City of Saint Paul, MN Council Meeting

???

Eating the same health City Council to order. Welcome, please. Thank. Johnson here. Just can council president maker here, 6 present one absent that being Councilmember Bowie who is excused? Good afternoon, everyone. And welcome to our Saint Paul City Council meeting. We're told that you could join us today. We invite everyone to join us in standing for the Pledge of Allegiance it's Is there public which stands one nation under God. Indivisible liberty and justice for all.

Consent agenda items. 4 through 12 are before you for your consideration. We are going to pull item 11 for separate consideration. Is there anything else to be pulled from consent? Seeing none of motion from Vice President Hank bounds of the consent agenda all in favor say Aye. 6 in favor. None opposed. The consent agenda is adopted as amended item. 11 resolution. 26 Dash 10, 11 supporting the recommendations to the governor for ranking of eligible census tracks for designation as Opportunity Zones. And we were just notified that there was a slight technical change that needed to be made. So I'm gonna move a version 2 of this item and we will need to vote on it to need to be pulled from consent for the version. 2, any discussion of that motion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. Host 6 and they were not oppose. The resolution is adopted as amended item. 13 resolution, 26 Dash 10.

28 recognizing the life of Lieutenant Colonel Doctor County paying for his contributions to Saint Paul in for claiming July. 11th through 13th as lieutenant, Doctor Kalpana thing Memorial days in the city of Saint Paul. Vice president, you come from president. I will be going to the podium. And so do have a lot of special guests in the room here today for this resolution. So please join me at the podium. Thank you so much. So made everyone to join us at the podium this year for this item. If you try to stand in between the 2 golden columns, then you'll be on YouTube live. very excited about. Thank you for joining us today.

Yeah, proud and a little bit because we have a second rather we get. everybody. Thank you so much, everybody for this special time here. I we'll be bringing forward resolution to honor the life of Lieutenant Colonel Dr Khoo. thing he there's so much I want to say about on what an incredible person he is. He i a very well known and say very significantly committee. Also family dentist says so many of us who don't. Who is also my dentist, who and you'll har so much about his life in the resolution here. I want to say thank you to Dr Khoo dings family members for being here. We are joined by so many of his his children, grandchildren. Also many other community members as well. And his wife is here with me song and say I'm so grateful to her for extending her time and during that to creating to be here as well. And so what does mean about the resolution here and then I will bring Pete to the stand to say a few words.

I also want to extend that. Thank you to the entire family and also President Shawn Fain of Council for reaching out about the resolution here because I'm not able to attend the you know, percent that Haitian for them to come to city Hall so they can meet all of you and then accept this in person with us get a photo as well. So for the resolution, whereas the tenant, Colonel Dr siding was born in 1955. In number allows to song and thing and grew up during a time of 4 displacement and great for chip, whereas from a young age, Dr being demonstrated courage, resilience and a deep commitment to service assisting the United States during the Vietnam War. As a radio operator and air traffic controller in miles a start giving injured extraordinary hardship as a prisoner of war survived. Separation from his family escape danger. And later reunited with his wife's family and their daughter.

After more than a month apart. Whereas after living in a refugee camp in Thailand, actor Ving and his family were sponsored by Zion Lutheran Church Belvidere, Illinois, where began rebuilding his life in the United States determination, humility and hope Ving worked tirelessly in many fields while learning English and continuing his education. Eventually earning his general education diploma and becoming the first in the Hmong community turned a doctor, dental surgery degree from the University of Minnesota. as appreciation for his new country and with the continuing desire to serve the United States, Dr joined at the 100 33rd airlift wing the Minnesota National Air National Guard in 1988 as a dentist serving honorably for 20 years until his retirement in 2018, whereas during his military service that Colonel Vang provided dental care to more than 7,000 airmen helped strengthen financial readiness within that contributed to record-high individual a medical readiness rates across the National Guard. Grassley turn lieutenant colonel.

They never missed regularly scheduled the trail during his 20 years of service, exemplifying discipline. Dedication and the Air Force value of service before self whereas beyond his military service after being was a respected scientists and business owner of the things and make in order one, was a community leader and advocate who served more than 35,000 patients. Many from low-income families underserved communities. Dr being served as co-chair of the Board for Them American Education Foundation. A senior adviser to special relate units, SU Veterans and families of USA, Maine Council of Minnesota and was an active member of the American Dental Association and a set dental association and the District Dental Society received the Minnesota Dental Association's Humanitarian Service Award in recognition of his devoted service, his patients and community, whereas the city of Saint Paul previously recognized his dedication to community service claiming October 13th 2018 as the tenant colonel could be day. And whereas the tenant colonel, Dr Khoo list Sidings Life stands as a powerful example of courage, sacrifice, faith, perseverance, service and love for family, community country and the people of Saint Paul.

