The council approved the preliminary 2025 City general fund and EDA budgets, alongside property tax levies, which needed certification to Ramsey County by the end of the month. Finance Director Dan Winck presented the proposed general fund budget of approximately $10.2 million and a tax levy of around $7.8 million. These levies include components for general purposes, parks, street maintenance, and debt service funds. A reduction in debt payments related to the Casey Lake bond component was also highlighted. Winck clarified that the collective total levy of 9.88 includes the city, Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), and EDA, while the HRA budget changes were still under consideration. The council unanimously approved the preliminary budget and tax levy.

Another topic was the public comment section where Dave Nelson, a master naturalist with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), raised concerns about managing invasive plant species. Nelson shared his frustration regarding the lack of communication from the city on grant applications he had previously submitted. He cited Maplewood’s use of goats for managing invasive species like Buckthorn as a potential strategy for North St. Paul and expressed interest in similar initiatives. Nelson also appreciated the city’s efforts in maintaining bluebird houses and collecting wildflower seeds.

In addition, the council discussed the importance of the upcoming P MIA remembrance event, emphasized by Carrie B., an event coordinator for North St. Paul Veterans Park. She shared statistics about missing American service members and highlighted the tradition of holding the event following the fall Roundup Parade. Carrie praised city staff for their assistance with the permit application process and encouraged community participation in the solemn walk.

The council also tackled adjustments to the budget schedule for October, particularly the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The Enterprise funds would be addressed in an upcoming meeting, while the CIP discussion was postponed to the second meeting in October due to ongoing facility assessments. The Parks Commission was scheduled to finalize their capital improvement program on September 25.

Council Member Tim Cole raised a question about backup documentation supporting the levy for parks. This adjustment aimed to ensure a comprehensive approach to the city’s park needs.

The city manager’s report included updates on city operations, such as exploring vendors for using goats to manage invasive plant species in local parks. This initiative was seen as a community engagement opportunity, similar to Maplewood’s approach.

The Electric Department reported on activities like overhead school training for personnel, preparations for a Christmas lights giveaway, and ongoing work on Jennifer Lane. They also discussed energizing Taco Bell’s transformer and addressed concerns about an overgrown property near Taco Bell.

The Autumn Arts Festival was noted as a recent success despite rain affecting attendance. Upcoming events like a parade and car show were mentioned to foster community engagement. The Finance Department continued budget preparations, focusing on Enterprise funds.

Community Development reported a transition to new permitting software called Baseline, designed to streamline processes and reduce administrative workload without additional costs. Public Works shared updates on projects such as pothole patching, mill and overlay work, and tree removal related to emerald ash borer.

The Police Department welcomed a new officer, Ben Locker, and conducted background checks for additional candidates to achieve full staffing. The Fire Department reported on training activities and personnel changes, including the appointment of a new assistant chief.

The Planning Commission discussed a previously approved RFP, with the next meeting scheduled for October 3. The Arts and Culture Commission expressed gratitude for the successful Autumn Arts Festival and plans for future projects like a utility box collaboration related to Veterans Park.

The meeting also delved into the Parks and Open Space Master Plan, presented by the Community Development Director. The plan aims to provide a structured framework for future park system improvements, incorporating community input, demographic changes, and future trends. The council discussed the importance of well-maintained parks for community health and social interaction, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Questions were raised about inaccuracies in the park descriptions, historical flooding issues, and the inclusion of disability data in the plan. The council emphasized the need for a condensed version of the master plan for quicker decision-making on projects adjacent to parks.