City of Saint Paul, MN Council Meeting

???

Sort of accomplice. can't comment care. Johnson here just council president anchor here. 7 presence and absence. Good afternoon, everyone. And welcome to our Sample City Council meeting. Thank you so much for joining us. We invite everyone to join us in standing for the Pledge of Allegiance flag of the United States and to the one nation God, indivisible, with liberty justice for all. Consent agenda items. 2 through 11 are before you for

Your consideration. I know that we are playing item 6, 8 for separate consideration. Is there anything else to be taken off of consent? Seeing none. We'll take a question from Vice President Yang for the balance of the consent agenda. All in favor say Aye. 7 in favor. None opposed. The consent agenda is adopted as amended. Item 6 resolution, 26 Dash 8, 7, for approving mayor appointment of he is young to serve as the city's director of the Department of Safety and inspections. This is a wonderful occasion. We are excited welcome another member of our new administration. And he's shot. I haven't gotten the opportunity but really excited to get to me. You get to work with you and grateful to you for joining us on. Team Saint Paul. I think that we do the resolution first and then the swearing in. So I will make a motion for approval. Is there any discussion of that motion? Seeing none all in favor say Aye. All opposed. 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted.? It do solemnly swear use to support the Constitution's. Of the United States states and of the state of Minnesota State and to just charge faithfully just is devolving upon the duties devolving. has Department of Safety inspections direct back director, Department Safety a of the city of Saint Paul City

To the best of my judgment, to the best Congratulation, congratulations. We look forward to working with you. Okay. Item 8 is resolution. 26, 8 Dash, 8, 6, 8, 8, 6, Exercising the city's authority to opt into and support the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority. And in a move, a one-week layover of this We received a request from the county to do so. And want to make sure the honor that. one weekly over any discussion of that motion. some us not about to return first apparently do not need it done by June first. yes, we had a discussion, a teacher. We had this all in favor say Aye. 7 in favor. None opposed. The item is laid over one week. Item 12. Resolution, 26 dash 8.41. amending the findings of Facts. Conclusion. recommendations submitted by the Administrative Law Judge in it docking them as amended concerning the auto repair garage in secondhand dealer. Motor vehicle License Help. I am okay. Enterprise for the premises located 8.30, Robert Street South and opposing the presumptive Matrix penalty and amending the license conditions. Welcome Schaefer. Afternoon council, president maker members of the

City Council. My name is Monica Schaefer. I'm an assistant city attorney and I'm here on behalf Department of Safety inspections. I want to say this is a long procedure and facts here. So this might be a little bit longer than usual, but I'm going to try and get through this as quickly as possible. be So the purpose of today's item i for this body to consider the record of the hearing before administrative law. Judge McKenzie, that happened back in the summer and her findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendation that she issued in April. this body does not consider new facts or arguments not presented to that. Judge. And the licensee has who is here has the ability to allege air in te part of the ALJ in the application of the law and interpretation of the facts. the licensee may also present arguments related to the recommended action, which is what I am presenting now.

This is this is a matter involving Msk Enterprise located at 8.30, Robert Street sells is the license holder here and there are 2 license licenses. That issue first is an auto repair garage license. And second i a secondhand dealer. Motor vehicle license. This is a unique property because there is another business that shares the same lot. And that is also a second-hand car dealer. And that is named Import Auto. This is the second adverse action taken against Mr. Key has licensed. The first was imposed in January of 2024. want to say first, that is within that two-year period provided by the statute or by the code. So I'm going to use the voice activated project or just to show you. A few things. Voice activated projector. Please. I think it works for all voices. We'll see. You know, this last time, too. there to us. Voice activated. a nice. I'm just going soon be offended. take to getting.

So this is all of the exhibits that I'm talking about are in your materials attached to this rsolution. So these are all in the exhibit. Number 5. So after receiving neighbor complaints, the department sent inspectors out to the property in October 2024. and found several violations here, a car and parked in the parking lot up in Jack presumably receiving repair services, car parked in violation of the site plan and obstructing the drive-thru lane here. Car parts stored exteriors are on the exterior of the property and not in improper storage spaces. Or car parts and rubbish. And then again, a car in the lot needing repair because there are violations found. The department asked that these be corrected and then it would return in less than a month here. It actually over a month returned to the property, hoping to find that the violations had been corrected, that they were not. There were additional violations found.

So in November, on November 14th, 2020 for the Department returned. And here we have more car parts. This is a cool. And as a 55 gallon drums in a freezing cool improperly stored under the Ramsey County Hazardous Waste guidelines here we have or car parts cleaning fluid, rubbish. Items stored xt really, which is against the Saint Paul City code. And then lastly here again, we have a car parked in violation of the site plan and then obstructing the drive-thru lane. Here's relevant. We are not pursuing this violation, but essentially a car being dropped off from large trailer in the middle of Robert Street, which is a busy street own. And then backed up onto the street. The person came from access. The end of Cay office. Us. So done with the voice acting to protect are now. So. Because there are more violations, the department recommended the imposition of adverse action. Specifically $1000 Matrix penalty and several amended conditions.

The department Mark. He requested to come before this body and challenge the recommended penalty. and then when he got here, we ended up this body ended up sending the matter to a contested case. Hearing because Mr Care was challenging the facts. So we have a contested case hearing in December o 2025. that city presented 20 exhibits and 3 witnesses but Mr. Kia have the ability to cross examine and challenge. He also testified on his on behalf the judge expressed confusion with one of the license conditions as well. So Judge McKenzie issued her report and recommendation the findings conclusions. And on April 3rd. Ultimately she found that the city had met its burden and proved that the penalty was reasonable and the proper under the code. The department respectfully requests that the city Council amend or adopt the amended findings of fact that the department has proposed and the reasons for the amended findings of fact, although the judge ultimately found in favor of the city.

The findings of fact and conclusions of law where are only as in places. And so we were just at the department respectfully request that the city council adopt the amended ones. The amendments are to explain. Confusion, identifying, Mr. Key is unsupported testimony, remove the judges, extraneous comments and interpretations of the code. And explain credibility determinations heightened or value the credit The testimony of the department's witnesses and address the years of neighbor and resident complaints about the business that were not addressed in the original order. So ultimately the department asks that you adopt the amended findings of fact and impose the $1000 metrics penalty and the amendments to license conditions. 1, 4, 6, 8, Just thank you shape or someone just clarifying questions to the administrative law. Judge found that the city's recommendation of the $1000 metrics penalty was reasonable. And then the additional conditions that we are that the department's recommending posing on the license.

Can you give some context fr those extraordinary conditions compared to other out a repair maintenance dealerships in the city. How? Absolutely so, therefore amended conditions being proposed. The first amended condition is condition number one. And that is to clarify what the judge pointed out. She was confused about during the hearing and so trying to just help everybody. It's with that one. But conditions for 6, 8, I recommended because they are asked because they're in response to numbers of complaints received observational of the property and violations that are consistently happening or are consistent essentially pulling out parts of the code that everybody has to comply to drawing attention to those for this business. And then as well. They're also consistent with what other auto repair garage is essentially get on their license or secondhand dealer license as well. So this is really consistent. They are not. Overly burdensome. There are reasonable and they are justified by public public safety concerns here.

Thank you, Michelle, any other questions fr Shaker. Before hear from parent. Doesn't look like it. Thanks so much to So we'll now hear from the appellant. So there'll be 5 minutes for testimony. So if you are here on this item, please come on up. the property? And for all public hearings, including this one. We ask that folks to stand in between the 2 microphones. You don't need to adjust them. They'll pick you up just fine. Start with your name and where you're coming from. And then in this case, you'll have 5 minutes are normally we have 2 minutes for testimony. And then we do ask that people sign in on either of the 2 signed in chief after you're done at testifying. Welcome. Thank you. Good afternoon. My name kill And for him, it came to places. time when it was here. It requests that that that because there are 2 business and business in the same location, unfortunately, the and everyone is getting all the buildings.

