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 Amy Brendmoen  
Councilmember Russel Balenger  
Councilmember Mitra Jalali  
Councilmember Rebecca Noecker  
Councilmember Jane L. Prince  
Councilmember Chris Tolbert  
Councilmember Nelsie Yang  
Wednesday, April 12, 2023  
ROLL CALL  
3:30 PM  
Council Chambers - 3rd Floor  
Meeting started at 3:33 PM  
5 -  
Present  
Councilmember Amy Brendmoen, Councilmember Chris Tolbert,  
Councilmember Jane L. Prince, Councilmember Mitra Jalali and  
Councilmember Russel Balenger  
2 - Councilmember Rebecca Noecker and Councilmember Nelsie Yang  
Absent  
COMMUNICATIONS & RECEIVE/FILE  
Establishing one (1) new project through the Neighborhood STAR Year-Round  
1
Program as adopted via City Council Resolution #23-419. In addition, funding  
designated for the Saint Paul Intervention Project via Res # 23-27 is being  
added to one Neighborhood STAR project as adopted via City Council  
Resolution # 17-1005 and Res# 17-1770.  
Received and Filed  
Amending the 2023 spending budget in the Department of Public Works  
Sewers Utility Fund Sewer Inspections Program accounting unit.  
2
3
Received and Filed  
Amending the 2022 Capital Improvement Budget to allocate funding for capital  
maintenance projects and contingency, as recommended by the Capital  
Improvement Budget Committee.  
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 Brendmoen stated that Items 4, 5, 6, and 27 would be taken  
separately.  
Councilmember Jalali moved approval.  
Consent Agenda adopted as amended  
5 -  
0
Yea:  
Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Tolbert, Councilmember  
Prince, Councilmember Jalali and Councilmember Balenger  
Nay:  
2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Yang  
Absent:  
Authorizing the Department of Planning and Economic Development to apply  
for the Metropolitan Council's Livable Communities Demonstration Account  
Predevelopment grant funds for projects at 694 and 680 Minnehaha Avenue  
East (Hamm's Brewery) and 0 Marshall Avenue and 1036 Marshall Avenue  
(Rondo Community Land Trust), which will include indemnification previsions  
in favor of the Metropolitan Council.  
7
Adopted  
Acknowledging a public purpose of community participation in the co-design  
of City services and technical solutions and granting permission to the Office  
of Technology and Communication to spend city funds on behalf of the City to  
incentivize and compensate residents, business owners, and other  
community stakeholders who participate in design research and usability  
testing.  
8
Adopted  
Authorizing the City to transfer $429,454 of American Rescue Plan funds from  
the ONS Community Council Grants project to a new project for Oxford  
Community Center Staffing.  
9
Adopted  
Approving a Liquor On Sale - 181-290 seats, a Liquor On Sale - Sunday, and  
a Liquor - Outdoor Service Area (Sidewalk) license to Centro Highland Park,  
LLC d/b/a Centro (License ID #20230000282) for the premises located at 750  
Cleveland Avenue South.  
10  
11  
12  
Adopted  
Approving the Liquor On Sale-100 seats or less, Liquor On Sale-Sunday,  
Liquor-Outdoor Service Area (Patio) and Entertainment A licenses for  
Autumn, LLC d/b/a Herbst Eatery and Farm Stand (License ID  
#20230000337) for the premises located at 779 Raymond Avenue.  
Adopted  
Approving a Health/Sport Club license to Los Campeones Gym, LLC d/b/a  
Los Campeones Gym (License ID #20230000270) for the premises located at  
1550 Rice Street.  
Adopted  
Authorizing the City, on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Department, to  
accept a donation in the amount of $40,000 from the Midway Men's Club to  
support Recreation Services programming.  
13  
14  
15  
Adopted  
Approving the Memorandum of Agreement between the City and the Saint  
Paul Police Federation for the purpose of establishing an on-call schedule.  
Laid over to April 19, 2023  
Authorizing the City on behalf of the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation  
Department, to apply for grant funds of $100,000 from Minnesota Twins and, if  
awarded, accept, and enter into a grant agreement.  
Adopted  
Approving the Liquor On Sale-291 seats or more, Liquor On Sale-Sunday,  
Liquor On Sale-2AM Closing, Liquor-Outdoor Service Area (Patio) and  
Entertainment B licenses for The Lowlands, LLC d/b/a The Lowlands, LLC  
(License ID #20230000271) for the premises located at 160 Wabasha Street  
South.  
