Saint Paul City Council Roll Call Johnson here. Toast, Fear. Council. PRESIDENT Maker. She's absent and Vice PRESIDENT Kamala PRESIDENT. As the set comes, PRESIDENT Maker is absent and she is excuse Please stand if you are able and join us for the Pledge of Allegiance. And pledge allegiance to flag of United States America and to the Republic stands. One and this We'll keep so key. Consent agenda items one through 12 or before you for your consideration. And is there anything that needs to be taken off consent? Seeing none. I will take a motion from Chair Johnson too much to prove the consent agenda all in favor say Aye. Aye. Any opposed. 5 in favor. No one opposed
consent agenda is adopted. And moving right along item 13 is resolution. 25 dash 4 59 point in the interim order for Councilmember. Great. So on one of our values for the council is inclusivity and making sure that all the council members can be present to take a vote. And so we have set the special. Meeting of the Council for this Friday. The 28th at 03:00pm Council member council PRESIDENT Maker is unexpectedly out and our councilmember Joe going to be the following week. And so there's a motion to leave the item over too. The 28th at 03:00pm. Should takes. Motion team. Can have recess? This is not There is a procedure known nice person.
Yeah, I will. Let's recess very, very briefly. I'll take a motion to recess council agreeing. On favor, say Aye. Aye. Any post. Councils in recess Saint Paul City Council And Okay. So my apologies. They had a previous conversation with council overdosed. And reading off a script. Welcome everyone. And I have played a motion on the table. So in terms of process and procedure, we're going to take. motion first. And if that motion prevails, then no amendments will be taken. Now that can made later. If the motion fails, then can take additional amendments or motions to amend. And if that prevails or fails, we can still revisit the motion to lay over again as mayor saying. So is there any clear about that? And thank you, everyone for your patience.
Okay. So there's a motion on the table to lay the resolution over too Friday. The 28th at 03:00pm. Any discussion. All in favor say Aye. That sounds great. Will do a roll call Thank you, Sherri. Notes. It did in my my COUNCILMAN To to Johnson. No. Toast. Vice PRESIDENT Kim. Yes, okay. So 2 in favor. 3 opposed the motion fails. We see. Julie, thank you for the patients Councilmember just okay. Thank you. I would like to make an amendment to this item and version 2, which is currently in budgets are also printed copies of the amendment are pregnant are presented to the council and also 4 public assumption basically this item is filling
in what is currently in this resolution appointing that provides as the interim Ward, 4 councilmember. Just like us a few things about in our process that the council vice PRESIDENT Just described, MR. Progress. Is the I qualified, prepared and rep representative candidate for word for will be ready to do the work required immediately. She has direct relevant experience from his 3 years as a legislative aide in the word that he seeks to rpresent under the former council member term he would be completing from hs time as an ally. He understands for its current top issues and has recent experience navigating them and engaging with constituents. First tent. He's uniquely prepared for this role and the actual work that will be coming in to the interim council member over
the next 4 and a half months. Furthermore, MR. Provides key is a great option for being representative of work for voters in 2023. Were for overwhelmingly voted for counsel. Former council PRESIDENT Neutra Jalali in the last election she received over 7,000 votes, which was more than any council candidates citywide that just shows how much, you know, the voters for Ward for really cared about electing her and her policies and her leadership. And that MR. Provide skied worked directly under her. And so he is by far most likely to be able to continue the work she did. And that's the will of the voters. To summarize, MR. Provides Key is is extreme, qalified and prepared and representative choice for interim for Ward 4 councilmember. He's the top choice in the moment for the
specific role head and I would support MR. Provides Key is the best candidate for position that prove. So this amendment. Any discussion. Councilmember gangs, have We'll it. I had the chance to share your position there. And while they have the time issue resolution, I do want to share my initial reaction that I'm very taken aback resolution just because there. But there were pbs conversations amongst us cows council to figure out what a proper date and time for a special meeting would be so that everybody could present and that was to me an expectation, but also something that was done out of respect, knowing that this is a vote that would impact all of us citywide and also all. But this is a colleague who
are also acting. I really have words to say about resolution just because Molly, do you agree that we had really incredible candidates in front of us who already interviewed? And we all can were given a chance to weigh in on. Here is a candidate who I think was my first choice to my poor choice or so on. At What you're doing it's very inappropriate. Especially knowing that there we have council president council member who is not here because leave. So to me, it seems like you're really taking advantage of a moment here to have a vote, which I don't know exactly where your votes are. I can assume probably how it's going land based on who is opposed to the special meeting motion that
was made earlier. I would just say that to me, that I. To me. It is really counter to how I've seen you show up when we've had conversations about attendance before. I'll be really frank coming here. You're also going to be out for some time this month and probably in the future to end for issues that are like this that are important to you. I I my expectation would be that we as a council really considered those things and figure out okay. Is this really a boat that you need to take right now? Is there a hard deadline for yours? Is something that we can Lee over bring up a different time, which like I said, there was an agreement for a month. This council to already have a special meeting prior to the impact that that's why there was even a notice that went out for Friday. So this is a resolution, but I even know was going to come forward. It
was very last minute whether you are intentional about excluding me from the conversation. Me as a colleague who works with you know. Every here like that is that is up to you to decide. But I would just say this is something that I is a very unexpected and I would have expected better from you. I will not be supporting this resolution. And I just want to say, too, this is my my comments to customer Joe says not a reflection of what I think of the of the candidates that they can and that you're bringing up. It's my reflection of what you're doing at this moment right now. It is not professional. It is on. It's just a way of conduct that I would not want to see this council continue and needs to stop and that is
something that I feel definitely egage in more conversation not in an official meeting setting like this. there is a motion on the table. I'll just that I was aware of the amendment. I really appreciate the heads up. I'm reading from a script as most these do. So I appreciate the legal guidance for us to kind of manage that cockiness. And I really appreciate the patients. Certainly not the intent. And so I appreciate the opportunity to to mke a procedural correction today. In front of our millions of I am. I'm just going to echo some councilmember comments. I'll just dropping I don't need add any more, but I do. I guess all just lift up again that I
don't believe that this amendment would pass wth the council PRESIDENT Here. So it does feel like we have begun to politicize attendance. Is which we have chosen not to to come any councilmember just on Friday. So I I agree. And here we are. So with that, there is a motion on the table. If there's any more discussion, other was We'll just say, well taken. I'll say this is a motion to amend. The resolution were not voting on the resolution. And I make that we will not be voting on a resolution today and I apologize consulting like. But lots of things happening last minute up until this. And I barely got a chance to talk to counselors, present psychologist and talk to for that. And I told Anderson and your feelings and expressions are valid. Just understand. So can you explain what what is going to happen
next time? Yeah. So I I think I'm gonna name one other thing just really briefly is that. This this amendment is not I believe the intended name to have been inserted into the resolution for consideration on Friday. So I mean a name that. And so that's why I think the the conversation is feeling a the world that is why because I I believe that council members we're expecting take a vote for different candidates on Friday. Were sat together. What we are, what is before us and this moment is a motion to amend the resolution. At Pratt Skis name The name to be entered for the point in the war appointing the Inter more for councilmember. Sorry, Councilmember Johnson, a calling on people. So council
vice PRESIDENT Ken, I appreciate being able to have chance to really. Recent arrests. Appreciate the comments that put in place, but I don't think that there wasn't. Formal process that has whose name was going to wear. This is the First Amendment that I've seen with an actual name attached to the item. And so I do appreciate like the conversation that is here. I think it's a reflection, however, of what this has been like. And so I look forward to continuing to have those conversations amongst or colleagues and I appreciate that the amendment would not pass today. I think it's notable that with. What council PRESIDENT. Having to attend to a family member and and sincerely not being sure that I think that that makes sense. I don't think this
