City of Saint Paul, MN Council Meeting

In the same poll city Council to order Roll Call, please John Santos. Council PRESIDENT Anchor Keir 6 present one absent that being Councilmember Johnson and she is excused. Welcome everyone. Thanks so much for taking time to join us for city Council meeting say we invite everyone to join us in standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. United States there and to the Republic which stands. One nation under GOD into this is all Justice for all. Consent agenda items to 13 or before you for your consideration. Understanding us. But we're not taking anything for separate consideration. But is there anything to be pulled from consent? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from his Yang to approve the balance of the consent agenda. All in favor say Aye opposed 6 in favor. None opposed the consent agenda is adopted. Item. Number 14 is first reading of ordinance 26 dash, changing references in the legislative and administrative codes from animal control to animal services and correcting typographical errors.

And for those of you joining us are tuning We always have 3 readings of any ordinance. The first reading we have a staff reports of folks know what the ordinance is about. The second reading the next week is a public hearing. And then the 3rd week is final adoption. Sometimes we have a little more time between those if we need time for amendments are more consideration. But you'll see that there's first readings. There's public hearings and then this week we don't have anything for final adoption. But the first reading of this ordinance because it's a frustrating will have a staff reports. We welcome Director Angie, we see from the department safety inspections woke up. Thank you very much. Council PRESIDENT And good afternoon council members. This is super straight forward, but incredibly the term animal control is very outdated in the animal services world. Comes from a time when animal care looked a lot different than it does.

Now. One of the drivers to make this change now is that preparing to move into new space and we want to new space with animal services rather than the outdated term of animal control. And this is like probably the most fun presentation I will ever get to do in front of you. And so I picked all of these lovely pictures that were sent to me from animal services over the last couple years. like the cat in the cage at the bottom. There was just left outside of animal services one day. That's their right to. And she's not happy to see. But the guano was found at large and his reunited. Fortunately, with its very, relieved owner that turtle, there is native to the Sahara Desert, but is known to be a digger and got escaped from its enclosure. You we dn't know where and oddly enough, that's honoring. Did not contact too. Richie. It's Rehome 2 with foster family.

Goose is name that I cannot pronounce, but it's a domestic using those feathers being filled like that is how they are. Isn't she beautiful? See if there's a story to all of these and we do a lot more than in dogs and cats. And we just provide a number of services that. That are more just control of animals and ne animals that not reunited with their original owner. We work really, really hard with nonprofits to to fostering and to Rehome. Every animal that comes into our care. So here you hit button on my computer instead of this one. This is just a summary of the changes one of the big ones that we've already taken care of is to change the name of the actual titles of the folks working care face because animal control officers hr, we worked with him. You all approved the name change some years ago, too. Animal Services officer, an animal services manager as we have found in some of our other very old, the ordinance language.

There gendered language that we always remove every time we open up an ordinance and then as noted, typographical errors. This is extremely long and the ordinance because this term is used so often in our legislative chapters. So these are all of the temperatures. Animal control is in and it is unchanged everywhere. Really straightforward just quite long. And with that, I'll take any questions it's kinda hoping for more pictures. But thanks so much. Director and appreciative because it it's clear that this is maybe it's change in name, but it's reflecting a really substantive and important change that you're highlighting for Thank you. Questions my colleagues. As Thank you, council PRESIDENT, thank you. Director I appreciate is bringing us cold up here. And I understand that there's been a long time. But developing this, I think, particularly in a time that we're in right now at would like to know, I know this isn't a pertain to the actual ordinance over as introduced.

But if you could speak, particularly around how te animals service officers, you know, being seen in uniform, out in public, you know, how are they, you know, really distinguishing themselves from what we see with the ice agents and also on uniformed agents cause we I think everyone is having a sense of urgency right now. If you can speak to that. appreciate you bringing that forward. Councilmember we had Dsi has a number of individuals who are both in and out of uniform. So our fire service or our fire safety inspectors wear uniforms or animal service officers wear uniforms. We also have a number inspectors who are in plain clothes in people's houses and businesses every single day in this definitely a trying time for them as they are trying conduct business in people, keep people safe, bring people together. And foster that sense of community in the field every single day. Encouraged everyone. I don't have my lanyard on me, but I wear everywhere.

In my bg right now. But to make sure that they have their the with them. If somebody is. Second guessing they are they really with the city, the who they say they are to call our office to verify that their employee, if they want, if the individual wants to record them, they're welcome to be recorded and again, to foster that sense of community because we are there to serve them. They're they're doing their job saying being recorded might feel uncomfortable. But there's word. Just get my kids say this is standard line on that line. It is definitely trying time. And I know that the city as a whole is working to put together communications so that our residents and business is no each of the different uniformed personnel look like and what they could and should be wearing on their peril. Other questions. That's Thanks, much director. We will see expect public hearing next week.

Thank Item is laid over to JANUARY 21st for second reading public hearing item number 15 is second reading public hearing of ordinance 26 dash, one modifying and establishing certain city council staff positions and chapter 16 of the administrative code. So this brings us to the public hearing section of our agenda when your item is called for a public hearing. We ask all say this is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on the subject when I say that we invite you if you're here to speak on it, too. Common stand just in between those 2 microphones on the day as you don't need to adjust them, they should pick you up just fine. You have 2 minutes to testify which go by quickly. My unenviable task is to keep every one to 2 minutes. There's a clock or in front of you as you're testifying as you'll see that, please start with your name and where you're coming from.

