City of Saint Paul, MN Council Meeting

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Time. 7 PRESIDENT That upset. Welcome eeryone to our Saint Paul City Council meeting. Thank you all so much for joining us. We invite everyone to join us in standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. and to one nation under indivisible, And or consent. agenda items 3 through. 24 are before you for your consideration. Is there anything to be taken for separate consideration? Doesn't look like it. I do want to acknowledge, by the way, that has to wonder is reading for

The very first time and city clerk and we have not rehearsed. So if you see any snags along the way, that is just getting into a rhythm. But welcome you seeing that there is nothing to be taken for separate consideration. All take a motion from his Johnson for the balance of the consent agenda. All in favor say Aye. All posts 7 in favor. None opposed. The consent agenda is adopted. So next item is item number. 25 resolution 26 Dash 6.62. Approving the mayor's appointment of Arbor to serve as the city's director of public I want to, first of knowledge that we have 3 different appointments today. We're very excited to continue filling out our new team. These are little bit awkward because there isn't a lot to say sometimes about Brandon folks. We don't know yet, but we're really excited and want to welcome both staff and other families who are here with them for this important occasion, recognizing that this is not just a one person sport these appointments and the work is very much a team effort.

So excited to see so many folks here today to support a new appointees. With that, I will take a mtion for vice PRESIDENT Yang for approval. Is there any discussion of the motion for we do the swearing at? All right, seeing none. Excited to welcome Ms Barber to the role of director of Public works all in favor say Aye. All opposed. 7 in favor. None oppose. The resolution is adopted and we'll welcome as forever and family up for short distance from anyone. If you could raise your right hand. And repeat after me, I state your do solemnly swear to song respect to support the Constitution's to support the constitutions of the United States of the United States and of the state of Minnesota, State Minnesota. And to just discharge faithfully and to discharge faithfully the duties devolving, if I MAY, for the duties of family. As sa. Public works as the director of public works of the City of Saint Paul of the city is involved to the best of my judgment and ability to the best of my judgment. congratulations.

Thank you. Next item is item. 26 resolution 26 dash 6.63. Approving the mayor's appointment of Joe Hardy to serve as a city is office of Financial Services. Director. take a motion from his can for approvals. Any discussion of motion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. A post. 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted. Welcome a pasar her knee and or family for the swearing in. a state. Your me do solemnly He's on his way to support the Constitution's. But the constitutions of the United States, the United States and the state of Minnesota and the state of Minnesota and to discharge faithfully the duties devolving upon me, is to call the as as the director of the Office of Financial of the Office of the City of Saint Positive example to the best of my judgment and ability to the best of Congratulations to you. Item number, 27 is resolution. 26 Dash 6, 6, 7, approving the mayor's appointment of Kevin.

You long communications manager assistant to the mayor. I will take a motion for approval from Lee. Is there any discussion of the motion? Seeing none all favor say Aye. A 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted. Well, come and and family or guests are For this morning and welcome. I didn't recognize family last time and I felt really bad about it so we can tell and try to make up Please raise your right hand repeat after I stay in I haven't you do solemnly swear. You solemnly swear to support the Constitution's to support the Constitution of the United States of the United States and of the state of Minnesota and to discharge faithfully and to discharge a fully the duties devolving duties devolving this as the Cajuns manager assistant to the mayor, one as the communications manager, assistant to the mayor, one of the city of Saint Paul of the city of Saint Paul, to the best of my judgment and ability to the best of judgment and ability that patients.

And actually I am going to I move 29 to the next item just because we have a lot of folks here for that item that I want to. Item. 29 is resolution. 26 dash 6.72. Honoring the legacy of Youssef and Jeanne in the city of Saint Paul. Welcome. Israeli. Good afternoon, colleagues and everyone here, if you are here honor the life and legacy of use of and Guinea, can you please join me at the podium? We welcome everyone. If you're able to join a school, love to have you here with us. So as we're getting started as want to just pause honor the life and legacy of use of in Guinea. And this resolution is deeply personal to me. I know this body has brought forth resolutions to recognize many leaders in our community. And I think about the life and legacy of use he. was a mentor, a trusted leader in so many ways.

And the steady source of for many of us, whether we were elected officials are the chief of police us a staffer here in the city of Saint Paw. And if you ever found yourself in his presence, you didn't leave empty-handed. He was just a wealth of knowledge and wisdom and everything on time. I had a chance be with him. I always left golden nuggets and that was the type of leadership. That I will seek to continue. And I know take that charge seriously. Uses was also a walking encyclopedia. So you can only imagine the challenge I head. I'm going through different iterations of a resolution. And I also just want recognize my my staff up here Fulford as he understands the seriousness of like. We have to do more. We have to source says just like that. Just found out you support here. He had impact in Minneapolis. So he made an impact in this organization.

And we just try really hard to get everything in here. So. As I read the resolution, if there's something that's missing, please charge it to my head and that my And when I just think about just like the leadership in the guidance that he drowned at me with. It was these powerful set of questions and that I still carry on with my work every day. And was just thinking through like my first week in the ward winds office and just thinking about all the council members and all the Rhonda leaders, I helped pave the way for me to be there and being on the phone with them and receive night guidance and those 3 questions that really, you know, stick with how I, you know, make decisions. Where? Who benefits? Who pays the costs? And is it the right thing to in those 3 questions really is the compass. Around how you are able to govern with the truth and transparency.

And, you with that, I will move to read this resolution. It's pretty let the resolution and we have some speakers here as well. And that will represent organizations and use impact in the community. We also have joining us the first assistant Mayor. Schumacher. Are the mayor's able to make issue will be providing her proclamation as well? begins actually a recent here because I don't have the glasses for here it starts. The honoring the life and legacy of the use of in Guinea. Whereas the use of in Guinea, a devoted husband, father, historian, journalist, community educator and civil rights leader passed away on 4/7/2026. Leaving behind a legacy that will echo through generations whereas born Charles Andrew, San Andres and historic round of community to Charles Crane, Anderson and Cerissa Agnes Baker. Anderson. He was shaped by a family deeply engage in civic religious and life, including Saint Peter Claver Catholic Church in the Haleigh to Brown Community Center.

We're as he carried forward a multi-generational legacy of civil rights leadership as the grand nephew of Frederick Elma guy wide of Minnesota's first black attorneys and co-founder of the Nagra Movement, founder of the Minnesota's first in the way City chapter in the co-founder of the Saint Peters think it's going Saint Peter Claver Catholic Church. We're at his early intellectual foundation was shaped by his grandmother, constant Connie Anderson, whos instilled in him a lifelong discipline of readings study in critical thought rooted in the works Richard Wright in Carter. G Woodson, whereas as a student of the Saint Paul Central High School goes show he witnessed - defining moments of the civil rights movement, including hearing the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Junior. In learning of organizing efforts led by a Philip Randolph here at the Union Depot. Whereas in 1972, he formally took an African you Rueben name use of in Guinea, reflecting his commitment to heritage, dignity and purpose and graduated from the Metro State University in 1974.

With a degree in journalism, whereas he began producing programming at at am Radio in 1973 and contribute to the Malcolm x Pan African Institute, using media as a tool to educate inform community voices whereas he helped organize Minnesota's participation in the 19 95 million man MARCH demonstrating his commitment to cvic engagement and national movement. Building. Where has he found it uses Guinea and Associates, llc and served as a director of the Office of Educational Equity for Saint Paul Public Schools from 2006 to 2012 advancing equity in education and opportunity for students. We're as he led Saint Paul strong from s 2013 to 2016 advocating for transparency, accountability and representative government and City hall. Whereas he served as an active member of the Saint Paul Brant of acp since 1988 later rising to serve as the vice PRESIDENT Of also the Minnesota chapter. Where has he provided steady leadership on issues of public safety and civil rights, including helping to negotiate same pause.