amendment anyway undermines the ability for divorce on Friday when we already have U.S. Special noticed meeting. I will just say like I'm really working really hard t make sure that I am in this space. Not only operating in the best interest of our council, but also in taking into account of this council, interim would represent Ward for residents, including residents that we have heard from, including folks that actively involved in what representation loks like for them. And so I just want us to re center that in this conversation and te future competitions as well. And so I hear some of the concerns that are raised here. I'm not. I - personally think that that is, you know, I appreciate hearing the frustrations, but I think that being able to actually center what should have been continue to be sent up this
entire time as Ward for residents that need to have representation and a and a voice. And so I will be supporting amendment today, but I also will be. Making sure that when we're voting on the 28th. For one, we're taking action on That. We really truly understand what's the charge ahead of us, which is to appoint an interim award for representative that will actually be able to join us as a colleague. And that to me is more important than anything in a personal come about or any sort of personal relationships on this council and colleagues spaces because to me that even discussing that nature matter is not necessarily appropriate professional. And so I've really just want be focused what we're doing, which is
discussing the interim or 4 candidates. Sounds like how to says brought forth a name I think. And I agree that there are levels of complications of this candidate holds that no other candidate who applied to us. And so for that reason enough for that reason alone. I'm supportive of the amendment. Well, call the Really appreciate the comments. I think we should take all a couple. All right. Roll call. Johnson. Toast. Yes. Yes. Vice PRESIDENT Kim now. 3 in favor to oppose tose council members getting. And Kim. amendment is approved. Also, all right, moving right along 0, sorry, I like to make some. It's been like to make a motion to commissioner. Thank you. Thank you for keeping me there's a motion on the table
to lay the item over Toledo item over to Friday the of MARCH 27th up a meeting. 28th start. 23 pm Friday meeting over 2, appears 3, 3, And if all Motion on table to lay over and discussion. Us and feels like an all in favor say Aye. Any opposed. 5 in favor, know and oppose. The amended resolution is laid over to MARCH 28th at the 03:00pm special meeting. Thank you, Sir. Keep us in order. All Moving on to item number 1 items, 14, this resolution, 25 Dash, 4, 3, 4, amending appendix a to of the
administrative code. To establish patient of the City Council, Public Safety and Community Wellness Committee decided was laid over from MARCH. 12th. and I I will turn to councilmember who thank you. Vice PRESIDENT Kim and the spirit of inclusivity has well of our council members. I really want to just share real prefix. I know we have a really busy agenda that actually motioning to lay over this items. APRIL 9th during a time when our council members will be present to vote on this resolution, essentially ensured the resolution is to establish a public safety committee for all council members to receive updates and received presentations on public safety matters. The language still is in draft mode. So the version that is on the agenda right
now is not the version that we will oath that Thursday. We will have amendments to that person has been put out there. We also have drafted legislation that we received, but it is still in the draft. And phase and will be in collaboration with city departments as well as subject matter experts. So I'm just asking for my colleagues, too, support motion and laying it over to APRIL 9th. Okay. And then it also sounds just to clarify you introducing a version 2 today or next next week next I was introduced it. So there's a motion on the table to lay this item over to APRIL 19th. Any discussion. All in favor of the motion oversee. I. Any opposed. 5 in favor opposed the resolution slate over to APRIL 9th U.S.. Item 15 is
resolution. 25 dash 4.72. Outlining the city's 2025 legislative agenda. Some end legislative session is a foot. We have our illustrious staff presents are agi director and Peterson is I don't know your tile. What is it so see Intergovernmental Relations associate. Thank you. Welcome to the chamber's. We're excited to hear what our legislative priorities are for the year and to hearing updates that you might have. Well, hi, hi. Thank you for having greatest play the Introduce myself and greenhouse the intergovernmental relations director for the City of Saint Paul. Frmer Proud Council simply to be here. Happy to see all of you. Eric Petersen, Intergovernmental Relations Associate. Good to see off. All right. So as you know, we are well
into the legislative session this year. It's a wild ride there. Don't recommend recommended if you don't have to be there. So I'll just give super quick. We've got a lot to get through. And I try to go fast. But happy take questions as I go. So the kind of budget forecast and give the lay of the land of what we're dealing with at the Capitol this year. You MAY have seen early MARCH and then be released. Their updated projected economic forecast for fiscal years. 26 27 projecting a 456 million dollar surplus. For 26 27. And a projected 6 billion dollar shortfall for that year's of 6 fiscal years. 28 29 which makes things a lot
harder. But the capital. And overall to pass anything with ongoing funding. There's a little bit of money. Essentially what that means is there's a little bit of money in the budget tis year for one time, things. But the Legislature is very hesitant to pass anything with ongoing funding past fiscal years. 26 27 without either a new revenue source, which is hard to do with the split House or taking the money from an existing program, which is also hard to do because existing programs tend to people who depending on them. And that is worse news than we got in DECEMBER. The surplus is 160 million dollars lower than had been projected in the NOVEMBER forecast and the 6 billion dollar project, a deficit. Is it 152 million dollars worse than had been
projected. So things are a little rough up tere on that front. And those factors, you know, the the tougher economic forecast. From a and b is seen primarily due to inflation and a lot of uncertainty at the federal level and cuts to programs and services causing of grants state and local governments relying on from the federal government. All that uncertainty has led to this projection. As far as deadlines. The policy deadline for both House and Senate is APRIL 4th. So a policy bills have to be on the General Register by APRIL 4th, which means they're ready for the House for the House or Senate floor. By that point, finance bills have to be passed to ways and means or to the Senate Finance Committee by
APRIL. 11th. And then session has and by midnight on MAY 19th, the budget has to be done by midnight on JUNE. 30th for Departmental start to shut down. Very quickly Senate, as I'm sre we all know is in a very slim dfl majority. Officially at one see right now on a temporary to see majority with the resignation of senator former Senator Warren. That special election has been called APRIL 29th. So there will be that to most likely a one seat majority for the month of MAY. Assuming that stays Republican control. Our Erin Murphy from Senate District. 64 think Paul is the majority leader. So that is great news for think. Well. In the House, they are friendly. Now organized with a power sharing agreement. 67 to 67
tie. Leadership is here. I don't need to read their names to all of The one thing to know for the house, that is a challenge. But it's also kind of that thing. It requires 60 votes to pass a bill off the House floor regardless of how many members are there. So every bill that will pass through the House has to have bipartisan votes. Very quickly. Our own delegation just t bring a little bit on our same poll numbers. We have our House delegation, chair of Representative Perez Vega Representative Hussein is the delegation, vice chair for the House. Senator Payton is the Senate delegation chair and assistant majority leader at the Holland says the dfa. For cfo Caucus? We have our Senate Senate House committee chairs as well. So our delegation is really well positioned advocate for the city of Saint Paul. And to a priority is number one, which I have shared as much information as I possibly can with all of you
recently. And, you know, is the Excel Center Arena, complex renovation. We don't have a bill introduced yet on this, but we have had hearings presentations in both the House and Senate Capital Investment Committee is with an interesting like bipartisan array of support and concerns. So a really important project for the city. To renovate all 3 pieces of the arena complex, Xcel Energy Center. We are asking for 285 million dollars from the state, which is half of the total project cost for the really looking asking for 75 million another half of the project cost and for the River Center Preservation, asking for 35 million from the state, which is. About 70% of the total project the city and local partners are planning on
putting in. About 20% on each project. And then the wild is contributing 30%. They've been great partners. They are. But have kept the building really well maintained. So we're in a good position to and bring, you bringing life to the building for another 30 years. Issue is just these buildings get to the end of comparative lifespan after about 25 years and making sure that our downtown revitalization is top of mind for the city and top of mind for all of us making sure that this complex has the tools it needs to compete for the next 30 years is super important to making sure people are still coming downtown for fun. In addition, you lot of people in live downtown fewer and fewer people are working downtown, but making sure that people are coming downtown for our