You don't need to give us your specific address, but General Neighborhood, Gneral City. And then when you're done testifying, please sign in on one of the to sign in sheets on either side. So with that item, this is at a 15. So this is your public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from his Coleman to close the public hearing. The matter over till JANUARY, 21st for final adoption all in favor say Aye. Aye opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. The ordinance is laid over to JANUARY. 21st for final adoption. Item number 16 is resolution public hearing. 26 Dash 6 final order approving the 2020 16 Anthony Rondo arterial Millon overlay project. We have a staff report sometimes with staff report not on first reading. Welcome out. And can I please get the overhead camera voice activated overhead projector yes.

It's given him moment. They can start comes PRESIDENT And council members. My name is Brian Gravel and I'm the transportation planning lead for the Saint Anthony Rondo Millon overlay project today. I'm going to briefly tell you about the rationale for the project. The project design, the work we've done to get to this point in our timeline. Moving forward. So first, the project will cost 4 and a half million dollars. It's funded through a combination of our arterial millon overlay program as well as property assessments. The arterial knowing overlay program identify streets with poor pavement condition and high traffic volumes such as Saint Anthony Rondo. And it grinds off the top layer of the street and replaces a new layer of asphalt over the top. It's a less robust but also less expensive form of street maintenance compared to reconstruction. Well, the primary purpose of the project is to improve the pavement condition. The project does also allow us to improve bicycle conductivity along the corridor.

So 2 years ago, we completed a similar project on Concordia Rondo. And that's a one-way eastbound street that to a couple it around. I-94 with Saint Anthony Rondo. As you can see in this image of Concordia Rondo. 2 years ago, we resurfaced that street and added a buffered bicycle lane. We plan to carry out similar improvements when we repave Saint Anthony Rondo. We'll also add pedestrian improvements such as ada curb ramps and curb extensions. We performed the planning and design of this project throughout 2025. As well as now in early 2026. And that included hosting a community meeting at the Rondo Library in OCTOBER of 2025. We intend to construct this summer. If all proceeds, as we expect. And next, my colleague when Rolfe he's going to speak to the assessment side of us. Thank you so much. Going any questions on the project itself from my colleagues. Doesn't look like okay. Thank Thanks. Wll, come up as Thanks for being here.

When Rolfe, I'm with the Office of Financial Services and sure I have to have my glasses center. I can't reach. So I'm actually going to talk a little bit about item 16 17 just in case we have anybody here for that. So the resolutions before you today, 16 is for the Saint. Anthony Rendon arterial millon overlay project 17 is that we like Phase 2 street reconstruction and millon overlay and both projects are managed by public works Chapter 13 of the city charter requires that street improvement projects be considered by the city Council. First with a preliminary order and a final order. And the preliminary orders were approved on DECEMBER 10th of 2025. And they included a copy of this special benefit analysis prepared by Hache, appraisal and consulting. Te assessments were calculated following the approved special assessment policy. We begin with the city cost 75% and acessible cost at 25%. Once the onus calculated the amount as compared with the special benefit assessment amount. And the final assessment is the lesser of those 2 amounts for this Saint Anthony, the assessments account for 11.2% of the project cost just in for you. And the assessment is applied to all properties

Abutting the streets being improved tax exempt properties such as colleges, hospitals, the city, the state are all assessed properties owned by federal government are generally exempt by federal law from paying local assessments. And then certain other properties that are public publicly owned and certain cemeteries are also exempt by state law from paying the assessment. These are evaluated on a case by saying case basis and then we consult with the city attorneys when needed. Staff are requesting that item number 17 be continued until JANUARY. 28th. There was a delay in the notice is being mailed where to meet the record requirements for today's public hearing. I'm available to answer any questions from you or if there are any property owners that would like to meet outside. Great. Thank you so And always really appreciate your reminder of sort of how these assessments are done. How much is paid for by the individual assessments, persistent. Rest of the taxpayers and other funds and then your willingness to be Folks have specific questions about their bill to talk to you.

So appreciate that. Any icons before open up the public hearing on this Thank you. Council PRESIDENT, thank you so much for being here and just giving a refresher. I do want make sure we have some clarity because I remember the first time around. We're redoing Rondo Concordia. There is questions particularly around for nonprofits and churches and in schools. I think in this case we also have some churches are they exempt are you know, they're Can can you speak to like is it federal largest state statue that exempts of federal buildings are state buildings? They are by law legally exempt. So it is it is not part of our ordinance. Is state law. Okay. So the source of that law is state that state legislation. Okay. Thanks so much. And we'll have you back up for the quest. Alright, with that. This is an item 16, the Anthony Rondo. Then we'll move to al Qaeda after that.

