City of Saint Paul, MN Council Meeting

Council to order a full copy us Johnson. Present danger here. 7 present, not absent. Welcome everyone. Thank you so much for joining us. At our city Council meeting today, we invite everyone to join us in standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. there and to stance one nation under that. All. And since then, items one through 13 or before you for your consideration. I know that we are pulling item 13 for separate consideration. Is there anything else to come up consent? All right. And

Because we do have one member has been Johnson who is joining us remotely today while still on maternity Kudos to Qatar. Johnson wo has been participating, but it's hardly if you've been on maternity the top 10. We will be taking every vote as a roll call vote. And I will probably forget that a number of times since is there anything else come off of content seeing none. I'll take a motion from his game to approve the balance of the consent aenda. Welcome. Johnson. I can. Yanked. Home present maker. I 7 they were not opposed. The consent agenda is adopted as aended. Item number 13 is resolution 26. That's 3.65 electing the officers and the city Council council committees and appointing council members to the audit committee. And I just wanted to pull this off of consent, really to say. Thank you to all of my fellow council members for stepping up into leadership in so many different ways.

We started something lst year, which was too Cher leadership. Much more broadly across our council making sre all or many of us have chairmanship chairmanships, vice cairwoman ships of different boards and committees spreading out the power, making sure building a pipeline of leadership and really empowering all of us to be part of so many different aspects of our work. We also started something new at the end of last year, which was to revisit at the end of every year. Whether or not we want to continue in the leadership roles were and whether we want to take on new leadership roles you know, previously that was something that was just fixed until major transitions happened. And I think it's really important to have that opportunity to revisit every year. So I want to thank all of my colleagues who are stepping up. Want to thank my colleagues for the honor of continuing to serve as council PRESIDENT.

It's something I take very seriously. I want to say a special thank you to council vice PRESIDENT Question Kim, who is not going to be comes as PRESIDENT Anymore as of this resolution, but who has incredible partner leader through some unbelievably challenging times. And I've been so grateful for your partnership. So I will make the motion. Is there discussion of the make the motion for version 2 discussion of motion. It's as PRESIDENT. Think you yeah, I just had a few things to say. It's just been a profound honor to serve as council vice PRESIDENT. Over the last 2 years and not only in a council leadership capacity. They also asked the vice chair of the Budget Committee and as the Interim Budget Committee chair established a new budget process with their budget, officer mood, one that was praised best whatever and requested to be replicated for the light rain. Acherry. Not only that, but I found a just solution is for every single one of our council priorities.

Something that I'm profoundly proud of. And as I step down from this role, I do so with full confidence and support Councilmember Yang, she's one of our longest serving council members leading the progressive legislation and her tenure and one of the hardest-working colleagues who just gets the work done. COUNCILMAN Reading is a tireless advocate, organizer who spent her career showing Upper East Side residents and fighting for immigrant working class families. As and I know Chair Johnson is sort of like competing with the sound but as as one of our youngest council members of the first American woman elected to this body. She represents exactly the kind of leadership our city needs to keep vulnerable. Residents at the center of every single decision that we make. I've long held the belief that investing in the growth and leadership of every council member makes us a stronger, more effective body for Saint Paul and ultimately it better serving the residents of our city and this voluntary transition of leadership reflects that belief and action.

Excited to spur councilmember Yang in this capacity. And I have no doubt her voice fr routes and a vision home. The elevate the work we do together on behalf community. PRESIDENT. Some Thank you, House counsel present. I know we still have pay. They want to make my comments saying thank you, council vice PRESIDENT Can for your very kind and encouraging words. I excited too. To work alongside you cut. PRESIDENT Entered council vice PRESIDENT And and it really is an honor to work alongside. When I first came on to the council 5 years ago, I was the new Wisconsin for now in the second most veteran. And never thought that it would be this way, but it has been such a beautiful journey for it for me to in a council that as an all-woman city council for us see history being made this year in electing our first among American mayor on American woman the year as well.

And I have such deep respect for you. Only you are somebody who is so lies, so kind to end always willing to have a list mediator to everybody like no matter what their thoughts and opinions are. And that's especially important for for a leader to be someone who is open to listening to everyone and giving them a space, especially in government. And so I'm very excited to work on And I want to say thank you cost Council vice PRESIDENT Kim for your leadership. I have learned so much from you and I'm so inspired by you. I know that it was a lot of work really to even take on a council. Vice PRESIDENT And I just want you to that you did the work so seamlessly you have a natural aility to to lead and to connect the people in to really make an impact. I always leading with your heart. And that has been deeply felt.

I mean, all the work I sing, you don't even as a legislative aide or your time here prior to account number and the nonprofit that you lead every single day and in the role that you take as our council vice PRESIDENT And willingness to. Even Stephen for me as the budget CHAIRMAN, I was on maternity leave and you also did that very seriously. And I also want to echo the the incredible just system. I would say the beast that we create it and the budget committee to really have a system where all members are heard. They have opportunity to really understand what is being presented to us. Also to make amendments and to offer their thoughts and opinions which, you know, I just want to name that when I came in as councilmember, it was always really hard to pick out like and how do I how do I navigate such a big system? I don't I have to just answer my staff and somewhere, yu know, but it always is so much.

The transition is always better when we do bild systems that actually are supporting council members who sit here at this table. And I have such deep respect for you for your commitment to that work in. I will MISS Having U. S. Accounts, vice PRESIDENT, but I am I know that you're just an office away from I thank you for always opening up space for need to able connect with you about our work and doing that in a judgment, free zone and always being willing to be a sounding board. You really nice. When I mentioned that you inspire me onto to leda and to show a powerful in this role you really to because I have learned deeply from you about, you know, but I how I want to show up as a council vice PRESIDENT. And so I want to know tat your work very, very meaningful and they've made such a huge difference in the Dr Council hears Council vice PRESIDENT.

And they're very grateful to my colleagues here for your trust just your confidence in me and my leadership and also my partnership. I coming into this role committed t being a team player to be cachable and to learn from all of, you know, because one that I know is that I never come into my role as a council member here to everything and to act as if it might be thinking. I mean, I ran for office when I was 23 years old. If anything, people always ask me, well, hw are you going to be a listener? How are you? Can you know how you how are you going do everything? And I'm like, actually, I didn't bend and not ready to know everything, but I'm running because I know that there is such deep and that there's so many experts in our communities and that when we can actually we can bring all of them together.

That's actually how we build a city that is strong functioning can sustain itself and I've always believed in that and lead and all of that and share that with everybody because I think it's very important for people to know that 2 Nokia Council, vice PRESIDENT To be a to be a leader to do anything. You don't have to be perfect to know everything. You just have to really lead with heart courage. And that's why I'm excited to continue bringing with me in this role here. Also excited and committed to being a listener being a listener to all of yu to be your sounding board to make sure that moving along items and accounts to share that we care deeply about. They know there's many you know, we've had reaches about the many conversations about them. And so and ready for this year to be a year where we continue Just really cruising to a bit that momentum and actually really building in more momentum to more things done, especially really do deep systemic changes in the council here.

And most importantly, to be a strong Stewart for all of us. I mean, I these are all things that I listed because when I you I was a council member. Are all things that I would want, you know, from from anybody in leadership roles on a council here, no matter what Budget Committee were topped by committee. We're talking about robot talking about very grateful to say to my colleagues here for your support and just wanting that when I can to the council 5 years ago, I mean, things have looked really different from for that during that time I was not married. I don't have children. But then now I am married. My husband called he is incredibly so supportive. I also have 3 kids who are 3 and under and one of my favorite questions. This is my people. Ask me, how do you do it? And honestly, it is. It is survive the apparent we're always and survival mode.

But my heart and I will. And just this, this willingness to always half full and get things done and to most importantly. The fighting for our where 6 representative a residence and then also be a champion for you all being a supporter and partner to you and your work to has always. And at the center of my heart and they carry that with me. And I also wouldn't be able even to MAY work as a council member without the village around me. And so in taking on the council vice PRESIDENT. I just want to b really transparent that a my in-laws, parents, my husband, who are taking my children that really make this possible. And anything that we to me always have to have that support network. And this is contacts that I share because it's something that I believe we all can relate to it. Not just not just talking about the council vice PRESIDENT Will here, but in our life, we need that support network and we deserve to have in our own lives.

