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, September 4, 2024

ROLL CALL

3:30 PM

Council Chambers - 3rd Floor

Meeting started at 3:30 PM

4 -

Present

Councilmember Rebecca Noecker, Councilmember Mitra Jalali,

Councilmember Nelsie Yang and Councilmember Saura Jost

3 -

Absent

Councilmember HwaJeong Kim, Councilmember Anika Bowie and

Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson

COMMUNICATIONS & RECEIVE/FILE

Amending ESG project budgets: Reallocating funding for the 2022-23

AO 24-60

Emergency Solutions Grant activities administered by Ramsey County per the

Joint Powers Agreement approved via RES 19-2110.

Received and Filed

CONSENT AGENDA

Items listed under the Consent Agenda will be enacted by one motion with no separate

discussion. If discussion on an item is desired, the item will be removed from the

Consent Agenda for separate consideration.

Approval of the Consent Agenda

Councilmember Yang moved approval.

Consent Agenda adopted

4 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang and

Councilmember Jost

Nay:

3 - Councilmember Kim, Councilmember Bowie and Councilmember Johnson

Absent:

Approving assessment costs and setting date of City Council public hearing to

ratify the assessments for Annapolis Street from Humboldt Avenue to Robert

Street (Phase I, Part B) paving and lighting project constructed as part of the

RES 24-1155

2023 St. Paul Street Paving Program (SPS). (File No. 19249B, Assessment

No. 245201)

Adopted

Approving assessment costs and setting date of City Council public hearing to

ratify the assessments for Annapolis Street from Robert Street to Kansas

Avenue (Phase II) paving and lighting project constructed as part of the 2024

St. Paul Street Paving Program (SPS). (File No. 19250, Assessment No.

245202)

RES 24-1159

RES 24-1181

RES 24-1182

Adopted

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

Registration fees billed during June 20, 2023 to April 22, 2024, and setting

date of Legislative Hearing for October 1, 2024 and City Council public hearing

for January 22, 2025 to consider and levy the assessments against individual

properties. (File No. VB2502, Assessment No. 258801)

Adopted

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

services during May 2024, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for October

1, 2024 and City Council public hearing for January 22, 2025 to consider and

levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2502B,

Assessment No. 258101)

Adopted

Approving the City’s cost of providing Demolition services from January to

June 2024, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for October 1, 2024 and

City Council public hearing for January 22, 2025 to consider and levy the

assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2501C, Assessment No.

259000)

RES 24-1183

RES 24-1184

Adopted

Approving the City’s cost of providing Demolition services from February to

March 2024 (C.D.B.G. Funds), and setting date of Legislative Hearing for

October 1, 2024 and City Council public hearing for January 22, 2025 to

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

J2502C, Assessment No. 259001)

Adopted

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

Occupancy fees billed during April 26 to May 23, 2024 and setting date of

Legislative Hearing for October 1, 2024 and City Council public hearing for

January 22, 2025 to consider and levy the assessments against individual

properties. (File No. CRT2502, Assessment No. 258201)

RES 24-1185

Adopted

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

RES 24-1186

Abatement services billed during March 22 to April 19, 2024 and setting date

of Legislative Hearing for October 1, 2024 and City Council public hearing for

January 22, 2025 to consider and levy the assessments against individual

properties. (File No. J2502E, Assessment No. 258301)

Adopted

Approving the City’s cost of providing Graffiti Removal services during April 3

to June 11, 2024 and setting date of Legislative Hearing for October 1, 2024

and City Council public hearing for January 22, 2025 to consider and levy the

assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2502P, Assessment No.

258501)

RES 24-1187

RES 24-1188

RES 24-1261

Adopted

Approving the City’s cost of providing Towing of Abandoned Vehicle(s)

services during January to May 2024 and setting date of Legislative Hearing

for October 1, 2024 and City Council public hearing for January 22, 2025 to

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

J2501V, Assessment No. 258000)

Adopted

Authorizing the Horticulture Section at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory to

apply for a grant of up to $400 from the Mid-America Orchid Congress and, if

awarded, accept it for the purchase of orchid plants in the year 2024.