There are so many pictures and PBS and meeting that the ad be the judge, ice together, input. I do. But none of presented here right now. But I was the one get to live He's going to go against my license, the mechanic shop that he had originally we share that me.

And my brother, you know, Amendment. I'll I'll be because he lives. Other state. He has given his section to another gentleman running the business for him. And we wish aiding may kind of show to give that at the time us here. And, you issue, but unfortunately, days some issues regarding mechanic shop that even I don't have the mechanic the other party has in the county. But the point is people that he sponsored 2 taking care of the because he's building. And you know, but it question last time is to defend using this week to the front license. We're paying to defend fees. He's when they come inspection to inspection and he's for him. If a case pay that from do so. Let's teach was responsible for the Get efficiency saying no, these so they can critic that. But last time and they speak to us that he told me because the licenses on the your name.

We can't go to sponsor. Been fully. But I've been there for like an almost 50 years, but he's unity than me. But that propane tennis star in 1997. So I was going on. And with that, brought my brother my mother, obviously. And giving half of the So you start to be So with that, too. But everything that happens as a safe day, I get blame for E I mean that some of deficiencies that needed critic that everything is done. I mean, it chaired salts. summertime, the you see that there trees cool and they took children. They you know, this i against The ordinance Troy that There is some cause that cstomer. The car breaks bring it We put in that employee make an send you to the body shop for somebody to fix customers but mean Vine. Because the on the microscope by the neighbors, they take a picture report that they have inspector. You can check that because the happening maybe more than 100 times over there, the main complaint but we hve too many cards and every time they come on the cards, it wasn't.

Maybe one or 2 occasions, maybe, but 9% of We didn't have too many cars. Yeah. gone. 14 cars. cost portion for price employee and customer and for the other party. I'm sorry. So and it happens when they bring something like that. It does happen. Maybe the car left outside, but that was in a short period of time and we took care of They show that. Many cities that that damage and any of those parking the customer parking. But they took a picture. They said shouldn't be there of course, the movie, as I said, all things issues in Purdy. The main thing that cause trouble, was good evening, truck to a semi truck very cause and and last time that certainly told. put it to the judge to. I mentioned that. Absolutely has nothing to do with him. If it came to prices. They have the picture of the trucking company, the kind a fight. cost be nice to ready to come Who was event too action all councilmember?

If if you see that could be nice to me that cause all this trouble. You have there chance they might license and putting all the So basically. The guarding the cars and the day. asking if you can deduce that to act and the there, the identity crises here. He's tere. Ad as I said send report. when the speaker comes peas there, it's 54 to location, not just bit Gasol. Then there's stuff comes to American against my license. And that's all in the quest. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign in. Thank you. Say one else here to speak? Well, that actually we're only going you. All right. So I will.

To start really appreciate you coming out and testifying. And I do and grateful. First of all, that you're doing business in Saint Paul. I know that it's a challenging environment and also recognize what you're saying about the fact that there are 2 businesses on the same premises and that that's complicated and that the ownership and the responsibility has been somewhat complex but that said, as you mentioned, you are responsible for making sure that the entire a lot regardless of who is responsible regardless of the ownership complies with the conditions of your license and those license conditions. Are there for the public safety for public benefit for the Celtics of the neighborhood. Your neighbors also have a right to the enjoyment of their property and to the safety of the road outside. And there have been a number of complaints about the property over many, many years. And in fact, complaints of continue to come in even since this particular matter has been in front of the ALJ at your request last time to kind of sort through some of that complexity.

This body really isn't equipped to 2 served in that capacity, which is why we sent it to the administrative law judge to really figure out whether or not this penalty was warranted. She came back and said that it was warranted. So I'm going to move to adopt the department's recommendations today. However, I am going ask department come out to your property within the next 2 weeks to talk with you and make sure that you both understand the conditions and are ready to comply with them. And also that these ownership questions that you have. But there's a path to figuring that out because we all want that to be clarified. W all want you to understand what's expected. We all you have a profitable business in the city and we all want your neighbors to have the amenity in the neighborhood to enjoy as well. So I'm going move the recommendation of the department's safety inspections in this matter.

I there any discussion of that motion? All right, seeing none all in favor say Aye. I'll post 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted. 13 resolution, 26 Dash 8.12, approving a legislative hearing. Few waiver pilot program for the remainder of 2026. And this is item that we're gonna have a brief staff report on just to tell us a little bit more about what it is. Welcome this moment. Thank you. Council president. This is kind of exciting item for us. I began conducting legislative hearings 25 years or so. And since the 90's, even the pill fee for many of the types of appeals that are filed is $25. And we've been collecting that money. And there's a lot of administrative processing that goes on with that. It's not to it doesn't cover the administrative costs, even somebody walks in the door. We have pare filed. We have things to do. $25 i just a nominal part, but we've considered it consistently to be.

An indicator that some of these actually gonna show up. You know, that we haven't spent public dollars putting together an appeal package in setting things up. But right now we're thinking we should test that assumption that we've had all these years that you know, that it's a guarantee that some of this going to show up and in fact, about 60% of the appeals that we here or for special tax assessments or orders to remove or repair a substantial nuisance. None of those hve a $25 appeal. Feet connected with them. And so after talking this over with few council members and the council staff I bring forward this proposal to. Do a pilot program where we can waive the fee. 4 took through the end of the year and then see what kind of impact that is actually had on folks showing up on what the appeals looks like and make a decision for the long-term. pretty excited about doing this.

We also think that moves forward concerns about procedural justice that we at the increasing. They have talked with city attorney's office about this and procedural justice. Is about giving voice chance for people to tell their story to trial. A bias decision-making, respectful treatment, so treating individuals dignity and trustworthiness demonstrating fair, caring motives and all of these build trust and legitimacy into the process having a barrier of the fee. Could diminish our ability t deliver on procedural justice. like to explore that a little bit further. All of that being said, the resolution in front of you before you that the clear intent to undertake this action. We'd like the council to adopt it the pike to begin implementing immediately. The chapter 18 of the legislative COVID governs legislative hearings. Does currently allowing has forever. Allowed that the council may waive the legislative haring fee. And so this is for you within resolution for him. working with the cons City Council.

The city attorney's office for the past couple of days. We'd like to do a belt and suspenders approach on this and bring forward. Perez, is an ordinance to follow up on this as well? So you can look for that in future agendas. But right now quite comfortable putting in front of you this with proviso that it discretionary where the consulate and to this moment and we can start to consider this the policy committee discussion of that ordinance since it's coming to us as resolution. really appreciate this. I will just say I'm very supportive of this idea. And I appreciate the fact in particular that it is a true pilot. I think sometimes we say pilot by which we mean. We want to start something and we only have money to do it for a certain amount of time. And then we're gonna have to find more money later on. This is a pilot in the sense that we're really trying to test the concept and see if our assumptions all this time about the Feely ding to the showing up.

I'm really accurate. So think this is how we should more of our government. And I appreciate you joining us from sport. So I look to my colleagues, take on motion from Yang and then out to my colleagues for discussion of the motion. council president. Well, I'm very supportive of want to say. Thank you to you, Director Wilmes in all of her staff who helped work on putting this together. For your work on it, I just remember sometime last year I can to and asked. Why do we have this $25 fee and where did it come from? When did this start? believe that was when we had renter coming to appeal their rent, stabilization. decision and soul. I just never want to see a few be the reason why somebody choose to not come to city hall here to appeal their keys, especially with this being a government where we don't want to you know, it's we're not here for profit at all.

And Zambia. Obvious. They're not profiting from this at all, either in so I think it makes a lot of sense. And it just is a step towards equity to to waive even if it's just a pilot. My hope is in the future we would make this permanent and I just want to make sure I'm on the same page with you to them and that I heard you correctly. It for the pilot here. This would be. That we would automatically be waiting. Is that right? Where would it be like a request that somebody has to make in order for the fee to be waived? Council president council member at the plan is to waive fees, period. OK? All right. Thank you so much. Yeah. again, thank you for your work on this expense president. I think it's a must come. I did come any other discussion of the motion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. post 7 in favor.

