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 Mitra Jalali

Councilmember Rebecca Noecker

Councilmember Jane L. Prince

Councilmember Dai Thao

Councilmember Chris Tolbert

Councilmember Nelsie Yang

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

ROLL CALL

3:30 PM

Council Chambers - 3rd Floor

Meeting started at 3:35pm

6 -

Present

Councilmember Amy Brendmoen, Councilmember Dai Thao,

Councilmember Chris Tolbert, Councilmember Rebecca Noecker,

Councilmember Jane L. Prince and Councilmember Mitra Jalali

1 - Councilmember Nelsie Yang

Absent

COMMUNICATIONS & RECEIVE/FILE

Designating Jeremy Ellison, Interim Chief of Police as an authorized signer for

the Police Department pursuant to Sec. 86.01 of the Administrative Code.

AO 22-35

Received and Filed

Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to reallocate $625,000

within its various accounting units in the 2022 adopted budget to most

accurately reflect the projected actual spending in each accounting unit and

provide the appropriate levels of spending authority.

AO 22-36

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 Item #10 would be taken separately.

Councilmember Thao moved approval.

Consent Agenda adopted as amended.

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Tolbert,

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Prince and Councilmember Jalali

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Yang

Absent:

Approving the City’s cost of providing Replacement of Lead Water Service

Line on Private Properties during January to March 2022, and setting date of

City Council public hearing for July 13, 2022 to consider and levy the

assessments against individual properties. (File No. 2202LDSRP,

Assessment No. 224002)

RES 22-812

Adopted

Approving the City’s cost of providing Repair of Sanitary Sewer line on Private

Properties during January to March 2022, and setting date of City Council

public hearing for July 13, 2022 to consider and levy the assessments against

individual properties. (File No. SWRP2202, Assessment No. 223002)

RES 22-813

RES 22-814

Adopted

Approving the City’s cost of providing Replacement of Lead Water Service

Line on Private Properties during August to December 2021, and setting date

of City Council public hearing for July 13, 2022 to consider and levy the

assessments against individual properties. (File No. 2204LDSRP,

Assessment No. 224010)

Adopted

Approving the City’s cost of providing Replacement of Lead Water Service

Line on Private Property during April to June 2021 at 224 Isabel St W, and

setting date of City Council public hearing for July 13, 2022 to consider and

levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. 2103LDSRP2,

Assessment No. 224008)

RES 22-816

RES 22-817

Adopted

Approving the City’s cost of providing Replacement of Lead Water Service

Line on Private Property during October to December 2021 at 1745 Laurel

Ave, and setting date of City Council public hearing for July 13, 2022 to

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

2201LDSRP2, Assessment No. 224009)

Adopted

Determining that a short-term contract to hire a contractor to do necessary

tree pruning work is exempt from the provisions of Chapter 85 of the

Administrative Code.

RES 22-869

RES 22-879

Adopted

Approving the Maintenance Labor Agreements between the Independent

School District 625 and the Minnesota Cement Masons, Plasterers and

Shophands Local 633 and North Central States Regional Council of

Carpenters (May 1, 2022 - April 30, 2025). (To be laid over one week for

adoption)

Laid over to June 22, 2022

Authorizing the Fire Department to pay for all costs incurred to hold a

graduation ceremony for new firefighters on June 17, 2022 at the Highland

Community Center.

RES 22-901

RES 22-902

RES 22-908

Adopted

Authorizing the Fire Department to pay for all costs incurred to host a

graduation ceremony for new firefighters on July 29, 2022 at the Paul and

Sheila Wellstone Center.

Adopted

Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into a

professional service agreement with American Red Cross for lifeguard and

aquatic facility auditing services which includes indemnification.

Adopted

Accepting the gift of travel, lodging, and conference registration expenses

from PolicyLink for Director Muneer Karcher-Ramos, Office of Financial

Empowerment, to attend the Fines and Fees Justice Boot Camp from

March 8-9, 2022 and the Government Alliance for Racial Equity Annual

Meeting from April 19-21, 2022.

RES 22-919

Adopted

Authorizing the Office of Financial Empowerment to apply for a $30,000 grant

from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, which, if received, would

obligate OFE to provide staff to host a site visit and provide monthly technical

assistance to mentee cities interested in launching an office of financial

empowerment.

RES 22-921

Adopted

Accepting the gift of travel, lodging, and food expenses from the National

League of Cities for City staff to the attend the ‘Cities Are Rising Again: Local

Governments Supporting Early Childhood’ convening from June 16-17, 2022

in Phoenix, Arizona.

RES 22-922

RES 22-850

Adopted

Establishing the rate of pay for Assistant Division Manager - Saint Paul

Regional Water Services in Grade 025 of EG 09, Saint Paul Supervisors

Organization (SPSO).