Adopted

Authorizing the use of the Neighborhood STAR Program funds for Public

Works' sidewalk program and bike & pedestrian improvements.

RES 24-1280

RES 24-1283

Adopted

Accepting the gift of travel expenses from Association of Prosecuting

Attorneys for City Attorney, Lyndsey Olson and Dave Hunt, Senior Attorney, to

attend the Gun Violence Prosecutor-Led Alternatives, Community of

Practicing Meeting in Bronx, New York on June 6,2024.

Adopted

Approving the Mayor’s appointment of Antonio Elias and John Perlich to the

Business Review Council.

RES 24-1294

RES 24-1296

RES 24-1258

Adopted

Approving the Settlement Agreement and Release between Ahmed Ali and the

City of St. Paul, et al.

Adopted

Approving the Memorandum of Agreement between the City and the

International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 70, for the purpose of

providing premium pay to Saint Paul Regional Water Services employees

holding specific licenses in the classifications of Senior Water Operator,

Maintenance Worker III and Chemical Feed System Specialist II.

Adopted

Approving the Collective Bargaining Agreement (May 1, 2024 - April 30, 2027)

between the City of Saint Paul and the International Brotherhood of Electrical

Workers, Local 110.

RES 24-1259

Adopted

Establishing the rate of pay for Emergency Management Supervisor in EG 09,

SPSO.

RES 24-1279

RES 24-1306

ROLL CALL

Adopted

Declaring September 9th, 2024, as James "Willky" Williams Day in the City of

Saint Paul.

Adopted

5 -

Present

Absent

Councilmember Rebecca Noecker, Councilmember Mitra Jalali,

Councilmember Nelsie Yang, Councilmember HwaJeong Kim and

Councilmember Saura Jost

2 - Councilmember Anika Bowie and Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson

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.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

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

to testify.

Amending Legislative Code Chapters 60, 63, 65, and 66 pertaining to adult

use cannabis.

Ord 24-21

Robert Straugh, resident, spoke during the public hearing.

Tom Ososki from the Saint Anthony Park District Council spoke during the public

hearing.

Tim Marino, resident, spoke during the public hearing.

Councilmember Jost moved to continue the public hearing for one week.

Public hearing continued to September 11, 2024 for Final Adoption

5 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim and Councilmember Jost

Nay:

2 - Councilmember Bowie and Councilmember Johnson

Absent:

Amending Section 409.01 of the Legislative Code to allow the Union Depot

Ord 24-22

and Science Museum of Minnesota to have unlimited catered events within

their spaces for class T-Temporary on-sale liquor license-Caterer and class

N-On-sale caterer's license.

Councilmember Noecker moved to close the public hearing.

Laid over to September 11, 2024 for Final Adoption

5 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim and Councilmember Jost

Nay:

2 - Councilmember Bowie and Councilmember Johnson

Absent:

Approving the application of R. Mychael Wright for a sound level variance in

order to present live amplified sound for a on September 14, 2024 on Selby

Avenue from Chatsworth St N to Victoria St N.

RES PH 24-226

Shirley Alexander, resident, spoke during the public hearing.

Councilmember Noecker moved approval.

Adopted

5 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim and Councilmember Jost

Nay:

2 - Councilmember Bowie and Councilmember Johnson

Absent:

Approving the application of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for a

sound level variance in order to present amplified sound on September 15,

2024 at 1199 Midway Parkway - Como Midway Picnic Pavilion.

RES PH 24-227

Councilmember Kim moved approval.

Adopted

5 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim and Councilmember Jost

Nay:

2 - Councilmember Bowie and Councilmember Johnson

Absent:

Approving the application of the Minnesota United FC for a sound level

variance application in order to present amplified sound on September 18,

2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with pre-event sound checks at 5:00 p.m.,

within the Street and the Beer Garden Area at Allianz Field - 400 Snelling Ave.

RES PH 24-228

Councilmember Jost moved approval.