16  
17  
Adopted  
Agreeing to the amended Minnesota Opioids State-Subdivision Memorandum  
of Agreement and authorizing City staff to execute all necessary documents  
to ensure the City's participation in the Teva Pharmaceuticals, Allergan PLC,  
Walmart Inc., CVS Health Corp., and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.  
Settlements, including the participation Agreement and accompanying  
Release and the Amended State-Subdivision Agreement.  
Adopted  
Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to apply for and accept a  
grant from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Pool Safely Grant  
Program (PSGP) in the amount of $250,000 to support the Saint Paul  
Aquatics Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Program.  
18  
19  
20  
Adopted  
Authorizing the Fire Department to accept the donation of 25 treadmills and 25  
water rowing machines valued at $25,000 from the Saint Paul Fire  
Foundation.  
Adopted  
Authorizing the City to enter into a Mutual Aid Agreement, on behalf of the  
Police Department, with the City of South Saint Paul.  
Adopted  
Authorizing the City to enter into a Mutual Aid Agreement, on behalf of the  
Police Department, with the City of Oakdale.  
21  
22  
Adopted  
Approving the Memorandum of Agreement for the 2023 Wage and Fringe  
Adjustment between the City of Saint Paul and the Electrical Workers Local  
110.  
Laid over to April 19, 2023  
Authorizing using a Project Labor Agreement for 2023 Arterial Mill and Overlay  
and Pedestrian Improvements, 2023 Citywide Sidewalk Contract, 2023  
City-County Sidewalk Improvements, 2023 Residential Mill and Overlay,  
Annapolis Street Reconstruction, Bruce Vento Safe Routes to School, Kellogg  
Boulevard Capital City Bikeway, Lafayette Trail, Maxfield Safe Routes to  
School, Minnesota Street Reconstruction, and Pierce Butler and Minnehaha  
Avenue Intersection Improvements, and authorizing not using a Project Labor  
Agreement for Otto-Shepard Bridge Rehabilitation.  
23  
Adopted  
Authorizing the City to accept a donation of $500 from the Saint Paul Police  
Foundation on behalf of the Police Department (SPPD) to provide food for  
volunteers helping at a May training event.  
24  
25  
Adopted  
Authorizing agreements between the City and The Learning Jet, for the Police  
Department's use of commercial space for police operations.  
Adopted  
Authorizing the Fire Department to donate 17 treadmills to the Minneapolis  
Fire Department.  
26  
28  
29  
Adopted  
Supporting a Job Creation Fund application in connection with ForwardEdge  
ASIC LLC for a project proposed at 2340 or 2344 Energy Park Drive (District  
12, Ward 4).  
Adopted  
Authorizing the Police Department to submit an application for funds under a  
Request for Proposal issued by the United States Department of Justice,  
Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) FY 2023  
Microgrants Program.  
Adopted  
Approving the use of additional grant funds through the Ward 3 Neighborhood  
Star Year-Round Program for a new Hamline Avenue Pathway.  
30  
31  
32  
Adopted  
Approving the Mayor’s reappointment of Liz Xiong, John Marshall, and Emma  
Burns to the Visit Saint Paul Board of Directors.  
Adopted  
Approving the Collective Bargaining Agreement (January 1, 2023 - December  
31, 2025) and Memorandums of Agreement between the City of Saint Paul  
and the Saint Paul Supervisors' Organization.  
Adopted  
Changing the rate of pay for Grounds Crew Leader in the LIUNA City  
Employees Local #363 Salary Schedule.  
33  
Adopted  
FOR DISCUSSION  
Authorizing the City to accept a donation of safety carpet on behalf of the  
Police Department (SPPD) for use during canine training.  
4
Councilmember Balenger spoke in opposition to Items 4, 5, and 6.  
Council President Brendmoen spoke in support.  
Councilmember Jalali spoke in support.  
Brendmoen moved approval.  
Adopted  
4 -  
Yea:  
Nay:  
Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Tolbert, Councilmember  
Prince and Councilmember Jalali  
1 - Councilmember Balenger  
2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Yang  
Absent:  
Authorizing the City to accept a donation of items valued at $19,809.00 on  
behalf of the Police Department (SPPD) for canine care from the St. Paul  
Police K9 Foundation.  