Police body camera policy. What d. We're s through that leadership. He played a critical role in establishing the 2000 and wine groundbreaking community policing a community police company, agreement between the Saint Paul police and the Saint Paul. We see Pete, this was a landmark agreement in response, a longstanding community concerns and advocacy regarding police brutality in excess use of force, which strengthened accountability, improve community trust and contribute to sustain reductions in excess. Force practices. Excessive skews me forest practices. As use city, dedicated his life to preserving and advancing the history of black Minnesotans and maintaining a vast and the valuable archive of speeches, books, articles, photographs and primary source materials that document it. Generations of black leadership, resilience and community life through his work with the Minnesota Historical Society and the Minnesota spokesman Recorder Yusuf in Guinea served as a trusted voice in historical authority documenting interpreting in preserving the lived. Experience of a lived experiences of black Minnesotans, ensuring that the stories of our community, we're told with troop death in dignity, wereas his leadership extended across influential community institutions, including Sir Bethany Community Center, Kamal j Radio, the Urban Collission Halle to Brown and so many more where he can share contribute strengthen black institutions rooted in service and collect the progress.

Whereas in 2024. His expertise as a hstorian informed the Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission in the City Council's decision to permanently Restore Rondo Avenue. Ensuring that the work was grounded in historical accuracy and repair. We're at widely recognized as a keeper of our stories. Yusuf in Guinea meant word generations of elected officials, leaders strength in the cots row and civic fabric of Saint Paul and last but not least therefore be it resolved that the Saint Paul City Council hereby honors the life and legacy of use of in Guinea and expresses his deep gratitude for his decades of service leadership and unwavering commitment to truth. Community injustices and be it further resolved that the city of Saint Paul cause on our residents, institutions and leaders to carry forward the use of in Guinea's legacy by champion the spirit of his name use of one who seeks wisdom to benefit others. That was his legacy and Guinea.

Visitor from a visitor from a far away place. Ensuring that his purpose and impact continues to live through the actions we take as a city. Thank you so much. we're going to have here. The speaker has the state. PRESIDENT Of the Minnesota, all excuse Reverend. Reverend

Richard Pitman speaking. We'll have to 2 minutes and now transitions to the next speaker as well. Good afternoon. Well, they're all you prove that a different program key, the a good ground. We work closely with use of over the last years have meeting with the chief. Working Agreement between the

Naacp and safe all. Police Department In this activity in these members of the same poll branch, naacp that represented here today. I stand here to state coffers, Dakota and Minnesota, brash. You soak is heavily us. Behalf of the naacp. Stand today. Not just to honor a man but to recognize movement. That live in a man use of engine. Was more than a name in community. He was a living bridge between the pass our present and our future. He understands that history is not just something you study.

It is something you carry. And you carry the story of with dignity with true and with responsibility. As a long-time servant of the naacp and as the vice PRESIDENT Within our state use of did not simply hold the title he fulfilled and assignment. He showed up. He stood He spoke with at it. If he were quietly consistently and safely. For justice and for the people as an educator, he didn't just teach lessons. He shake As a historian, he didn't just preserves he does or identity as a community liaison. He didn't just to make system. She connected people. And then a time where communities are often divided. Yucel ws unified. Respect it in the streets, respected institutions and trust But those wo that his words meant something but we are all of his accomplishments. He was a husband, father. It. And a serving lead. It. Who believe that legacy is not what it you leave behind is what you bill and to others The Roma community is stronger because he walked among us. Naacp is btter because he served among us.

And this city is richer because he gave himself to it. So today this proclamation is not just recognition. It is confirmation. Confirmation that a life well lit. Well, always speedy. Confirmation. That service still matters and confirmation the use of engine impact it impact will outlive us all. MAY we not only remember him, we continue to work. He's so faithfully. Kerry, thank you. Thank you.

We're going to have speak next. Kingdom. Each is who is a family member, also representing the journalism community and then we'll have after that. The see represents unhealthy Brown. I don't think Okay. Okay. And havoc you brown in or African American Leadership Council. Hello, First of all, just want let you all know that my heart is really this gut-wrenching experience. We know is no one know the time, though, the hour. Like a naked

Boy indicated my uncle you sell from Jeanne was a walking encyclopedia when she said that she said a mouthful. My awful last text messages that he sent U. S.. Yeah, always at least 2 ways of spreading the lie. You can be the kind where you can be mirror that reflects it. When it asked him, why did pick this? Certain ought to. He told me that this one was so amazing. I was just perplexed about finding out the type of work this you do. She wrote 40 books 40 years. I really appreciate the knowledge that he basically get that me and along with my children as well. The month of FEBRUARY myself and my children said on the floor of his home and just listen to him as he was able to speak pelted you. I'm just so overwhelmed with grief right now as well. It says whenever Bill did, I we lose a lap you so definitely a library. He was not a lie. He was a gentleman and a scholar. He was gentle giant. It. He also tell me. It's better to ask for permission and it is

To ask for forgiveness. So I just want thank you all naacp and all the people of this right here that new my uncle, you self and will continue his legacy. The last words that he told me when he was in the hospital, he said. You know what, it's like getting old. That said, no And he said. As one adopted coming, many tales, you. That there's nothing else we can do for He said I hope whoever that I read where the I communicated with They can ward of the sea and watching role. I want them to do me one favor very good man and

Continue to right? That the PRESIDENT Of the council council members and I don't really PRESIDENT You should council and some of my members standing with me, including Calvin and boy. But my work with youth of the He always My first we value of app One of the residents could come over and work with me both by malls and many others on. We believe there was no that the work to impact the black community. My whether you're insane clown, right, more headed. In fact, all people black community really use that always to do. The room. And I think we named them in a MARCH that took 2500 black to the Million Man MARCH in 1990, room. We did 2001 which Ethan for the agreement between naacp and other black organizations in Saint Paul. So physically go. But youth that will live all of in all that truly believe work I tell people all the time, Ocala, pretty negative connotation. We still talk about 2026. There's something wrong with should be a time. We have to talk about diversity, equity, inclusion

And 2026. Yes, it should be part of the air. We What we do every What you see that with the ball. You about doing his work and so long covid alc in the way through house of the public needs lie not here. Also partnered with the Lions. And so all of us unify and remembering you feel. Thank you. And my apologies. I also on that list other Frank White a cyst or Ian and a great friend. You probably remember

Owner Frank weight from some years ago or maybe last year when we recognizing his contributions to doctor many African American history. And also we have the mayor here as well if you don't mind and joining have few words from Frank White and then the mayor's office. And I just recognize all the organizations that's here and i'll just move for adoption. Thank you. Good afternoon. I so many things could be said about

You. So fun. They've all some of them up already been said, I will share this. W are working on a community celebration that will be set together after the funeral. I didn't wnt to complicate the funeral and family ahead of time. Gee could not be here today because she still I shock. She still going through some things. Yousef and I again have known each other for a long time over the last couple years. We probably talked every day. COUNCILMAN Each other sharing stories and and I could tell you many, many stores that all of us could. Yousef was a very special person. In addition to that, many people don't know. I just shared with his nephew. Youssef sister, jolting. Was raising adopted by my grandparents. So we are also in addition to our friendship, we are almost like family. We had. We had done many things. We have done a number of things together. One of the most recent was. Sharing information about changing the name Concordia back to Rondo and working with the former Council member Rssell and then also with council member Louis to make sure that. It was done correctly and not necessarily going along

Concordia Avenue. Which at Western and Concordia. You're really at Western in Cairo So let me just share this again. So many things have been said and I could top. And 2, we go to But I you in addition to being former And being yelled at people behind the dice people of consider me the baseball guy. So let m share a quote from Jackie Robinson life is not important except in the. Impact it has on other lives.

