed substantial abatement ordered for 346

SHERBURNE AVENUE in Council File RLH RR 24-4.

Adopted as amended

Appeal of Thomas Nelson & Ranettia Alexander-Nelson to a Correction Notice

at 493 VAN BUREN AVENUE. (Public hearing continued to November 13,

2024)

Public hearing continued to November 13, 2024

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting ended at 5:35 PM

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

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