restaurants and bars and concerts events at at the x is really important. The Ray Wilkins is like 90 years old. That building has barely been updated since So that is really important to the main. Like piece of the Wilkins are the main benefit of renovating that space is we would be able to bring in events that currently don't come to the Twin Cities at all. Right now, there is a lack of any venue in the Twin Cities that can hold 5,000 to 6,000 person seated concerts. In Minneapolis. The armory can do about that size, but it's mostly standing. So this would be a unique space to the whole Metro, the events that would come to the space currently are skipping Minnesota altogether. So it would bring quite a bit of new revenue the projections show that by doing
these renovations, we would increase economic impact in the state of Minnesota from Saint Paul. 510 million dollars annually bringing up economic impact of the arena center tip just about 500 million dollars a year. Quick question looks like there. Project it's where for the funds that you're seeking for the Xcel Energy Center wet. Is that extra funding early? Where where's ask going? What kind of money? Thank you, council. Vice PRESIDENT. We are seeking appropriations for it. This entire project appropriation bonds are different than general obligation, bonds, which is the type of finding most commonly side after appropriation bonds instead of being backed by the general fund are backed by a specific appropriation. So in this
case, we are so working with legislators to figure out right tool to finance that stat. But it would be it would be not typical general obligation bond. We understand this is way too big to fit in that Bill. Appreciate that. Course. that's number 2. Tying into the arena complex overall is just downtown Saint Paul revitalization. We've all been seeing what's happening with Madison equities and it's buildings that not being maintains not. Employers are not renewing their leases and it's a huge problem for downtown and the property tax burden is being shifted from our downtown commercial properties out to the homeowners and the rest of the city and if, you know, you all know better than I do. Even
having just balanced our budget. What a huge problem that is property taxpayers and homeowners. So the tools that we're seeking to help. For store buildings in downtown and bring in more housing to the city. First is the cub tax credit. That's the cattle is Asian of underutilized buildings. This is a 30% tax credit for the cost of renovating a building that is has been either vacant or underutilized or unused for 5 years it's a tax credit that would go to the developer. Us. So we're highly supportive of that as a tool to Imagine many of our downtown facilities, downtown buildings. We're also seeking. And so that bill, as it's moving in both House and Senate taxes, it's laid over in-house taxes. It is for
possible inclusion in there. I'm spill. And it is getting a hearing in center, Texas tomorrow morning. The issue with that bill is very expensive, especially in the out years, which as I mentioned earlier, we're looking at a budget shortfall in years. So that Bill has uphill battle. So the city has altered of tool is also seeking redevelopment tiff. So it would be a tax increment financing that is used to support redevelopment of existing buildings instead of tips, which is usually a new developments. And so we are looking Apple's either citywide action or inaction that just concentrated for downtown citywide would be preferable. Downtown is probably more politically feasible. The capital. We are also seeking a half-cent sales tax extension. This is the salex that was adapted past with the legislature in
1993. Are authorized in 1983. This half cent sales tax currently pays for the finance of the arena and maintenance of the arena. I forgot to mention they were in a city-owned facility. So we do about 30 million dollars left. That on the initial construction spend refinance if you can't, which is why it's still out. Then it aso covers are, you our maintenance of the facility as the building owner actually care of it. And then it covers the start program. So cultural in neighborhood start. So sense. We're opening that bill up. We also are seeking some program changes to start, especially cultural star been working with county. PRESIDENT Maker and Director Goodman on this. We would like to expand out the cultural start district run just downtown to
the entire city. When factor 90's, sure, cultural events were mostly downtown. That has changed. Our entire city is a cultural district. So it's important that important financing can be used for cultural events thanks, citywide. Okay. Last 2 things for downtown science museum and you need to liquor license. Those are publicly own facilities. So we have to get a special state commission. To issue liquor licenses to the facilities right now they have to go through 3rd party. A concessionaire. A Social District authority since seeking local authority to create a social district somewhere in your city where during certain times of the year certain events. Maybe you close your streets. People can walk around with a So those
are both moving in both. The Science Museum and Union or moving in both bodies in the bills. The social districts are in the Senate bill. Capital investment priority in addition to the Reno, which is obviously our number one priority. We are still seeking capital investment in the Mississippi River Learning Center phase 2 of that project and that for a structure for the big Cat exhibit both of those projects would have been. And we're in the bonding bill that would have been passed last year. The 2024 session. But it failed by like one minute to get past. So the thought that we at the Capitol is a funding bill will be a pair essentially of last year's Bill. So we anticipate both of these projects. If a bill is stunned that these projects should remain in the bill since they would have
funded last year. I included on the side the city's general. Support for capital investment to support housing, transit, transportation nonprofits. If you look at these legislative platform that is let or anyone to see the list of nonprofit partner projects that is on page. 28. Trying trying fly through. We've got a lot here. Housing and unsheltered support. As I mentioned. Cub and redevelopment tif are meant to support additional new housing downtown, both affordable and market rate. We partnering while we are at critical Ramsey County and Hennepin County to support their work to Pathway Home, which is successful. The city of Saint Paul statewide to provide more funding for counties statewide for work to
support and shelter people. We're also supportive of a bill to provide 44.6 million dollars for affordable housing advocates. Maintaining the city's 40 housing incentive program. Tenant protections are several bills moving that we are supportive of and have been monitoring. And then we are also supportive of and monitoring any legislation that wuld provide support for Saint Paul property tax payers, especially through renters credits, more outreach local homeowners about existing programs to reduce their property taxes and also having property tax refunds automatically applied instead of having to file. Going to have Eric take a $0.52. Council vice PRESIDENT Councilmembers South Public safety. So firearms in public they on and lease buildings. We've had this bill for a couple years now. And so has been reintroduced by Representative Chris and
center Pappas. No hearings on any gun-related far in either House or Senate Public Safety committees. There's been a bill in the past couple of years around the fencing cuts or sandwiches, funding for Iran to a scale fencing and pedestrian for local government facilities I the capital and the governor's mansion to kind of protect those assets protests kind of happened. And I need to make sure that those facilities are protected. So that's been introduced in the Senate. There's not been a house companion for that introduced or heard yet. I will note that that Bill is introduced as a bill to cut their capital investment. So that would have to go through the general obligation, bonding process for that, though. Also, as you recall, from 2023 and tax
bill, there was onetime public that went to cities and counties tat breakdown a 70% cities, 30's percent of counties we received just over 16 million dollars in 2023. There is a bill reintroduced to allocate 300 million in one-time funding fiscal year. For that. There's been no hearing on Brent has with the money will be monitoring that. There's been a bill introduced our police Department of State Patrol for police cars. When think about what happens at the Capitol and the governor's mansion when folks are on those facilities that a state patrol on sand operates that facility. But then when they step off on the streets the capital in the governor's mansion, becomes responsibility the police department to keep everybody
safe in our community. And so it's an additional cost that we don't budget for. And you all don't budget for. And so having account through public safety would be great for us to apply for reimbursement for some of those costs that see there. There's also just bills generally around recruitment and retention. As we look recruitment for public safety and our first responders. So that's moving through different committees and different deals. There. As you recall in 2024, we brought forward legislation Inlet on the Copper Wre. They also maintaining that legislation and hoping that continues going forward. Coming Friday, the first Friday of APRIL as the first Free day for folks in Minnesota to do that with up to $25 their scout copper without meeting that It's always the first Friday in the first attempt or so. Hopefully our constituents take advantage of that and that could be publicized out. So.