Truly. Truly Yusuf has accomplished if Council PRESIDENT Would be okay. I said a couple words. The 5 of the proclamation these mayor. So I when when Councilmember Bowie asked me if I would participate today, it was a resounding yes, that I was absolutely necessary for me to be here because I think I never told this story to anyone before. But when I ran for office in 2018 as a state representative, I didn't know anybody and I didn't know anything about the political process. And one of the first people that I spoke to was Yusuf and I didn't know who he was. I didn't know anything about him, but he was a 64, a resident and I was ready to be the state representative for 64 a and I didn't know anything about the caucus process or how to call delegates and what to do and use of talk to me. And he had coffee with me and he walked me through the process and then I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for those first early conversations is so I am forever indebted to his willingness to share his socialist countries, political capital with me as a refugee kid, I had kind of that.

All of the only people I know the Des area, McDonough homes and those people have no political capital. And so the fact that somebody who has been stellar at the neighborhood and been there for generations was willing to share his political capital with me meant a great deal for me to be able to actually get to why in today's I just wanted to make sure that that was noted for the record of like me being here in this office is a direct connection to him as well. So with that, I wanted to share today, the proclamation at the city of Saint Paul put - together to honor Yousef. So it says, whereas Yusuf and Jenny was passing on 4/7/2026, has left a hole in a civic fabric of our city was an educator, historian community organizer Advocate and much appreciated member of community in Saint Paul and whereas the work of Yusuf and Jenny has touched every life in the city of Saint Paul from changing the way our schools teach black and ethnic history to the groundbreaking community-based model, strengthen community relations with the Saint Paul Police in 20 22,001 and leadership at the naacp, Saint Paul chapter has made the city more equitable and fair and whereas through his work with the setback is.

It's so Bethany Community Center, contributing and supporting various independent media. And helping to establish Camel j Radio to ensure the voices of Black Minnesotans are heard use of. And Jenny has lifted the legacy and presence of black communities in Saint Paul and neighboring cities. And whereas Yusuf and Jenny has advocated for and continuously stood beside the Rondo neighborhood against the systemic discrimination and barriers faced by Black Minnesotans and residents of Saint Paul, including eviction, criminal justice education, health care and housing. And whereas the record and his stag roughy of blackness tones preserved by use Jenny has included oral history, written work and photography, providing a unique primary source for the community foist and expansive black Minnesotans and whereas the city of Saint recognizes and honors you and Genny for his contribution as a community role model and leader through his lifelong legacy of advocacy and commitment to serving others and will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his fellow Saint Paul residents.

Now, therefore, I culley her mayor of the city of Saint Paul. Do hereby proclaim APRIL 27th 20nd 2026. To be Yusuf and Jimmy Day in the city of Saint thank you so much, mayor, for sharing that really moving story. I just think about just not only the political capital that just like so much. We all are so much better because of knowing you south. So. Thank you for making ways to be here. Understand your schedule as a mayor's. Very hectic. And I was really it's a demonstration of your character for you to be here today. I just want to just recognize on before I moved to motion for discussion action and then join us for a historic photo. But want to recognize the movement behind the giant that we're all talking about. We have here a Keith Baker who was part of reconnect Rondo representing the around a round table. We have the PRESIDENT Of the Twin Cities, Urban Lee it to Stephenson's here.

We have having to Brown. We have the chief of police out here as well. The deputy director of Saint Paul Fire, Jamie Smith. We have te body from African-American Leadership Council represents from the same part here to its preservation. Check yourself, health and wellness center, I still work there. So so happy to see you. just the overall community at large is here to celebrate. I just want to say Thank you again. We will continue to carry on the legacy. I will also share with the good news. the funeral and also look for updates on the community celebration that's going to take place. And with that, I'm going motion for discussion. I do see Councilmember Richard Johnson here as well. If you want to share some words, part of your you don't have to go here. I mean, you're welcome to join if So there's a motion for approval. And is there any discussion of that motion this Johnson stand on ceremony? yes, it's like procedure.

Hello. And you sort like you got to stay right here. You got be careful. So I just want to Really appreciate the time that we put week that we put in for this as well as a body. I think there are times and there are moments where it feels like business as usual and the Maritimes that not only our space center after to Royce, but also the voice of the community. And when we lose an hour there atitude of service and dedication and passion and accountability and intentionality. Now a guy that was invented and use up and everything that he did and how he operated and in our community. I think it's important for us to spend that space and time and so as I was listening to the the comments today, and as we've been able to just talk about legacy and as we've been thinking about people who are always thinking through of what black leadership looks like, generationally after them, their impact that goes well, be on the years that we have on this earth.

But that exceeds that and and touches so many leaders. I think that uses primary example of what it takes to only lead with your heart and your passion. But to do so in a way that ensures that people who know him are forever changed. And so as somebody did not grow up in moved to the Twin Cities. There are many leaders that are standing alongside me behind the 8 that were on a short list of folks that I just had to because you would hear it from elders. You from your grandma's cousin. You hear from your friend telling you people that you have to know when you those individuals and so. I'm really excited that we're able to do this. Firm believer. Sometimes we have honor our community members others. They're still But you know, at. The use of pasta, mother's birthday, and I remember just being able to talk to her, but the full circle moment that is existence of why that was, you know, such a big deal and why community members will for from And I think that that we've been able to do that eloquently.

And so I'm thrilled to be able to be a voting member of this body. You know, behind us, we literally have councilmember former council member David Montgomery, and I must all 3 of us. You know, it's not that on me. That that is the weight of how many councilmembers, female black female councilmembers that we've had here in the city of Saint And so to be able to be in your presentation. You know, I just think about the legacy and the Giants that we hold. And you suppose one of South I look forward to proving the resolution. Thank you, MISS Johnson. Is there other discussions motion? just be very brief. I just really appreciate this resolution and I was this. So appreciative of the way that folks spoke about this person.

And I just I never meant that Yusef, but I definitely knew of him. And I'm even thinking, am I always how can I help carry on his legacy? Because when I look at all of you to the ways that he's touched your lives and I'm assuming. Multitudes of people more right that you've all been in connection with that sort of sentiment and how you carry on his latest art of that legacy. And coming in. And I'm so sorry for your loss. And also I'll be looking forward to. To celebrate his life and also kind of what he leaves behind, which I believe all of you, I see all of your smiling faces in the way that your face lights up when when when you've been speaking So thank you for being here today. Thank you, MISS. Come that any other discussion of motion. I will just say it's very hard to add to what's already been said.

We've obviously lost a leading light in our community. And I will say that every time. I saw use of here and he was here so many times because he cared about so many different issues. And I think that that says something about the kind of person he was to never saw him here. Iknew we were in for a treat because I knew when he got up to speak, he was going to say something truly profound and something Weiss. And so I agree with MISS Kim. I think just looking at I know you can see yourselves, but we can see you looking at this group that is standing here. I think your legacy is also often who you're remembered by and the community and the relationships that you've built. And just looking at this group, it is truly remarkable. So he will be so missed. And I'm so glad that we have had this opportunity today. Thanks to you as Billy and this Johnson honor him. So with that, there's a motion foapproval. Any further discussion seeing none all in favor say aye. I opposed 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted

Doesn't do it. or break Of those the Everybody quite

I trying all right. Thank you all again, so much. We're going to do what House member can cause a hard as we move on. I with our John. All right. Here we go. Item, 28 is resolution. 26 dash 6.19. Urging European financial institutions to divest from companies that enable the United States Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement and supporting the delegation of Twin Cities. Residents advocating for this testament. Ye. I really appreciate This resolution is in support

Of a delegation of residence that are currently in Europe or a meeting with human rights organizations to crash or resources sharing what happened here in the twin. Still, in the Twin Cities and building the transatlantic relationships that this political moment demands. It calls on European financial institutions to examine what their capital as funding and how any investments in these corporations kind of cause real harm in the weeks and months since Operation Metro Surge puts Paul in the international spotlight, civil and human rights organizations across the world have reached out to local organizations here, sharing strategies, simplifying calls for accountability and standing in solidarity with communities facing state violence. That connection is not accidental. It reflects an understanding that the fight for immigrant dignity for the right to live free from fear and survey lists. Surveillance don't happen in vacuums. So I really appreciate the council's consideration. I certainly appreciate your support for this resolution. And this comes as their first into that it's removed.