None oppose. The resolution is adopted item. 14 resolution, 26 dash 7.91. approving the mayor's appointment of Melanie McMahon to serve as the city's director of planning and economic development. And this is an item that we discussed a couple weeks ago. I I will make the motion to approve this appointment excited to work interim director McMahon. Now as director fan. And we all shared a lot of thoughts about that 2 weeks ago. But I will just reiterate that I have full confidence in her abilities and we a lot of work to do planning and economic development. Many killed in that position. So excited that she is being appointed. I let my colleagues for discussion of the motion as soon as Thank you. Council president also just want to say I appreciate the discussion that we had 2 weeks ago. I really appreciate the assistant mayors and directors who you know, had made attempts in terms of making sure that we have sme shared agreements and some understanding around a shared outcomes.

I do want to share and we were able to connect be due to the memorial weekend. I think we all could agree that is much better for us to spend time with families and our friends you know, try and iron out this business. But I do want you know, share to b clear about my and give some context behind it. Michael today is not aout not believing in interim director, man's intelligence and her ability leave. I'm very confident and in her background, especially your legal background, her involvement working on large major projects here in Saint Paul. And I have been a partner in that work. But my vote for my office on behalf of my constituents as more rooted in the culture and the values that I deeply believe that should be guiding the decision of the future of the economic development here in Saint Paul. Moving forward. And as a council member who represents Ward one, I carry the voices of my communities that historically have not been included.

When we think about who shapes the decision, who has access to Levin, whose U. S. has access opportunities and who actually hs access to those relationships to make sure that they can find a place here in Saint Paul Weathers choosing to build housing are choosing to build their business. So and I just want to just give context, you I represent Ward one and I'm proud to say I come from Rondell and just given the context in terms of what representation looks like. Historically, there was a time where we didn't Democrats tonight demographic. It was a time we didn't have geographic representation and that there are literally neighborhoods that were left out in decision-making. And when I think about just when the time we did have representation here it was at a time where Rondo did not have economic engine. And it's really important that every community not only feels impacted are able to see their impact and outcomes that we have coming out of the city.

And I just think it's really important that w have urgency with this leadership investing in our neighborhood corridor, supporting our small businesses. It really communicating or Lee with council members want programs aren't working well for communities and ensuring that black and brown immigrant historically underinvested communities are not an afterthought when it comes our economic strategies. And I know that is something myself and colleagues, my colleagues and also director McMahon shares. But I want to ensure that it is demonstrating and we have that collaboration. That's clear. I originally wanted to share. I originally intended on abstaining my vote. But due to our amazing city attorneys and amazing city clerk was informed that I have to take an action. So just in terms of because of that, I am voting no today as a representative of my word as a way of setting clear expectations for that partnership and accountability moving forward. My expectation is still collaboration and rooted in that spirit.

My expectations still growth for growth and prosperity for economic developments in our neighborhoods. And my expectation is all part of Saint Paul benefiting from I this that we make here today and that includes places like Rondo fraud, Town, Rice Street, midway and selfie. So thank you. Thank you. As Other discussion of the motion, vice president. Thank you, council president. I am full support of the support appointment. I do want to say thank you to director McMahon for her leadership and also her working commitments here in our city. It is. just think about and he's been to 7 every talk about directing McMahon, the path way in which she heard leadership has grown here in the city from being in la tapping of directors. Just phenomenal. It is very inspiring. It is the same type of growth and transformation I want for all of my staff and I think of them for all of us really who come do the work of public service and anybody who comes in this work of public service chilly doesn't from a place of deep humility and love and care for the community and soul.

I I also wanted to highlight how I how appreciative I am of the ways in which director McMahon has continued stay committed in in the different roles that she has. And just seeing Paul for all on. And that's the different crises we look to when I first came on to the council here 7 years ago, that was when the pandemic hit. He also experience of cybersecurity attack 2 and then reach with the recent Operation. Metro Surge fall. It's so the commitment work of a and the grid of leaders like her, like our incredible PD team here who has continued to allow for the city here t thrive, insist and so what it takes and that those words gratitude to the entire PD team in all of our city staff overall. So again, I'm very supportive of the payment. Thanks. president. Thank you. Council president also echo that. I'm really excited to support this appointment today interim director McMahon.

I think that, you know, the story of how she started her work here in Saint Paul just illustrates how much of a dedicated public servant she is to our city and how much she cares deeply about its future. council must present mention she started out as word threes aid when my predecessor to my predecessor, Councilmember Tolbert. I think that, you know, her skill and intelligence and ability to build relationships and work. The really complex problems lead to Mayor Carter hiring her to guide developments across the city. First office and then as a leader in the planning and economic development department. And now here she is before to be appointed to lead that department under our new mayor, mayor her. And so I'm I'm really just just looking forward all the work we're going to do. And I think the work that she's done so far speaks for itself. You know, across the city building and construction has continued even through the shock of COVID and many other construction challenges that have been, you have been happening industry-wide across the country, Highland Bridge and Allianz Field in the Heights team a few but many other projects.

Under construction and buildings are going up, which is, you know, as engineer is just one of the things that brings me so much joy with people that are hard at work building or city's future. And I think another thing I appreciate about Director McMahon is that se's been, you know, able to work through all those challenges and find a way through them under immense pressure and having you know, work with all of our staff and, you know, variety. mean, since she started she's worked with so many different councils and mayors just really appreciate her ability to build to get things done. And then also I want to commend all of our PD staff as well that have, you know, had a lot of different leadership and and have been going through a change is spent looking forward to the future and the steady leadership that director McMahon will bring. Thanks, Mrs. Johnson. Yes, thank I just wanted to share on this item 2 weeks ago.

I did exercise my right as a council member to request a layover on this appointment. I continue to believe that that decision was both appropriate and part of my obligation as an elected official. Especially with a community that trust in me to thoughtfully advised to consent as the charter allows and overall to govern on behalf of my residents. I think the ability to vote on appointments truly meaningful. Only if there's room for questions for vetting, for dialogue and for due diligence. Otherwise, to me, that process feels more like a rubber stamp event, an intentional exercise of governance that our community expects from us. I think each member of the council, you know, takes the responsibility really seriously, especially with whom we support. I know that I do. And I hear that that sentiment echoed from across the room. I think that, you know, it's really important for folks that are looking in and out to understand that.

We have the ability and we can at any time ask questions, especially of our leaders stand up to be public servants. And that doesn't mean that it's wrong to ask for be over or that it somehow creates controversy to just simply say, hey, we need take a closer look at and appointment. And so for me, that's always been about how to get to. Yes, as I chaired and previous comments, especially a couple weeks ago that that's really the desire that we have, I think for all more than neighborhoods and communities to ensure that no one is left behind and that process, I think it's important for the public to understand, especially as it pertains to the planning and economic development role that its unique within the city and his distinguished between any other appointment that we haven't director roles being met. It actually serves as a play at economic development director role. It is the murals appointment.

But also then can independently serve as executive directors of the Housing Redevelopment Authority. And in that role, individuals work directly with and at the direction of the eatery board. And it includes issues related to housing development, land use economic opportunity in the investments in the city. That distinction is actually why there was a significant of door responsibility here that I thought needed a little bit more time to tlk about. And again, I just think that that's always going to be reasonable. That's always going to be responsible. And that's something that I will always stand by. As a council member. I truly believe that asking questions doing my due diligence is an obligation that I hold, especially when I ran for office and made that commitment to my ward for people who are just may be tuning in to this appointment and especially for folks who are reading about it on the first time, maybe 2 weeks ago.