5
Council President Brendmoen moved approval.  
Adopted  
4 -  
Yea:  
Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Tolbert, Councilmember  
Prince and Councilmember Jalali  
1 - Councilmember Balenger  
Nay:  
2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Yang  
Absent:  
Authorizing the City to accept an ‘in kind’ donation valued at $4,418.52 on  
behalf of the Police Department (SPPD) for canine grounds maintenance  
from the St. Paul Police K9 Foundation.  
6
Council President Brendmoen moved approval.  
Adopted  
4 -  
Yea:  
Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Tolbert, Councilmember  
Prince and Councilmember Jalali  
1 - Councilmember Balenger  
Nay:  
2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Yang  
Absent:  
Declaring April 2023 as Fair Housing Month in Saint Paul.  
Councilmember Prince spoke in support.  
27  
Paige Kahle from the St. Paul Area Association of Realtors spoke to the resolution.  
Faith Deitz, Fair Housing Coordinator in the Office of Financial Services, spoke to the  
resolution.  
Councilmember Jalali spoke in support.  
Prince moved approval of Version 2.  
Adopted as amended  
5 -  
0
Yea:  
Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Tolbert, Councilmember  
Prince, Councilmember Jalali and Councilmember Balenger  
Nay:  
2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Yang  
Absent:  
Ramsey County-City of Saint Paul American Rescue Plan Act: Young Adult  
Career Academy Update.  
34  
Councilmember Tolbert gave an introduction.  
Ling Becker, Director of Workforce Solutions for Ramsey County, gave a staff report.  
Butch Inks, Fire Chief, gave a staff report.  
Andy Rodriguez, Director of Parks and Recreation, gave a staff report.  
Received and Filed  
SUSPENSION ITEM  
Approving a Temporary License Agreement between the City of Saint Paul  
Police Department and Shidler/West Finance Partners for the Department's  
use of a parking lot for the temporary relocation of the City Impound Lot  
Council President Brendmoen spoke to the resolution.  
Councilmember Tolbert moved approval.  
Adopted  
5 -  
0
Yea:  
Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Tolbert, Councilmember  
Prince, Councilmember Jalali and Councilmember Balenger  
Nay:  
2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Yang  
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 first reading.  
Final Adoption  
Amending Chapter 52 of the Legislative Code pertaining to storm water runoff  
management and incorporating by reference the regulatory standards and  
guidelines of the Saint Paul Stormwater Management Design Standards  
manual.  
35  
Councilmember Prince moved approval.  
Adopted  
5 -  
0
Yea:  
Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Tolbert, Councilmember  
Prince, Councilmember Jalali and Councilmember Balenger  
Nay:  
2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Yang  
Absent:  
Amending Chapter 63 and Chapter 69 of the Legislative Code pertaining to  
Stormwater Run-Off and Wetlands.  
36  
Councilmember Balenger moved approval.  
Adopted  
5 -  
0
Yea:  
Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Tolbert, Councilmember  
Prince, Councilmember Jalali and Councilmember Balenger  
Nay:  
2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Yang  
Absent:  
PUBLIC HEARINGS  
Live testimony is limited to two minutes for each person. See below for optional ways  
to testify.  
Final Order approving the reconstruction of streets in the 2023 Saint Paul  
Streets Program (2023 SPS).  
37  
Kelly Hadac, legal counsel for affected property owners, spoke during the public  
hearing.  
Council President Brendmoen spoke to Hadac's concerns.  
Councilmember Jalali moved approval.  
Adopted  
5 -  
0
Yea:  
Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Tolbert, Councilmember  
Prince, Councilmember Jalali and Councilmember Balenger  
Nay:  
2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Yang  
Absent:  
Amending the 2023 Saint Paul Regional Water Services Adopted Budget in  
the amount of $97,862,510 to reflect the issuance of 2023 revenue bonds.  
38  
Councilmember Tolbert moved approval.  
Adopted  
5 -  
0
Yea:  
Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Tolbert, Councilmember  
Prince, Councilmember Jalali and Councilmember Balenger  
Nay:  
2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Yang  
Absent:  
Approving the application of Anderson Race Management for a sound level  
variance in order to present amplified sound on May 20, 2023 at 200 Dr Justus  
Ohage Boulevard - Harriet Island Regional Park Riverside.  