Offered that list for not that I'm aware of. That's on line and sinker were in our defense projects. Yeah, no way. I make make a motion approve motion to approve. Is there any discussion of the motion? That's yet? I think because the PRESIDENT And I asked why just want to just give I don't feel comfortable supporting this. But I want to just have one record just I transparency. And respect for your leadership for bringing this forward. I would more information for this. I when I think about my responsibility. As a council mmber really prioritizing and focusing on local. You know, I I guess I'm missing is kind of the peace around. Just say how this action today it's going at have impacts and has a lot of like. Impacts said, I'm not even really feel like confident specialize in our expertise foreign policy or even. Just the specific seat or the specificity be skews me of.

The contents of the resolution. So and if I was a vote on it today and I will be a no, but I just want have on record to sharing that with you. Councilmember Kim. Thanks use any other discussion of the motion. As Yeah, I have a couple questions, I guess Councilmember Kim, can you share a little bit about? And I did have a chance to review version that and legistar. And I guess I to that point how some are bullies remarks. You know, I whenever we make a stance on something or take a stance is something even if it's resolution. I think that that's important. It's important for us to also understand the impact of the decision that we make. And so can you just say 2 more things about what this resolution has, why this is being brought to the council and just kind of what your thoughts around the overall impact that this if it were to pass city does have.

And sorry to put you on the spot. I just prior to last week didn't actually know this was coming in. So I didn't really also get a chance to fully understand just what the thoughts were. So. Transparently. I feel a little spots. Ask you to kind of share little bit more. You're absolutely so the background on this. So Minneapolis passed same resolution, their local leaders that are right now in Europe on a tour. Kind of trading information, swapping strategies, getting getting a better understanding of how all of these systems are connected. And part of that to air is urging European financial institutions to divest from companies that enable dhs and To wreak havoc across the country. And so it's a little bit about tracking money in urging them to divest from from those investments and also supporting our delegation. That's from the Twin Cities. That's sharing yeah. Sharing are on the ground strategies and learnings fighting Fascist Centre streets.

Thanks that answer your question. Councilmember Johnson. Yeah, I think so. I think it does. I think when it comes to just how and falls, we are. You know, I guess I would have wondering just like the individuals that are there. Can share a little bit about who they are? One, though, one that approached was. Just I kind wonder how comfortable they feel about it. But one of them is a that. com, she's a word for resident and she comes and has been very vocal around. Our city is still from funds funds and resources that are directed towards ice and the others. I don't know personally. So don't want to speak on behalf, that was the one that approached personally passes resolution in coordination with Minneapolis and coordination with their 2 are. Any further discussion of the motion? I appreciate the qestions I would just say. I I also feel a little bit uncomfortable supporting a delegation of folks that we we don't know is part of the delegation and haven't met with him or spoken with tem before they went out and started putting our city's perimeter behind them, given that they're already there.

And speaking. We're not sure who they are, what they're saying. I think that I would I would want have met spoken with them before be asked to support their efforts. Sounds like rep says any further discussion. We do that. I just want to clarify that. I know who they are, but I don't know how public they want to make their identities stones. That's mainly hesitancy on the record, Anderson. Johnson the I appreciate that Councilmember Ken, yeah, I don't want to force you to have to any faction of especially without that preface for conversation. I think when we're thinking about resolutions and the impact, I did have a chance to review. If you haven't, I watched how the city of Minneapolis communicated about this and I think one of things really important for us as a icy uniformity. And I think whatever we're taking stances, especially ones that have international impact, therefore fears related impact, especially for.

Essentially telling another European financial institution divest that we also need to make sure that our home cean. And so like I just I don't but we understand what this would do. I think so. And it's definitely not because I you know. Have with the overall sentiment. But I also just but that that information it's really hard to kind of move forward and pretty know today as well. Thanks Johnson Isom, Thank you. Can also consider a camp. Thank you you know, just providing more context. And I do think, you know, and respect to confidentiality and, you know, is hesitation. It seems like to disclose the names and now I don't think it's worth of are, you know. Having a public institution like the city of Saint Paul, good government agencies like very heavy waited to for us to put our name. Endorsement are in power. Take U. S.. Public stands in solidarity for not even able to really know who were standing behind.

So that's why I am at uno. And also just think about just know the purpose and tools of the resolution. You know, as someone has served as as a frontline are and many movements, you know, I definitely would have wanted to actually build that authentic relationship or lease hear from, you know, some of leaders who are making these efforts across the United United States, but Europe, just the fact that like there has not been, you know, there has connection collaboration. And I take that very seriously, especially whatever. Now as a council member, put my name behind. I would just want to be more informed. So I just share with you just kind from a council member to another council member. Now, as moving forward and bringing things to this body that like we do our due diligence to inform that are caught some of risks. I do think it's the opportunity my sparring our support, but I also As want to get you provide context of. don't.

Feel comfortable. Taking a stance in such a public manner. Whats with organization or group of people that have not, you know. Build the relationship are even educated. My office on on this matter. comes a PRESIDENT. Well concerns. You MAY want to thank you for bringing this forward. I want to that from me. I I have lot of trust leadership Minneapolis council members who had voted to support a resolution like this. Aso anger leadership to it. And I really appreciate our rsidents who are willing to let the courage to put I'm sure because the trust you and also have been very active in a posting Operation Metro Surge and the federal immigration operations that have happened all across our city and our country really. And so I'm prepared to vote in support of this and working, based on that, the feedback from the council members, if you are not in a rush to approve this, if you would be open to over, I think that would be very appropriate.

Given that scenes, folks want to more education and really information and a chance to be with me. The delegation directly. And so I would also open to open to supporting that, So the delegation is presently. I believe that our office had attempted to have this come to the agenda last. And then we have our Wednesday and I'm not here the next Wednesday. So and certainly happy to do that. And then this comes up and take it on when I'm not present. So that's certainly an option. But in order for folks to meet with a delegation only returning from the stress. So having to make that happen and I don't know the value truthfully of getting this passed but still happy to bring it forward. Appreciate Suggestions and I look to you is can there's a motion. You've been a motion for approval. If you want to withdraw your motion of a layover. Keep the motion.

I think that I am happy to. Address concerns of my colleagues too see this pass. And then also just happened I hear them potentially in what will happen when I hear so and happy to lay this over for. We don't have a meeting next week. Wednesday. So have a Or to make. Motion is to live matter over until MAY 6. Is there any discussion of the motion? Thank you. I I agree with the sentiments of the table. I really over more time. That means that will be spending more time on this for education. And it's still not clear to me what come that this produces. I would prefer to put our my own effort into, you know, one or more tangible things I can do to support and change. How from the impacts of Operation Metro surge o the impacts of related to this issue rather than putting time and understanding the resolution. And so that would be my preference. I won't be unsupportable. It. Any further discussion of the motion. I guess we vote. Call. All in favor of will call for a layover. Yes, we're Come The U. S.. Yes, know. Just no.

Johnson. Okay. So 5 in favor. It. All right. I'm so sorry. PRESIDENT I. 5 in favor to oppose The resolution is laid over to MAY 6. Just really can cause the I. hearing the concerns shared the Dyess. I would just really appreciative folks just let me know if there's anything additional that we can address ahead of the next potential vote. We only heard concerns from one office prior to in a project comes from when and city. But we just to hear these ahead of the dice that we can address them accordingly and make adjustments as needed. So just reopened, sent an email colors and attacks but hppy to engage in this country moving forward. Thank you. Thanks come. Item number 30 is the first reading of ordinance 26 Dash 25 amending chapter 66 of the Legislative Code to correct a scrivener's related to allowing additional lot coverage for providing functional green space. So this brings us to the ordinance section of our agenda.