So this is the public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. I will take a motion from this buoy to close the public hearing and approve. Discussion on the question is I would like to I would if you know, if I can get the support of my colleagues to latest over to the 28th. I I want to be able to talk, particularly with the staff. There was some residents went share that they did not receive the letter. I also want to Director Kershaw getting back to me showing a copy of the letter receiving that letter. But I just want to just make sure that we have accuracy and we're not, you know, removing people's opportunity to 2 interpublic hearing. If they have more questions. Okay. So the motion to delay over till JANUARY. 28 yet for bth item 17 16. We'll take out of 16 0st. And I know there's already plenty over 17.

Is there any guesses as offer? So sorry name? Public works friend what? Just curious if there's any concern about that delay from the project standpoint. So we understand the context. PRESIDENT Maker there, there's no downside to doing that. That's not an issue right? doesn just to clarify. And I'm planning continuing yet. The public hearing. Yeah, ok, so continuing to poke yes. Thank you. Continuing public hearing. Thank Thank you. So the motion is thank you is to continue the public until JANUARY 20, any further discussion. The motion. All in favor say Aye. Aye opposed 6 in favor. Not post a public hearing is continued to JANUARY 28th 2026. And number 17 is resolution public hearing. 26 Dash 5 final order approving the 2026. We like crowd of face to area paving and lighting and millon overlay project. Then this one. It does not look like we have a staff report. Okay. This is a public hearing.

Is there anyone here to speak on the Seing none. I'll take a motion for Vice PRESIDENT Kim to continue the public hearing till JANUARY 28th. Any discussion of the motion. All in favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed to 6 in favor. None opposed. The public hearings continue to JANUARY 28th item number 8, his resolution public hearing 26 dash 2 accepting grant funds authorizing execution of a grant agreement and amending the operating budget. With respect to the city sponsorship, Metropolitan Council demonstration account for affordable homeownership Grant for the benefit of the Rondo Community Land Trust mixed use redevelopment at 6, 4, to sell the avenue. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? and I'll take a motion from is buoyed close the public hearing and approve any discussion of that motion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed 6 in favor, not oppose. The resolution is adopted item.

Number 19 is resolution public hearing 26 dash one accepting grant funds authorizing execution of a grant agreement and amending the operating budget. With respect to the city sponsorship of the Metropolitan Council. Livable Communities demonstration account for affordable homeownership grant for the benefit of money, construction ad Development, llc, Serenity, Townhomes, redevelopment and 0 Bush afternoon. Think that one might win the longevity prize. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? None. I'll take a motion from his yang to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. All opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted legislative hearing consent agenda items. 23, 35 up before you for your consideration. Well, come up as more it. came faster than expected. Sorry, council. There's 2 items to be read into the record today and the first one believe is item number. 21 regarding 23, 50 Bayless. Item number. 21 is our lhs 25 that 56 appeal of Seth Richardson to a summary abatement order at 23, 50 Bayless place as more months.

Also, PRESIDENT. This is a summary abatement order to reduce the height of the boulevard planting the boulevard ordinance provides that. Plantings MAY reach 6 excuse me. 36 inches in height, but 18 inches if they're within 30 feet, I believe of the driveway or the area that we're talking about today had been considered intersection. And in the redesign of this area. It appears that the engineer said it wasn't intersection any longer, but other engineers and public works looked at it and said, yes, it does meet the definition of intersection.

So setting that aside and I'd like to show you and Ariel. Of the. Area. This. Excuse me, this is not coming up the way I want. This is a property here. And this boulevard you can see it's kind of a strange layout. Let me make that a little bit bigger for you. It is perhaps the deepest section, boulevard I have seen to date there is a water garden. That's been planted here. The order from the Department of Safety and Inspection was to reduce the height of the plantings where they're at now, which was arguably 4 foot range. Up to 18 inches throughout. However, there's been an elaborate. Rain garden planted and I was trying to carve a solution where we could try to meet the interests of both. The. Public works. What I met with and te city attorney on this. We talked about probably the best solution for carving out a variance of the code which is quite black and No, we don't want to be as black and white with all of our areas.

But yes, thought the main thing to look at situation as sight lines for - vehicles and I can tell you that right here I have the word car and this is a test year record. This is where the stop sign us. And so more or less, you know, just a little bit south of that bright pink line is what the site line should be for someone who's driving if there isn't a stop sign at all. So my suggestion is, is that rather than the 18 inches that the department have orders on, because that's what's in the Boulevard Co. But 2 feet less be allowed. In the area here that is closer to corner. And that up to 5 feet or less can be allowed in the area that's closer to the sidewalk. And that is, of course, of substantial variance from. The code and heist. But I think that given the intentional planting the distance from the street that these this can be considered a little bit differently.

I believe that with the on or would like to talk about this, having it be. Greater height up to the curve of the way around. Right now, the trying excuse me, the resolution front of you reflects this proposal. Thanks. Any questions for this moment of the public. All right. Seeing none less. That hearings will 5 minutes for the property

Owner. Okay. 5 minutes for the property owner in than anyone else was just a test taken of 2 minutes. Well, come up and this is right up with your name where you're coming from find that. We are at Hello. I'm Seth Richardson. I live at 23. 50 Bayless place over in Saint Paul. Thank you for taking the time to hear So on the steward of the rain Garden, I moved there in 2022 and took over care of it from the previous owner, Stephen Nasty, who went to great lengths to make sure that it was a thriving ecosystem. You know, to give a little background. I think you guys see most of it. But taking care of it for 3 years hasn't been a problem up util this year's centrally code enforcement officer came brought me a ticket for something that I wasn't aware I was in violation the reason that he said he was out there was because of my part people sign.