Adopted

FOR DISCUSSION

Approving adverse action against the Liquor on Sale - 101 - 189 seats, Liquor

on Sale - Sunday, Liquor on Sale - 2AM Closing, Liquor - Outdoor Service

Area - Patio, and Entertainment B License held by RAS Ethiopian Bar &

Restaurant LLC d/b/a RAS Restaurant & Lounge (License ID #20100000062)

at 2516 7th Street West.

RES 22-882

Council President Brendmoen said the City Attorney's office would be giving a brief

update.

Deputy City Attorney Adam Niblick gave a background update, noting the people in the

audience. Laid out that whatever the Council decides, the license holder can seek

action at the Court of Appeals. Also said that this was not a public hearing.

Councilmember Prince noted the missed deadlines by the license holder and asked

Niblick if that meant the Council's options were limited, and that the opportunity to

have an administrative law judge hear the case had passed.

Niblick stated that this was the only option procedurally for the Council, and also

stated that the opportunity to bring this before an administrative law judge had passed.

Brendmoen said the next step for the license holder would be the Court of Appeals.

Niblick echoed the statement of Brendmoen, if the adverse action were to pass.

Councilmember Thao asked if there had been an appeal already.

Niblick stated that DSI gave background for the violations to the license holder.

Stated that the license holder was given a number of options, including a hearing

before an administrative law judge. The license holder did not exercise that, causing

the current item to appear before the Council.

Thao clarified that DSI had conversations with the license holder.

Niblick gave background on communications to and from the license holder and

stating that there was due process.

Thao continued offering clarification based on Niblick's remarks.

Niblick continued offering clarification.

Councilmember Jalali acknowledged community members in the room and stated that

there was no going backward at this point. Acknowledged arguments for the adverse

action and reiterated that it was not possible for this to be a public hearing.

Niblick clarified that there were other avenues that the license holder did not exercise,

causing this issue to come before the Council.

Prince asked if the Council could send the matter to an administrative law judge.

Niblick stated that it was too late to send the matter to an administrative law judge, as

the period to do that had expired.

Councilmember Tolbert moved approval.

Adopted.

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Tolbert,

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Prince and Councilmember Jalali

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Yang

Absent:

Accepting the report of the Saint Paul Reparations Legislative Advisory

Committee.

RES 22-928

Councilmember Prince recapped the morning's policy committee meeting and gave

context as to the importance of this resolution.

Council President Brendmoen said the morning's meeting was available online for a

more in-depth viewing.

Prince moved approval.

Adopted.

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Tolbert,

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Prince and Councilmember Jalali

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Yang

Absent:

Administering the oath of office to Angie Wiese, Director of Safety &

Inspections.

CO 22-44

Angie Wiese sworn in as Director of Safety and Inspections.

Received and Filed

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 Legal Ledger. Public hearings on ordinances are

held at the second reading.

Final Adoption

Amending Section 409.07 of the Legislative Code to allow Sunday sales in

micro-distilleries.

Ord 22-26

Councilmember Prince moved approval.

Adopted.

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Tolbert,

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Prince and Councilmember Jalali

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Yang

Absent:

Amending Chapter 2.02 of the Administrative Code pertaining to the duties of

the Office of Financial Empowerment; authorizing support for early learning.

Ord 22-28

Councilmember Noecker moved approval.

Adopted.

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Tolbert,

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Prince and Councilmember Jalali

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Yang

Absent:

First Reading

Amending Chapter 409 of the Legislative Code to align with recent changes in

Minnesota Statue following the passage of the legislative omnibus bill that

affects small brewers, distillers and wineries.

Ord 22-30

Council President Brendmoen gave an overview of the context surrounding this item.

Acknowledged that there could be changes, and that a public hearing would take place

the following week.

Laid over to June 22, 2022

PUBLIC HEARINGS

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

to testify.

Ratifying the assessment for the 2021 Street Maintenance Service

Program-Mill and Overlay on Red Rock Road. (Project No. MO1808,

Assessment No. 225500)

RES PH 22-115

Councilmember Prince moved approval.

Adopted.

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Tolbert,

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Prince and Councilmember Jalali

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Yang

Absent:

Ratifying the assessment for improvements to the east-west alley bounded by

Fuller, Aurora, Western and Virginia (Project No. 19243, Assessment No.

185000).

RES PH 22-118

Councilmember Thao moved approval.

Adopted.

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Tolbert,

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Prince and Councilmember Jalali

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Yang

Absent:

Ratifying the assessment for replacement of sanitary sewer services within

the right-of-way as part of the Griggs/Scheffer, Phase I paving project. File

No. 19232C, Assessment No. 216001.

RES PH 22-119

Councilmember Thao moved approval.

Adopted.