So for those wo dn't follow us every week religiously or what is one of millions of viewers at home. We have 3 readings, at least for every ordinance. We start with the first reading where we usually get a staff reporter, some basic background information. What we're considering then the ordinance, the next because a public hearing where we hear from the public. And get feedback and either the next week it comes to us fr final adoption or sometimes if we have more amendments, more work to do, we might lead over for longer than that. So the ordinances that you're seeing in front of us right now for the first reading, we will either have a council members say something about them or we might have staff come up and just let folks know what they're all about. And then those ordinances will have public hearing next week. So I think for this one, I'm looking to just for a council member importance and the staff report.

Can be very brief. This is basically a scrivener's error modify the percent required and it is because the the master plan that this is related to was older than - another change that was made. And so we need to update this to to be consistent a Any questions for Toast? As this will Well, take a motion from Mrs to do that. You have to its lead over Next York Times that the ordinance is laid over to my 6th for second reading public to us. Item. 31 ordinance, 26 Dash 26, updating chapter 3.10, of the legislative code pertaining to uniform license procedures to extend payment of license renewal fees owed in calendar year 2026. I welcome up. Director Andrew Easy with the department safety inspections. I want to just say that before she presents that this is one of those items that. In response to question that research we heard loud and clear from small business owners in particular that they were suffering loss of revenue, loss of clientele and anything the city can do not only to drect financial assistance their way, but also to remove any financial burdens that we're placing on them.

We should do. And in this case, one of the key financial levers that the city has to move a burden is too not require that license renewals or license fees that would normally have to be paid at the beginning of this year be paid at the beginning of this year to get people that businesses that extra time. So taking us just a minute to get this ready. But I'm really pleased that director abc and her team have worked so this excited to hear more from you now. And I just want to say to our media services, folks on our screen down here, we keep seeing some random slide from previous presentation and maybe a trace. We might need to change that. One director received speaks or thank you council PRESIDENT Yes, thank you for your leadership with this ordinance change in particular, bringing together the chamber and downtown alliance and business owners too. And the mayor's office to come up with something is useful invalid and helpful to businesses.

It's just one sliver of what these businesses need for support for recovering from Operation Metro Surge. But it is something tangible that we can do. To help and I put all it complies really only to class licenses. And I think yu expect you to read this, but I wanted to kind of the record. So these are all the license well as part of this presentation. The side you're looking at turns out was relevant to this You can bring it back up. Now. It's just a bit, it's just sitting there the whole time. And I thought it was a left right. To jst so ready and on the ball and now we can't see anything. Okay. Keep going, sorry. It only bicyclists and licenses and the bees do tend to be the higher priced licenses that is what the city and it does require an ordinance change because without this change, the department has no flexibility in when we accept licenses been licenses are not like a gym membership for When you don't pay your gym membership, you don't have a gym membership.

But for licenses, we actually have to take adverse action. If you don't. Paradise is That seems like adding insult to injury, especially with what these businesses have through this year. Really we we need this ordinance change to give the department this flexibility during this year to have latitude for accepting class sliced and license fees. Late. It also includes to some of the 2025 wins. And that's because of the cyber atack. When we didn't have invoicing happening for a portion of the year. Those again Freeze said you get a break, you know, some leeway 26 p but oh, by the way, here's a bill for 25. That also seems like we're not meeting the goal of we're trying accomplish here. So. Essentially, if your invoice for business license for a question we save in 2026, you have. 2026 to pay it as long as you pay at end of this year. In short chase, simple and easy.

And again, it's only pickleball to this So. Next year the same condition doesn't apply. And and again, having the city attorney's review this, it's really because council grants the department wat authorities that they can and cannot do and latitude with things are paid is just not something that has been given to the department except for. If this passes in the year 2026. Thank you so much, stricter. And I notice appreciate that note about the average cost being $1096. And that's the average. But licenses can often be much higher than that. And even that alone says a big burden. So appreciate not on the department's work, but also I think a original There was some conversation about how long the grace period should be for 3 months, 6 months. And I think that the 12 months that we landed on really does give businesses that needed breathing room, so appreciate it. We got there. And I see that we have not been charging any late fees up until this point fr anything that hasn't come in yet this year.

I can't say that for certain because I haven't asked, but I would find it highly unlikely that change to leafy to date. Was in progress. Cheat. And you can see some of the licenses Many of our licensees actually have multiple license at the same locations or it's not just a single. They go on sale liquor license. It's the additional of with entertainment with Sunday with a gambling license. Now you're looking at a lot cars stacked on top of each other. So it really can add up and this hopefully will provide some relief. Any questions for director we see? Was thank you so much again. And this really over till 6th for a public hearing. Thank yous. Item. 32 ordinance, 26 Dash 19 adding Chapter. To the administrative Code to institute training reporting and programming related to the city's relationship with civil immigration laws and enforcement practices under administrative Code Chapter. 44, comment. It's a public hearing So this one it doesn't follow very needs framework that I laid out earlier.

This is an ordinance that is is before us for final adoption. But because of additional information that was part of the record last week, we actually reopen the public hearing to give people another opportunity to comment. So actually, we will hold a public hearing on this item before we consider it. So this is a public hearing. If you're here to testify, when I help for your your number. Yes, comes to the front standing between the 2 microphones. You don't need to adjust them. They will pick you up just fine. You also don't need to bend over towards them and you'll have 2 minutes. We ask that you start with your name and where you're coming from. And then when you're done testifying, please sign in on either of the 2 And with that, if you're here to testify item, 32, this is your public hearing. Please come on up. Donald Trump at once. sorry. Did you say like if we call your number site with yes at him, 32, looks like taking a number.

Hello council members. My name is Laurel, Saint Mary Parish and I live in Ward 7 of Saint Paul. And I'm a leader wth any dose. Minnesota also known as and, you know, send myself are in strong support of ordinance. 20 26 19 because it offers better training, increased scrutiny. Transparency, public reporting options and accountability for city officials, particularly as the Saint Paul Police Department. If we want to re-establish trust between city officials and residents, people need to strengthen our existing separation ordinance to ensure residents are protected from ice. Agents who do not respect their constitutional rights. It is essential that our city officials are properly trained to know under what circumstances they can or cannot interact with ice after seeing what happened on NOVEMBER. 25th 2025. And mayor hers refusal to do an independent investigation into the matter. I do not have any confidence that the mayor or department heads will institute this kind of training o scrutiny.

This is why do myself support this ordinance and original form. Thank you, council members, thank you so much. Make sure to sign Well, come up. Hello, good evening. Counselors. But as Lauren down and and 5, 5, 1, 0, 7, and I would like to speak very strongly in favor of adopting this ordinance I'm so sorry. Keep has a summit. We just make these make sure get the timing right? And we got the hat. I read the statement that the city attorney has written. Regarding this ordinance and it seems like the crux of it is that the mayor will get her still owes her toes, stepped on.

By Following this ordinance, the mayor with respect is very resilient and she can tolerate having her toes stepped on. In the meantime, we need action now. We need action yesterday and this will actually go a long way towards us addressing the problems that the citizens are seeing. The residents are seeing in the city. Okay. There's other fed agency that you probably have to deal with through ordinance in the future. I just want to emphasize, do not betray the residents of Saint Paul by not taking action to hold police and city actors accountable to due process law and the wishes of the people of Saint Paul. This is a necessary start. The healing of the relationship between the city and the residents short of this action. There is nothing else that people are seeing that you're doing at the moment. Residents cannot trust police. Or the process we're seeing disobey the law left and right working with federal agencies and they need to be trained on how to do that properly or how not to do that properly.

Ok? Without that, there is no civil contract. Without that. There is no social contract. So I would argue very strong that you guys adopt this proposal. If the mayor decides to veto it, please override that veto. Thank you for your time. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign and will come up. council PRESIDENT Council members, name is Benjamin Goodman Works Tree of Life. And Saint Paul resident and your perks and reckon ploy. I'm here to speak in favor of the ordinance. The guidance around interaction with immigration enforcement that we received on the ground from the mayor was crucial. But unfortunately inadequate little bit too little and a little bit too late. General Service employees in the city didn't have the contact information, relevant procedures for reporting when it would have mattered. The most I can share with you in off the clock encountered ice at Arlington are great ball felds. And they went straight to abduct a father and 2 children from their home at a nearby house.