The people that you fight and that percent every single day deserve to have that, too. And one thing that I am really hoping to my heart is matter what our roles are, the has to be whereas maybe apparent it or, you know, being a professional her field accounts member like we have hope, some things that are worth fighting for 2. And I know very clearly that this year my calling is be a council. Vice PRESIDENT, Willie, ushering along the things that we care deeply about him being advocate and a champion for us at the council here. So want to say thank again to all of you in mix. So excited to see. Every single person come play here be taking on a leadership role, whether it's a chair role of Vice Chair Bowl and that is significantly different from how things were when I was on the council 5 years ago. And so so proud of all of us.

And it was they thank you for your leadership in our city here and our council and things to my staff is on the word 6 office because I know that in taking this role, there's going to be a huge but heavy lifting for them too. But I have full confidence and their work and they have shown up so strong. S again, really excited for the work ahead. Thank you so much as you You just want to note for our tech services, folks, at least into last officials of council Johnson. We can get that back. Again. Cause Vice PRESIDENT. Kim, to you. Thank you so much. I weigh out of leadership to you so excited to work with you you critical thinker. You care deeply. And you pay attention. And those 3 qualities not always click system. The same person. But one of the reasons why I so enjoyed working with you and really excited to continue doing that.

You also said when we first talked about you coming into this role that you, as you just said, really want to help other council members advance their priorities. And that really resonated with me because that is so important. And it's something that as the longest-serving council members. It is strange to suddenly find yourself in a position where you are in that where you are. The longest-serving council members and where others are looking to you. But you're you're ready for it. You're more than ready for it. And I'm really grateful that you're willing to give your time to help other people advance their work and to help all of us to better for constituents. So thank you. And I to to, again, to all of our colleagues, Councilmember Johnson stepping up budget chair in addition to rich air. That's going to be huge amount of work. Thank you for doing that. And for continuing to lean I throughout maternity leave and I know beyond probably for sharing our public safety committee now coming into its second year brand new committee that you started.

Thank you for that. Councilmember Coleman becoming a vice chair just a few months into being a council member at all during some tumultuous month as a councilmember. Thank you for being willing to step up and to Councilmember Joe Sfer serving as the chair of our it Re for the last few months, tending our leadership team meetings for the last few months and then for serving U. S. Live report chair into the future. Really, so important to your voice, your thinking at the table and in leadership. Sir, thank you. Any other discussion of the motion? Seeing none. Welcome place. Johnson. Think at moment present think I 7 in favor not oppose. The resolution is adopted as amended. Item number 14 is final adoption of ordinance. 26 dash 9 adopting the Geothermal Energy franchise by the Heights Community. Energy Inc. And as we move into ordinance section of our agenda, you'll notice that there's some items at different stages.

We always have 3 readings of ordinances. We have a staff report. A first reading. We have a public hearing at our second reading and then on the last the 3rd reading we have ordinance is up for final adoption. So ordinances that you see in front of us in this section have already had at least 2 readings, including a public hearing. This item is before us for final adoption. I would love to vice PRESIDENT For a motion. Very excited to support this. I mention to And the first reading that there's been so much Hines has from our community partners poor does fall the and excited with different person people that's a motion for approval. Any discussion of the motion? Seeing none role copies. Johnson. I can I? I moment present maker I 7 in favor. None opposed. The ordinance is adopted and number 15 is final adoption of ordinance. 26 Dash 11 reading authority to the port authority to issue and sell bonds in the principal amount of 6 million dollars, any bonds to refund such funds to secure some bonds with the pledge of the full faith, credit resources of the city.

Thank you. Use te proceeds derived from the sale, such bonds to pay for the cost expense necessary to be incurred. I said Port Authority for a portion of the cost of the redevelopment of part of the Saint Joseph's Hospital say. And although you might not have that from the title of this item, this is a meaningful and exciting development for downtown Saint Paul. We're talking about 6 million dollars of public investment yielding roughly 60 million dollars of taxable value on a key opportunity site for downtown grateful to the Port Authority fr their leadership and partnership on this. I would move approval. Is there any discussion of the motion? Seeing none roll call police? Can't. I really I comment present maker I 7 in favor. None opposed. The ordinance is adopted item. Number 16 is final adoption of ordinance. 26 Dash 12 amending Chapter section 3.10, point on one of the legislative code to create a new fee categories for associated license fees for transportation network companies.

This item is before us for final adoption of vice PRESIDENT And for motion. Just want to make comments and say thank you again, tsa staff. They work so this and engage with many of our transportation network companies to put tgether these amendments in front of us. I also want to say thank you to the businesses that have stepped forward to share with our staff and really many of us there, just the challenges that they're facing was so excited and proud that with this change that we will be approving, that we can ensure more business, especially our small transportation that company is to continue operating in the city of Saint Paul. So that approval. Thanks for is discussion. The motion as thank Chair chair has here. I want to say congratulations. I will be supporting o this item. But, you know, it really was impressive. Just seen how you navigate it, all departments and also bringing forth a business owner here in learning more about the business actually.

After that meeting, he hd a chance to see him at a fundraiser and he was just so joyful about just like scene how City Council just taking action. So it's just really it's really incredible for people to see like the impact ray and, you know, certain ideas coming through this council and actually get to the finish line. So just wanted to say appreciate your work on that. It's puzzling the eu Council PRESIDENT, thank you for that country. Want to give a shout out to married the firm move at the Transportation Network company that can presented to us during our policy committee. And I know that they will be so ecstatic senior people for us. Great. Any other discussion of motion. Seeing none role complex Johnson. I really I moment present maker I 7 in favor. None opposed. The ordinance is adopted. Take a motion from MISS Kim to suspend the rules to consider. Ordinance 26 Dash 18 about prediction. Notice we'll call this.

I can I I really moment present maker I 7 in favor. None opposed. The rules are suspended ordinance 26 Dash 18 amending section one. 93 Point 0, 4, of the legislative code to temporarily extend eviction notice period and section one. 93 point 0, 4, from 30 days 60 days. As of our colleagues should have a copy with at the table. I'm just going to some brief comments that also are certain the Daenerys and obtain the mighty staff report. So myself and Councilmember Coleman and council vice PRESIDENT Yang, we're present bringing this item under suspension because the situation facing immigrant families in Saint Paul right now does not. Ford the luxury of a normal legislative time. I want to thank the council PRESIDENT Are also proving this and making this a priority to be brought for in front of council. Also honest, extend gratitude to city attorney's office to look at the language and to help I think most usually just be really great lawyers on this type of issue, this ordinance temporarily extends the pre-election filing notice from 30 days to 60 days giving affected families and meaningful buffers to access rental assistance, mutual aid and legal support before Landler can initiate the formal eviction proceedings.

It automatically sunsets on DECEMBER 31st. 2026 at which point the 30 day notice requirement is restored without any further action by this body. We are responding to a crisis layered on top of a pre-existing one before operation that Russert, Ramsey County has been seeing higher and gher rates of eviction filings since the pandemic. We've already a high and higher number of filings in JANUARY and FEBRUARY than this time last year, rental assistance programs across the Twin Cities are overpriced. Overprescribed in pale to meet the needs of renters at risk of infection in Saint Paul. The majority of these filings and the underlying housing crisis is being felt most acutely by residents of the east side and the north end. We have yet to see the full impact of operation that your surgeon, the financial conditions driving evictions filings have only intensified. In JANUARY alone, 501 evictions were filed in Ramsey County. And we know that the majority of eviction filings are due to nonpayment of rent evictions, have a long term have long-term negative impacts on families, including limiting their ability to find housing, stability or even quality housing moving forward.

Last year as part of the tenant protections package led by her Johnson and the council. We passed a 30 day prediction filing notice requirement for nonpayment of rent. The ordinance had an effective date of one year after passage, which is MAY 14th of this year. The council is also allocating funding in the budget for staff to help enforce the ordinance. And recently under it incredible leadership, Richard Johnson, we're adding additional funds to the emergency rental assistance fund. The city is on track t hire staff in those positions around the same time that this ordinance goes into effect. Timeline of this extension, if passed, but also follow that same timeline. Saint Paul residents have been asking for meaningful and material support for months as federal immigration agents to Senator City. And we've been working to meet the growing needs mutual aid funds for families are being oganized in shared nonprofit partners and other local governments are reporting increased interest in rental assistance or financial assistance program.