39  
Councilmember Jalali moved approval.  
Adopted  
5 -  
0
Yea:  
Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Tolbert, Councilmember  
Prince, Councilmember Jalali and Councilmember Balenger  
Nay:  
2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Yang  
Absent:  
Approving the application of Eclectic Culinary Concepts dba Pajarito for a  
sound level variance in order to present amplified sound on Saturday, May 6,  
2023 at 605 Seventh Street West - Pajarito.  
40  
Councilmember Prince moved approval.  
Adopted  
5 -  
0
Yea:  
Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Tolbert, Councilmember  
Prince, Councilmember Jalali and Councilmember Balenger  
Nay:  
2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Yang  
Absent:  
Approving the applications of the Minnesota United FC for sound level  
variance applications in order to present amplified sound on May 17, 2023,  
41  
May 27 and on June 3, 2023 within the Street and the Beer Garden Area at  
Allianz Field - 400 Snelling Avenue North.  
Councilmember Balenger moved approval.  
Adopted  
5 -  
0
Yea:  
Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Tolbert, Councilmember  
Prince, Councilmember Jalali and Councilmember Balenger  
Nay:  
2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Yang  
Absent:  
Amending the financing and spending plans in the Fire Department in the  
amount of $31,500 for the 2022 Hazardous Material Emergency  
Preparedness Grant.  
42  
Councilmember Tolbert moved approval.  
Adopted  
5 -  
0
Yea:  
Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Tolbert, Councilmember  
Prince, Councilmember Jalali and Councilmember Balenger  
Nay:  
2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Yang  
Absent:  
Authorizing the City's sponsorship of a Minnesota Investment Fund application  
by ForwardEdge ASIC, LLC for a Project Proposed at 2340 or 2344 Energy  
Park Drive (District 12, Ward 4).  
43  
Nicolle Goodman, Director of Planning and Economic Development, gave a staff  
report.  
Council President Brendmoen spoke in support.  
Councilmember Jalali spoke in support.  
Councilmember Tolbert spoke in support.  
Jalali moved approval.  
Adopted  
5 -  
0
Yea:  
Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Tolbert, Councilmember  
Prince, Councilmember Jalali and Councilmember Balenger  
Nay:  
2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Yang  
Absent:  
LEGISLATIVE HEARING DISCUSSION ITEM  
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1985  
47  
MINNEHAHA AVENUE EAST. (File No. J2313A, Assessment No. 238512)  
Laid over for 6 months to October 11, 2023. Expectation is to avoid future tall grass  
and weeds incidents for the potential of having the assessment reduced by 50%.  
Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer: The property owner had a letter  
objecting to my recommendation, and so Councilmember Prince asked that I prepare  
a staff report. This is a tax assessment related to removal of tall grass and weeds. The  
letter or abate was sent out August 16, 2022 and the standard 6 days to comply was  
given. The inspector went back out and the work was not done on time, but they did  
grant an additional 2 weeks before a work order was issued. The crew arrived on  
September 1, 2022. This property does have a history of tall grass and weeds  
violations. In 2022 there was also an order about branches that needed to be removed.  
3 tall grass and weeds orders in 2019, also some in 2017, 2016, and 2015. In this  
case, the property owner indicated during the hearing that she was not in town when the  
orders were issued, and therefore unable to address it. She did not have someone  
monitoring her mail in her absence. Also noted during the hearing was that she was  
trying to establish prairie-type planting in the boulevard area, and that when the crew  
arrived they removed not only the tall grass but also this planting. We discussed what  
that planting might look like. Personally, when I looked at the video and photos, I  
thought there a lot of dandelions and other plants that might have confused the crew  
about this being tall grass and weeds, as opposed to intentional planting to attract  
butterflies.  
Moermond then showed video documenting the tall grass and weeds before the work  
was done.  
Moermond: The purpose of this video is just to establish the condition when the crew  
arrived. You will see in photos that there was a measuring tape inserted into the  
boulevard area and found that growth exceeded one foot, coming up on 2 feet. The  
front yard is clearly in excess of 8 inches of growth.  
Moermond then showed video documenting the tall grass and weeds after the work was  
done.  
Moermond: As you can see, they did leave the plants closer to the porch, as that  
looked like intentional planting. We did see some hosta in there. They did mow the  
rest of the area. The assessment for doing this work is $160 for the crew and a service  
charge of $162, for a total assessment of $322.  