So he wasn't even out there for the height of the plants, I was tere. I have been very happy through the legislative process, willingness to work with me. But you kow, the fact the matter is that this is a delicate ecosystem that has been planned out with some city money. Might I add? And the 24 inch requirement along that site line probably is not feasible Wright without some pretty significant investment that I just do not have the funds for right. So the the 24 inch will win functionally mean the end of this rain garden, which hopefully you've been able to review some of the community comments about it. People in this neighborhood really like the rain garden, right? It is a bright spot for the neighborhood. People take pictures in front of it. I can't tell you how many kids I see go out and take their school photos the first day of school there.

I actually just took photo of the mom and her kid there the other day, right? To give you an idea of why it wouldn't More than a 3rd of the plants grow higher, then that 24 inch requirement. So there's no real way to go in and weed out all those planes because it is a native mix of plants right? I don't know really. What else I can I mean, the the only thing that I will say is that, you know, the city literature.

Does. You Kind of encourage rain garden planting, but it seems that maybe, you know, code might not be in line with what the city's goals are environmentally speaking because I have native mix of plants and there that help the water. And, you know, I think help the neighborhood as well. I think brought in plenty of opinions too, show that that is the cse. And it seems like there is maybe a you know, the right hand and North left Hand's doing something like that right? With that, I guess I'll just end and say, look, rain gardens are good for the environment. I think they make the city unique. I think the integration of the environment into the Twin Cities is what makes this unique place to live. And I would no pretty sad that this has to go away. I find a lot of Zen in taking care of this for my community. Thank you very much.

Mission assignment. Anyone else here to testify on the side. Hello, I'm Pat Thompson and a board member of the Senate, Park Community Council and also the co-chair of the Transportation Committee for that and Park Community Council. And that, of course, is the District Council where this rain garden is located. Our district council is appreciative of the hearing body that stone, this full of art not considered an intersection which would have limited the plants to 18 inches. And when the street was rebuilt, it was done a this location, particularly for traffic calming purposes. And the street Patton was changed. We do really appreciate that flexibility. And I think that's a really great PRESIDENT. As you all can see, how gigantic boulevard is at this point. We hope that even more flexibility can follow. Now recognizing that the reconstruction created this giant. 25 to 45 foot deep. Boulevard, boulevards of that size can become public spaces for nature and urban wildlife, which is actually been documented by of veterinarian who lives next door to this place.

And supports the climate action resilience plan of our city. A plan that did not exist when the city's boulevard, Gordon guarding ordinance was passed. So I urge that a variance of some type this appeal and the plant height can happen. You MAY Considerar Council's resolution that was submitted in DECEMBER about the ordinance in general and that Boulevard gardens and rain gardens, particularly can get different consideration within range of the action resilience plan. Thanks. Thank you very much. And make sure Senate. Anyone else here to speak on this item. Seeing none. All take a motion from is going to close the public hearing all in favor say Aye. Post 6 in favor nor opposed the public hearing is closed. Thank you, council PRESIDENT And thank you to MR. Richardson and Thompson for joining us today to speak about this matter and know that it because a lot of different things about how we are enforcing our city ordinances.

I support the legislative hearing officer's recommendation. I think that there is a lot to consider in this matter as there is any time a legislative hearing item comes before this body. And that and what is most challenging here is that we do not get to think about what the law might be in the future, but we wish laws. But whether how fairly and justly apply the law in the situation given given the current constraints that we face. I think that there has been a number of issues raised through it. This legislative hearing process from the Saint Anthony Park, Community Council and others as to how we might rethink our ordinances around Boulevard gardens, water gardens, rain gardens, other other. Plantings of that nture in the future. I think that that's very important. And something that my office is very committed to doing in partnership with community members like MR. Richardson and Thompson that said, We haven't, you know, the loss that we have really appreciate the legislative hearing.

Officer is willingness to work with MR. Richardson was sale with others to find. Get this opportunity for a variance that I think make sense in the situation that is guided by the laws that we have. And so I will be supporting and will also share a firm commitment to make sure that we are evaluating how we analyze what boulevard gardens in the future. Thanks coming. Appreciate your drawing that distinction. And it is always a hard one between the policies that we have and then the circumstances that might make us realize we might want to think about those policies and potentially consider them.

And in the moment we have we have. But it doesn't like in this case there's an attempt being made to balance the need for. Sight lines to keep everyone safe with a desire to keep at least sme of this. They're boulevard being able to be used as a garden. So we do have a policy session calendar that will be setting very soon. And so it sounds like maybe this will be a topic we can take up and policy committee I was for your motion for now. Any other discussion of the motion, which is I think to support, let's that perhaps there's recognition that's cause a PRESIDENT. I just want to get more clarity around this. I know this came up council plenty of times where we've had people have gardens. Rain gardens are some type native plants in their boulevard or even in their yard. And, you know, just really dealing with it. The heartache the time goes into neighbor's, taking great pride of preserving that.