This council voted last week increase funding in our emergency rental assistance programs. By 1.0, 4, 2 million families also deserve enough time to access assistance or mutual aid resources without facing eviction. This is not an eviction moratorium. Does not cancel rent. It does not relieve tenants of their legal obligations. It doesn't change the eviction process or change our enforcement mechanisms undersea statute and a teller. Tenant protection ordinance is in effect. Landlords currently have to provide a 14 day notice before filing eviction of nonpayment of rent. This is not nearly enough time for rent or to find a program or mutual aid fund apply and process the application and disperse funds within enough time to meet that deadline and extended notice period provides a crucial buffer for residents to seek financial assistance. This is a targeted time limited response to an extraordinary crisis. And I believe it's one of the most direct and meaningful things the spotty can do today to protect our neighbors.

Thank you, Ms Khan and thank you for giving that Councilmember staff reports. Are there questions for Ms Khan? Thank you. Present sponsoring as I really see this as meaningful changes that the question particularly. Because you're referencing the protections are in civilization, changes that we made last year. So for this extension, so for the extension. Someone would have to this will go into effect. MAY 14th. This goes into effect 30 days from today. Well, 30 days from from today, but the rent, the changes for the 30 day notice goes into effect MAY 4th, So what this be with a 30 day notice the all right. The 60 day notice be from. Today are not today, but like after this is passed, are I'm just trying to understand if this is like kind of putting the cart before the horse. I'm just trying to you reference the rent, stabilization change. Yep. To that 30 day notice requirement that's already adopted in so this would be enacted like essentially one month before that.

And so communications. Moving forward to informally to be that we have changed the designation for the next 6 months from 30 days to 60 days. So the timing part of it as well as that. The staffing needed to enforce our patent protections is also kind of. Linearly being hired. And so it's to name that both our enforcement mechanism and are in. In lamentation date. We are on track to sort of meet both of those with this change. So Stu name there isn't any change to sort of like the flow of work, but what would need to change is the outreach and engagement to ensure that landlords understand that we are giving them until the end of this year. The prediction extent the deadline to be a change from 30 to 60 days. Yeah, that's a great question. And just one point of clarification, we do have 3 readings, at least for an ordinance before it's adopted.

So the 30 days would begin as soon as it is not to think and signed by the mayor. So it would be a little bit today, but yes, thank you for the questions Johnson and MRS. Thank you so council PRESIDENT Ken, I appreciate you for bringing forth this time pick, you know, as the we do know, there are ton of protections as well. So Council member has been pretty dedicated Torrance relief renters. I you know, I'm over a supportive of the step 2 to respond to emergency and going from 3 days to 60 days. I do want to dig in a little bit further to that to some of the points that we reside also had reached out just because I would have loved to have been a part of this part. Just think from a from the back on in. We have a couple of things that will need to do before 3rd reading the final adoption fees to ensure that though, we're actually looking in all the folks that need to.

But the on that supers a part of this and making the step high. And curious if the current language reflects that. And I just want to find that I think will need to specify the change that you're anticipating because the 30's will be in effect for the time this passes. And so it will be changing the 14 days requirement currently to 60 days unless we align the tenant protections up. It's not currently in place. So that's one piece that I just saw reviewing this. The language itself. Doesn't amend the current language immense. The language that was passed protections which not currently in place and MAY 14th of this year. Yeah, that's a great flag. We I think had intended. Obviously I'm bringing this forward much earlier. So that's a great flying and we can revisit that. I would consider Friendly amendment if not a scrivener's error. Appreciate that fly. And this isn't This is the first reading.

Obviously all of us can bring amendments any point from now through the process. But I appreciate the questions for clarification was just I was just. Through your things of And quick a missing Just to clarify, this would only apply to evictions for nonpayment of The notice priod for evictions because of major least violations are things that compromised the safety of neighbors, things like that remain unchanged by understanding. Spurs ad thank you council PRESIDENT And I am and excited to, you know, to hear more from residents during a public hearing him. You want to that this is a change that I'm very supportive of. I want to thank you council on council vice PRESIDENT Call vice PRESIDENT. Hopefully that's okay. Council vice PRESIDENT For on for and your leadership and leading I also want to give a shout out to a council member. Danielle was customer member Bob. And once the who had reached out to yu, both of her offices make with ask for partnership for us to move it along with very common on office to move this in Saint Paul here.

And they're doing the same to Minneapolis to do so. This week they're having their final vote on this. And I just really wanted t uplift How that partnership is really that. Creating is just such the progress in our communities. I mean, right now there are many families who are living in fear during Operation Metro Surge. And I know there's news about how you know, w're seeing less and less activity. The truth is that there's families again, still living fear and families who have not had and income earner come back to their home yet is dtained right now there are families I'm in touch with right now who are still waiting for their loved one to come back and we don't know when they are coming back. And so this is so serious and so relevant am excited for this to move forward. Thanks as present and it's coming. Thank Percent incur a look at the station and just and thank Councilmember Kym for your leadership on this, that it's going to take a long time to get used I think the only that I want to say today is that what we have heard time and time again from that.

From everybody in our communities at the most important thing that we can doing is getting money out the door to support those been impacted by Operation Metro Sure, the last week, but I don't think it can be repeated often enough. We have had over 100 million dollars in lost wages in the Twin cities in just the last few months alone. Think every single person in this room who has been unable to work, somebody a family where a primary breadwinner was taken and hasn't returned. People who are still in hiding. We had 10's of thousands of families that were in hiding in this region. We know that many of those folks are not yet feeling safe to go back to life as usual. This is a crisis that is incredibly unique just say over and over again, the most important thing that we can be doing is getting cash into the hands of people who have been impacted.

And so I think the most important step that we have taken as a council and Richard Winton Johnson Center ship is too increase our funding available in our emergency rental assistance program. I know that we are not alone in doing that. That other government entities are doing that. That the topic sector, he's doing that, although I hope to see them doing more of it, that mutual aid is flowing in for those purposes to Minnesota from across the country. But what is challenging is that it takes time to get that money out the door. It takes time as we have had this conversation about our emergency rental assistance program, it just it isn't something that we can do overnight to move millions of dollars. It is challenging. It takes time. I think what's important about this ordinance is that is it is a complement to that effort. It's not like Councilmember Kim said it. You know, we we are not doing is saying that front is old, but we are not doing.

This is not an eviction moratorium but will need to be paid. We are committed to cutting funds in the hands of folks need assistance in paying rent. And this just gives us more time to make that possible. Thanks coming. Any further. Just discussion. Otherwise that's really over till next week for health care. Item is lead over to MARCH 11th for second reading public hearing item number 17 is ordinance 26 dash 16 granting the application of Xcel Energy to rezone property at 3.25. Commercial Street from h one residential. The I one light industrial and amending chapter 60 of legislative code pertaining to the zoning map. And because this is a first reading, we will have a staff report the striker some from planning development department. The council PRESIDENT And council members. And well, you get set It's going to be. Very cnfusing. A couple of items here based on what I said about first reading in the public hearing the next week in this case, there was actually a slight error and there was a public hearing notice for this week.