And then just generally, I wanted to highlight a bill that's been kind of moving and the as Brent kinda indicated, the House has its power shunning every other committee meeting the Republicans and Democrats which the gavel so they get to choose their agenda. But the gop has been kind of moving cooperation, ice requirement, local law enforcement done. We've been actively opposed to that, but just wanted to monitor that that's been moving in the House, but that's not moved in the Senate. That's where we are public safety. Continuing on for workforce economic development. We have a bill for $250,000 in additional funding through the Workforce Development Fund for the right track program. That bill was actually heard today the Senate Jobs Committee. And we had nor testify as long as well as we had a former right
track and turn share. The who was aintern, I think and one of your council offices and then was an intern with last summer, the mayor's office great testimony from him looking frward to having a hearing on that bill in the House next week with Representative Hussein. There's also some bills around small business support. There's a bill and both the House and Senate for grants businesses on the East side, specifically on arcade in the 7th impacted by the construction of renovation of those streets. Out that the dot on an operated road. It's actually while we're speaking here this afternoon that was heard in the Senate Transportation Committee has not been scheduled in the House yet. Also represent PRESIDENT Working on a around
Westside Business Coalition, which we have not seen introduced yet. But she indicated that. And as many of you know, world junior hockey is coming to Minnesota and Saint Xcel Energy Center at the end of DECEMBER and early JANUARY next year. And Minnesota, sports and events seeking 5 million dollars to help us with some of those additional costs. And so that Bill has been heard and the Senate and with just heard yesterday in the House, jobs committee and the mayor has been up there to testify. And that, for both hearings. And I just want point to that, as I said, there's bills that are being pushed that we disagree with. And so there was one hurt in the House Transportation Committee during teir one-seat majority in House. Transportation around causing any
expenditures for reconnect Rondo. And so we have provided opposition to that, though. And that has not been heard or moved the Senate far. Moving on to parks and outdoors. We've had pill for every biennium for couples, the parks and operations this year we had a bill for 1.0, 7, 5 million dollars for each of the fiscal years. For that. It was hurt in the Senate Legacy Committee. We have not had House hearing on that just this afternoon. Senator, her has dropped his appropriations for the legacy Bill. So these are hot off the Como Zoo has appropriated 1.5, 2 million dollars in each year versus the 1.7 5 for Como Zoo. Also just if you are falling on on the sites for like feeling for the winter festival, he appropriated $800,000 in one-time funding for the ice
castles at Lake Phalen. Also I'm there to is the metro Parks Legacy Bell. So they had asked for 25 million fiscal year 26 and just over. 26 in fiscal year, 2, he appropriated just over. 24 million fy. 26 27 27. S a little decrease about a 1 million 1 0.2 billion dollars and metro parks. And then for regional trails the ask us for a little little under 13 million in fiscal year, 26. And a little over 13 in fiscal year, 27 and he appropriated jst under 13 in fiscal year, 26 just a little bit over in fiscal year, 27. So just a slight $600,000 decrease. Overall a very supportive of what the legacy, though, will look like in the Senate. And then just finally on here
for geothermal, as you all are knowing we started phase one at Como Zoo for the Geothermal Council. Vice PRESIDENT Speaks out after coming in October and supporting that. Our next geothermal that we're looking at is at the big Cat exhibit has indicated we're seeking 2.2, 5 million for through the rta account, which is the Renewable Development account for funds for the geothermal at the Big Cat exhibit that will help us save money on capital requesting that project as we thought up that big cat exhibit as 5th of the Como Zoo. Ad many of you might not as we meet her climate Como Zoo and conservatory equates to 25% of our city on buildings. And so getting Como to a geothermal energy system with the family boiler system is going to be key tur. Climate goals that we have here at the city of Saint Paul. And I'll turn it
back over to France. Hi, patient a this council knows it's a part of the city supports opportunities for lifelong learning ad the city and additional funding for our own early childhood care programs to pulse a public schools and the Parks - Department. also new state funding for competitive grants for after-school programs targeted specifically to low-income youth we are monitoring, but we're not. Like the lead on any bills on this, but we are supportive of any of this legislation that can move forward this year. Economic justice, inclusion. We are supportive of all is. Taking statewide. Like pilot work that has been done in the city of Saint Paul guaranteed income and $15 minimum wage. You supporting both those bills will be a tough hill to climb. And any either really any of these things that the Legislature given the political makeup.
But we are doing to support all of economic justice and inclusion priorities including sub-minimum wage elimination of sub-minimum wage for people with disabilities by 2028. Rent. A bank reform is essentially a loophole for the payday lending work that we have done in Minnesota. Minnesota is a leader in the nation in capping interest rates and pay payday loans. This is a reform essentially. Banks have relocated out of state and offered their loans at higher interest rates from out of state bank. So it's a way to close that loophole. And then this low cost motor vehicle insurance. I was surprised to learn vehicle insurance rates can be based on your credit score. We supportive of policy. Policy language that would. Eliminate the ability to base vehicle in Trenton credit score should be based
on your driving record. As far as local control. Of course, as a local government, we are always highly supportive of more local control. To do the work of the city that we know best. Increased a statewide algae. A rising tide lifts all boats. We would love for all of our cities to have the lga that they should have had. Stated. Increased are indexed for inflation. So just for little historic context, lga in 2002 sinkhole received 73.6 million and Al Ga in 2025. Saint Paul's allocation is 81.8 million dollars had I kept up with inflation. We would be getting 151 million dollars this year. So we're just over half of where we should be The city of Saint Paul has a pretty fast. The largest gap of any in need of
any municipality in the state at 153 million dollars. Confusing. But essentially we have a big gap in its path. So we want more it. We want more local control and oppose any unfunded mandates on our local governments. We're working closely with the League of Cities to mke sure that they are supporting all of our felonies, including Saint Paul and stopping any of those kinds of bills. We are leader an open meeting. Law reform to allow especially remote participation from community members who serve boards and commissions. We we think it's an equity issue for people who volunteer in their communities to be able serve on the city boards and commissions provided valuable input. But still live their lives. So we are supportive of that And we, of course, in support investments in
broadband. I was shocked when learned that there are still parts of Saint Paul that don't have access to high speed, reliable broadband internet. That is another equity issue. And it's a workforce issue. There are some bills moving in the House and Senate to provide cyber security grants as well. So we're supportive of those as well. And human rights and procurement very quickly The human right side of it Asking. So these are policy bills most likely will be next year in the policy policy year. The Biennium. Labor standard data practices to pretend protect complainants, who labor standards, complaints against their employers. Right now, their names and their data are public data. We would like those to be private. Subpoena power would
authorize you all. 2delegates up an apology hero for both human rights and labor seniors. Investigations right now, Minneapolis has authority. Saint Paul does not. We would like to have the same 30's, Minneapolis. We are supportive of the equal Rights Amendment. Don't need to probably get too much into that. And then we also would to update or for state procurement laws. So we have more flexibility to contract under $20250,000 with small businesses and veteran owned businesses. Finally same public library. We are supportive. I was supportive of increased funding for the regional library, basic system sport. Again, this is like a rising tide lifts all boats. This is a statewide support account right now in the Senate in legacy there those about 4.8 million dollars for this account. So we highly
supportive of that Bill. I don't believe it's in the House bill. Also supports all of our libraries getting legacy for any renovations that hate and hate and Riverview libraries or We were to cash for those who'd be happy with that, too. And then any additional funding for library construction remodeling grants. There's a like a library capital account saying leverage capital that have the support I. Increasing. It is. The end of representation. We're happy answer any questions. All kicking its same question. But I asked you in my meeting with all of you because in very robust, very detailed and ice started was like. A priority? Feels like all of these things are super important. Can you name some of the things you know, on this really exhaustive list of
things that you're really kind of go into that for at the Capitol. Yeah, number-one Perry this year is the arena hands down. No question about it. The arena renovation is the city's priority. Irina, like I said, the city-owned facility we have got to do our like stewardship to keep that space driving to help downtown. And then second priority is anything that will help downtown to call because downtown Saint Paul. Why call downtowns in the country right now? Downtown Saint Paul is struggling to pivot post covid, but I think our downtown is in especially. Hard time right now with Madison Equities failing, you know, letting their properties or to fail. The fact that we have almost a quarter of our properties in the city are tax exempt because we're built