Realize that my way home that I didn't know who to report this to or if it was something that any of the report, obviously off the But I pride myself on being involved in form civil servant. I'm Stuart of my Labor Union, which is and I strive to be a helpful surce of information for my union siblings. I find myself that night as they often do without an answer to provide to them. My colleagues asked me time and time again throughout the search. What they should do if they encounter dice. They asked me as is often the case of questions. I'm asked as a steward because of the lack of a clear answer from the department or city administration. Training program is urgently needed. I'm skeptical. It'll be established and rolled out in time for the midterms. When many of the recreation center polling places and therefore targets. But I would ask you to. Support this resolution.

We Thank you. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign in. So anyone else here to speak on this item. Seeing none. I'll take motion from his comment closed public hearing all in favor say Aye. Almost 7 in favor. None opposed. The public hearing is closed as common. Thank you, council wich I the short I went back tell only first introduced this and I talked for a long time. So keep a charter today. Really want to thank everybody who came today. She her last test fire a it. Gist a moving story. Thank you fr sharing it. And I think it echoes so much what we've been hearing for months for city employees about. How they're looking for clarification there, looking for guidance. They want this training. How crucial clear reporting mechanisms are how essential it is to that point or another has fires that we have those mechanisms for public oversight of public accountabity. These are.

I think, very common sense steps that we can take to ensure that our separation ordinance is something that people have faith in can rely on can ensure that is actually being implemented in the way that it was intended when it was passed over 20 years ago. Really the only other things that have to say, I just have a couple of thank It's a huge thank you to the council staff team that worked on this in particular, Tim Greenfield, Anthony Nelson. It has been. Many, months of it meetings with city departments with mayor's office city Attorney's Office with community partners up with everybody sitting at this table. There has so much work that has gone into this so many different opinions perspectives that we have taken into account. And I think just incredible testament, particularly to the work him and any so it's a huge thank you to them. It's a huge thank you to everybody at this table to all my colleagues on the council.

And this is just been this been ongoing conversations sense. NOVEMBER DECEMBER. Certainly you know, pick up in intensity in JANUARY and FEBRUARY. I think that the care that if it taken to make sure that we are reflecting what we're hearing from the community and making sure that that is enshrined in ordinance. So that is not something that can be changed when new council members are elected. New mayor is elected really saying that this is a bedrock of how we operate as a city But is it, you know, the extent that this ordinance able to do that? It is a reflection of the work that has been done by victims Council. Then and it was just thank everybody who has been here week in and week out, month in and month out at this point to speak about the impact of like a patient or patient's research unity to new dose in particular. I was thinking about the meetings that we're having in the winter where we were going to promise on selling and having to go in not able to get in unless you're able to not to make eye contact with an employee because our businesses were a lot of people were not able to move freely about our city, but ios and so many other community organizations and community partners continue to show up and make sure that.

We felt the pressure and we felt the urgency. But they also took the time to get this right and to take the lessons that we've learned over the last 6 months to to strengthen our city's approach to civil immigration enforcement, too. Responding with federal agents are in town and to really support To supporting every single community support community. So that's all I have for to the discussion table mission. But Thank you. MISS Coleman. There's a motion for approval. Is there any discussion of that motion see Ms Johnston and then it's just.

Thank you so counts PRESIDENT. Thank Councilmember Coleman as well. I think one of the things that I just wanted to be able to share, especially when I do appreciate all of my constituents that have come out over the last. Several to speak specifically about some of the changes they want see. And even today, you know, just with But the summary you've been in touch with their office multiple times on the issue. And I know that it takes time to come out here during a Wednesday during Monday. Into your dedication to that is noted and something that it's really important to me. And I also really do enjoy operating out of, you know, transparency, especially surrounding explaining some of the votes and where I have stood on the issues, especially because some of the ordinances that up and put forward. You know, I wasn't here for some of the votes to have been able to be here because of the maternity leave in what now that I'm back.

You know, one of the things that I think is really important is that. Upon reviewing a lot of the public testimony and the public record. We heard time and time again about what our community members wanted to see and needed to see to feel like they can trust not only this body, but also our city and overall, just like what are standards were, especially because the separation ordinance has been in place for years. And that came from multiple times from multiple space, multiple time and experience with an ordinance that was already in place. And so to me, change of this, this attempt to strengthen the requirement for trainings and the requirements that are needed really isn't, you know, meant to. An affair with anyone's ability to run the city, especially not the mayor's. I think it does not dictate how staffing operations and utilize, but it does ensure that and existing city policy is implemented consistently clearly and transparently across all departments for think it's going to be really important, too.

Not only, you know, passing policy, but also uplifting our responsibility for ensuring the policy is actually followed. And so sometimes about their expectations for training and reporting we risk and consistency risk confusion and ultimately a breakdown in trust. And I think that that's where what has been at the center of this. You know, we have policies in place, but if we don't have trains, if we don't allow staff to know how to interpret them. We are clear, especially as policymakers about what the intent is 20 years from now, 30 years from now, expect the question. And so I hope that folks, when they're looking at this particular policy, but also all the ordinances that council, this particular council has passed during this time frame that they recognize the only the attempt has been made clear, but also the purpose which they exist or has as well. And so for me, this has been about being clear as a policy maker and its about making sure that we have accountability and it's about making sure that our policy mean something.

And it's not just on paper. It's not just something that we put him past together, but that we actually anticipate being implemented. And so I just want to thank you to all the community members and to the city for, you know, the partnership when it comes to just trying to meet the moment that we're in. I think some of these things, cost of records are not as substantial but really, truly training and reporting our basic things that we should have the ability to ask. And so, you know, I was last council over to join on as a co-sponsor. And that was because I wanted to see and want to fully understand, you know, with respect all of the record, including the memo that was attached and we can look at the same policies and see them and interpret them differently. And I think in this case we are, but I really excited to support that and to support ordinance change I also see it as really apart of the package that we have been working endlessly on as a council to continue to keep our word to the residents that we but to the elected us.

But also more importantly, that experienced very traumatic event, especially on the East Side, Saint Paul. And so just want say thank you, council pre-covid ad to our city. Chief policy officer MR. Greene fell to workforce. I said of You know, Jimmy Nelson and also just too many people who have been able to show up over the last few months. Policies don't happen without and so I hope that this is a primary example of what it looks like when committee members are asking something. Clearly we have to respond. It doesn't matter who, you know, is the person requesting here at the city were all policymakers. And the goal is to have a plan. And so folks can know exactly what they're learning. City staffers can know how to interpret it. More importantly, committee members can know how to hold it accountable broken. Thanks. Chris Thompson is just. Thank you. Council also want to thank council member Coleman for bringing this forward.

I really appreciate all of your effort especially that part of your staff, Jimmy Nelson and chief policy officer. MR. Green Field, I think Chapter 44 a very reasonable and pragmatic in the it mostly just provides training information, reporting information like everyone has been saying. Ad as someone that is an engineer that is used to operating within codes and policy or requirements and so many things. I really appreciate that for the problem here that we're trying to solve without any clear information about what that training should entail or what the transparency around the reporting. We don't have a baseline to measure any accountability. We don't have anything that we can point to where we can say, you know, this is something we need to improve or this is something that we need to change. If we don't have that, we can expect things to change. And I are community members have said that that is not acceptable to them.

That's not acceptable to me. And so I'll be voting yes. Today. Thanks just. Other discussion. The motion is thank Just want echo excuse me. Everything that was said earlier. So councilmember and Coleman and your leadership on this and your staff and how we have listened and learned, you know, over the months. And I just want also just say thank you to sharing. Excuse me. On having those weekly public hearings and, you know, ensuring that we have accountability built into our processes and as we are thanking through what are the best ways to move forward. And when I think about just good leadership, good leadership axed, not when there's pressure but when there is collaboration. And I also want to share, you know, I really value your approach and I'm you there's no such thing as over communicating when it comes to policymaking. And I know we've seen versions of this in the evolution of it.