So even though this is the first reading, we have a staff report. We will also hold a public hearing because of public hearings noticed and then we will still have another public hearing will continue the public hearing to next week's second reading to kind of keep with our traditional cadence. But the a little bit untraditional to have a public hearing for the first Welcome Think you for your buck civility working through those issues. Okay. So this zoning application pd 0, 0, 0, 2, 4, to 2025. Is an application to rezone property from h one residential to I one light industrial at 3.25. Commercial Street. Property proposed to be rezoned is located at 3.25. Commercial Street in the Bluff neighborhood and Ort 7 east of downtown and in the theft I-ninety-four overpass. Land use and zoning. In the area highway that. Interstate 94 to the North Zone. H one. Industrial use to the east

Zone. I won park used t the South Zone. H one end railroad. Uses to the West Some images of the surrounding properties. Stated before the application is to rezone property from h one residential to I one light industrial. The applicant intends to expand that Dayton's Bluff Electric substation that they own and operate adjacent to the parcel. There are 2 findings that we evaluate for Rezonings this case. The proposed zoning is consistent with the

Comprehensive plan. The 24 you comprehensive plan designates the future land use of the parcel as industrial and transportation. And the uses allowed in the proposed. I one zoning district are compatible with the Future Land use designation. And the rezoning contributes to orderly and predictable developments. The use is allowed in the I one zoning district including industrial utilities, Transportation and Park uses are complementary to the uses and the surrounding area. The staff recommendation was approval. Of the rezoning the property from h one residential to I light industrial. The zoning committee recommended approval. 5, 0, and Planning Commission. Recommended approval to the council unanimously. The District for Planning Council did not submit a letter of recommendation and there were no letters of support or opposition. Happy to answer any questions. Thank thank you so much for the presentation of any questions. Not seeing any. All right. Thank you so much. Even though, again, this is frustrating because we had a public hearing notice we will hold a public hearing on this item.

So for this and all of our public hearings, when I call the public hearing, if you're here to testify and that item, we ask that you come to the front stand in between the 2 microphones. You don't need to adjust them or lean towards them. They should pick you up just fine. As is got 2 minutes to testify. We ask that you start by saying your name coming from And when you're done, please sign in on either of the 2 sign in sheets on either side. 2 minutes to go by quickly. And my job is to keep everyone to the 2 minutes, which isn't a lot of fun. But there's a time right in front of you. So we ask that try to keep yourself to 2 minutes. And then there's lots of other ways, too. Give us testimony, including in writing, if you do run out of time. So this is a public hearing on this item.

If you're here to testify on item, please come on up. Seeing none. We'll take a motion from MISS Johnson to continue the public hearing and the matter over till MARCH. 11th. Roll call, please. Johnson. High Dose. think really I comment I come present anchor. I 7 favorite opposed to public hearings, continue to MARCH.

11th item number 18, a second reading public ordinance. 24 dash. 26 amending chapter 65 66 of the legislative code pertaining to drive-thru sales and services and walk-up service Windows has had 3 readings and is able to be adopted today. And it is in our public hearing section again, sort of conflicting everything I've said about how we, too, are ordinances because sometimes we amend an ordinance during the process. And if we do that, if it's a significant amendment, we have another public hearing. So in this case, we did have an amendment last From his toast. And so we are holding a public hearing and then we have the opportunity to amend it further or to adopt it. So just as any comments before hand just open up the comments before going. All right. So this is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none? We'll take a motion from us just to close the public hearing.

Look this Johnson. I toast. I yanked. I present maker 7 in favor, not pose a public hearing is closed. So a lot us just for a motion and coming to them up. Discussion of the motion thinks. But I want to thank everyone for all their work on this. Presses began few years ago. I think that what we've landed an is balance between, you know what we Constance hearing from all of our different stakeholders in our community. And I really appreciate MR. Germany's on this and being able provide us with all the information along the way. I don't have any further amendments to bring at this time. And so I would be moving approval of this Thanks so much. Just a fest things Council PRESIDENT, I. excited to support this and I want to thank you cards for jewels for taking the lead in really bringing forward the amendments, the first the first package of amendments and letting U.

S. Review it and also offer amendments as well. It was what really helped bring this to the finish line. And I also want to say thank you to build their money for being with us since day one and doing such a fantastic job, giving us updates along the way and filtering questions Thanks as PRESIDENT. Was version as button? Of course, office for week. Yeah, so I didn't I didn't bring forth any other versions the same version from last week. And I will also support the motion. I think we did land MR. Said on balance between allowing Drive-thrus recognizing that there is. They do feel a need for many in our community and that they really should be limited to specific areas of our city and specifically not allowing them near high-frequency transit, not allowing them downtown requiring that if they're in our highest density areas are t 3 and t 4 zones that they be part of a high density.

At least 4 story, 40,000 Square foot development and then also through the traditional neighborhood zoning study that we did making sure that they that they're at they always have a pedestrian safe way of accessing the building. Even if there is a drive-thru, which is also really important. I know that there are some folks that are public hearing last week abroad of some specific questions about stacking. And I think that just might be able to speak to as well just think it helps. First I I. I forgot to mention that. So we did a couple things. I'll just share that we did look into this last week with comments about where how the stacking is is measured and if it was worth providing a clarification on where that stacking was measured. From. And with all the work that's done so far, I personally didn't see that as being something that needed to be added at this time, as we're thinking about just, you know, being able to get this in place and will this forward, I guess I can MR. To put you on the if you could come up and just probably explain better than I could.

There was a question about, you know, as the stacking measured from the the ordering window versus the drive-thru when how that would currently be handled based language that. That we have right now. Welcome, MR. Germany. Thank the steps with the planning development council PRESIDENT Council member. Kind of the question for minister. Mr data. My understanding is we currently measure stacking spaces from final window where you pick up And backwards. When you're really on the site to get to the minimal second instance. Let's hope today. So I I don't think that used to be the code. That's that is how we measure Yes, thank you. I appreciate that. Thank you both. And I do given that a lot of the questions had to do without necessarily things that needed to be co changes to your point just that business owners just wanting clarity. I would hope that we can make some of that language clear online.

So it's easy for folks to find those answers. Great. Any other discussion of the motion. I'll just echo Council PRESIDENT Oliver Yang said that first of all, thinking can summer Justin or 3 office for leading on This is matter that predates my time on the And I noticed something that they're we've heard from a whole range of folks about with whole bunch of considerations. Equity considerations, transportation, environmental considerations, Business Development, Land Use. I mean, it just it has. One issue that has touched on so much about how we build our city and taking the time to get this right. And to really think about, however, we think hens of Lee and intentionally hard making policies better over time and how are we meeting the needs of our residents right moving towards the city that we want to be is a big challenge. But I think that this this gets it right and I'm excited to spread today.

All right. And that's add to that as well. Just really appreciate the work that went for this language really only just doing it quickly, but just doing it right. Right fitting. You know, the outcomes that we want. I see this as yet another policy decision that's been community driven-in really. You know, given taken, have received a lot of input now only from our staff who's been working on this for several years. But also I've really the communi giving taking particularly around, you know, what is the best way for us to have policy? That's clear and also addressing the here, particularly in word wine, understand that. Well, part of the problem are one of the examples, right? Was snowing Starbucks drive-thru and how that you literally a train wreck in many ways, but it's really important that. We take these decisions, really, the importantly in terms of creating solutions for problems. Thank you. All right. Looks like ready for a vote.

I will just once again echo my colleagues. Thanks to you. And your team is just for picking up a very heavy and very static fall and moving into the finish line. Thank you for doing that. All right. Motion tables for approval of all copies, something. Just Kim. I in, I council PRESIDENT A Kurd I 7 favorite. None opposed. The ordinance is adopted item. Number 19 is resolution public hearing. 26 dash. 25 accepting grant funds authorizing execution of the grant agreement and amending the operating budget. With respect to the city sponsorship of a Metropolitan Council Tbr a grant application for the benefit of face-to-face at 11, 17 North 13th Street. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. I'll take motion. Vice PRESIDENT Yang to close the public hearing and approve all in favor. Say Welcome place. Johnson. But Coleman, present maker here and 7 in favor. None opposed.

The resolution is adopted item number Twenty's resolution. Public hearing 26th at 64 transmitting the city support for Brown flying locally preferred alternative to the Metropolitan Council in Ramsey County. And sometimes on public hearings. We also have a staff report just to give a little bit of additional context. What's going on so MR. Gandhi is coming back to talk to us about the front line come back. It's actually for this one. We will have thank you. Taisha from Metro transit staff was Jones going present background on this. Before you go. MR. S. Good evening, everybody. My name is Liz Johnson. The engagement lead for the Metro Browns Lne project here today, too, continue conversations with folks and

Just give a Very high level overview knowing that we've had a lot of conversations about this project, formerly the Purple Line as we work t officially receive resolutions of support from our partners for the Metro Bronze Lion. So on the screen, here is the new metro Browns Lane route. And so really, again, this is a community responsive version of the former Purple Line project through 4 plus years and a lot of work with our agency and community partners. It's really we're in a place now where this project is a collaboration between the Met Council, Ramsey County, Saint Paul and Maplewood to be in a really good place consideration of our community input and feedback to move forward with this project. And so this project is still planning to go from downtown Saint Paul through the East side fail Maryland and White Bear Avenue corridors 2 up thru Maplewood make Transit center. If this is a 10 mile route again between Union Depot downtown Saint Paul.