around the state Capitol. We found yesterday the state will be bringing is workers back this summer, at least 50% time, which is good news for Saint Paul it is still just It, you know, we just haven't quite figured out. How to use these spaces like sure do we want to make downtown look like it did 50 years ago or do we want to plan for the downtown for the next 50 years? And I think we want to figure out how to pivot for the next 50 years. And so that's really focusing on, like I said, the conversion of underutilized building tax credit redevelopment. If and all of those types of bills that will help us to re. Imagine all these buildings in downtown. We're not going make them what they used to be. That's just not going to happen. Probably, I mean, maybe. Well, I doubt it. But what? How can we use these spaces
that exist in these buildings that honestly, many of them are very beautiful, but they're just no one's in them. How are we going use those and redevelop also that they every place that people want to live and work and if you don't visit, we want people to visit. We want, you know, we deserve to have a state Capitol. That people want to take vacations to come and visit and have a beautiful riverfront and all that stuff. That's relief. Top priority. Everything else is Great too. But the pieces of this that support. Our economic development in city or support. Sunscreen, any questions or comments from my colleagues? That's when council vice PRESIDENT Thank you, for the presentation here. It is helpful to be able to see just had everything in front of us in paper form here. Wondering with the priorities pack in here. I know there's a lot of priorities in it, but can you just clarify for us there? Is there for each parity here? Is
there a bill associated with it? Are some of these are you know, there were so value statements on what we are at the keeping Clarify that for us yet. So legislature parties document is a narrative document. And as you said in value statement, this is what drives the bills that we supporting at the Capitol. Typically, as you know, we would be here in the fall or maybe right around Christmas to bring this to you. And then we would develop out which what are the bills out of values platform that you all have averaged? But since we're here, midway through session through a series of, you know, uncontrollable events you know, through like tried to show in the presentation like what these value statements have
translated to as far as bills. So the upside this coming at strange time of year is I do actually have the bills. So that's that is what we including the presentation was as many of the bills as we were able to. To show off. Okay. That's on screen. don't have any other questions. I just want to bring up that I have. Then like to share as an add-on. So whenever it's a good time to do that, then I have to up. I think one ask as we always offer, it's like, how can we help rate worthy worthy investment says I took a little walk into his out. Alliance bank. So just let us know how we can be useful the dynamic and that. Like how council members are using this process. But we all have really strong relationships with the same
publication he's sort of snow way like hearing that the mayors of testifying on behalf of bills, many hands make light work, says there's anything that like us to play it play into like now that it on a face I state rep and senator for the comedy a thermal stuff. But there's any opportunity, I love to shop in support of that. So just let us know and how he could happen. And to ensure that we get some wins in this legislative session because it's it's It's maybe halfway through and halfway to go and there's a lot going on. Yes, and ys, thank you. Council vice PRESIDENT And council members. I will take this opportunity to say to all of you. I think we're happy to have you come up there. It's very like fast and furious just coming up and deadlines. But I think the area where you all are most important in
supporting this work is with the delegation and was sharing with the delegation your priorities are how like the prior. You know, they hear from Eric and me all the time. And they're always like, well, what do you know, what are you now? And they're like, well, where's the council? So they do value all 7 of your input. 6 of your input for right now. And so the more that you can reach out and talk to them and I will be happy I you're willing to, you know, rach out when when I when we can use and support and any of these items, green, especially but Sounds Well, thank you for the update. Take a seat. It sounds like potentially and there is maybe a couple amendments coming forward with everything moving in shaken. Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. Councilmember Johnson I I wasn't. I'm not sure if
that like purpose or competing at all. Last week. On foot on the item. But I just want to just share with you that I really appreciate actually. I really appreciate presentation today and being given the legislative priorities I do want to know, and I think be remiss to know like I hope that never prove the legislative agenda late in the process. Again. And I think - there was a lot of factors that probably weighed into that. But I really hope that that partnership continues to get better over the year. I think even just with but the value with with a lot of our legislative priorities, I think will be really, really helpful to to speak for myself as a council member. And as
someone who have site saw several my reps and senators that I you know, if you talk with her, get together with pencil, sometimes they will ask for our priorities and our charges. And there's things that I personally really advocate for. But a lot o times like to have the city like legislative priorities and hand. I you know, do have definitely don't have the capacity to track every bill are everything that's highlighted. But as the representative on on the Port Authority, we just passed our legislative agenda and I know that there was kind of some back and forth of what time to bring it to the board because our city agenda hadn't been approved either. And so I do wonder just a little bit like as a person if attack, as well like. Are assuming you're still communicating with like ours public school partners,
our county partners and I just want to express it has been slightly challenging to do that because we hadn't done this. And I know last year we talked a little bit about and in your role as director, Fred, we were able to talk a little bit about the implications of that and how it felt to be on the other side of that. So I'm just gonna bring that here because I really think it's important that the council continues to have an active role in that. And I think that it's not to negate the work or the hours you're spending that I'm not on on our own Minnesota Capitol Hill, if you will. But I recognize it's a difficult world. And I recognize that there's a lot of things at play. But I think expectation has always been and continues to be that the council and the city on the same accord when
it comes to legislative priorities. And this year has little bit. I have an sometimes I get calls, you know, from city leaders. And I'm really confused as to why that's happening in. And I just want to share that has like honest feedback point and hopes that we can get that. Thanks, Senator s. But I will say that I don't find it acceptable that we're approving the agenda right now. And really hope we change that in 2026, we have an opportunity to do it again. I'd like to do it differently. And so. My hope and expectation would be that prior to the start of session for 2026, regardless of whatever happens at the state level, the at the local level, we have a joint force, I think will overall be more effective in that approach. Moving
forward. And I appreciate you just for letting me taking that space. And I wanted to be honest and transparent. Like how I have kind of seen this because the impact of it for me, that's a little bit like it wasn't something say on the same team, even though I know this is a city priorities. Tillis, PRESIDENT Council rejects and thank you so much for that. I could not agree I and confident you will see. Erica, me back here before the end of the 2026 legislative agenda. And that you will all get to work with us over the summer and fall exactly how that will be shaped. So it's thing do it. Appreciate that. Yes. Great. Thank you so much. And the other comes from because before we let them Tennessee. All right. Thank yu so sort of with the timing of the agenda being approved and a lot of things movie at the Capitol kind of response to We're seeing in terms of sort of national impacts for state
budget. In the context of this moment in time for state, I hear there might be a few amendments that are coming and procedurally. Don't MISS It up again. We are going to be taking them one by And so I have one comes marrying has a few. Just one, ok, perfect. So cause I'm worrying and will now let you introduce your amendment and then I'll have my lafd in past as well. Thank you so much. A council meeting things Council, vice PRESIDENT. Well, first before ancient is my amendment. I just wanted to highlight a few. Of the bills that were part of friend in Eric's presentation that I'm very, very excited about because I think about my role in representing Edward 6 community, ones that I'm thinking of its funny for
affordable housing at the Heights, which I know definitely it's been interest to us to expand tax revenue and to make sure building housing, bring in more residents, interest city. That one in addition to. Opposing that harm Americans definitely really important that we are such a diverse and beautiful. So that cty here made up of many immigrants refugees. And so I I. Glad to see that as part legislative agenda. And also for that to be highlighted I addition to that, the mitigation funds for the construction that's going to be happening on our key chief in 7 street as also very important to our East Side committee. You all have heard me mention few times during our he meetings, especially as we're having conversations
about that business corridor. So do want to give a huge shoutout to east side. Legislators Sen her and representative this Lee are very hard at work at that. You know, they have a lot of allies who are working on it with them, too. And then 1, 1, thing I wanted to share to is I've talked to a lot at the table here about how underutilized the feeling is during the winter time. So to me, it's very exciting to see again, Representative Lee and also senator her come up with a bill to but bring forward funding for Lake failings, winter festivals and more so bringing it back because historically there used to be a winner festival there. And so I think that will be really great way just to bring in a lot new activities into the into. We're at regional park over at Lake Phalen and I
would love to see us from the city. Also expanding Ellis and bring in more staff and more programming during the winter time. So about my amendment. One of the things I wanted to highlight and at the council table here for many years, we've had conversations about how we can be creative, more so how can we can work towards getting our fair share of dollars from the state local has been slash and and and continues to be. And something that is of great concern to us. And so one of the things I did to you was last spoke to him, Jay, on last year when he was still the position of our chief budget oficer, Billy to ask him what are some solutions that we from should be pursuing in order to work towards getting our fair share