Can you speak to particularly around like what is the what what is the safety concern? Because I think we are we're enforcing, you know, a code to preserve the safety you know, our neighbors, I'm boulevard. I'm can you speak to Lake. What is the risk that this rain garden is posing? a couple of thoughts The first thing that you look for when you're looking at anything installed, whether it's a plant or other kind of structure within the boulevard area is the sideline considerations. So that's why we have a 36 Max 18 meant max, 4 near intersections or driveways. You have to be able to see the tricycle that could be coming out. So that is first and foremost, the safety level. Then what I have in this particular case tat makes it differ a little bit from other areas is that there is there are should say pathways that have been put in between the sidewalk and the street so that there is access there for pedestrians, being able to pass through a right of way is exactly the definition of what a bite of a supposed to do, provide the public with rite of passage to a shared properties like the general public has easement on that part of the property so that people can go through.

So you need to have also add that you don't want to have a trip hazard installed and then there's the notion that you don't want to have anything that screw up. Snow plowing. And you need to have everything that's installed in a boulevard area. The remove of all there are going to be occasions when the city needs to enter into Boulevard area. There you know, cbles in there Comcast. There are water and sewer lines underneath there. And it's always something the public will have to be able to get into. Pretty in some cases if something goes wrong. So in this particular case, I I see that the main thing here, I think that makes it different. Not only the pathways through the boulevard itself, but the tremendous depth between the curb and the sidewalk in some areas. It very large. I think area we're talking about here as having at the 24 inches or less.

Is. Maybe 15% of the area of the boulevard. So it's a it's a nominal amount in my view of the entire Green Garden plan to. But those are the things that I've been thinking about. This particular one central question. Councilmember, thank thanks all right to motion on the table. Any further discussion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. All opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted. Second item to be read into the record. Number 31 pertaining 10 7 Western. number 31 really say, oh, 26 dash 3 first making finding on the field nuisance abatement order for 10 79 Western Avenue north in council really just say, oh, 25 dash 71. You can just wait. One minute seconds. We'll have a quick saff report and then will be the apartment. Council PRESIDENT That the summary abatement order to clean up different parts of this property was issued on NOVEMBER. 12th that or the deadline in the order to clean up the elements discussed with NOVEMBER 19th.

That was, you know, the there was an appeal filed 2 and the reason listed in the appeal was to get an extension of time to be able to manage these things. So there's a staggered deadlines that are in front of the counts are that we're excuse me in front of the city Council. When you adopted the resolution giving the deadlines that was DECEMBER 17th where the city council gave the staggered deadline. Senate had DECEMBER 31st for removal of storage tires and pallets JANUARY, 30th for the remaining items besides House license, tree debris and then removal lattice and tree debris. And the totes and so on an extension to the end of MAY. So trying to make it manageable work plan. The first check and of course, is for compliance as of JANUARY Fest and asked to me as of the end of DECEMBER and JANUARY 5th, the inspector went by and took photos. What we see in the photos here is we can see the pallets in these the blue.

Here is the pallets that are piled on the property and they remain there. dealt with. And then also. Here are the tires that were in the original set of orders that continue to be there. So we're looking at this point if an original order, NOVEMBER 12, summer, 2 months down the line, looking for those items to be addressed. As they have not been addressed on deadline. I would recommend the council make that finding an Esta department safety and inspections to abate those 2 items. Thanks for moment. Any questions before we open up the it's not like Don't go too This is a public hearing and I think of the 5 minutes will come I am property owner of 10 79 Western Avenue as of tells your names, MAY JANUARY 5th. I don't know when that individual snuck onto my property and took pictures, but I don't believe it was that day because I pictures to says it.

Tires were already removed. I do have an issue with the pallets because the pilots are food. Great pallets. I'm unable to come to the dump. I'm unable to take them to the pow. It placed on the street from my home. The only place that will accept them as the company that's owned in Georgia. Ive made numerous calls to that company to ask them to come and pick these pallets up. And yet to receive the call back. I'm just asking for an extension to go forward until I can get this address. But I have made improvements to my property and I want that to be Thank you very much. Make sure to sign. And if you haven't already done so anybody else here to testify on this item? Seeing none motion from vice PRESIDENT Came to close the public hearing all in favor say Aye, all opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. The public hearing is closed.

Present can missing. Given before. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Vice-PRESIDENT MARCH have a question for Do you know if the pilots can be picked up through our bulky items? Service With the with garbage hauling contract. I don't know the way people traditionally handle pallets and I haven't heard this concern. Since I've been doing this. Is to break the pallet Stone so that they become boards basically. And then any number of places will take them. I don't know residential. Picks up boards, but there are quite a number of places that do except scrap wood. Thank you. I just want to make sure we don't MISS An opportunity to get that confirmed to our public works. Staff Inside Council vice I just think it's it would be really important to that. First before make a decision here and maybe if they don't do the pickups, the cunning provide advice to the PRESIDENT On what to do so that we can so that they properly dispose of the item because I know there are businesses and our city, like I've seen lots how it's get piled up and some businesses like over inward.