I think it's important to give some historical context about this appointment, especially including providing the additional reminder that the point was a national search. It actually included former council member Chris Tolbert on the selection committee and the council members were hurt, invited to engage with the search consultant to help inform the process all the way down to the questions that were asked for that particular appointment and position. It was a huge level of collaboration that just simply did not happen in this instance. And there was a space for additional conversation. There was a line before moving forward, there was the partnership embedded in this appointment and that was during an extensive again nationwide search in which the council had a direct role in that apartment process. I think that's important technology because that's just again, not what happened here. There was actually internal communication about this appointment that went out before the council's vote, which personally for me really made me want wonder, you know, what role did the council plan process?

S my request for the layover was written. net was never routed and personal opposition to manner to her leadership. I think I shared a lot of the same sentiment, especially because Director McMahon duds did start as a legislative aide here at the City Council. And I hope that one day our it's really do see a pathway that they can operate with to one day be the department I know we have some incredible legislative aides, many of whom have extensive supervision and supervisor scoots at the end of the day, though, I think the conversation is always bigger than one individual. It's also not about hiring or internal folks without begging the question. Are there more and more qualified folks that we should also consider with any appointment such as this. And so that to me was something that I really wanted to make sure to pose. The question to my colleagues, I stand by that decision and I'll never apologize for making are asking fairly over from my colleagues because it's truly what I feel like. our obligation to get to a place where we feel.

But every community in Saint Paul on scene heard and prioritize in the future of the city, especially as it relates to housing, especially as it relates to redevelopment and economic opportunity. So for folks that are just wondering and I did get this question from my constituents. What happens in 2 weeks, right? I've had several conversations with staff quit the mayor's office, especially regarding the ways to strengthen partnership and improve communication. I have made it very clear that I intend to see a prioritization and continued investment when it comes to the side projects and businesses to ensure that the stronger alignment between PT leadership and the jury board moving forward. I've discussed the importance of strengthening process, particularly at a time when the city are the jury board may not necessarily degree agree with the destruction or the approach for recommendations from PD staff and leadership, which also think it's very important. Important because we oversee things like guideline changes.

And if we can't do those and partnerships and in tandem, then we aren't ncessarily communicating. I also want to take this opportunity to share that. I would like to see the eatery work Plan B a little bit further developed clear tangible outcomes, benchmarks and accountability measures, but also with McMahon. I truly want to echo my interests and having continued partnership with you. I think we're at a critical critical moment now and some past history when it comes to downtown when it needs. And so I do think this - requires a visionary leader. I just wasn't going to of and a space where I didn't necessarily feel comfortable side to appreciate my colleagues. For supporting that. We over. I also appreciate fans from bing pulled into have for the communication. I just wanted to make sure to address that and also provide that clarity moving forward. And so I appreciate that time that's given is my feeling tend to have follow conversations, especially ahead of any discussions around the eatery appointment as those are independent and separate entities in this case.

Thank you. Johnson. Any further discussion of the motion vice president. Thank you. Council president just wanted to add in another quick comments to my earlier, which is to share, contacts around what I was one of members to support of the 2 weekly over from a couple of weeks ago. And I m, I wanted to give kudos to my colleagues to all of us really for taking the time to ask questions and share Paul and concerned social also give praise to director McMahon too, for me. wanted to there. They said, yes, yes, a bit of context because what I do remember is that when I first came on to the council 7 years ago, the just even concept only overs wasn't very commonly seen. And then also it didn't seem like at the table here, there was often a room for we didn't always create space for customers to with it. Dig into the weeds on some of these sort of things.

And sometimes that didn't happen offline either. And so to me, it's I'm it's very special that we are in the space right now where we've shifted that a bit ad also just being really intentional about what are the conversations we we want to have the table or not. And the last thing I'll say is that I'm very grateful to direct to make 4 for her willingness to to have open conversations that each of us. I am very hopeful and just again, have full confidence in her leadership. And one want to share my gratitude for the ways in which she has really committed to strengthening the relationships, the working relationship. 16 her as a director and also the council. To me, it's it's just always been ad open willingness to continue doing that. And I think oerall that's that's something that I would want to see all all across the board in terms of how we all as leaders on no matter what our positions are, whether we are in elected positions or not, to always find ways to iprove own leadership and also recognize that in which we're showing really strong into.

And also we should share those things with each other. S p back to and what we're seeing to the do great what we can do in terms of U. S.. Thank you as president. I agree. I promised him and that is common and I think really move us toward a vote. All hopefully pretty I was very supportive of this replay over, you know, when the HR chairs asking for additional time that absolutely very easy. Yes, for me. In the 2 weeks I use the time to speak interim director man on multiple occasions and I use the opportunity to lean in to talk about. Both my concerns. But also I think my dreams and hopes and aspirations for the jury department and for APD word 5 has like maybe 6, 3 parcels and the Kmart site. So we don't have a lot going on. And I found her to b incredibly responsive to not just my hopes and dreams for word 5, but they have some news for the city of what we see and what we have in terms of the skill-set and dedication from the structure.

And I met many years ago and I was a very fresh new, BLA and word 5 office, which is funny. Having come O'Brien here, my predecessors here and I walked in knowing that many people in she just us. Tremendous to work with and so I think noting heard concerns from some of my colleagues with an interest in wanting more, I think like an equal willingness of having positive relationships with our staff. That was one that we discussed and we we talked about a lot of things. So it wasn't even necessarily that I had concerns on the front end. But it did give me the opportunity to reach out and have more in-depth conversations with Director McMahon. And it only just continue to solidify the fact that we have a very dedicated staff member that has risen to the ranks and city hall and women tend to check every single box for the feel-like. You know, we're ready and qualified.

And I really can't think of anyone else that he's better position to take on the PDA part sort of the next iteration and have a strong partnership from along the way. So I'm loking for sporting this appointment and I'm looking forward to working with my colleague. Thank you. Miss Kim. It's common. Take us home. And then will really take A look at the very brief because I share most of what I had to say it 2 weeks ago. We discuss this appointment echo so much of what I've heard around the table today and very enthusiastic. Yes, on at this point. And very excited to see interim director become and become director McMahon. The only thing tat I really want to add is it that in this conversation about what does that the kind development look like in the city of Saint Paul? What is planning look like? How are we thinking about growing the city that we all want to see it?

State media moment in the midst of all this to just celebrate what I see is it the tremendous amount of work that's happened from PD just in the time that I've been in this role in less than a year that we're seeing so much momentum moving forward in our city. So many affordable housing projects in, you know, in midway it where I live and part board for we're seeing market rate housing moving forward. seeing affordable housing projects moving forward, supportive housing projects, moving forward. seeing nw commercial development. We're seeing ongoing and critical conversations about how we can continue to, you know, do the nitty-gritty work of that revising or zoning code and making it easier to promote the type of development that we want to see it. And that's just in one tiny neighborhood that happens to within walking distance my house. There is that, you know, I think that there challenges and opportunities throughout the city, but in my experience being here and working with PD under he almost entire time and direction man's leadership. really just feels like we are on the precipice of really big and exciting things for the city of Saint Paul.

Things that I hear consistently from a constituent desperately needed and wanted. As we look to what is the same Paul, 5, 10, 2050, years. Look like I'm really, really excited to be able to work with to helped extra McMahon and that past as we work to put that city yet. But we have made tremendous strides with a lot of work to go again, as has been discussed on the table. There is there's no shortage of work ahead of us. But I look forward to continue this project together. Thank you is coming. As thank you, council president. I promise you I'll bring it home. I just want to say I appreciate everything that was said earlier. I was wanted something that Chair Johnson had mentioned want to expand on and also councilmember com as In terms of like seeing the good in praise. And I think we do a really incredible job. You know, as a city.