of dollars from the state and Mejia brings us so much expertise, especially with coming from the Capitol. And it didn't share a slate of suggestions which we many of them were actually a part of our legislative agenda are ready. And so I was really young. Glad to see that. I do want to highlight some of them because they think that this is really important for. Fr us to know. One of the items that I with had which I'm very passionate about. Really making sure that the cost of living is index into our local government aid. And then in addition to that payments for services to tax exempt properties. And we've talked a lot about how there's many properties in our city hit that are tax exempt. And so
that does have an impact on the amount of revenue that we're generating here. And so in addition these items here, what I like to add to our legislative agenda that isn't currently on here. It's I would say this is more item that you would add to trip. Hackett, which it just able 2025 sinkhole legislative priorities. And to my understanding, there isn't a bill associated with this, but it would be. I have a here labeled as mortgage. More gets chance for anti taxes. Currently, there's a tax levy on housing transactions at the local level. But the revenue from this tax is deposited into the state's general fund rather than being allocated directly to the local communities where these transactions can occur. So the solution to this would be for policymakers to consider
revising structure to ensure local communities benefit more directly. Additionally, the tax could be expanded to include a surcharge or a different rate for purchasers who do not intend to homes that the property, which would help disincentivize speculative purchases and support affordable housing for residents. I hope I can here in case you need any, but this is one that I would like to add in with a your support on it and happy to answer questions that there's I wish he was here. I know he's vacation based on this was really something that was drafted by him based on his work at the Capitol to and has a has a budget. Someone who works a lot with the budgets. I mean, with with that, I open to discussion. I would also motion for a stay at this as well. For the sake of process, can we can you just reiterate
what your motion is for the record? same. I'm planning on being supportive. But just can you say a motion to amend the legislative agenda to include and then name named okay. Do you have a title here for should? I just read that out Council PRESIDENT. Our council, vice PRESIDENT And council member. We do have it in Legistar is attached and it is entitled and legistar just for some. Plus the taste a one Amendment yang. Okay. So there's a motion to move the a one Amendment yang to be included in the legislative agenda. Any discussion? Just a quick question. Thank you. Vice PRESIDENT Thank you. Councilmember Yang for explaining the motion that
also planning the bill item for clarity purposes. Is there one is this already a bill that's at the state who are the authors of these bills? Yeah, thanks for your question. I mentioned earlier to my knowledge, there isn't a bill associated with. They would be an iem that we add to the priorities list. So real me that this is the value of ours that you would like for it. Our legislators to to also point towards and I would say not only for us, but for many of the of the different priorities that we do have in this very large packet that don't have a bill with that part of what feel is really important is. How how do w move forward and actually getting bills for these things that's going really be. About its really gonna require having conversations with legislators, economy support for them. And I would say that many of these while
some of tem they are probably in the works really just getting some actual items into ready for a bill would be really important in. I would like to Brennan and Eric for for your expertise and knowledge on that. there. There's a mtion on the table and any other discussion. I'm just a question So wen we're talking about adding to the legislative priorities, space counts carrying just a clarifying question. So I'm looking. So there's and looking at what the transfer to the tax. I'm assuming that that would be kind of like an added column here for added item and then under it would be the proposed hike commitment from the city for solution. Could you share a little bit more about like
what specifically it add just so fully understand what you're saying. See this in order. It's just wondering as far as language was and wondering, well, what actually trance, where do you envision this going? Things I would like run an errand for that. Maybe have some thoughts on where this could be formatted in. Looking at the funding and policy initiatives. That's see information about revenue, taxes and finances. Seems like that MAY be a good fit for it. But yeah, and maybe you can talk more about that in just really quickly. I I also appreciate this question. I wonder if it's less about where. Like are you seeing where in actual
like document or just that it is included because I just I want to just recognize that it can be included just a matter of like us approving and then form adding it for the right place. I do appreciate this question. Since just said, if you can attend answer where where certain inside the side of legislative priorities can given themes and things that you presented Kuzma brings amendment be included. Yeah. Concerts continuing that I would say this is a tax items that we go into funding and around revenue, taxes and finance. A section of second page. 3. Because this would end up being a general fund expenditure because it would be taking these revenues out of the general fund and given local bodies where they are as a local governments with the
transaction happens which to more revenue for local I would also make a case for putting it housing section as well. But I would probably put it in afternoon. to keep any additional thoughts. Wonderful without a There's a motion on the table all in favor say aye. I and he 5 in favor nor opposed amendment is approved. Also proposing an amendment. Again, this is That just to take advantage of the opportunity. Given the context of what's happening and some of the potential financial impacts that are happening, we had a bill that was proposed on the leads. Lead authors are attacks clean Chair Gomez and we have senator manner taking
the and I'll read it. It's very brief, but establishing a fifth-year of individual. Income tax at a rate sufficient to offset lost federal Medicaid funds established Medicaid is a vital federally funded program that provides access to free and low cost health care for low-income families, children, adults with disabilities and seniors. Medicaid covers 20% of hospital and health care spending nationwide and is the largest para long-term care coverage. Recent budget resolution passed by Congress could lead to significant cuts to this essential program. Over 1.0, 4 million Minnesotans, including 600,000 children currently rely on Medicaid for crucial health care and Minnesota will face a striking gap if the current administration pursues these
cuts. And so the city of Saint Paul's concerned with the possibility of the significant coverage gap for Minnesotans currently in Medicaid and the city of Saint Paul supports establishment. If if if tear individual income tax individual to tax rate that offsets the loss of federal Medicaid funding. Some of our co-sponsors are from our Saint Paul delegation. We have representative think e Pinto her and we also have Senator the on the east side. Said like make a motion to amend the legislative agenda to include the 2 amendment. Any discussion. Because things Council vice PRESIDENT. I appreciate you bringing this forward and I'm very supportive of Wanted over a comment that this is. I know issue that is very personal to many of our
residents. With a change like this happening interstate here. It would extremely beneficial to the people who are and it disproportionately in our communities today. So thank you. Funny question has thank you all. So I want to support this motion as well. I know I'm few weeks ago had a town hall. It center path is and this was a issue that came up she spoke really strongly to it. And I see this as a opportunity for us to advocate the state level in support of our rate pairs of people who deserve as health care Thank you for bringing this Yeah. Any other discussion? Chad Johnson? Yeah, I just really want to appreciate just keeping up with what's happening at the session as well. And just being able to add this, I echo the same sentiments at a lot of the
council members have shared. But I do know that it's just important to make as a city. We watching this as well. So I think kind of the lines of what some of the work that we're doing. And so I think it's a helpful at on. Yeah, really appreciate You know, again, it's it's unusual for us to be proving at the slate, but also allowing us to sort of respond in real time to add to Perry's up to at the Capitol on the last thing I'll say this that, you know, we. A lot of the tools that we use are very aggressive. Sales tax is one of the most aggressive forms of taxes that we have property taxes. And as some of my colleagues and I have kind of tossed around the idea of like, what would it look like to have an income in Saint Paul? How are we sort of like evening that divide for
certain that fair share that we talk about a lot here. I think this is, you start of really great conversation at the state level that I hope we can take up locally. So I make a motion to approve all in favor, say Aye. I and the post. 5 favor nor opposed amendment is approved. So then do we need a bill amended legislative hearing agenda? Yes, yes. All right. I will take a motion from Councilmember Johnson to approve the amended legislative agenda all in favor say Aye. I any opposed. 5 in favor opposed the resolution is adopted as amended. Item 16, his final adoption of ordinance. 25 Dash 23 granting the application of
Saint Paul Property Group llc, trees on properties at 10 River Park Plaza for t 3 m Traditional neighborhood. With master plan to to transitional industrial, a master plan and amending chapter 16 of the legislative code pertaining to the Sony math. When you're full. All right. Thank you all for being in year. Chairs. This is final adoption I a motion just any any discussion. All All in favor say Aye, any opposed. 5 in favor opposed the ordinance is adopted. Item 17. This final adoption of ordinance. 25 Dash 24 and many chapter 4.27. Of the legislative code to reference and incorporate uniform license procedures as outlined in legislative code. Chapter 3.10, clarify ambiguous