Adopted

5 -

Yea:

Nay:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim and Councilmember Jost

2 - Councilmember Bowie and Councilmember Johnson

Absent:

Approving the host issuance by the City of Mendota of one or more series of

conduit revenue bonds, approving a Bond Compliance and Fee Agreement,

and authorizing the execution of documents relating thereto, all for the

Hourcar Project located at 880 Duluth Street (District 4, Ward 6).

RES PH 24-229

Paul Schroeder from HourCar spoke during the public hearing.

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

Yang spoke in support.

Councilmember Kim moved approval.

Adopted

5 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim and Councilmember Jost

Nay:

2 - Councilmember Bowie and Councilmember Johnson

Absent:

LEGISLATIVE HEARING DISCUSSION ITEM

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

RLH RR 23-31

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

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

Execution of nuisance abatement plan required by October 22, 2024. To be given 90

days from October 23,2024 Council meeting for completion of a rehabilitation plan if

abatement plan requirement is met.

Also in attendance: Tom Radio, attorney o/b/o Allstate

Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer: It has been 13 months since you last

saw this item and I am looking for direction on how you would like to proceed. I will

start by showing some photos on the screen in front of you. Google street photos in

July of 2022 show an operating Burger King, and photos from August show

deteriorating conditions. April 2023 photos show continued deterioration. Fencing

extremely close to the side of the building has been cut away. The most recent thing is

that in June 2024 a Form 4 was sent from the Fire Department. I show all this to

document how things have deteriorated over time. There have been continued

difficulties, though things have somewhat improved. Still much of the interior has

suffered from mechanical and electrical theft. The purchase agreement has also gone

through many iterations. The seller is here today. The purchaser thought the hearing

was at 4pm, though their interpreter is present. The buyer’s broker is here as well.

Council President Jalali: Who owns it now and when did they become responsible?

Moermond: Allstate is the owner, located out of Texas. They hired local real estate

staff and lawyers. They have been owners for a while. The Burger King franchisee did

not own the building.

Tom Radio: The buyer and seller remain committed to this property. The best hope is

for the building to remain and the sale to be completed. The buyer wants to invest here

and has had a successful business in Minneapolis. We urge Council to not order

demolition and have us work with Moermond on a short leash. There have been 6

amendments made to the purchase agreement, which shows the commitment of the

buyer and the seller to this property.

Jalali: Do you or anyone else in attendance have additional comments?

Radio: Brokers for the buyer and seller are here if you have questions, but they don’t

need to speak.

Jalali: So, your ask is to not order demolition and give more time to work with the

Hearing Officer?

Radio: Correct.

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

Noecker: I’m not sure an out of state corporation cares about the needs of this

community. This has been a blight on the neighborhood since 2022, and situations

like this only attract further vacancies. I hear about it more than any other property in

my ward. After 2 years we don’t have meaningful progress. I am prepared to proceed

with the order to raze or remove the structure. I could be talked down if a nuisance

abatement plan is agreed to and progress being made. I hear progress being talked

about but don’t see it. I am open to recommendations.

Moermond: Council came to similar juncture with West 7th Street Burger King. It was

demolished eventually, as the purchaser did not want the building. There were lots of

nuisances in the meantime, however. Council implemented a nuisance abatement plan

to mitigate the issue of things happening there and buy time. It could also include

conditions under which the Council could grant time for rehabilitation, such as a

closing on the building, a new code compliance inspection report, a scope of work

plan, and evidence of financing. These conditions are not met yet. I’m not sure how

quickly that can all be brought together. Estimates for rehabilitation range from

$150,000 to $250,000, since wiring has been removed. I talked with the City building

official and the cost of just lighting the space to prevent nuisances was estimated to

be under $10,000 and be about a 6-week effort. Fencing would be about a 30-day

endeavor. If you want to give time for an abatement plan to be created, what you could

do is refer to Legislative Hearing in a month. We could then review it and give a report

back to you the following week on the plan’s status. Removal of the building would be

a couple months away anyway, given the long process of removal.

Noecker: You’re asking to send it to Legislative Hearing for creation of the nuisance

abatement plan?

Moermond: I’m asking for you to define the nuisance abatement plan here in Council

today. We could then check on if the plan was executed a month or 45 days from now

in Legislative Hearing.