Highlighting what we're doing. Good at highlighting the growth highlighting the good. But I do truly think we struggle with seen the challenges and confronting it. And, you know, this conversation today is in a space of making sure that council members, all council members have a safe space to exercise their boat in exercise voice without fear of political attacks without Farrah Fawcett allegations without fear of just all the things that comes when you are speaking your truth and representing your community, even if it's not in favor are highlighting the things that we all our support of. So I wanted to say, I think this is a really an incredible example of all women council. A woman mayor woman mayor making a decision. It actually actively in democracy having the dialogue, even if it is, you even for now on the same page. But I just want to highlight that because I do think, you know, it's something that counter skews me.

Vice president. Yeah, you mention in terms of like 7 years ago that there wasn't space. There wasn't like a clear space to have these discussions. And I know I came in like net understanding cannot be represent. My voters will not allow for me to take both. isn't truthful to what their experience has been are. Even what are my commitment is to improving these departments. So again, I want to just reiterate, no, this is not anything personal. And I honestly as a woman of color, I even hate saying love having to explain myself, you know, and I think that's a truth that has been found in this place in terms of what we have a difference in opinion now, how do we respect that and how do we risk be respectful of all of our colleagues in the space? Thank you. Thanks, I appreciate the robust discussion. really respect the way that we do have these conversations and I do think vice president and is one of the 2 people who have been here for a long time.

Remembering when conversations were much less robust at this table. I think it's a much, much healthier council in our in our agreement and our Thank you, everyone for speaking thoughtfully in from the heart today. With that, we will take a vote and I think it's going to roll call vote. Kim. I. But know Coleman. Johnson High just Council President acre. I 6 in favor want to pose that think councilmember buoy the resolution is adopted.

Going to no snow staying in moment. Okay. Item, 15 resolution public hearing 26 dash, one, 20 approving 5 applications of the Grand Avenue Business Association for sme of variances in order to present amplified sound for the Grand event on Sunday, June 7th 2026 at 6.40, 71 9, 17 10. 55 and 15. 49 Grand Avenue McAllister college parking lot. This brings us to the public hearing section of our agenda, which I think are you talked about a little bit earlier. So again, when your item is read, if you're here to testify, please come on up. Stand between 2 microphones. Don't need to adjust them. Got 2 minutes. Please start with your name and where you're coming from and then side. And when you're done, this is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to us about Randall Day? Sound level variances? Oh, come on intense. Well council president maker hello mistress of the city Council.

I'm Tim O'Brien and I'm the executive director of the Grand Avenue Business Association. And former legislative aide to this bodies. I just wanted an opportunity to rpresent at the Grand Avenue Business Association and Grandal Day and say that we invite everybody here at the table and everybody in our community to join us and June 7th Sunday, June 7th. This is the 53rd year of Grandal Day in the city of Saint Paul, which is a pretty amazing tradition and somehow despite so many barriers and obstacles, the community continues to come together to support this celebration of Saint Paul celebration of our community. I know many of you are planning to join us in the parade Rays or at our events throughout the day. And I just want say thank you. So want to make a note to say thank you to the city Council for your work on security cedit help us defray the cost of securing our events.

That's meaningful to us in the festival in community organizing world, as well as your support of that commercial corridor program. Some of that funding is going towards Grand Avenue. This association's ability to put a festival of this magnitude. So everybody in Saint Paul Beyonce pout join us June 7th will be great. Know it'll be a grand old. Make you any questions about the event sorry. I'm so corny. It's it's great. I mean, it's questions for MS A&M I don't necessarily have a have a question that rain, but it's great to see you. And I. I laughed a little when you walked up on because I'm like I fully expected to be on Brandt and positive. And just I think it's assessment to the community feel having attended Grandal days before. I think it's it's it's it's really great that to see community leaders step up to provide. To provide raised, provides celebrations and to provide for That all across the city as we continue to work post, all of the things that have been handed to the city.

So thank you for your work and I thank you for positivity and thank you for your just being here. Making the time to be today. Thank you. Councilmember Johnson. really thank you, council president. I just want to say the same as well as appreciate your footprint all around Saint Paul. What makes it fun?

Honestly, when I think about just like your service, not only like in the city, but also servicing those small businesses Mott's Abul associations. I don't see how you have the time, the energy even for the 42 for it. But I'm just so grateful for your leadership and how you have just made an incredible impact. When we think about not only that, some festivals are really growing the identity of the virus. See when it comes to our corridors. So thank you so much. Thank you so much announcement. patient. The other. Immense. All right. Well, I will have make a motion to close the public hearing and approve item. And i doing that, I will echo my colleagues. Thanks to you as a for your incredible leadership, your enthusiasm and I cannot wait to once again run the 5 Kand afraid it's not as hard as it looks. Everybody's free to join me. Even my children do it and cover just told child's of it and cause we're just gonna do it again this year.

Also, that's gonna be great. So we will see their and now we will also be able to hear you because in a moment you'll be able to have so that I close public approve further discussion. All in favor say Aye. Opposed 7 in favor, not oppose. The resolution is adopted 16 resolution public hearing 26 dash one. 21 accepting grant funds authorizing execution of a grant agreement and amending the operating budget. With respect to the city's sponsorship of a Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Redevelopment Grant for the benefit of Afton parks development. Mixed use. Redevelopment.

At 8.41, Tay. 51 Grand Avenue. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here speak to this item? Seeing none. We'll take a motion from his ability to close public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. I also 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item. 17 resolution public hearing 26 dash one. 22 accepting a grant on behalf of the Saint Paul Fire Department from the Capital Region Watershed District to support maintenance of the green Roof. Located at the fire Department headquarters station, one building. And amending SPF does 2026 financing and spending plans. And even though they had a greener. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to the side? Seeing none. I'll take a motion for Mis Johnson to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. All opposed 7 in favor, not oppose. The resolution is adopted item. 18 resolution public hearing to I 6 dash one.

26 authorizing the city to accept 6,800. 6 million in $2061 in-home AARP funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and amending the 2026 budget to incorporate these funds into the federal Grant budget. A new federal funding was decreasing goodies, but I didn't know was that This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? Seeing none motion from his coma and close public hearing and approve all in favor say opposed 7 in favor, not oppose. The resolution is adopted item. 19 resolution public hearing 26 dash, one, 30 adopting the climate action and resilience plan update ad and the Senate will have staff report from list where we are super excited. I yes, as well as members of the climate action, resilience at. And this is actually an item we've heard about before. We had an opportunity to have a policy session on the Climate Action plan and give some feedback.

And I know the changes have been incorporated based on a few back into the plan. So want to thank Miss player and all of our community leaders for their hard work and want to hear more about what's in the plan that. Thank you, council president council members, I'm Liz Boyer, Climate Action coordinator for the city. I sit in the Office of Financial Services. And they said you didn't want the staff presentation. So I'm happy to just kind of give an overview of where we're at. You had a presentation. A little while ago and now a couple months ago, maybe had a committee meeting and we made some changes to the plan after that. But it's largely the same. And so I guess what I would say, you know, high level,we adopted the original card in 2019 included a recommendation have an update every 5 years. So this is our first update designed to Make sure that we're keeping up with best practices and changes in technology. science and implementation.

We ended up adding some new categories to the plan. We added categories for funding partnerships, implementation, and most importantly, we're including 5 year action plan in at the very end of the plan. The idea is for these 25 action items to be. I kinda prioritized in the next 5 years. The original plan is beautiful, incomplete and descriptive and wonderful and had 170 action items in. So this a 5 year action plan kind of gives us a place to start the way that those 25 action items were selected based on community input. You know what through our yearlong community engagement process. What did we hear from people that they wanted us to focus on him? Prioritize? We did a lot of communication meetings and back and forth with city departments. What are some things that are already in the works or that city departments know we need to prioritize in the coming years. So all of those factors when 10 one thing that came up when I to the policy committee that I want to make sure.