Now, therefore be it resolved at the Paul City Council here by celebrates and honors the life like to see and lasting contributions. Lieutenant Colonel Doctor thing for the resolve that the Saint Paul City Council here proclaims July, 11th through 13th 2026. as Lieutenant Colonel Doctor Koop Westside Memorial days in the city of Saint Paul. Thank you all. like to share a bit about why these states were chosen by the family for Dr Khoo things Memorial Days. That's when his funeral will take place. He passed away on April 15th, which just recently and at funeral is a moment for people who sure he has impacted who is just very inspired by him and his likeness committee committee to come and pay respects to him. The family. don't have made this a public funeral. And everyone i welcome to fix a tiny, extend the invitation to all of you as fall. It will be located at the Aldrich Arena Maplewood.

So it would be it'll be a very and funeral for somebody who has made such an impact in so many people's lives. And the last thing want to say is recruiting anybody who knows him knows that he is just one of the most generous well coming in kind individuals ever. And so he is so deeply to his entire family. I want to know that could made such a huge difference and the impact our community our economics on to really improve lives of folks, especially those who low-income. Some my favorite stories time folks shared was how whenever they came into his dental clinic and they couldn't afford the bill, he would just say, don't worry about it. I'll take care of it for you. And so you just do nothing. Meet somebody who is so kind and passionate like that. And so he's somebody who and I think about, you running businesses, he definitely puts people over profit.

And so I will miss him. So know many people in the committee will as well and say what you want to know. You're not alone in creating doctor looking to so have such had such a great model your lives and he's a role model so many of us to do. Thank you for being here. So what I would like to do is invite people to come to the microphone here. Share a few words.

Thank you. Councilmember Yang and thank you to the council. Just real Our family came to Minnesota. And we've been Frank town since 86. So I Dana was established in 98 and the feld Clark's property by front sound. And for some of enough to remember things like that. And then eventually bought the section for property on university. And that is where we are located. thought download renovated it turn it into a offices and with the restaurant. So thank you again to city, City Council and going to be

Qantas, the state of Minnesota and the city Saint Paul, you have been our home for. Quite a while. 40 years so we appreciate very My dad love Saint Paul. I love coming to work. He loved going to For at their National weekend a month. So we we gave him to to the base one weekend, a every month for 20 years. And we proud to do that because that's what he He's a workaholic. He was 7 years old, but he was not ready to retire yet. He he was still planning to work another 3 for years and we wren't open 5 days a like some dentists and hate this 4 days. But we were out 5 day week operation. So he's going to be missed. Same Pablo as you know, as much as we do. we've definitely you all to attend his feel. And July 11, 12 13 at It's open for everyone. Anyone who knew him heard about him, patients, military friends, there will be a lot of people coming and that we're planning for a lot of people to come We will feed you as well when you come just hopefully to see their to come spend one last weekend my father.

Thank you very much. Into so much, Pete. what I will do is invite ploy come up and take a photo o a succumbs members. Please come and join us is if you're willing able And to make sure people get to

Thank you so much. changes? We should probably take a vote. So thank you all so much to all of our guests for being here. Our condolences to you and your family and so grateful that we were we were able to to honor the dctor in this way. So I think that's a motion for a missing for approval on favor. Say Aye. post 6in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item. 14 resolution, 26 Dash 10, 10 celebrating the 91st birthday of His Holiness, the 14th, Dalai Lama and recognizing the contributions

Of Saint Paul's Tibetan community. I'm honored to be bringing for this resolution on behalf of the council. And I'd love to invite my 2 guests who I believe are here from the voluntary to that advocacy group and the president that American Foundation, Minnesota. tense and intense and both here welcome. Come on that. I want to thank both of you bringing this idea forward. One of the things that we talked about was that this is an opportunity not only to honor the Dalai Lama's 91st birthday, but also to honor the contributions of the Tibetan community here in Saint Paul and in Minnesota. So I'm not going to be the entire resolution. It is here and it is public for all of us to see. But I want to read a couple of the paragraphs because I think they really get at the at the heart of it. Whereas the Dali Lama has traveled extensively throughout the world, including Minnesota, fostering greater understanding, tolerance, harmony and compassion among people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Whereas in 1989, his holiness was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for advocating peaceful solutions based on tolerance and mutual respect. And whereas the teachings on secular ethics, compassion and emotional resilience have influenced educators, spiritual practitioners and leaders globally. And whereas over 5,000 Tibetans now common to home contributing to the social cultural and economic fabric of our communities. And whereas 7/6/2026, marks the 91st birthday of his whole Unit. Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Council of the City of Saint Paul of compassion in recognition y - of His Holiness, the 14th, Dalai Lama's 91st birthday in the city of Saint Paul. In recognition of his lifelong dedication to peace, compassion and nonviolence. So again, thank you so much for bringing this forward. I would love to invite you to say over it. So I will begin. My name is tense and show some time the U. S. national coordinator for the 10 volunteer Trent advocacy group.