Want to remember seeing that. And I don't know what they do to dispose of their palates either. So I just don't think I think that there's a way, you know, for us to find a resolve. Thanks 10. That doesn't That was one question. I have the other 50's in the day at wanted was really the photos of the improvements submitted to you. As evidence of like. Part of the manageable work plan that was submitted. So the heat noted photo evidence asserted that improvement was a submitted to patients. No, I haven't received anything. I have the photos from JANUARY 5th when the inspector was there. I can say that if the council, you know, the council's making a finding about whether or not it was addressed by the end of DECEMBER. It wasn't addressed by JANUARY 5th. By the time the inspector was there. However, if a crew dispatched it does not exist, they will not be picked up.

Obviously. Yeah. Yeah, I'm going sir, take the recommendation of my colleague. Give us the exact thought that I had let my office just mean, one week and work with the work with the homeowner. And I actually think there's a lot of like artist that will of the tires, the palace that I think could be put to good Let's let's we're going together. But then you and I will be accountable if we don't get it done in the next week. We're gonna have to have the city come clean. It upset actually can speak to But that's that's the plan. Something to make a motion to lead a for one. We can work together on it. But if we don't figure it out in one week than the city has to come clean it up. Thanks. Vice PRESIDENT And head the motion is for one monthly over till JANUARY. 21st. Any discussion the motion. It's aways say don't actually you don't sorry.

So sorry you don't actually get to speak again. Close the public hearing. But Vice PRESIDENT Kamala find come find you after this. Any discussion, the motion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. Opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. The public hearing is closing. The item is laid over for one week to JANUARY. 21st. woman, anything else legislative hearing for separate consideration know? Then tis will be a public hearing for all of the items on the consent agenda. So if you're here for any item, number. 35, this is your public hearing. Seeing anyone else take a motion from ms Jones to close the public hearing and approve the items with the recommendations in nation's of legislative cancer. All in favor say Aye. all opposed 6 in favor. None opposed the legislative hearing. Consent agenda is adopted as amended. That brings us to the end of our agenda. Before we go into news from around the boards, I do just want to take a moment to recognize we have some folks here from child operators providers in our city who came to express their concerns about the immigration actions they've been seeing in in and around their child care centers Vice PRESIDENT Henry and I had a moment to meet with them before the meeting and come up with a plan in terms future action.

And a meeting is being held this week with the police chief in with our mayor's office in the council. But I just wanted to take a moment to recognize that they took time away from their very busy and also very important jobs to be here today. And so we really want to thank you not only for being here, but for the work you do and for your advocacy. And with that, had averaged good. We have time for news from the Wharton. Really yes. Thank you. I would like to have a motion to suspend the rules for us to introduce the first reading of the separation ordinance. The take a page, please. That takes a vote Is anything much there anything in Legistar just entered the Amendment? 4? 44 amendment, I did have a chance to talk with. You know, our attorneys particularly doing first introduction of it. So I would like to.

Of all, forces calls. I mean, I tink it's really important for us to recognize our privilege in this mment, although I do appreciate, you know, bringing community here is urging community, but, you know, and our privilege as council members, we have the power and responsibility to that at fingertips to make sure utilizing the agenda and having something on the agenda taking first step. Really is asking for my colleagues to have us take a pocedural step and bringing forth the first reading of the separation ordinance that many of the colleagues worked really and bringing forth that that language. Thanks. We can't bring motion forward unless there's a copy of the 4 of council members present. Okay. So our rules require that we all have a copy of the ordinance in front of us which we don't have. We can take that. There's been a motion for a suspension of the rules. We will take that vote.

Two-thirds of members present suspension. So they terms of members present. So. Yes, Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Does need to be a hard copy. For that language. Do need printed. I speak it. No, it needs to be it. Being uploaded in Legistar is ok, I if it's in Legistar, if you could point me to it, that might be helpful. Needs to be somewhere visible for both you and the and there needs to copies for the public that can be legistar online or that can be paper copies. It's really so it's to my knowledge that the draft, the ordinance have been given to all of us. Revealed feedback to it, that language is already written in. And that language is already present. Now, if we need to do the of it entering into Legistar, I think, you know, I look to our staff to print out a copy if we need to physically look at it. But to my knowledge, we all have reviewed that language.

And I think it's important that we take the procedural step to make sure that we respect the process and I want to suspend the rules so we can actually show to our community members that were taken some level of action with the powers that we do have. Ok, thank you really it. It is on the council member who is bringing the motion to take responsibility for printing out the copies and for making sure the copies are available online. So. At the moment we don't have those we might have those next week. But the moment we so I will not be moving of the voting to suspend the rules. But there is a motion to suspend the rules. So can say what I think. You know, it's really important. I think this is extremely unfortunate that we're not taking some level of action because we don't have printed copies while people literally getting kidnapped and being terrorized and I streets the reason why we're not the reason why not going to take some level of action is because we don't have the practical a procedural step.