And they put my transit center, we will be utilizing 22 stations. Project will include about 5 miles of bus only lanes. And then 2 new bridges as well. I will also note. That and this past DECEMBER on DECEMBER, 11th, the Purple Line project had a corridor management committee meeting. So it's a body made up of policymakers from throughout all of the stakeholder communities for the Browns line where councilmember Yanks it out as well. That quarter management committee to take 3 actions to support advancing the metro Browns Lane project. And so that was in support of implementing our station locations, bus lanes and bridges and the planned locations in Saint Paul and Maplewood. So confirming this new scope, what we call the locally preferred alternative for the Browns line formally known as the Purple Line, also recommending that the cities of Saint Paul and Maple well as Ramsey County adopt resolutions of support for the new Browns lane.

Locally preferred alternative and then also recommended that the Metropolitan Anthony Brown's line into the region's transportation policy plan. Although this project has taken many forms throughout the years, it still serves a key. He cmmunities in the East side and he's metro. We have a over 60% of bipoc folks, folks who are is your car households and utilize transit. Lot of folks with lower incomes, older folks, younger folks, we have over 13% of folks who have the various disability of around 18% of folks with limited English proficiency connecting folks, a key community destinations like education centers, health care centers essential community spaces and jobs as well. So although that project has taken again, many forms were still really serving the key folks the East side. This is a very high level image of some of the community engagement that we've completed over the last few years. Crtainly not comprehensive of everything over the last 4 years, but focusing really on what we called around modifications study, which was our initiative figure out what is this new project?

What is the scope and talking to a lot of folks in that the same time make what communities over 6,000 residents. We had just so any stakeholder meetings, community presentations, you know, we really worked hard to meet folks wear. They ae at in hosting a lot of pop ups and community spaces holding events. We did a lot of door knocking, particularly with the business community on the east side. And meeting folks. I'm talking to folks right at their businesses, worked with a lot of community organizations and business organizations throughout the corridor as well. Alittle bit more specifics about the design of the project in Saint Paul and also kind of where the project is that so the southern half of the project in Saint Paul, south of Maryland is that almost a 30% level of design. Where is the northern half of the project is at about a one percent level of design. We'll be working later this We are working Riyadh, ministering the project and getting everything back up and running to bring both kind of designs forward and advanced those project designs.

We will also be having this is a rendering of the Arcade Street station and so confirming I mentioned there's 2 bridges in this project. This is one of them. And so this bridge actually brings the project station at arcade up to the arcade level, a post at the Feeling Boulevard level, which is what the community preference was to be closer to those businesses and community spaces up at the arcade and night intersection. We'll also be moving the Bruce Vento trail, a bad grade as well as making space for the daylighting of the Feeling Creek project by tpa, happened? This is a high level rendering that we will work to refine later this year. But this isn't word or in during of the bridge that will be running over Johnson Parkway the project's Cook Avenue Station. This bridge will be for buses only but we'll also have pedestrian facilities as well. And then just a note the project Design and Maryland and Labor Avenue.

We will be having bus only lands in Saint Paul in Maryland and White Bear Avenue. These lanes will be on the side. So up next to each of them next, each curb. So they will be side running. We did look at Senator running bus lanes as well. We will be moving forward with side running. We'll have stations at Clarence Hazelwood, the intersection, Whitehead, Maryland, as well as Arlington and Idaho. And in these lanes and Maryland and wife, Beryl included the ability for vehicles to turn through the lens knowing that there's a number of residents and businesses in this area. So vehicle so ever everywhere will still be access will be able to be maintained. This will also infant clued a full roadway reconstruction of Maryland and white. There. So essentially back of sidewalk to back of which will include new sidewalks, new boulevards, new roadway curb and gutter and medians and new pavement as well.

High-level rendering of the existing condition on both Maryland and White Bear Avenue. And then the proposed with the Brown Plan Project showing those bus only lanes the sides of the roadway and bread. Talk a little bit about our So right now are and early 2026, we are working restructuring our project. So for the end from the end of the year through head of the beginning to middle of this year. We've been working on Re introducing the project. Does the Browns line and we are currently going to be procuring new design and engagement consultant, contracts we had our cmc Action in DECEMBER. And we are currently, as you can see, red that going through the resolutions of support process with our partners. We will also be going through. We are currently also going through the Met Council cpp amendment process that I mentioned before that process will commence at about lter this summer. And some of those dates for those and part of our next steps, the Ramsey County Regional Rail Board of Commissioners will be meeting on MARCH 17th to provide their resolution of support for the project.

And then the Maple City Council on MARCH 23rd. And then I mentioned them at council's tpp process has a series of meetings with him at that should commence by end of AUGUST. Higher level or longer out with the We're looking to begin construction around the 2030, timeline with opening Day around 2032. To be refined as we get back into the design and Cajun advancement of this project. With that, that all that I have for thank you so much. Are there any questions? As PRESIDENT? Thank you, council PRESIDENT. I have questions but I want to Liz, thank you for your very wonderful presentation. And also it heard about Metro Transit staffer. Here Stephen. You're the family other for me with a safety in the room here. Mean, I it spend that such a great experience working with you on the Browns lane here and for me personally, you all set such a high bar when it comes to community engagement and just how communicated you are.

2 other stakeholders. I'm a part of me is like, you know, for other projects. I'm in with other like I wonder if they can just Kate, what you want your communication team, man. The work really speaks for itself and the slide around the data on who this project is serving. It really conveys how how committed you are to really understanding who are serving and the needs of the communities. I want to say thank you again for your work and that and very supportive of of what was proposed here to you all for the line. There was a very unveiling that happened back in DECEMBER. The mere nothing. Carter was speaking in support of this project. Also meet Mayor too, and just very thrilled that we are in a place where we are ready to take, get back to work and make this chance of project happen. It's in their city here bringing in more investments for transit has always been important to this council.

I know. And for me personally, too, in the East side its my vision for us to have robust transportation and the Browns line here is a part of that vision a very important puzzle piece to it. With that, I asked for my your full support for this and incited to hear back from you all in the coming months. Thanks so much. That's and thank you so much for the presentation we will hold a public hearing now and we'll take a from tank. So this is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing We'll take a motion for a missing to close the public hearing and approve sunny discussion of motion. I would just say echo your support on this and thank you for leadership on this project. I think we were ready for the Purple One. We're ready for the bronze line. We've been ready. And I think some of us all of us wish we had were already here in Newark is already underway.

But of the city of Saint Paul is strongly in support of project and excited for it. So with that, we'll take a roll call. Vote. Just I I really I only I comes present maker. I 7 in favor nor opposed the resolution is adopted. Item number, 21 is a bza 26 dash 2 considering the appeal of a decision by the Board of Zoning Appeals. Tonight, a variance request to convert an existing. Let freestanding signed to a dynamic display at 13. 0, 5, 7, 3 west. Welcome, MR. Data. Yes, good And once again, a public hearing, we're going to have staff report first. Is a day full of exceptions. got the new interim member do Yeah, I'm a cutting pay and is only I can just got promoted to the expected 3 should begin variances forward. Previously. She was

Precious and permits. Just only fitting that used to dealing with this have some appeal. States. We got So the subject property the subject. Property is is a commercial property going to be too. That's the prep. The ac year surrounded b residential districts. To north and then ce to the West and to the East. We have a also our audience and then to the

South, we have key to a tradition voting district. So you say commission district that's mostly surrounded by residential uses a districts. So the proximity to a residential district is the applicant like exceeded standard for that just a science. But you look at the show the pictures, the fort later that it is really oriented to a second straight week to commercial. I'm so much his initial. So zoning code so the force certain. So close residential 2 of you to

Set. Those standards sent can operate and help us to continue as it is a district. And that's what the vision requested. You can election. So this court's action here is what Floodgate has signs should sure to follow. A new study when they look at it. So it pressed committed to a residential districts. Goodwyn to the the Sunday you're looking kow, is the existing site. So the project over reduction of the sign. Currently the signs, the end square feet, give it to sing it to a 58 square feet. Ad when portion of it is about 2 square feet would digital.