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Tolbert,

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Prince and Councilmember Jalali

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Yang

Absent:

Approving the application of RJMP Group Inc for a sound level variance in

order to present amplified sound on June 19, 2022 at 857 Grand Ave - Billy’s

on Grand. (to be withdrawn)

RES PH 22-156

RES PH 22-159

Withdrawn

Approving the applications of the Minnesota United FC for sound level

variance applications in order to present amplified sound on July 2, 2022,

July 13, 2022 and July 16, 2022, within the Street and the Beer Garden

Area at Allianz Field - 400 Snelling Ave. N.

Councilmember Thao moved approval.

Adopted.

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Tolbert,

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Prince and Councilmember Jalali

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Yang

Absent:

Approving the application of The United Hmong Family LLC for a sound level

variance in order to present amplified sound on July 2 and 3, 2022 at 1151

Wynne Ave - McMurray Fields.

RES PH 22-157

Council President Brendmoen noted that this was the first time this event was

happening since the start of the pandemic.

Xang Kue, Event Chair of the July 4th Hmong International Freedom Festival, informed

the Council of the event.

Mee Vang, President of the United Hmong Family Organization, thanked the Council

and talked about the excitement of resuming this event.

Brendmoen continued, saying she was looking forward to the event and offered some

descriptions.

Councilmember Thao applauded the organization and stated his excitement for the

event.

Councilmember Jalali thanked the organization for their work and moved approval.

Adopted.

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Tolbert,

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Prince and Councilmember Jalali

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Yang

Absent:

Approving the application of St. Anthony Park Community Foundation for a

sound level variance in order to present amplified sound on July 4, 2022 at

2300 Como Ave - Sunrise Bank parking lot.

RES PH 22-160

Councilmember Jalali moved approval.

Adopted.

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Tolbert,

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Prince and Councilmember Jalali

Nay:

1 - 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 Prince moved approval.

Adopted as amended.

6 -

Yea:

Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Tolbert,

Councilmember Noecker, Councilmember Prince and Councilmember Jalali

Nay:

1 - Councilmember Yang

Absent:

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1230

EDGERTON STREET. (File No. VB2209, Assessment No. 228811)

RLH TA 22-166

Adopted as amended. (assessment ratified)

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 46 FIFTH

STREET EAST (360 CEDAR STREET). (File No. CRT2208, Assessment No.

228207)

RLH TA 22-139

RLH TA 22-163

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 175

KELLOGG BOULEVARD WEST. (File No. CRT2208, Assessment No.

228207)

Adopted

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 850

RANDOLPH AVENUE. File No. CRT2208, Assessment No. 228207

Adopted

Appeal of Brad House to a Summary Abatement Order at 2285 ROCKWOOD

AVENUE.

Adopted

Appeal of Judith Salaba to a Summary Abatement Order at 2291

ROCKWOOD AVENUE.

Adopted

Ratifying the assessments for Collection of Vacant Building fees billed during

June 4 to December 13, 2021. (File No. VB2209, Assessment No. 228811)

Adopted

Ratifying the assessments for Securing and/or Emergency Boarding services

during January 2022. (File No. J2209B, Assessment No. 228111)

RLH AR 22-44

RLH AR 22-45

RLH AR 22-46

Adopted

Ratifying the assessments for Demolition services from January 2022

(C.D.B.G. Funds). (File No. J2204C, Assessment No. 222003)

Adopted

Ratifying the assessments for Collection of Fire Certificate of Occupancy fees

billed during December 1 to January 18, 2022. (File No. CRT2208,

Assessment No. 228207)

Adopted

Ratifying the assessments for Excessive Use of Inspection or Abatement

services billed during November 22 to December 22, 2021. (File No. J2209E,

Assessment No. 228310)

RLH AR 22-47

Adopted

ANNOUCEMENTS

Councilmember Jalali stated that Youth Pride with St. Paul Parks and Rec is back at

Como Park this year happening from 1 - 6pm on Saturday, June 18.

Councilmember Brendmoen clarified that this was near the intersection of Como and

Lexington.

Councilmember Prince invited listeners to attend a Juneteenth celebration at Sun Ray

Library from 12 - 3pm on Saturday, June 18.

Councilmember Noecker noted that she ended a recent community meeting on good

news, as inspired by how the Council ends meetings.

Brendmoen continued, acknowledged the ribbon-cutting at Abogados Cafe this week.

Councilmember noted the opening of Gateway Park.

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting ended at 4:08pm

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.

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

device greatly reduces costs since most agendas, including the documents attached

to files, are over 1000 pages when printed.

Web

Meetings are available on the Council's website. Email notification and web feeds

(RSS) of newly released minutes, agendas, and meetings are available by subscription.

Visit www.stpaul.gov/council for meeting videos and updated copies of the agendas,

minutes, and supporting documents.

Cable

Meetings are live on St Paul Channel 18 and replayed at various times. Check your

local listings.