I kind of touched on here now to is how we are addressing. Hazards and vulnerability is vulnerable communities, vulnerable populations in the updated plan. We know now. Really what the hazards are of climate change for our area. And we know too. That there a geography is that are more sensitive to these hazards. And we know that there are populations of individuals that are more sensitive to these different hazard. We also know that there are natural systems and built infrastructure systems that have different levels of vulnerability to these hazards instead of having kind what we do have a separate chapter where we talk about those on those hazards and those vulnerabilities. But then instead of having like equity chapter or, you know, having that be the only place that hazards and vulnerabilities are discussed. We instead. Highlight for each of the hazards. So extreme heat, severe storms, flooding and water damage air quality for each of these kind of known hazards.

We then talk about the vulnerable populations. The vulnerable geography is you'll see maps in the updated plan and then at the end of that hazards vulnerability section, we have a composite vulnerability map. So we know the areas of the city, gee, I you know, geographically as well as those ppulations within those geographic areas that are more vulnerable and when we get to the actions we talk in the in the action sections and in the 25 year action plan, we say this is the action we want to do and we should prioritize vulnerable communities. So we're not just like making that up in the action that and references back. To those vulnerabilities identified for those has it. So that's just one thing I especially wanted to make clear. I can go and I love this plan and I'm really proud of the process that we went through. had a lot of community engagement and happy to talk more about that or any of the actions.

Also happy to just step aside and let folks who came here to speak, speak and be available for questions. If you have been. Thank you so much as a player for someone who didn't, even though she's getting a staff report that wasn't. Beautiful park. This is how much I love this plan and how proud I am of the process from can talk about it at a drop of a hat. It was beautiful. Thank you so Any questions from is where we are going to open up the public hearing. And I think we'll have general comments after that. But information questions at this point? We will then open the public If you're here to testify on this item and 19, please come up and again, 2 minutes. Please start with your name where you're coming from. Welcome. just and rated better that to my defense to shift a little bit. There doesn't make a phone can hear me even yet.

OK, thank you. High it. Well, my name is Christian Dawkins, but everyone calls me I live Rhode Island, Ward 7. also was a member of the plan Climate Justice Action. I'm a climate justice action, something. helped. To do the revisions that before you now. I too agree. It's a very good in complete plan much more specific than last time around. is something that we should support. I just want to mention that the part of that most excited about is the geothermal. The thermal action plan for the whole city. I'm working in my neighborhood to try to bring about some support for heating and cooling in homes and businesses. But I think a citywide plan is ambitious idea. And very, very important. It's a one out there today. It's been hot for a couple days since going to be had so for another couple days in nationwide, w have 90% of households have air conditioning. 10% do not twin cities.

84 1% have central air conditioning and yet, but among renters, it's only 60%. So picture Avengers in your own districts say they're seeing a there for 4 apartments or any of hand in sweltering in this. He and really suffering. He related deaths quite a bit almost double what they were in 2000. it's really important to pay attention to And the difference between a geothermal heating or cooling and which you don't get automatic cooling, you know, with pick selfie heat, you do get it automatically when you part of a geothermal system. you can picture that just because the difference of heat from it's a it's 55 Underground where the water heat. Our homes comes from and to that up to 78 degrees is minuscule compared to intraday going up from 0 or below 0 say up to 78 degrees is a lot more heating has t happen. And so that's where benefits come The financial issues.

It's much cheaper and cleaner as well. She's geothermal where can. And that is that is time. So I'm to say to that. The geothermal part of your plan here, Rx and so are many others program power of homes and healthy homes really need to be first, though, because you can't, but you their house is still leaking all over the place on help. But thank you very much for your time look forward to Thank you so much.

Make sure to sign it and will come up. I'm sorry. The 2 minutes to go by extremely fast. And it's my unenviable that job to keep everybody to themselves. I am Kathryn to gar my live in Ward 3 and I've been meeting with NATO Saint Paul along with Murphy and I want also speaking favor and appreciation of the proposed thermal energy plan that will completed or at least worked on and a couple of goals that I think we're already mentioned worth it other goals are we would have 3,500 additional households served by Thermal Energy Network, which it's an investment up front costs. A lot of money to put in wells and get things connected. But then it's like free energy after that. it is putting in money up front but will say people in the long run. save people money in the long run. Also the 40% increase in low and moderate income households with access to rooftop solar or solar garden subscription.

I'm fortunate I was able to solar panels on my house, not everyone lives in their own house and you can't just put solar panels on the apartment building. You live in. At least it doesn't seem like a good idea. So making rooftop solar or solar garden subscriptions available to people who are not able to do those things those are things I'm in favor of. Thank you. Thank you so much. Make sure to sgn Well, coming

Stick with my script. only have 2 minutes that have time say other stuff. But hello, dear members of the Saint Paul City Council. My name is Rachel Cunningham. And I'm the executive director of Frogtown Farm, non-profit Urban Farm located at 9.41. The Find Avenue in Frogtown neighborhood board. One I am writing in strong support of the climate action resiliency plan, resilience, plan. Update in the urge to urge the council to adopt it along with the resources, staffing and partnerships necessary to ensure meaningful implementation. Froch from has been an active partner with the city of Saint Paul on climate resilience, work for several years. Most recently we completed a climate justice project through the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance seen CA in partnership with the city's climate Action coordinator. That project was recognized for its potential for national impact being featured in a CNC, a webinar as a replicable model of community to city Climate partnership. Our work sits at the intersection of food security, economic opportunity in environmental justice.

We operate community growing programs, leave grower, incubation and mission. It is for bipoc and low-income residents and have built a working relationship with city climate staff that demonstrates what meaningful community engagement looks like in practice. I want to specifically come in the addition of language in action item number 3 under community resilience and emergency preparedness. Food security. Specifically encourage equitable distribution of community assets to improve food security, including urban farms and foraging community gardens, food market, healthy food options and community-based initiatives that strengthen local food systems and community resilience. The iclusion of community-based initiatives that strengthen local food systems, that community resilience significant. It creates a framework that recognizes the work organizations like ours are already doing, not just going through that building community, infrastructure and capacity that makes neighborhoods more resilient in the face of climate. Disruption and a lot more to say, but I'm running out of time. So really, I invite yu all to come out and see what we're doing at Frogtown Farm.

We have a lot of events Juneteenth. We we celebrate national night out and all of those amazing things to please come nigh. 41 the fun. And come in, make action to the Climate Resiliency Thank you so much. Thank you for your leadership. Make sure to sign in. Well, come up. Everyone. My name is still listed in my Cs. I am a farmer fact on farm. And I'm here just wanted to share bit about the experience Frank town as a farmer has committee member. And as someone who is very devoted to Climate justice, which is really connected to food, justice and justice. A lot of other works. Israeli intricately woven. this has a beautiful experience to be no. The second year at Frey Town Farm where we get to see the community members come together. and thrive on this land. We're in front on farm which is very low tree canopy. Part of town and with fraud town is actively.

In and with you know, where giving our time. I really think I've but also we it's a few lot of the impacts on the land. So being on a land that is so surrounded by industrial and other other initiatives this is a place for community gathers and we come in and

Looking to forge relationships, not with just ourselves with each other, but also with the land and giving us the opportunity to. recognized the essential the essential mist of having urban farms and climate impact and then to invest in environmental justice communities before and action becomes irreversible. And then 3 partner with us as we're already doing the work like send already implementing other other initiatives and really, you know, as a community wanting to be well and you have that for next generations. Thank you so much. Make sure to sign in has anyone else here to speak on this topic? Seeing none. I'll take motion from his camp to close the public hearing and we'll have some discussion all in favor say Aye. post. 7 in favor not oppose. The plan is adopted. So text the public hearing is closed at. So I would look to my colleagues that were very close. 2 for discussion and motion.