That's with the next one. So this was a new proposed as the top, but it was to remain static sign and about him but would be the show. So you want to be changing, you about every 20 minutes. And if he can do it, that pm to 07:07am, that elections? Staff did We'll give you the the application against Sussex findings found at the the question needs all the findings. The Board Zoning Appeals there discussion about

Finding 3, 5, to 6 not be met. So subsequently of what was taken to recommend denial. The vote failed because didn't get the full required. So to be voted against a condition. And one board member voted for staff recommendation. So that failed. The subsequent and that the motion was made for approval to go along with staff recommendation that did not get a second. It so that night. And think the Minnesota for a motion to approve. He says did tonight. And did you know is that before you on appeal? And with that, ready for questions. You MAY have. Thanks, MISTER Data. Are there any questions? And one question, thank PRESIDENT, to give us to pick up affect the criteria. I don't know if there's a way proceed sides back up. And case about the the criteria that it would be a challenging for the business to comply. But think so of the 2 elements of the 6 that Bza said, we're not at that.

The majority of the commissioner said it wasn't meant. And there's one that was specific to the difficulty of compliance. Is that correct? So number 3, that can demonstrate a practical difficulties comply with the provision. I'm starting get a little bit more about Why seconds? The you see it? Council member PRESIDENT, because can you pull up the question. Yes, there were 6 acquired findings that had to met by staff right to recommend the variance. And it looks like the Board of Zoning Appeals said that numbers 3 and number 6 weren't met. Just curious. And number 3, specifically the requirement that the applicant demonstrate practical difficulties and comply with the provision that understand that economic considerations alone did not comes to practical difficulties. I just pick your son a little bit more about why staff felt that recommendation was spent and that PRESIDENT A career and cousin of economy. So when look at was expanding the location of the business being a commercial business said and it almost as additional must up at the difficulty for them to be able to operate a stand.

Typically, if you if you have something like just download as efficient, they can have digital signs. They're required to be separation. But nature of the visit as a commission of Houston and about as additional is what's the fda has been a challenge for visit to be able to covid digs in signed, push into into the judges. Thanks, MR. Data thanks for the question was comment. I think the and I listen to the bza meeting about this and I think it's easy to misunderstand provision. Because the way that the bza misinterpreting it I think incorrect, which is that there's practical difficulties in just stay in the way you are. So in other words that questioning line of questioning was can't you just keep your current site? What is the you necessary reason wy you have to change? And that's not actually what finding 3 means. The fighting 3 means for the change you want to make.

Is there some reason why you can't stay within the code and in this case, the change they want to make is moving to the dynamic display and they can stay within the code because of the with their properties located. You don't have to have sort of an existential reason to make the change in order for 2 counts in order for that funding to be met. And I think that that was a misunderstanding on the part of the ca in this case and sometimes other cases, too. So I really appreciate the question. Misunderstanding on my part. So thank you both. And sometimes I Other questions. All rght. This, but just to get clarity, sos decide already grandfathered in and now reviewing it the distinguished meant that you MAY particularly not that. It's the new sign doesn't actually need the. Like needs are the findings. Tournament it is a new replacing an existing sign and it's a dynamic display which is the change, but MR.

Because the PRESIDENT Because some movie. So the site currently so no sign lit and you will manually change the message same. Why we see that the gentlemen of their time to change So this the what they're proposing is to reduce the overall size of the sign from 80 square feet to 58 square feet. The bottom portion is gonna be 32 square feet, which going to be digital. So it's a new in in the sense. And they're trying question is new. But the sign as stands are saying is, is it is in the side to be there today. They can. When you sign without any digital without having to go to a variance. All right. So think we will hear from the if they're here. Appellants property owner and you actually have 5 minutes for particular kind of public so well, come up and make sure start with your name. We're coming. Hi, my name is Matt and I am a the same company helping Joe Bennett and this and a sign permit. I don't know I you have questions for me. I would just. And Joe apologizes for not being able to be here

Today. I would just point to. Those 2 points. One on the practical difficulty, which and the planning group hit on which is right to given the property and where they're located. There's just no place to put the That the within the setback requirements for being near residential property. And the other one was a central character of the surrounding area. I would just point to the letter that the for Road Federation wrote, I thought it was a great letter and I thought they frame the issues really well. And I would just add that we spent I spent personally a significant amount of time with them. Reviewing what we wanted to answering their questions about concerns about like spill and how would it affect the neighbors as surrounding properties? The asked a number of the aspects of the sign kind of hit that the fact that it will be a monochrome signed our backgrounds like text already.

Minimizing light. I think in at night and he probably will produce less light than the current produces the id portion, which will have internal led lights. It's much smaller than the current 80 square feet. The 32 square-foot dynamic sighing which will have a dark background unlike tax not produce staff. Much light spill at Auto Tim's at night. So it's operating at about 10% of its stake brightness night. Then 20 minute change time in terms of messages. And then I think from 11 to 7 or something, it's turned off. So before they wrote this letter, they wanted to make sure that we're able to answer all those questions. So we obviously answered their questions and concerns to a degree that they feel comfortable sending this Thank you so much for your testimony. Make sure to sign in. Has anyone else here to speak on the site? And if so, you have 2 minutes. All right. And the commotion close, the public hearing roll call police Johnson.

Present naked eye 7 people the post public hearing is closed. Thank you so much for coming out to testify and thanks again to staff or your helpful description of this item. Just one note to my colleagues often when we're seeing an appeal of another body's decision, we have to find error and fact finding a procedure of the previous body in this case, as you heard, MR. To say the bca actually didn't take any action. They had 2 motions, both of which failed. They failed to approve and they failed to deny and a failure to approve constitute a denial. So it's here with us Niall. But as a result, we're actually looking at this as though it's a brand new case. We don't actually have to find fault in what they dd because they actually didn't take any action. Both of those actions technically failed. So I'm not going to be pointing out errors and the thing that they did except maybe my slight point earlier to his comment all the other areas down before I found out that we're looking at this brand-new, I will not but I think just looking at this on its you know this.

This is something that sems like it is a business enhance meant that good for the neighborhood. And that means the findings think it's notable that staff recommended approval at the Fort Road Federation. The District Council is in support as we just heard after extensive engagement with the applicant. We don't have any opposition I think it's also notable the new sign will be smaller than the existing sign. It will be less lit as we heard it can actually be like can be adjusted, which isn't the case. Now it only changes every 20 minutes. And then I think the 2 issues that the bza raised in terms of practical difficulties. I think it's clear to me that there's no place else on the lot to put a sign. So it's not possible t be 75 feet away from residents because of how close this business is located. 2 residences and that's unique to the property not created by the landowner, not economic and then to say that this will change the essential character of the area when it will be less light and less big than the current sign.

And when the district councils and support also seems to me to not make sense. So I I'm going to support make a motion to approve the appeal for those results. So that's my motion. Is there discussion? Seeing none roll call police? And I comment present anchor 7 in favor, not oppose the motion of intent is appeal is granted. Item number, 22 is public hearing. 26 dash for public hearing and grievances about federal immigration operations. And this is our standing public hearing on federal immigration operations. So if you're here to testify on this item, please come on up. Seeing no one here to testify. I will take a motion from MISS Kim to continue the public hearing to MARCH. 11th welcome picks. can't. I present maker. I 7 in favor in a post public hearing is continue to MARCH 11. This brings us to the legislative hearing portion of our agenda. Welcome at this moment. Legislative hearing consent agenda items.