Noecker: What about progress towards rehabilitation?

Moermond: Council could say that if the abatement plan is executed, you will give them

a certain number of days to come with a rehabilitation package with financing, work

plans, and other needed items.

Noecker: I’m comfortable with that, having it come back to us in 5 weeks.

Jalali: I support that direction. I would have liked to have the buyer here though.

Noecker: I would have preferred that as well.

Moermond: Vacant Buildings also present nuisances and losses to those beyond just

the owner. There is a public danger and nuisance, as well as danger to vandals

themselves. Based on our conversation, I am asking you to refer this to Legislative

Hearing on October 22, with a Council public hearing on October 23. The nuisance

abatement plan would include installation of black vinyl-coated fencing along the

southern border of the parcel, at least 20 feet set back from the northern side of the

structure, and along the parcel boundaries to the east and west extending to at least

the 20-foot setback established along the fencing on the north side. This would extend

the fencing north from the structure but not around the entire parcel. The abatement

plan would also include installation of an alarm system and lighting system, either

motion-activated or time-activated. If that plan is executed, I ask that they be given 60

days from October 23 for a completed rehabilation plan.

Noecker: So moved.

Jalali: I support that.

Amended and referred to October 22, 2024 Legislative Hearing, to return for

City Council public hearing on October 23, 2024

5 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim and Councilmember Jost

Nay:

2 - Councilmember Bowie and Councilmember Johnson

Absent:

LEGISLATIVE HEARING CONSENT AGENDA

Items listed under the Consent Agenda will receive a combined public hearing and be

enacted by one motion with no separate discussion. Items may be removed from the

Consent Agenda for a separate public hearing and discussion if desired.

Approval of the Consent Agenda

Councilmember Yang moved approval.

Legislative Hearing Consent Agenda adopted as amended

5 -

Yea:

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Jalali, Councilmember Yang,

Councilmember Kim and Councilmember Jost

Nay:

2 - Councilmember Bowie and Councilmember Johnson

Absent:

Appeal of Ali Ahmed to a Vacant Building Registration Notice at 219

BELVIDERE STREET EAST.

RLH VBR 24-51

RLH SAO 24-57

RLH TA 24-130

Adopted

Making finding on the appealed nuisance abatement ordered for 1818 BLAIR

AVENUE in Council File RLH SAO 24-48.

Adopted as amended (nuisance abated)

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 746 COOK

AVENUE EAST. (File No. J2406E, Assessment No. 248305) (Public hearing

continued to September 4, 2024)

Adopted as amended (assessment ratified)

Appeal of James Swartwood to a Vacant Building Registration Notice at 729

FOURTH STREET EAST.

RLH VBR 24-47

RLH VBR 24-49

Adopted

Appeal of Abah Mohamed to a Vacant Building Registration Notice and Notice

of Condemnation-Unfit for Human Habitation-Order to Vacate at 576

LEXINGTON PARKWAY NORTH.

Adopted

Amending Council File RLH AR 24-50 to delete the assessment for Rubbish &

Garbage Clean Up services during February 1 to 12, 2024 at 99 ORANGE

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

RLH TA 24-341

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 975 REANEY

AVENUE. (File No. VB2410A, Assessment No. 248826)

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

Appeal of Manoj Bhakta, Bhakta Properties LLC, to a Vacant Building

Registration Renewal Notice at 81 ROSE AVENUE EAST.

Adopted

Appeal of Angela Glenhue to a Summary Abatement Order at 1941

STANFORD AVENUE.

Adopted

Ordering the rehabilitation or razing and removal of the structures at 291

STINSON STREET within fifteen (15) days after the September 4, 2024, City

Council Public Hearing. (Refer to September 10, 2024 Legislative Hearing)

Referred to September 10, 2024 Legislative Hearing

Amending Council File RLH AR 24-36 to reduce the assessment for

Collection of Vacant Building Registration fees billed during March 29 to

November 14, 2023 at 822 VAN BUREN AVENUE. (File No. VB2408,

Assessment No. 248807)

RLH TA 24-342

Adopted

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting ended at 4:12 PM

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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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