Council President Brendmoen: Is there anyone here to speak to this item?  
Moermond: No. You just have the email attached to the record. I think I presented  
what their concerns were.  
Councilmember Prince moved to close the public hearing. Motion approved 5-0.  
Prince: Having studied the email from the property owner and being convinced that she  
is dedicated to complying, I would like to take the opportunity with the coming warm  
weather seasons to move to lay this over for 6 months until October 11, 2023, so that  
the property owner can demonstrate a commitment to getting their yard under control.  
If by that date, there are no same or similar..we would reduce the fines by 50%.  
Brendmoen: In your proposal, who pays for the $160 for mowing her lawn?  
Prince: I thought that was the service fee, as an opportunity to reduce the amount.  
Brendmoen: So $160 is free for us? Moermond, can you clarify the cost?  
Moermond: $162 for the service charge, which I can give you an aproximate breakdown  
of. There is a real estate processing fee, a Department of Safety and Inspections fee,  
as well as like $5 for the City Attorney's office. That bring the total processing cost up  
to $162, just to send the assessment through. That amount is pretty much equal to the  
cost of performing the work.  
Brendmoen: So, Prince, you're suggesting it's some cost, so we should give her 6  
months to mow her lawn and then write it off?  
Prince: And deal with the boulevard plantings.  
Brendmoen: I will support your motion today, but I will say that it does open up the door  
for...those costs, whether or not they're sunk, are our staff doing the work. It sounds  
like this person has a pattern of doing this. In looking at the video, I agree that the  
boulevard looked like overgrown weeds. The problem is that their neighbors experience  
the yard as it is, not as the owner seems it to be. I will support this today and hope for  
the best in the next 6 months, while also recognizing that we have a history of not  
pushing these fees off onto other taxpayers.  
Public hearing closed and laid over to October 11, 2023  
5 -  
0
Yea:  
Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Tolbert, Councilmember  
Prince, Councilmember Jalali and Councilmember Balenger  
Nay:  
2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Yang  
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 Jalali moved approval.  
Legislative Hearing Consent Agenda adopted as amended  
5 -  
0
Yea:  
Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Tolbert, Councilmember  
Prince, Councilmember Jalali and Councilmember Balenger  
Nay:  
2 - Councilmember Noecker and Councilmember Yang  
Absent:  
Appeal of Warren Enright, Tenant, to a Notice of Condemnation-Unfit for  
Human Habitation-Order to Vacate at 1355 EUSTIS STREET, UNIT #2.  
(Legislative Hearing on April 11, 2023)  
44  
45  
46  
Adopted as amended (extension granted)  
Making finding on the appealed substantial abatement ordered for 733  
FAIRVIEW AVENUE NORTH in Council File RLH RR 22-28. (Legislative  
Hearing on April 11, 2023)  
Referred to April 25, 2023 Legislative Hearing  
Ordering the rehabilitation or razing and removal of the structures at 1366  
FREMONT AVENUE within fifteen (15) days after the October 26, 2022, City  
Council Public Hearing. (Amend to remove 15 days)  
Public hearing continued to April 26, 2023  
Appeal of James Richter to a Vacant Building Registration Notice at 1222  
SEVENTH STREET WEST.  
48  
49  
50  
Adopted  
Appeal of Atnafu Yeshidagne to a Fire Certificate of Occupancy and Order to  
Vacate at 506-510 SNELLING AVENUE.  
Adopted  
Appeal of Brian Norelius to a Revocation of Fire Certificate of Occupancy and  
Order to Vacate at 842 VANDALIA STREET. (To refer back to April 25, 2023  
Legislative Hearing)  
Referred to April 25, 2023 Legislative Hearing  
Amending Council File RLH AR 23-11 to delete the assessment for Collection  
of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during July to September 2022 at  
1932 ASHLAND AVENUE. (File No. CG2204A3, Assessment No. 220115)  
ADJOURNMENT  
51  
52  
Adopted  
Amending Council File RLH AR 23-11 to delete the assessment for Collection  
of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during July to September 2022 at 723  
SIXTH STREET EAST. (File No. CG2204A3, Assessment No. 220115)  
Adopted  
Meeting ended at 4:22 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  
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  
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Meetings are available on the Council's website. Email notification and web feeds  
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minutes, and supporting documents.  
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