23, 38 or before you for your consideration. This market. Council PRESIDENT Item number. 35 to do that in just second place. Item number. Early 26 Dash 11 second making finding on the field nuisance abatement order for 10 79 Western Avenue north in council 25 71 moment. That's PRESIDENT. This is the 3rd time this particular case is that in front of you? The council originally heard an appeal of the summary abatement order itself to clean up the property that happened in DECEMBER in JANUARY was the first period too. Have the consul make a finding about whether or not the nooses at them and they did. It had not. But the consequence of the for extension. Today is the second time the council is making a finding about whether the new they did. Primary item in front of you would be that yes, the tires been debated. No, the and saw. The photos last week. Were not that they did. have current ordinance. So and the overhead camera. I can

Show you that. It's it in voice activated the course here in in the middle of the backyard. You can this is the area where the pallets continue to And existence there. They had not been removed at the time of the hearing. We did discuss the number of options available. And also, I believe 5 also had those conversations. My recommendation is to make a finding that the noose is this not a day, did not authorize the Department of Safety and inspections to Thanks for questions. Before we have the public hearing. Thank you council PRESIDENT, served. Our should have question. So is somethign this. Just jog my memory on this case, there several items that needed to be removed. So everything else is Sounds like that. Just a palace that we that the condition on. Are your as voting on this being I guess, a nuisance abatement for baiting the just the pallets, not the other items as want make sure record's clear, particularly around what iems are talking now because there's multiple in that original findings.

Yeah, there actually 3 deadlines that I recommended for the abatement of various items in the yard. So one deadline was around the tires and the pilots. There's another deadline Items on the front porch, for example. And so this is the one that's in front of you now. And in hearing we did discuss other items. But today it's friend. So is there going to be other days for other items at this is just only about the pallets, the things that are on the porch was cleared not found to be there for further extend different deadlines are recommended for those Okay. Thank you for that. I think questions. All right. We will go to the public hearing. This is a public If you're here for the Saint, please coming up, you'll have 2 minutes.

Welcome. You can sign. And when you're done. The pilots have been moving. So I can just start with your name and where you're coming My name is Inigo Neely. I live 1, 0, 7, 9, Western Avenue I did have the pellets removed. I don't know when she was creeping around taking pictures, but it was before moved on. But I did the movie pallets. Tere anything else you want to your Also, they requested that there items that were on my porch that they want to I have speaker boxes. Those had also been removed already. There was some pictures of something that they thought. Was something that should have been removed. But I want to argue that it's not because they're out. There are toys for my granddaughter. Great. Thank you very much. You can sign in now and we'll have some conversation about its case. Is there anyone else here to testify on Seeing none. I'll take a motion from his Kim to close the public hearing.

Roll call, please. Johnson. I just I can. PRESIDENT. I 7 favorite. None opposed. The public hearing is closed. That's come. thank very appreciative to hear that the work was done. We had contacted made several attempts to contact you and even pan dropped off. A letter to your house hoping to coordinate with you. So that's public hearings close. Sorry. So it's just a name. It's it's really good to hear that pellets were udated. I'm wondering Marcia. So let's I'm going take that as truth. Let's say we send our folks for abatement and there's nothing to be abated. Are there any costs associated with that? Right? So if you go and as it turns out by the time we g to do that, it's completed look like. I don't know. I am not. So as we go out and the pellets are gone and we don't have to do any of a or their cost to the property on No, the department would want to confirm that they would go check before they determined not to issue.

And a work order to have them removed just for the record, I don't go to properties that creeping around properties that something that inspectors go to document the conditions and they do that on the next year. And that was addressed and that hearing. So just focus on process the next step. Let's say motion to approve the next step would be that a work order would be submitted. And some would g look at the property at a time to review whether or not in a beam in a still needed. And if an abatement is no longer needed, are there any costs accrued to the property owner? In all likelihood there would be an excessive consumption of code enforcement services. It was done, but a crew did not need to be dispatched. And so that you MISS The deadline, we have to check it again. And so you would be charged for the trick. And how much does that usually costs?

I believe bill and I could be wrong. It's between one. 25 at one, 30 with fees attached in the assessment process that becomes 169. ok, and how? How can that be paid? When that comes forward, a bill is with a 30 day to if that fails, then another bill would be issued with a 15 day deadline. Same thing. And failing that processed as an assessment. And can you just confirm with the deadline was and when inspectors were not review the property? Original to mind that I recommended to the council was JANUARY. 21st, the council in Jnuary amid an extension to FEBRUARY 20th. And I have follow appearing on the twenty-fourth, the original orders went out on NOVEMBER. 12th of 225. So we had extended that deadline to FEBRUARY 20th. I appreciate the background. And inspectors went on the 24th and it was not cleared by that deadline. Okay. When when checked and discuss last to ok, makes

Sense. Yeah. So. Your recommendation. If I've prove your recommendation, that doesn't it's still changes whether or not inspectors got review the property and whether or not the baby was completed. Okay. I'm going to go on your way to trust Going to move the recommendation of the hearing officer and will make sure that we have a work permit issued and that folks to come out to make sure that it was done in time. But the fee for us to go check that out at this point. It's not something that I'm going to leave. No. So this is a hearing. You can see this in a public hearing. So I think if your staff or here available to answer further questions, but you can take a seat, sir. Thank you. We're going to take vote on the motion now. So the motion is to approve a legislative hearing. Officer's recommendation. Any further discussion of that motion? Seeing none? That's something. Ghost can. I I really know comment. I come present maker. I 6 in favor want to pose that in Councilmember believe the resolution is adopted. This moment anything else for separate consideration. I'm not aware of anyone else here to testify. Then we will hold the Hear public hearing on all of the other hang items if you any other legislative item now is a public hearing.

Could we pull item number 27 in agenda to be in just number 27 are alleged a 25 dash 4.20, a feeling the right thing. The field special tax assessment at 6.92 Hamlin Avenue North, aka 1, 3, 3, 9, Van Buren Avenue. This moment. Good And you can okay. So This is a case where if we're looking at a vcant building fee, the vacant building fee covers the time period think Yes, 20. MARCH of 2024. Through FEBRUARY of 2025. Undeterred, the vacant building program in FEBRUARY

Of 23 major water damage. So FEBRUARY, 23 team had this is the second covers. 24 25 and the 3rd fee would cover 2025. 26. And because of Dsi is processing these things, we don't have those fees forward yet. So we just dealt with the here you're too today. With this situation, the property owner, because of the length of time taken to get through the insurance process. And they filed the they would like additional are consideration and not being charged vacant building fee. Additionally, they indicated in the hearing process there were no services of the city the vacant building. C, as you know, is calculated based on the cost of running the vacant building program, divided by the number of buildings in the vacant building program. Even charged across all some cases. We do have people who use more services than others. The billing process is not all car to its uniform. I think that's the nature of that.

But I that questions from his Mormon Party open up the public hearing. Not seeing any. All right. This is a public hearing will come up. Just with your name where you're coming from me off 2 Thank you. My name is Beth Jackson. Thanks for making the time in your agenda for this asking for forgiveness for an additional vacant building fee at 13, 39 been parent. In 2003 to fulfill a dream I had opening a childcare. My husband and I purchased 13. 39 Van Buren Rendon vacant property down the alley from us that spring. We don't 10's of thousands of dollars into it to resign roof and restore the interior open said childcare for over 18 years. I hope to raise over 150 neighborhood kids in that house and it became a treasured part of the community story close that child care in 2021. And we went to the home youngest daughter and some of her teammates from nearby nearby Concordia University.

After graduating, the roommates had moved on and my daughter was out of town and we have plans of renting it to a new tenant. Fate had other plans, however, and on FEBRUARY 22nd of 2024, received an ominous text from a neighbor saying that there was water coming out of our rental long story small valve failed our toilet supply line. And because my daughter was out of town of Rann consistently for days and days, result was a fll insurance. Last ceilings caved in the whole House and drenched with water and water even penetrated soil behind the 18 95 limestone foundation which ultimately caved in under the pressure. At which time the city of Saint Paul justifiably condemned the building that they began a two-year kind of nightmare for us. I don't claim the city are any of U. S. Departments are employees find schedules but rather ask for a little financial mercy. We've been through 3 contractors were now one photograph away from getting out of condemnation.