We all have this line which we all know the language. It's important that we always have first reading so we can get step forward. That's right. Now we're going to and this council meeting with doing completely nothing to be a step closer to protect residents. Thanks see a coming from Thank you, council PRESIDENT. I just want clarification. Greg, I heard from you earlier. If it's a much a star and we we can clearly look it up, which also the information is in the public. It's available to the public to then then. Basically we can we consider that for today. Is that rght? Like if the rules the rules successfully suspended? So yes, the only thing I'm like is sounds there's referenced being made to the meeting earlier this morning. If we could like if there was ability to take the time to like pause and then put that legis la that stuff into the council meeting that would be allowed.

But I mean, we do need to follow our procedure here. So can I bring this subject has sold you know, we already have no talked about it in our policy committee meeting of how Councilmember Coleman was taking leadership on this ordinance and bringing it Ford. And the plan, particularly was to bring it And so I just kind take it to our customer. Coleman, who already has a language, if you can, you know, can make that pause and ter into legistar so we can move forward. I've also emailed you so if you want to check your e-mail, you have a copy of the draft language via e-mail. I would also come and sent you email. So is that under Section 3 point '02, some 3 of the charter. Norton shall be introduced to and tell it is either been approved to form by the city attorney or until the city attorney has filed with the city clerk. A statement of the reasons why the ordinances and sufficient.

So said I really love But we can an that's been approved to form office stop them. Thank you. I was. But recognize that there is a lot of urgency about this. And I know that we talked about this earlier today. We w need to make sure that anything that we introduce is approved city attorney is following our process and that it had time for us to have a staff report as we do in our first reading that council members had time to look at it and be prepared and no is prepared to talk about this right now. And it has not received city Attorney review. So this is not to say that this is not this is an extremely urgent moment. And I know that those who are working on this ordinance are working very quickly to get it ready. But at the moment, it doesn't seem like the steps have the net to bring this forward with integrity to our responsibility.

Council members. So I again, the motion on the tables to suspend the rules. I think we need vote on that motion and then move forward from there. So let's take a last comment was really nothing about. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Feel like I said, it's I came prepared this morning to actually review the language. That was my cmmitment that all of our commitments. We said we're going to do. We did not review that language. That is troubling. Now, if we as policymakers have to get clearance for our city attorneys, then it's really important that we act and urgency of calling on city attorney to prioritize this language and give us the approval. Our give us a legal memo of how is not sufficient, but tis is a process, a first reading in our public hearing. We have opportunities to make amendments and make tweaks and make changes. But you know, if we are paralyzed by, you know, a process that doesn't allow us to actually bring forth policy that our community really is looking forward to and is depending on to see U.

S. Act. It's just extremely unfortunate. And no, I I I have I always defer to your leadership council, PRESIDENT Maker. But in this moment, I'm very ashamed. And I think, you know, especially this is time for us to speak up for our immigrant communities. You represent the West Side. You know, which has a large population of immigrants. I represent Ward one that has a large population of immigrants. And I can't go back to them and say that, hey, I didn't have it printed are the city attorney didn't get to it. The city attorney understand can see all over what what are what are residents are up against? What we up against. Thanks, Coleman. And then I really do want to talk about keep this very brief. I will be voting against the motion to suspend the rules. I say this. Because I have such a deep urgency and a deep need to get this right.

Something that I think is shared by every single person. In this building and certainly every single member of this body grateful to be working on a revised ordinance with Councilmembers Vice PRESIDENT Kim. I think it is imperative that we get this right. And I think that that means that we have to follow our procedures have to ensure that we are not helping ourselves up 2 additional legal liability that will prevent us from doing the work of protecting our residents. And so I will vote against a motion today. I want to push back in the strongest possible terms against the motion that not. Suspending our rules to introduce an ordinance that I have not getting complete it because the last time I looked at this ordinance, it was not included form. That that represents a paralysis or decision not to act because what I have seen from this body for my colleagues and our city staff is people working around the clock to get this done. I know that we have a team of lawyers in the city attorney's office who have made this a top priority who have been an active conversation with what we are.

Working with the upmost of diligence to get this done right to get this done in a way that actually makes our city safer, recognizing that there's only so much we can do in the face of the federal invasion and a federal attack on our community. So I just want to make very, very clear to anybody who is listening that my vote to nt move forward in tis way is not a vote to not move forward because we are moving forward. This is urgent. We know that it is urgent. We know that lives on the line and that is not something that anybody at this table takes lightly. Thanks for coming. Okay. We're going to call for. And and then we're really, done. And welcome. Thank you, council I appreciate giving us the opportunity to speak. I do want to share that. They to me there's no urgency in trying to get to the ball right away.

I actually personally really invested in hearing from my colleagues here about where they are at our at when it comes to the motion that country believes pay at the table. And even if you don't want to share with your stances on that, which is still up to that you have overall considerably. I really appreciate the boldness that you are bringing to the table here. Last week I talked about how we're living in unprecedented times. We're living in a crisis where communities getting terrorized. Everything coming out of Trump's mouth complete lies and he's searching havoc in our communities you know, would like when when ice is no longer here, going to be the ones having to clean up after city and figuring out how we restore our economy here we have a small businesses that literally thinking about having to close down for an entire month and even longer than that. And I don't know how it's long it's going to take for them.