language update, outdated gender language at infrared. He did sign fitness studios to the definition laces category and change on duty, Staffing x exceptions. Council really. Well, thank you. Vice PRESIDENT Kim. I'm so excited for this day to come, especially at a city council member who I've really been advocating supporting a small business, but advocate to ensure that we're, you know, making the proper response to new trends that exist within our health and fitness clubs and also adjusting changes that we have been seen and technology. Also this ordinance and that is up for final adoption. Actually update now on the gender neutral language but adds a definition of infrared heated studios. So really proud that
on this day, going to actually legally acknowledge infrared heat at studios and also have a plan in How they are regulated and also grants. The exception exemptions gives me unattended hours, particularly for. And the members at a health fitness studio that has him for it. He did. Equipment to be able go. To Also, we want to make sure that we are in hand saying the public safety. While also allowing for business flexibility to allow for those owners to make those Again, super excited. See here we have here in audience, one of the Testifiers. Thank you for being here. And I also want to just make a reference at 100% of the public comments that we have on this item is in support of that. That's
just a reflection of the organizing in the neighborhood. Really want to see this business be successful. So with that said, I want to just motion for us to vote in support this adoption. there is a motion, any discussion. Some things cause of just just wanted to say on eve of the committee to cause Bowie and our tsa staff, I'm sure many other staff members who are part of this for 2 along with the committee members and especially the entrepreneurs who came and testified last week. It was really empowering to hear about. The ipact the tip of healing that that clients received from the sort infrared she gets on a fitness from that studios that have infrared heat, it's on it clearly is really life changing in infamy. These are
the type of changes that I would love to continue. This about bringing forward in improving because we do know how innovative entrepreneurs are now and how much research and just some the creativity Darrius, especially when it comes to health overall. And it's important for codes to be up to date as well. And so I very supportive of this and just overly excited to see it come to because I do remember one of the edge of Paris saying that they were thinking last JUNE and would get approved. Then here we many, many months later. Any other discussion. All right. All in favor say Aye. I I any posts. 5 in favor nor opposed the ordinance is adopted item. 18 is final adoption of ordinance. 25 Dash 25,
repealing Chapter 4.40, of the legislative code related to energy benchmarking. All right. I will take a motion to approve from Councilmember Joe cyst any discussion. All in favor say Aye. I ay opposed Hyden favorite. No one opposed. The ordinance is adopted. Item 19 is final adoption of ordinance. 25 Dash 28 and many chapter one 89.10 of the legislative code pertaining to duties of frequency the truth. The sale of housing board evaluate or examination. take a motion from the chair Johnson to prove any discussion. All in favor say Aye. Any opposed. 5 favorite. No one opposed. The ordinance is adopted item. 20 is first reading of ordinance 25 Dash 26 amending chapter. 43 Point 0, 3 of the legislative code pertaining to bacon buildings as it relates to the vacant building
registration fee. guess I'd like to ask my colleagues for support to lead this item over for public hearing on APRIL 23rd. For certain purposes of other conjecture is that the city Council is doing. And so again, would like to make a motion t lay the public hearing over to APRIL 23rd. Any discussion. Sorry, but when we. When the council doesn't follow the normal pattern of the next week, then we normally will have a vote. So yes, you can. shes got okay. Thank you, Why experts are here. No discussion all in favor say Aye. I post 5 in favor nor opposed. The ordinance is laid over to APRIL 23rd for second reading public hearing. Item 21 is resolution
public hearing. 25 Dash 47 approving the Mark David to vacate the portion of Ali right away behind 11 78 Burns Avenue. Graham in a look to Councilmember Johnson to lead on this Sorry. Thank you. This this is a public hearing. Is there anyone here testify? Anyone to testify. Okay. Seeing Johnson moves to close the public hearing. Any discussion. All in favor say Aye, any opposed. 5 in favor known opposed. The public hearing is closed in the resolution is adopted item. 22 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash 53 amending the financing. Spending plans in the fire department in the Amman or $115,060 for contribution received from the Minnesota Board, a firefighter
training and education to pay training for firefighters. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to testify? Going once going twice? Make a motion to close the public hearing and approve any discussion. All in favor say Aye. Any oppose 5 in favor nor opposed the public hearing is closed in the resolution is adopted. Item 23 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash 54 approving the application of the University of Saint Thomas. Aaron firemen, Ust public safety manager for some of variance in order to present amplified sound on MAY 10 at 21 15 Summit Avenue University of Saint Thomas o'Shaughnessy Stadium. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to testify? Seeing none counselor just moves to close the public hearing and approve any
discussion. On favor yet. I. Any of I'm favoring, know and oppose. A public hearing is closed to the resolution is adopted item. 24 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash 56 amending the financing and spending plans and the police department the my $350,000. They tense a comprehensive police officer, education and training program from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Public hearings or anyone here to testify. Seeing Kuzma removal move to close public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. I. Any opposed 5 in favor opposed the public hearing is closed the resolution is adopted. They believe at this time I will look to councilmember just perfect timing. I think you like to move suspension of
the rules. All right. We have a motion to suspend the all in favor say Aye. Aye. Any opposed. 5 in favor opposed the rules are suspended. Week make a motion reconsider a 25 to 26. motion to reconsider. It was like why are we not do Sorry, all in favor of the motion to reconsider say Aye. Any opposed. 5 and favored. No one opposed item or Leach Tas reconsidered. It is ratifying the Appeals Special Tax Assessment for Property at 9.12, Fright Street. And tink this morning where you're going, I can free. Yeah, just need a couple just explaining what kept happening. Hot. Of this property was on the
last week for public hearings. Disconnected himself and did speak with staff later. What he's looking for us for assessment to be First 3 years, PRESIDENT Payment and one. Would recommend tat please, for the council make that amendment. So I would like to make a motion to amend this item and make the assessment payable over 3 years. there's motion to be approved. Discussion. say Aye, aye, any opposed 5 favorite known oppose. Resolution is adopted as amended. Item. 25 is our leached. He a 24 dash 3.35. Ratifying the Peeled Special Tax Assessment for Property at 5. A sister just street. I'm going look to counsel her for this item. Thank you. Vice PRESIDENT I look to MARCH and to give us a update about it. But was a 2 week. Layover. Was the recommendation, correct? And requesting the this matter over for 2 weeks. And I was good. So council remove we thank you for the
update is making a motion to. For two-week layover and that would make it APRIL 9th. To APRIL night. All right. Motion on the table. Any discussion. All I favor say aye. Any opposed. 5 in favor nor opposed. The resolution is laid over to APRIL full story sounds like what are we doing? That thing? this is legislative hearing consent agenda items? 26 to 33 year before you for your consideration and there any items that need to be taken separately. There are 8 which won the stage for taken separately. Vice PRESIDENT Number 32 to be relevant to the pressure. There someone on the line to testify? 30 twos are Lhb br. 25 Dash
as he's All ig Holdings to a vacant bilding registration notice at 3.83, Toronto Street. sounds like there is there is a tst fair in the lineup. A wonderful council PRESIDENT, a vice PRESIDENT On this is a vacant building. Registration appeal, the vacant building registration came up because the fire certificate of occupancy was revoked. The fire inspections team have been trying to get in over a period of want to something like 5 months and had not successfully conducted an inspection of the interior of the property us sensibly because the tenants for not allowing accent access and the owner was not facilitating and inspection inside the house during the hearing process. The owner did not succeed the
eviction there was a risk to inspect some 9 people in there. Certainly they weren't all on the lease and he did talk about the difficulty of getting in that someone had threatened to loose the dogs on people and there was an fbi raid as well. So there were definitely a lot of things that made access more difficult during this time period. Now that the property is empty. It cme to legislative hearing as indicators, a vacant building not having information on the conditions on the interior. I asked if we could get an inspection of the interior by the fire inspection team and have them look things over. So we knew exactly what we were looking at, what kind of a vacant building when this be and best categorized s their findings were that there were
in a number of mechanical code issues and electrical issues. And plumbing work and some building work done without permit. So it's a situation where there's a lot of this going on. I would add to is that. The Department of Safety and inspections didn't show their best selves. When the original letter came to the hearing process, it was kind of that I would say review list of violations that didn't seem to me to be consistent with the photographs that were attached to the record. So I did ask for a supervisor to review the photographs with the inspector and to have those orders adjusted if necessary. So you'll find there to support is attached to the record in the one is dated in MARCH is the is the relevant one that you would
want to be loking at, given the nature of the violations and those orders. I would say that it meets the definition of a registered vacant building. Category 2, requiring a code compliance inspection because it does have a major code violations. And and that's the definition that need staff component, which makes it that it is not condemned. But the fire inspection team would not come down a space that is already vacant. And so it doesn't. The order says they are now does not represent whether or not this is a habitable space has to major code violations present. And I recommend the council denied the appeal.