We have updated the property consistently over the past. 23 years. It's frustrating for us to see dozens of vacant properties over the neighborhood in the burden of the cost that we are told are share with Kind of not present landlords. And i just I'm begging for a little financial mercy. And by the way, if you know anybody who needs to rent a three-bedroom one-bathroom house, we have it for you. Thank you very much. And make sure to sign in. Anyone else here to testify on the set. Seeing none. I'll take motion was coming to close. The public hearing copies Johnson? I just I present acre I 7 in favor. None opposed. The public hearing is closed. Coleman. Have a couple of additional questions from swarm into. That's right. And thank you, Ms Jackson for being here at. I'm trying my head around that timeline because I don't know that I have a totally right.

So. Because it sounds like maybe between when the building was initially vacant now there was for some period of time. It was occupied and starter and then it was after that. If you could, or It entered the vacant building program in FEBRUARY of 2023. At that point, it was not a habitable structure and have the water damage and it was sent to the vacant building program. It has been in the vacant building program for 3 years. And I believe and we spoke. It was So it's completely done now. So it was almost the day 3 years of the program. And this is the fee for year, too. Got it. Okay. So that that created its entrance into the I buildings program. Thank you. I apreciate that. So I motion to approve it. The legislative hearing officer's recommendation and want to sy Ms Trucks and really appreciate you being here and the care for neighborhood in the work to get this building into compliance and habitable and to be.

You know, thriving part of our neighborhood. I think that. I hear the concerns about how a vacant building program works and how it is that Cesar and to by Pierce, if you want. And I just consulted with the appellant. And if the council is going to approve, I would ask that you approve of make payments over a period of 5 years. So Denise made 22 motion amend the recommendation. So make a motion to amend the recommendation to require that the assessment be paid. But over a period of continue with a Cummins, which is that I appreciate the work that's gone into this. And I appreciate the concerns about sir, that the wide array of buildings that fall into vacant buildings program and how you know that can include everything a real nuisance property that is not cared for that. Is that the process of being updated can restart functionality and what's being described here? That said, I think that that's a policy change that we need to talk.

What is policy change that has been discussed many times even in the short while. But I've been in this country how we are properly accounting for the costs. That said we have the policies that we have in place now. And I do think it's important to follow them. Equitably thinking about, you know sitting in this rule quasi-judicial role. And that to me is a separate question from whether or not this possibly to modifications. So I will move the amended recommendation. Thank you is common and I will support your recommendation. And I agree. I know that are vacant. Building policy is on our policy Committee agenda. Leave for this year. To be looked at. And in the moment, the policy that we have really is intended and designed to encourage bringing these properties out of the vacant building status and into productive use. And so it is purposely intended to be an encouragement to do that.

And I know that that does bring a burden in many cases. And to your point, I I would also support an exploration of whether a policy can be more fine tuned to recognize work that has gone into the property and how close a property might be to completion. I do think it's worse also in support of emotion that this is about not this year's vacant building, but actually last year's vacant building program. And I'm not sure how close the property was to completion at that point that I would imagine was not 99% in year. 2. Any further discussion of the motion? Seeing none. Place Johnson. Just. Present maker I 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted as amended. there anything else anyone else here to testify on a different legislative hearing Seeing none? I'll take a motion from his plea for the balance of legislative hearing agenda, all of the in the nation's and recommendations of legislative hearing officer.

Well copies, Johnson. Just Kim. I PRESIDENT Acre 7 in favor. None opposing legislative hearing consent agenda is adopted as amended. That brings us to the end of our agenda. Any news from the works. This comment. Thank you. I have news to share that transitions from this conversation about vacant buildings.

I know many of you have followed and many of our viewers at home, if all the side of the something University. was order to be demolished by this council back in NOVEMBER. At the time, I tell people talking weeks before be demolished. That was incorrect. Apologize for that. I was really enthusiastic. But it is now looking like it will be on track to people watch this I'm sorry, this upcoming Monday. Do want to say it with all the caveats that that's not a guarantee. That's based on conversations with the contractor. We believe that is what it will be coming down or at least when work will start. But weather and other factors could change it. Fingers crossed Monday. Couple things that I want to know is it will sort of work can start at any point between 07:00am and 10:00pm. So just for any neighbors or folks who community through it, the selling University corridor be prepared there is there could be construction starting early and going We don't anticipate any sidewalk closures.

We don't anticipate any impact brt or rail travel. If you do have any questions or concerns our office has put out frequently asked questions, document to serve. Talk about. What happens next. 2 to raise any concerns that's also been shared with our District Councils Unit Union Park District Council Midway Coalition as well as it which Amber of lots of folks in the community should have answers to any questions that come up. I know that there are a whole host of different celebrations So encourage people to think one of our small businesses on selling in university, check out all the progress that is happening at United Village. All the cnstruction that's happening there to really. Can't stop by ad the severely bit of good But I never break but something receipts I'm taking my sci-fi into the construction that's happening on the Hmlin Midway Library that is slated open later this year. There is just a lot of progress happening and somebody said it recently.

But, you know, sometimes progress looks like putting up a building and sometimes it looks like taking down a building. And in this case, taking down a building is a big. Take steps. Yeah, bustling university. Thank you. MISS Comment. I think that was the amount of time spent on that was warranted. Thank you, council PRESIDENT. I'm not sure of the good news or weather it since constructive. Use that man that is returning to the 7th in our Kate this season for construction and they actually are hosting an in-person public me now. But if people are unable to make it today, there's also going to be virtual public meeting on the project on Tuesday, MARCH 10th from 5 to 6.30. They're going to be talking about the East 7 reconstruction between maybe on Olive Street as they were going to be reducing it down to one lane lane of traffic and then also the Arcade Street between need in the 7th as well as going to close.

And so I do want folks to know about it and be able they're currently written on the supermarket. But folks in and see that the virtual option to will be there and the have interpreters and Spanish Somali Hmong and Karen. Thanks so much Johnson. Other news from the courts as Things Council PRESIDENT, we heard really great and the Setter Library board meeting about the Heat and Heights library. Renovation starting pretty soon here. It will be closed temporarily starting MARCH 24th and will reopen in the 4th quarter of 2027. So with that, I wanted to share about a project updating committee conversation that my office is doing in partnership with the sting public libraries and the greater site Kennedy's Council. That will be next Tuesday, MARCH 10 from 06:00pm to 07:30pm, at Heights Library. And it'll be an opportunity for people to get an update About the renovation of the library and to highlight any to ask any sort of questions and share about what sort of library services they're hoping to see occurred during this temporary closure.

So that feedback and input from Huey is very important to also have refreshments available to us. Thank you. As PRESIDENT. Other news reports, just. 2 things. I shared this in the library board meeting the we break. That is tomorrow night at Arlington Hills Library. The book, the Sears will be sauna. So there will be a panel with some of our young people and the mayor facilitated by our library director. And the other will also be there. So it's 5 38 tomorrow at the Arlington Hills Library. And there will be dinner and dessert and just really great conversations. So hope folks can join us. And then also just want to share pass good news. The Skyway 5 k was on Saturday. Council PRESIDENT Maker and myself and our staff from Wards 2, 4, participated. It was so fun. Haven't experienced anything like that before. And there were probably maybe a almost 1000 runners at that point that participated and then even more spectators watching.

So really great event. Want to think Anderson, race management and everyone that participated. In making that happen. Lot of really, really great. Really event to just highlight downtown are Skyway system. Thanks. That's just as We have our race an annual gathering tomorrow in person at the Committee School of Excellence. We'll be celebrating businesses and organizations that help sort of bolster the corridor. And then, of course, just previewing we have our annual spring spring. Clean, clean up. I don't know. And having such a hard time. APRIL 18th were we just walk around kind of divide into groups that we clean up the race in area. But tomorrow, join us for annual celebration will be at the Kenya school excellence starting at 5, 30. 38. Thank you.

The courts. I was a share is fish fry season. Think I'm stealing maybe some unders here. The tournament, including my is having their fish fry coming up Friday from Four-thirty to 7 at the arcade feeling. American Legion. Always a great time. Encourage folks to come and then say Church on the West side is having their fish fry and a folk dance band. From 06:00pm to 08:00pm. The Folk dance starts at 6.30. Case you're wondering if you can go to 2 fish fries in one night. The answer is absolutely I, for example, people for this. So if you can come. Add to another good news that brings us to the end of our agenda. Thanks for a great day.