To be able to get back to a place of stability. We're even if even going to be opening their doors again in our city. And so I I just want to say thank for for really living into your role as a council member and and I really challenging the norms of the council here like I know. I everybody here like no, we want process. You want structure, but there are also moments in which we also have to unleash ourselves from that and and really step into the moment that is really needed for right now, which is we need our leaders to be stepping out. Bolden to really even be creating a giving clarity to committee members about what our police officers are actually able to do to protect them like we have child care providers here in the city hall today because they need direction from They need us to even be giving out written information about what our police officers are going to be doing.

It's not and nt to just be having separate meetings with people groups at a time. We need that clear communication all across our city. And that's what really like to see liver, especially by the mayor's office, also replace chief. Because mean, that's not those are not things that might be have direct decision-making over. You know I'm talking everybody operations and so that is something that I've already shared 2 representatives that from the mayor's office and again, I think it's incumbent upon all of us here in the community to be holding each other and especially our elected officials also included, you know, accountable to all of those things and I just like, you know, I I'm very supportive of your motion to suspend the rules and I e. There's a lot that I want to say that. But the gist to keep a really short, I think that it's really like even if we do first readings for foreign policies that we want to put in front of the council, there's always opportunities to amend the language.

And I do think it's really important for us have our language get vetted by your city. Tammany, say this to leasing it to because you have the table and you know, like you're a part of city attorney's office, but I really want to share with you and hope that you will convey to other our other city attorneys who are working on getting the language that this is really important. We needed to be prioritized the council here, you do not have our city attorneys in our central office team. And that's something that we would really love to see happen. And I hope that that's an investment we can we can make in the near future. But I like I really want to see us have an ordinance ready to be looked at for a first reading by next Wednesday like if if it's beyond that, it means that it's we're taking too long. And our people are in the committee are going continue getting hurt, detained and killed.

And we're just lucky that insane. Paul, nobody has been killed by but we can't we can't wait for that moment to happen. And I know it's not a matter of if it's when and so I I don't know exactly like what what's going? What's going to happen in terms of the votes? But I just want to be really clear like next Wednesday, we need to have something on the agenda and even if it doesn't make it in time and 2 are like legistar system where we submit things, this council needs to be ready to be suspending rules to get on to the council agenda for next Wednesday. Thanks for staying. All right with that. Appreciate everyone's comments. Appreciate everyone's sense of urgency. Let's take a vote on suspending the rules are all covered place. Yes, Coleman now Johnson just know. Kim. Yes. That's present now.

3 in favor, 3 opposed and for being needed. The rules are not spend it. That brings us to the end of our agenda. Is there any news from the courts? And that presents so you're gonna last night there was a really robust conversation with Latino businesses across the city with the mayor because the PRESIDENT Was there. Constantly getting of the year there as well, addressing the very similar issue about being able to afford their mortgage, their protection of their workers and be able to stay open. And so just really welcoming the robust conversation, the comprehensive approach that the city is taking. The other good news from the word is a little bit citywide aain. Today, Saint Paul Saint Paul students walked out of school today in protest of ice in our streets and ice in our in Minnesota. In response to the additional 1000 agents that are being sent here. They're taking a stand for our neighbors.

And so I was very honored for the youths to invite me to speak today. So spoke at the rally and it's just to offer a glimmer of hope that that I really truly is up to us and our These are really leading the way and have drawn the line in the sand for us. And if send a very clear message, the Trump administration steps up today. So that's good news for the city. Thank you. Vice PRESIDENT Back to see how meeting I got to walk alongside the MARCH. It was very it was very hpeful and inspiring. So thank you. Other news from around the warts. I will just share that time. My office collaboration with us, a community organization, neighborhood, House and Capaz hosting constitutional deserve a training tomorrow neighborhood Many of us are doing that as well. The one that is being hosted tomorrow, we're at capacity, but we will be sending out information about other ones that are happening around the city.

I know we've talked about this amongst ourselves, but this is one of those times when I don't think we want to collaborate in terms of uniting on doing one training. I think we want to all be doing as many of these as possible because the demand is so great and people so much want to help and be informed. So with that come just jump in on that to say that if you're trying to get tomorrow with council PRESIDENT's office and can't our word treating with koalas on the 27th. And I do think we still. We're getting close to capacity, but we are I think still open for sign-ups. All right. Thanks, everyone. At this point. hopeful nose future, you know, 19th of JANUARY is Martin Luther King Day. And I think honor of his legacy and fighting for civil rights and fighting for humanity. You know, I courage all of our council members to not really participate celebrations.

There's going to be several one of them that we are where the governor councils. celebration at the ordway which is taking place on Monday. Also, I'll be hosting something with the executive director. Be Roberts having to Brown really honoring our elders and also downtown at 6 Mares. There's going to be a mlk so show taking place from 2 to 06:08pm, and right across the street from the 6 Miners park. So, you know, is this is a very trying times. I I'm sure there's going to be more actions and more demonstrations taking place. But I just wanted to recognize at least not on the 19th is the reverend right party with their teens day really take that time to reflect. Thank you, MISS Thing. Any other good news news from the words doesn't look like it. So thanks to run for meeting.

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