So and I appreciate te consistency that we've seen from this body. And I'm just thinking of 02:00am Councilmember Joe's had mentioned like this is really pragmatic reasonable. Steps for 2 now more transparency. But having a plan that we understand that is that is simple is able to be implement it. Just think about my time when I was a vice PRESIDENT For the Minneapolis in the race up in my house like groundbreaking worry, like believe it took nearly a decade just to get police body cameras implemented into our cities in the training that went into it and like the fight on the federal state County and local level. And, you know, just today we were able to her use of getting on thinking of how far we came to be able to accelerate streamline type of changes that shouldn't normalize processes that demand community members too, begging, pleading, take time out of there alive, sir, you know, for us to take action.

So I really appreciate the urgency. Even when the intensity is no longer in the room. But we are still committed to this change. So I'm excited cross the finish line. With the law. Thank you so much again, Councilmember Coleman for for your your city leadership on Thank you, MISS That's present and thank you. Council PRESIDENT. I'd like to echo everything that's been shared at the table here by my colleagues. Thank you to be a customer comment for leading the policy here and also thank you to our Many of you have been here a week after week and everything that you shared at the podium. It was spot on with why I believe this is a very important ordinance for us to pass what we experienced during Operation Metro Surge was unlawful. It was unjust. And I want to bring into perspective how real it is. It could be, again, that you lift you a moment like that.

We are still living under the Trump administration. And that a dictatorship and also authoritarian government is still right here with us. And so we have to be ready, have to take action and aso be prepared to be proactive as much as possible. And so that's why it's very urgent and important for us to pass this ordinance. Also want to extend that. Thank you to our a council staff, especially 10 chief policy officer who put in so much working on Also, our attorneys and really appreciate the conversations between customer comments office, especially and also the mayor's office, too. And what I I know when heart is really rage that was brought into city hall here, the fire in our bellies to to fight back and to resist and but we saw during Operation Metro Surge was that it really brought to light the need for because that consistent cities staff training and reporting whenever federal immigration operations occurring in our city.

And this is an important ordinance because it does set this expectation to ensure that we deliver on our promises to all of our residents to our city staff, everybody who comes to Saint Paul to visit to work, to play that our employees resources our city employees and resources will be used to carry out federal immigration operations and that continue being a welcoming city to all. I have high hopes that this will pass unanimously today and if and when this is the don't, I want to make it really clear that I will be here at the table ready to over that. Thank you so much. Vice PRESIDENT. Any other discussion of the motion? I would just. Go after so much elephants. I will also just again say thank you to MISS Coleman to the staff. I agree with so much of what my colleagues have said, especially about the fact that this council still feels that same passion and urgency despite the fact that we MAY not have a room full of people demanding it.

We know we have people demanding it MAY not be here today. I also want to thank everyone who came out to testify. I want to echo what was said about this being fully within the authority of the council. I know this has been well researched. This has been through ad I believe that if we can have a chapter, 44, we can have a chapter. 44, a and then I would echo what you said. Really about the over communication. The intense collaboration his comments had with the rest of us along the way. And that has really helped us understand what we're getting here today to I just also want to be really clear that one of the key questions we got from constituents in NOVEMBER in January and FEBRUARY throughout. But I would agree is occupation met research was this question. But what's the council's oversight function? You have the separation ordinance, but how does the council take responsibility and I found myself unable to answer that question.

I knew we had an extremely strong separation ordinance. I didn't know how we how we had accountability for it. And what I think 44, a dozen additions. What my colleagues have said is it really ensures that we have that oversight has that training. It has that reporting mechanism spelled out codified. So we will be getting that insight into what's going on in the future in a way that we haven't been to this point. And so we can respond to our constituents who asked us for accountability in the affirmative. And so I'm excited about that. So with that, I think we've got some support around the table, motions for approval all in favor say Ae. Post 7 in favor. None opposed. The ordinance is adopted. Item number, 33 is resolution public hearing. 26 Dash 80 authorizing the Department of Public Works to accept the donation of $4,416 from the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy to support a variety of projects and programs including employee development initiatives and to amend the 2026 budget to support the appropriations.

Hard hit. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? Seeing none. We'll take a motion from chose to close the public hearing and approve all in favor. Say Aye. All posts 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted. Item. 34 resolution public hearing. 26 Dash 90 approving the application of Xcel Energy for Sound level variance in order to present amplified sound for Xcel Energy infrastructure, slush utility work on the cp, Rev, up crossing at Hugo Parkway and Shepherd Road from Thursday MAY 7th to Thursday. MAY 21st 2026 on Eagle Parkway from Shepherd Road to North Chestnut Street. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Coming up? Greetings Council PRESIDENT Council members, thank you so much. My name Lisa Rasmussen and the senior manager of community relations with Xcel Energy. And here with my colleague Sean. We really appreciate the opportunity to share more details regarding the requested sound variance. Making significant upgrades to our electric infrastructure And this particular project happens to be underneath this tp.

At railroad, I'm here Sean Cool is an expert in the field and it's going to share a few more details regarding the why behind this requests. shocked that her Foreman the construction crews for metro. Xcel Energy and like Lisa stated that trying to keep our our if a structure well should weather looking for To install these cases on the It is gonna make some noise overnight probably 85 decibels at The pit she's

Going to be and it'll be a couple become a run during the night. Spoke to the project. We just wanted to be here to answer any questions that individuals MAY have in regards to the wider 124. A day project running requested between MAY 7 for the 21st. I guess really, first of all, pre here. Do expect that will 24 hours a day for each of those days. Or is this just to give you the opportunity and the option? I know it will around the clock for those tribute. really got you here. Thank you. Any other discussion or questions as Thank you. Council PRESIDENT, thank you so much for being here as well for this information actually live pretty close to construction site. There. I'm just curious, you know, this might be a very technical question. But what it's like the distance in terms of when a person can actually hear like. I mean, of course, if you're within blacks, but if there, if there's like a range, like how far I was a distance, when you actually, you know, we'll hear it at that.

That range of aid to but one issue, going to try get wasn't We've about 50 guests of So she got one part-time overnight, will be a little longer than that. Won't be at 85. In the board? doesn't look like other questions. Thank you all so much for And it sounds like important work and our infrastructure needs to be maintained. Sometimes that comes along sound. So I will certainly be moving in support of this option. Any further discussion of motion? Someone close public hearing and approve all in favor say All of 7 in favor. None oppose. The resolution is adopted item. 35 resolution public hearing. 26 92 amending te financing and spending plans in the fire department and the amount of $20,594 and $0.31 for the Minnesota task Force.

One reimbursement from the city of and as we always sy, it's a great day and say pollen were taking money from the city of Udine this is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? Seeing none. I'll take motion from Ms Kim to close the public hearing at all in favor say And so they have a point. Do I say 6? Do I do? We this 0, k. 6 in favor. None oppose. The resolution is adopted item. 36 resolution public hearing. 26 dash 94 amending the financing and spending plans and the fire department and the amount of $4,666 and $0.66 for the donations from the Saint Paul Fire Foundation and Firefighters Union local 21 to support the fire Explorers program. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? Seeing none. I'll take motion from Vice PRESIDENT Yang to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye.

Aye. All opposed. 6 in favor. None oppose. The resolution is adopted item. 37 resolution public hearing. 26 dash. 95 amending the financing and spending plans in the fire department in the amount of $5,812.5 for the reimbursement from the Minnesota Professional Firefighters Association. For Firefighter Helmets for Fire Ops, 101 training. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here speak to the site at? Seeing none. Take motion from Wisconsin to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. I almost 6 in favor. None oppose. The resolution is adopted. This brings us to the legislative hearing agenda section legislative hearing section of urgent legislative hearing, consent agenda items. 38 through 53 are before you for your consideration. Welcome is warm and GOD afternoon council. PRESIDENT Council members to the best of my knowledge, there's no one here to testify. Okay. So we will. Hold a public hearing on items. 38 through. 53 to 53.