a nation and we have any. MR. Causes Iran is on the line. MISTER Oz, the are you on the phone. Council, vice PRESIDENT. Can you hear me ok? Yes. MR. To Ron, please. Press star 6 to unmute yourself. You will have 2 minutes to address the council. Start by saying your name. Thank Iowa. Can everybody hear me? All right. We can hear you. Perfect. These are obviously I'm here appeal The cat to that is going on the Toronto make pretty brief repair that we were that we received initial time from the first and that they're back to Harry Uhl aparently wasn't enough for for the for the so they went back they provide
more items on fine. We did pull permits for everything. We pull permits for electrical permits for plumbing. We have not stage back yet. What was going to be the last thing. On our agenda. I honestly very shocked that this path to lot of work in the city's think all, you a local landlord here you construction ears. Well, we fought cat too. That's not a very accurate representation of the condition that the home in. Also, think that the report was presented to guys today. major violations would be stretching it and that be the understatement of the country. You've got some. Nothing. Summit in cover plate for which is which were taken off. And they both were all put back on. We had to purchase
property year and a half ago. So whatever was going on with the hvac. I mean, the report, a general just saying, hey, Youve got from an approved duct tape and that wasn't something that we you know, we we purchased like second Yeah. So I mean, I to conclude all of that would be typical for our rental to be united, that they're go out and put that in in a code compliance report where it just you know what, you have 30 days or 60 days think that the house and habitable faith running water, heat, electric. And think at who's going to be pretty stretch on this one. Thank you. Thank you. And that is time. Commotion that close the public hearing on favor say Aye, any opposed. 5 with a run on a pose. A
public hearing is closed. really appreciate the information that Mrs all around provided. I've reviewed the materials obviously where proxy for council PRESIDENT, acre. So reviewed the materials and worked with a legislative hearing. Officer and us Tsla to cp maker. A jacket. And we will move to deny the appeal in the property will remain in the categories you make building program. So make a motion to deny the appeal all in favor say Aye. Post. favor nor opposed resolution is adopted. Greet anything else to be taken separately. Then I'll take a motion from Johnson to move the Thank you. Have to a public hearing for all the
other So if you have an item on the agenda that you have a public haring for. between And iems. 26. 6 to 33 For open for public hearing. Anyone here to testify and we have any of those items. I ws going 3 times seeing none. I will now take a motion from Chair Johnson to move the balance of the legislative hearing items all in favor say Aye. 5 in favor opposed to public hearings are closed to the consent agenda is add as amended. Wonderful. Did the right thing. And everyone during a jury that we'll be doing good news today. So I would like to entertain good news from any of the wards. Any takers? Town Thank you. I just wanted to share again about prom sale.
The sentiment that I shared out during the good last Wednesday. For this event, all dresses and see if under five-dollars other items available or jewelry, shoes, tie us and more. And if folks are interested in these items for pomp that they can going do their shopping this upcoming Monday MARCH 31st. 04:00pm to 08:00pm and Wednesday, APRIL second, 04:00pm to 07:00pm over at the Battle Creek vaccinators. So this is hosted by some parks and rec. Also, you want to drop off in items. To to put into the sale here. Then you can do that at the Chad Johnson. Thank you. Councilmember am very excited. Anytime I hear about this, I had a chance. You know, I I love the event that they do about a kickback sudden with 7, then I think that's a really important space and opportunity in truly like they have anything from like suits to dresses shoes,
too, like like, really, really great. I donated my prom dress last year. If you have suff, they're still sitting in your closet, please. Thank you. Council I just wanted to share with my have. All he was at home and my residents about the 2 upcoming council events that we have coming up tomorrow and Friday. If you are watching and kind of looking into some of the House and policy related issues that the council is bringing up. Will be talking about rent, control antenna protections. Both on MARCH 20th and MARCH. 28. So on MARCH, 27 from 05:00pm to 07:00pm myself and council members maker Joes we hosting. Or institution policy into the protections Rio Vista Center over on the West side of Saint
Paul and that's from 5.30, to 7 again tomorrow. And then on Friday. I'm joining council. Vice PRESIDENT Can councilmember Nick sorry comes reading for the East side conversation at North and Community Center. And I'm looking forward to being in this piece that's Friday for 03:00pm to 06:00pm. And what the folks really have an opportunity to come out either I think it's really awesome way too, continue to engage people as we're going for there to develop our worker, our control into the protections. So I'm really looking forward to those discussions that I hope people, you know, have time to show up and to ask questions and really just engage with the presentation. So I'm thankful to my colleagues to and a lovely Eli's. Every single one of them that have been working behind the scenes to get these events up and
running because we would not have a the ability to do to at least my office back-to-back events without you guys. So really excited about it. I'm looking forward to the discussion looking forward to the presentations. Happy to hope. I hope that as folks are watching that and thinking about it, they're finding ways to get there on Thursday and Friday hit me up on my Can you write because Ill take it. Take you our Johnson, any other goodies for Morris. Thank you so much for all the other events and updates. So on Monday, MARCH 31st, the last day of women's history month. I'm I'm hosting my office. A second annual Community Vision Board meeting. We'll we'll look at all of our policy priorities as a
community. It's going to be located at the rod. No community learnings are not one incident. Rhonda Community Library. That's going to be between 5, 7, 30 parking is provided there as well. We'll have a light beverages. It also is the same day that the Contra Start Grant application opens up. You know, hoping to have some staff there to walk people through in full session around grant opportunity. Since Woloson wonderful. Well, we will see all of you at the prom fair and the 2 engagement sessions the council's leading any other news from the word Depression or 3. perfect. All right. With that, we are adjourned.