The council’s examination of proposed ordinance amendment 117 was a central focus. The amendment aims to regulate venues where patrons bring their own alcohol, ensuring these locations are equipped with a sober, professionally certified overseer to mitigate liability. The individual, required to have training such as MLBA or tips certification, must not be an employee of the venue. This measure is intended to align with the statute of limitations for liquor liability claims, which stands at two years. Additionally, the ordinance draft specifies that consumption and display permits be limited to locations eligible for liquor licenses, thereby excluding areas near schools and residential neighborhoods.

Event insurance is also a requirement under the proposed amendment, mandating that events with 25 or more attendees secure insurance. This threshold, considered reasonable by Attorney Jack Burksbank, could be adjusted by the council. The council debated whether to impose stricter insurance regulations regardless of event size, as a council member highlighted the inherent risks of over-serving alcohol irrespective of the number of attendees. The permit fee, combining city and state charges, is set at $550, although discussions continued on whether the council or city staff should handle the permitting process.

The council also dedicated time to discuss code compliance issues, with an overview presented by a firefighter code compliance officer. This segment focused on challenges related to property maintenance, particularly concerning owner-occupied single-family homes. The officer shared data from 2024, revealing 228 recorded code violations, with the most common being tall grass and weeds, and vehicle parking infringements. Winter parking restrictions further complicate compliance, highlighting North St. Paul’s ongoing struggle with limited space on properties.

The officer emphasized proactive inspections and various reporting methods available to residents, including an online portal, phone calls, and emails. Code violations typically require at least two inspections, with photographic evidence documented to support communication with property owners for issue resolution. The council explored the summary abatement process for extreme cases of non-compliance, where the city intervenes to address issues like neglected sidewalks or vacant properties, subsequently billing the property owner for associated costs.

In related discussions, the council examined the “No Mow May” initiative, which encourages residents to let lawns grow for pollinator support. The city currently does not permit this practice, as it conflicts with existing codes that require grass to be kept under six inches. Concerns were raised about the initiative being used as an excuse to avoid mowing, with the city emphasizing the necessity of maintaining aesthetically pleasing and safe surroundings. Boulevards were also discussed, with suggestions to establish plant height regulations to prevent visibility hazards.

The council addressed the city’s snow removal standard, acknowledging the challenges faced by residents with long work shifts. The discussion noted that many residents manage timely sidewalk clearance, despite the complexities introduced by snowfall timing and volume. The conversation also touched on recycling, with concerns about improper disposal of batteries. A proposal was made to establish a battery receptacle at the fire station.

Parking regulations were another topic of debate, particularly the storage of trailers and recreational vehicles. Current codes mandate parking on recognized driveway surfaces, excluding class 5 gravel. Given the financial burden on residents, the council considered revisiting these requirements, exploring alternative materials like reg grind products for their durability and drainage properties. The conversation highlighted the balance between enforcement and accommodating residents’ financial realities.