That's just thank you. Council president think Aaron, thank you so much. To all the staff that are here that have been working on this and also of our community partners. Very supportive of the climate action, resilience plan. many of, you know, that whole strongly I feel about the issue of climate action. And I do believe it is. It is one of the biggest issues that that we're facing here worldwide. It's and it's the impacts of climate action and global warming are, you know, inescapable and I really do believe it is just such a high priority for us and for our residents, making sure that we are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making sure that we are focused on thinking differently about how we want to build our environment and our city. How do we want to develop? What do we want? You know, our communities to look like how do we want to get around and really making sure we're thinking innovative Lee about how we move forward and then also as some of the Testifiers mentioned, the impacts of climate action that we are going to have to experience and endure.

Well, battling global warming and how that, you know, disproportionately impacts. You know, many of our communities, especially black and brown communities in Saint Paul and making sure that we have the resources and the tools that we need to be able to support folks in this climate crisis that we're living in. And then lastly, I just want to say that, you know, I I'm very supportive of this plan. And I'm also very committed to seeing through the the funding and the additional work that's going to be required to see this plan through. Because like I said, I this is this is one of the most challenging issues that we'll we'll be facing our city and that we continue to face as it evolves over time. So thank you again, everyone excited to support us today. I'll take that as a motion for approval. Yes, a motion for approval. Thank you. Is just is there discussion for the discussion?

The motion this comment. Thank you, council president and want to echo the thanks to our city section and community partners and volunteers and everybody has been such an integral part of this year and and over the past five-plus years, share the excitement and enthusiasm for passing Think that sometimes that there is a message their explicit or implicit that city shouldn't be trying to tackle some of the biggest problems that we face as as a country as of society. And just so strongly believe that that is not correct. I think that what we're showing with the connection resilience plan is that we can and must tackle the biggest challenges facing our community facing our country, facing our world and that we actually have some new tools that we need in order to take the tackle those challenges head-on. It is Yu see incredibly distressing time to be in the United States when we have a federal government that no longer seems to care about stopping climate change and a vaccine said okay, did too.

Making the situation. Worse at a very rapid pace but I think what cities like Saint Paul are showing is that there's a different way forward, a different path forward and that it is, in fact, critical that we do this for care for all of the climate associated reasons, but also because this is an economic justice issue. This is a question about how do people get around our city safely and affordably? It's a question about what this housing look like inner city about what is our infrastructure look like? It is t me so much about this is the bread and butter of what we're supposed to be doing as city leadership. And I just I want to see that when I look at at the curb and can look at the updated version of it. Really what it means for me is such an incredible vision of what our city should look like and what it should mean to be able to live in the city.

That is equitable that is affordable. That is actually a city that is going to be sustainable for the long run. So anyway, I could tell more about it. I think there's so much in your. That's incredible. I think obviously. I think the space has been used like half a dozen times today, but plans are only as good as the paper they're written on. If we aren't actually committed to it, seeing this through making sure that funding is secured and that these it and the priority steps in the car park actually prioritize through how we are running the city in the next over the next 5 years. But have a ton of confidence that we'll make that happen, that we have that the teams that we needed a place of the city to make it happen. So yesterday, thank you as as Billy. Yes, thank you. Council president asked which one say thank you for everyone who showed up in person.

You know, it's always a pleasure. When we see the people behind the action. And also the people who are like in the field mking sure our neighborhoods in our cities are more climate or into it. I also just want to say I appreciate couple things that were mentioned during the testimonies like the tree canopy, fraud, Town farm being here. Really appreciate just learning more and hearing more and just getting familiar faces here. If people have not had a chance to, I really encourage you to tore fraud town farm. It is one of like in the Million. You know, I'm unique examples of how a city on a property can actually do good when it comes to addressing the food desert Excuse not desert, but approved steps to Thank you. Thank you. It is. I need some food right now. Yeah. But I want to just the leadership. There's amazing. We have a lot of partners this invest. is fully volunteer.

If there's so many so much good work that's happening there. Also used to serve on the advisory Council for the Department of Agriculture and one of things that we were really intentional about is investing in urban farms Saint Paul is one of the largest fraud town farm is one of the largest urban farms community owned Urban farms. I thought actually in the state of Minnesota was actually the country. So when we think about just a national impacts that we have, no, here and you would want in Saint recent example for it. And also we want to share. I really appreciate just the continuation of the plan. I remember no former director rest really was leading on from nt only council member, but now that was the director of of the office and just leaving it on. And I'm just happy even with change administration that this is still a commitment as this is still a priority.

And I'm excited. Israeli continue taking those bold steps to ensure that not only the plan, but really the decisions we make in terms of development projects, that's integrated in this plan. And I see how it's so comprehensive, afraid as well. And when I think about just like the evolution of how we even invest and talk about climate change or even climate resiliency has truly evolved. Used to be a time where it was just like, you know, you change your light boulevard. You you fix your sake. But now it's very, vry comprehensive integrated everything that we do. So I just want to just echo that leadership echo the people who volunteer their time and energy to show up to educate as well. And I think I want to just highlight as well In our budget priority retreat that we've had. many of us had opportunity to hear about different district councils and then prioritizing climate change.

And I'm really curious to to learn more about just what are the neighborhood, neighborhood advocacy, you know, parties. I know in Frogtown. I just want to just say this because I think my my friends in Frogtown probably would be upset if I don't mention it. But there is really robust emerging campaign. It's growing out of the Frogtown Neighborhood Association caught Frogtown deserve to breathe. And when we think about the brass fund re and like many of these metal refineries that's in our cities and like impact that it has an understanding that the lack of tools that EPA has our even our own state pollution agency has to really ensure enforce that. We have clean air that we have safe, breathing air and that's not just only for, you know, have to tree canopy, but that's for all of our areas, especially when we think about our farms, our local farms and the like. What is the health conditions that we're setting for?

It for these neighborhoods. And what are the tools that the city and also the government agencies can use ensure that we protect their our climate. Thanks so buddy. Some is Cam. Yeah, I you know, for the believer home just planet's off, but genuinely want offer my sentiments and my support, especially because I know that. To me that the carpet is economic racial and social justice tool like we genuinely are creating a framework. you know, over a century of harm that has been done in certain communities and some spaces like if you look at what kind of really crowded with in the car plant where it stemmed from, including the reports that really just led up to our response as a collective. You know, no way to really have the scar plan without addressing some of Cletus concerns that is genuinely been embedded in our city. And so I just really appreciate the and Pfizer board that spends a lot of lot of time working on those.

I appreciate the staff that are also leading this work. There's no blueprint to do your roles in your job. It really is, you know, requiring you to visionaries. It's a crying you to also think about what the future looks like. You know, when some of us are longer all of us long gone, right? It's it's a legacy documented to breathing document. It also is really important that we continue to get more specific as we learn more as we dive further in. And so I also share that need for partnership when it comes to funding. I look forward to just continue leave and this council and especially the sector coming in as the budget chair of the council. I feel really, you know, I feel a sense of responsibility and continuing to tackle our sentiments and our responsibilities and our priorities. was really glad to see the council really address climate action is one of the things that we felt pretty strongly unanimously across the board and and so just really thinking about what that looks like.

I think this plan does a really good job of taking the bold ideas and the bold visions and make it specific. And I look for that. Even death diving further within that to create funding opportunities for that specificity. And that response, especially with lands and, you know, I I appreciate being here you know, one of most dedicated folks were taken when it comes to climate action there. Several people and several communities that show up tat many top officers that I have many community conversations because this is a really important to them and really important to me. You know, I think we've heard from different organizations throughout the day, right? They have invested time and effort. We heard from Moms Demand Action this morning news, Minnesota is another organization that just genuinely. We'll continue to be. And I see organization that i building on power and building through these lands. And climate justice is clearly a huge part of the work that they do.

