01:58The meeting commenced with the introduction of Ken Roberts as the new Community Development Director. Roberts shared his background, emphasizing his extensive experience in planning roles across several cities, including Maplewood and Lake Elmo. Expressing enthusiasm about his new position, Roberts discussed the need to update the downtown design manual, highlighting that it had not been revised since 2005. He conveyed a commitment to evaluating the interests of the Plan Commission and the council, although he was not proposing any immediate changes.

06:24A notable portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by Central College design students. The students described their approach as a “fresh take on a transitional contemporary living space,” focusing on modern functionality and aesthetic appeal. They detailed changes to the proposed floor plan, such as replacing an island with a peninsula for better utility, and highlighted the use of two types of siding to create visual interest. The interior design featured two-toned shaker-style cabinetry and luxury vinyl flooring, with an emphasis on cohesive color schemes. The students discussed the benefits of vendor donations, which allowed them to manage budget constraints while maintaining quality.

18:03The council members engaged with the students, asking questions about the design process and the educational value of the program. One council member humorously inquired about the practicality of black toilets, drawing a parallel to the challenges of maintaining black cars. The conversation underscored the collaborative nature of the students’ work and the importance of community support for educational initiatives.

51:43The meeting also addressed a issue regarding vendor compliance, specifically concerning a vendor named Bon Fee. Historically, Bon Fee had faced compliance challenges, prompting a council member to quote, “Fool me once, shame on me; fool me twice, shame on you,” to stress the gravity of the situation. The council discussed whether Bon Fee should be allowed to continue operating within the city, considering their past failures to secure necessary permits. The consensus leaned towards requiring Bon Fee to demonstrate significant improvements before being permitted to operate again, with some members advocating for strict policy adherence and an indefinite suspension of Bon Fee’s business activities in North St. Paul.

37:26In addition to these primary topics, the meeting featured updates on community engagement and communication strategies. A representative shared the success of recent community events, such as the “music in the park” series and the autumn arts festival, which saw increased participation. New events like the “pickleball party” were well received. Efforts to enhance the city’s social media presence and website were also discussed.

02:14The council also received reports from various departments. The Economic Development Authority (EDA) introduced a facade improvement program, while the electric department provided updates on ongoing projects and a new program for time-of-use billing for electric vehicle charging. The human resources department discussed plans to streamline operations with a new RFP for payroll and HR software. The fire department highlighted the challenges of managing electric vehicle fires, emphasizing the need for specialized training.