So if you are here for any one of those items. Please let us know. And 38. 53. Doesn't look like there is anyone here to testify. So I will take a motion from Italy to close the public hearing and approve the items with the nation's recommendations of legislative hearing. Officer all in favor say Aye. I all of 6 in favor. None opposed the legislative hearing. Cnsent agenda is adopted as amended. That brings us to the end of our agenda and one of our favorite times of week, it is from the warts. And more to this camp minus really far in the future. But I and sent it to all of your words. Pretty. But our rec centers, soap box Derby kids have started their fields. And so you MAY or MAY not have seen an invite from my office JUNE second, race town had false drive staff members apparently a kid's office, a box for the crash.

But like maybe like, see what wrecked like. Reach out to your rack person. Your rec center might have a team. So I. Keep it on your calendar. Allison, more details as it comes. But the soap box Derby Ellis are at the last part when she saw by the reason why this one feels particularly important, even though they've hosted a few years in a row is this year. Minneapolis is competing. Yes, so. Pease reach out your record see who's competing and let's get some same homeowners across the finish line this year. Thank you. MISS Him. Other good news from the words Johnson is just in the common. Okay. So I have a couple events that taking place. I think APRIL 24th and 25th busy throughout the city, fined for sure. And on the east side, we have just Resilience and Bloom events. It's a group exhibition of paintings, photographs, prints, textiles, cultures. It's at ardent 9, 6, 7, pain from 5 to 9.

I also have to announce that I have aware of, especially just from the East community cleanup taking place this weekend. One is on pain as But you know, it's just for the court to kind of see that folks are going to join Al from community. It's from 8.32. One, 30 pm. So chilly all throughout the day. You're different locations, ones that cadence records can coffee. And that's in the morning at 8.39. And then the cleanup area is going to be from Avenue hurricane. And so thanks a bunch is providing, you know, and that's incentivizing for me. You can go through and it's been some time cleaning up and then also office and myself has been have been invited to the Parkway Little League opening Saturday I-10 Acres I let read Food neighbors fled. Concessions. Okay. Yes, no, I am looking forward to it. I had you in mind when I said yes, I will be planning to come over there in the morning to.

Cheer on the little because I passed by their off time honestly, it's always it's it's just for the queue to see them play. And separately, I'm looking forward to being a part of it this year. Best news I've heard it's just honest thank you, council PRESIDENT. I just want to recognize that today is Earth Day, which is why I'm wearing and it's it's such an important day to know recognize how important is that we we take care of our planet. You know, this is a council that's committed climate action. And it's just such an important issue. And so with that, I got a couple of citywide cleanup events are happening in my ward. Saturday is very, very busy. My concern Johnson said so Hidden Falls, Regional Park, the Mississippi Park connection is hosting a clean up from 12 to 3 and at the Edgecombe rec center. The Mckell Circle Community Council is hosting the cleanup from 10 to 12.

And then also I also want to my support for the box Derby event in Falls Regional Park. I will do my best to be there. It's such a cool event and it's in Ward 3. So I hope people can join us. And I really want make sure that we did many of us. You're here. This comment. Thank It doesn't process that all this trash cleanups are happening because it was Earth Day. So this is making a lot sense now that also have a trash cleanup to share. But I will say if you are listening to deciding we ship, which of the many trash cleanups to go to this one build a trash mountain. So really excited chair about Midway coalition, fickle trash party. Cleanup starts at 10. They're fortifications. You can sign up online and then at one 30 at the after party starts at left guard we will build a trash mountain last time.

It was very impressive. So because some trash and then hadn't Justices. And I think the loons plant 3.30. So it's going to be a great Saturday in the way. And then one of the things that I wanted to share is this Sunday after you spend all weekend picking garbage. Really wanna encourage folks to go to revel in of Minnesota. Cuban shining it's a benefit concert taking place at Celtic Junction. Some were o'clock to 10 o'clock Sunday night. It is a benefit concert raising money for a couple of organizations that are continuing to provide really essential support in the wake of Operation Metro surge, including 2 indigenous rights and dignity comments. So really looking forward to that. It's going to pregnant, music and community and a chance to support really essential ongoing efforts to help folks recover. Thank you is coming. I would just share that and this is next Thursday. But MISS Kim said we're not going to next.

Wednesday will make sure people plenty notice. There will be a ground breaking next Thursday from 2.30, to 33, 34. The new downtown Aldi. The ground really be broken because there's an existing store there. So I really hope we're not breaking the ground, but we will be celebrating the fact that the new Aldi will be coming in and they're proud of myself for saying Aldi enough of these been made fun of that for that before. So it's very exciting for not just downtown, but the entire community invite people to come help us break the ground. We in the Thank you, council PRESIDENT. So I have quite a few here, but out go with the ones that are taking Have a q Brown. They're having a really lively. We care actually today. For eye million viewers who are watching, if you want to go to how if you're around at 06:00pm in just few minutes there in partnership with the minutes of the opera and also having a circus and cracked performance.

By Rick, Leon cab, a yellow ripping tragedy. Pavel Hopefully my telling that that good. So I try my best. But the evening of circus aerial performances by local business owners and performers. It's going to be and said of I guess artists whose Dolly from Minnesota, but aso there will be a panel conversation that's going to intertwine the past and the future of the community through So that sounds really exciting. And then this Friday. APRIL, 24 at the state Capitol is going to be the African here to say on the Hill hosted by the Council of African Heritage. We'll have some o the partners there, the links I believe some of the divine 9 attorney surgeries will be there as well. And then and Ward. One at next Saturday because believe we will be meeting after that. A second from noon to 3. There's going to be really exciting fashion show. So it's a whole set by the Minnesota spokesman Recorder.

Their sster organization, the sister spokesman. I will be having their annual fashion show and hopefully you might see someone you that's familiar in that fashion show. It And then last at least tomorrow is the last day of the of having to Brown's partners and Prevention community clinic. So that's where they have partnering of different clinics mention of state. I will be there inside of the canteen room. That is Thursday, APRIL 23rd from 11:00pm to 02:00pm. So you can get free screenings. Free cardiac screens pre diabetes. You have a health cold stare, free hand massages. And it's dental screenings as well. Yeah, I believe that pair tons of cleaning in Ward one as well. We have frogtown farmers. We know one of the largest community city own farming land. They're going to have a clean up. At Western or garden as well. This Saturday is a community cleanup. So. tense, tense of things. And we're not gonna get bored and Couple weeks stocks going close.

Yes, I forgot to mention before, and want to mention this because our next council meeting will be a day before the event is being placed. So protections goes into effect next month for me MAY, 14 per are ready. We have to talk about me just kind of crazy. The world is going so fast, but we're going events, community conversation that can just talk a little bit more about te ordinance about what's included what's not included. How the how to best prepare, especially for landlords and renters. That's going to be at the North and Community Center on MAY 7th. So we're working on finalizing it. It's going to be from 6 to 7.30. And working with the fair housing coordinator with the department's aging inspections, the mayor's office and the Office of Financial Empowerment to really get a citywide discussion. And so we're working on finalizing the Flyers will go live, likely before the end the week.

But one of conflict, at least 2 weeks notice and then we get back and have another council meeting. It will be the day before. And add a quick notice that I want to provide you will as well. So as the millions of years that he's watching at home and especially for people who are haven't really advocating for the policy will do community conversation on that before it goes into effect very excited about that. Thank you, Johnson. And as we just served to reminded me through esp. That also there is a Cinco de Mayo. Thank you really happening on the West side. I'm a second. So definitely there. Before you go to there's something happened after that was the that show the fashion show, right? Was thinking to myself think on a fashion. I think we're taking more time with our good news their meeting. I know a long day