But things like this plan, the updates and even just the staff partnership really stem from the committee members saying this is important to us and really being willing to defend the decisions to show up to support decision. So just want to say, I hope that folks feel like even in the midst of everything that's happening federally at the local level, people are not moving away from something mayoral transition. This remains a priority for not only, you know, the council, but also embedded within the city with having staff that are just saying, hey, this super important to us very to continue this work we've made, you know, community commitments. And so over the years, I hope this point just continues to continue to wind down and what the direction also as it continues to flesh out the details. It's gonna come with a price tag. And I look forward to continuing those conversations, especially because I look forward to climate action being one of our legacy as well as an all-woman council on how we continue to respond when we know that for a lake, I want to build a a world in which some of the climate in equities that we've seen don't exist when my husband, my husband and I are gonna my son is sitting in my seat and I look forward to being able to, you know, to have that be a part of the work that we do together.

Thanks, Chris Thompson. Yeah, just because to the staff list, wonderful to see you hear canes, work big fan from our district Council stays and huge kudos to 5 town farm. Also an incredible place where you are creating a system like food systems, any ecological systems. And once that, you know, we have a lot to learn from, quite frankly. I think that the thing I want to lift up the side, it's not just clean air and clean water for us, but for all living animals on on Mother Earth, right? Like we're our our job isn't only for ourselves. Oftentimes, I think we get that a little bit. Our heads where like we start to go down this, our own profit driven destruction because we're so focused on humans versus like what his first rusty look like. And if animals and our trees had a vote in our water, had a vote at the table. What would that look like?

And so even though I think a lot of the things that we talk about have price tags, I think the best part about this plan is that it also focuses o like local. Lakers economies rate. So how then do we also legislate opportunities for families to grow their own food in their backyard? Right to create more of a biodiversity here in the city. And so I just I'm really excited around how much better it's getting. And and I'm extraordinarily excited about the geothermal. I know sometimes there can be conflict around like putting more things into mother rights and on indigenous and stolen indigenous land. And yes, here I said I worried 5so far. You know, another word is going to beat us. But we have t the largest geothermal projects in the city and they are I have to say they are absolutely incredible. And so how do we utilize all of the? The tools that we have also centering the values of not just humans, but are.

Our eosystems and all the living beings turner it. So he SCOTUS Justice Stephen Ellis to share value and huge lofty vision. And this plan absolutely takes us one giant step forward figuring out how the city can deliver on our promise that we're going to tackle climate change and at a local level. So congratulations to all of you. And I love the sleepy, very support vote. Thank you as campus. Ay further discussion. Think of it just echo all of my colleagues. Thompson, thanks just say that am so grateful and proud that we have a climate action, resilience pan and the city of Saint Paul. And I don't think there is an issue that resonates with our values as a city. And as a people. As climate action does because caring for city in caring for climate are inextricably related. We ae seeing the effects of climate change every day. Now is not the radical. It is real and it is issue that we hear about my constituents on a regular basis and I'm grateful proud to be able to point to this plan that we've worked on inclusive way.

Thank yu so much. The Climate Justice Advisory Board for that that we work on in a tangible way. Thank you as a player for the improvements that we actually have action steps that not overwhelming in number but really, really doable. And then I do want to say I'm very grateful for the attention to the feedback that we gave and specifically for the attention to those areas and populations that are particularly vulnerable to hazards. I know that was a concern that I raise because of the Southport neighborhood on the West side in my district and lots of others on the council have specific neighborhoods in their areas and seeing the way that you enter wove vulnerability into all the chapters rather than just having it off on its own. Really ensures that will see action on that issue. So. So thank you. And looking forward to supporting us today. And with that, I think we're ready to vote all in favor.

Say Aye. 7 in favor. None oppose. The plan is adopted. Legislative hearing consent agenda items. 23, 27 are before you for your consideration. Welcome moment. Tough act to follow council president. I don't believe there's anyone here to testify a legislative hearing items. All right. So we are now holding you are here to testify and items 20 through 27, any of those items, this is your public hearing. Is there anyone here to testify in any of those items? Seeing none. I will take a motion from vice pesident to close the public hearings and approve the items with the nation's recommendations of legislative hearing. Officer all in favor. Please say post 7 in favor. None opposing legislative hearing consent agenda is adopted as amended. That brings us to the end of our agenda. lost all the students and then to embarrass But they were here, teachers. They were here. And so with brings us to good news warts.

Anyone got me Johnson. Yes, I think you own thank you to cancel being for also bought. But I wanted to share to today. So I hope folks are watching what has been happening at block in TP. The walking to center's actually getting ready to open and they're having their grand opening on Friday. I'll be it's aong with the mere senator, harassment or commissioner and some other. Elected officials and community members and partners and funders. Therefore, the ribbon cutting it's Friday May 29th. It starts at 11. There will be remarks in the 1st half. So if you're running a little late, need to stop by after after lunch. As you know, politicians are gonna have their time to speak, bt also you might be able to get through the doors are open at 12, 30 to 2. So even if you're coming in between lunch and the calming spare a few minutes, want to skip the chitchat.

They're the 2. But yes, going to be a whole event. we are asking folks to kind of know where they are going. You have to pay in 5, 90th Street East. They'll be some signage. things there, too. But you don't have to take part that. You can see bus too. But either way, it's really am just going to be really great to see this milestone coming also come to fruition. And so he out to and Maggie Lorenz Word 7 resident but also the director walking walking TBI, one company. And so I just really excited to see this open because it's been a long time in the making. And I know they're really excited to see it go life. And so they're asking people the rcp. So please do so, Maggie, happened my head? And I didn't hear that. So you can always show up. It's free to attend. But we have a registration link on top mind to.

Very exciting. Thanks Johnson as can. Thank you. We the north Rex and are their fields are going under construction. They will be closed. This is good news. That will be closed starting yesterday and through the fall of 2026. But its because we're getting upfield and prevent through our common sense sales tax. That's one of the comments and sales tax projects so folks can see renovated field. So that is one so ball fields will be closed. And and then also. Food truck Friday is again this Friday at 907, Payne Avenue at the corner of pain in York from 3 to 7 happens every other Friday. This Friday is one. And then my last good news is went to go visit the North and so box Derby team yesterday. They are putting the finishing touches. If you don't know, it has been my good news for several weeks. But the soap box Derby where defend our title against Minneapolis is happening in Ward.

3 down head and Falls. Broke. The road in Penn Falls and we have several teams that are competing from Saint Paul. So please go check your rec center kids as we defend our title on home turf. June second, 05:00PM to 07:00PM Hidden Falls. Police find parking in walk in. Thanks. Miss Kim. No event has ever been better promoted at good news. From the words than that your credit.

Other a single event over except except know broken arms at this event to This Saturday May 30th at 11:00AM at Dunning record that Toni Stone Field it done the wreck sports complex is the unveiling of the amazing Dave Winfield stand too. I just wanted to say kudos to director Andy Record is he has this been giving me updates about every step of the way. I really and just enjoyed seeing this. I love it. Now we've we've have it shipped in. It's here in Saint Paul. But there's going to be the unveiling of installation of it at doesn't wreck May 30th, which is tis Saturday at 11:00AM. There will be speaking engagements from the mayor myself in an and a couple other people as well. I really, really encourage everyone to come out of you are baseball fans. We're going ESPN there that winds will be there. And also I want to say the major baseball league as well.

They'll be there. There's a lot support to not only Dave Winfield's legacy, but he and his self. He He will be there and his family as well as many of you may know, some of the wind field families really prominent and Rondo. buddy. Other news. Shared this last So I have a different one this week. But just to remind you of last week. That in 25 minutes, the party for the park's starts at Harriet Island and all are welcome. And it could be day. from that and that one once again and then on Friday after go see the food trucks. The downtown block party is back by popular demand isn't yours? Practice from 05:00PM to 08:00PM is live music, food drinks, free activities. chain DJ Boom. And live music featuring milk. And it's going to be awesome. It's all free and open the public. So hopefully can come back to 8 this Friday. With that.

If there question about the downtown series, is it every week or every that is an excellent question? I don't think it is quite every It has been episodic throughout the summer. Last year was the first time they did it and at least twice. So I don't I'll make sure to incorporate into my good news all the time. So horrific. That's right. All right. With Thanks for getting the urgent.