And I'll be followed by R But American Foundation Minnesota President. To which is traditional, threaten grieving. And good afternoon council president and members of the Saint Paul City Council and community members. Like I mentioned, m name is tense and just proud to American and lifelong Minnesotan and the U. S. National Coordinator for the voluntary advocacy group, the primary Youth engagement and Leadership initiative of the Central Tibetan Administration. To government exile. Today today, I'm honored to stand before you as the council considers a resolution recognizing July 6 as the day of compassion in honor of the 91st birthday of His Holiness, the 14th, Dalai Lama. For Tibetans around the world, the Dalai Lama is our spiritual leader. Bt his message extends far beyond that. And for decades. He has encouraged people of all backgrounds, faiths and beliefs to practice compassion, kindness, and respect for our shared humanity. His lifelong commitment to nonviolence dialogue and understanding has inspired millions around the world.

This resolution is especially meaningful to me as well. Personally. As a child, I attended the trend in language and cultural classes and many people come the training community center here in Saint Paul. For our community center is much more than just a building. really honored to share the same birthday is the Dali And that's really special to me and my family because we very appreciate and value the the teachings and spiritual leadership of the Delhi. One them. I think my parents have had the opportunity to meet him at one point because he has come to Minnesota several times. So thank you so much for. Bringing this forward in France, uplifting or, you know, local Tibetan community here in Saint Paul. Thank you. Mrs any further discussion is camp. Thank you so much for coming. I just want emphasize how much I appreciate. Being grounded in the history of why you're here that, you know, we currently are also a genocidal settlers states.

My ancestors have been occupied twice. We add experience. We're experiencing a genocide right now in Palestine. So from Turtle Island, Secretes pet, you know, I really appreciate you being here and happy birthday to the Dali Lama. you so much for granting us in this moment and why why it's so important for us to be connected to issues. So thank you for lifting up the event and will be able to make it that will make sure to check out. Thank you, Miss Kim. Any further discussion of the motion? Seeing none. Thank you again for reminding us that compassion is not just a personal value, but a civic act. And I'm going to keep that with me as we move forward. All in favor say Aye. I'll post 6 in favor the resolution is adopted. Item. 15 resolution, 26 Dash 10. 22 celebrating the 2026 lgbtqia 2 S plus Pride Month. Is kept. think I am going read the resolution is the record and I've got a few speakers with the state will introduce sands that whereas is to keep this move And so we're celebrating the 2026 lgbtqia to us.

Plus, Pride Month here in Saint Paul. The existence of Lgbtqia 2 S plus people in Minnesota predates the arrival and establishment of Minnesota as a state by European settlers. connotation in some way is assimilation policies sought to force conformity to Richard rigid and western gender and binaries the month of June is recognized and observed as Pride Month in commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York for Black and Brown Lgbtqia to us. Plus, people resisted police violence and ignited a movement for human rights. The stonewall uprising was the culmination of decades of discrimination and criminalization of our community and black and brown transact events including Marsha P Johnson and Sylvia Rivera led the way for significant progress, including the legalization of same marriage. And the lgbtqia 2 S plus community has sadly long been faced with discrimination based on their identity and expression and continues to face efforts to erode their rights and quality of life with the tax on health care, education, civil rights and more Minnesota added protections for orientation and gender identity in a Minnesota Human Rights Act in 1993, doctor, the Marriage Equality Act in 2013 enacted a statewide ban on conversion therapy in 2023 enacted protections ensuring access to gender-affirming care and safeguarding patients and providers from out of state interference helping establish Minnesota as a refuge for transgender people seeking care.

And Saint Paul has been a leader in advancing lgbtqia to us plus equality including adopting one of the state's earliest ordinances prohibiting discrimination based on orientation in 1974. extending protections based on gender identity in town 2012 and prohibiting conversion therapy for minors in 2020, something that I was very proud to carry as the former legislative aide to the office lgbtqia to us. Plus, residents, workers, artist educators, entrepreneurs, advocates public servants and community leaders contribute and measurably to the cultural civic and economic vitality of Saint Paul Pride Month is a time of mourning and resent remembrance for the many lives lost to the AIDS epidemic and the increasing violence and hostility towards trans youth. Pride Month is also time of community and connection and the joyous celebration of authenticity and visibility. Therefore be it resolved. The Simple City Council encourages all our cty departments to evaluate opportunities to establish your strength, an ongoing mechanisms for engagement with our lgbtqia to us.

Plus residents including advisory bodies, community listening Sessions, community service and other formal channels for input. And be it further resolved that the Sample City Council encourages all city departments to continue efforts to ensure residents have access to inclusive and affirming facilities, including gender-inclusive restrooms in city-owned buildings. for the resolve that the simple City Council reaffirms its commitment to maintaining inclusive employment policies and workplace practices that support are LGBT Q to U. S.. Plus employees. And be it further involved. Resolve this only 2 more the same full city council friends at the same Paul that Saint Paul is the city that welcomes per tax and celebrates all residents regardless of orientation, gender identity or expression, they're for be resolve this impasse. City Council here by recognize this June 2026. As Pride Month in Saint Paul. So I would like to do you decide on order, I'd like 2 incredible community leaders and executive directors to speak a little bit.

And I think the first will be kept around the executive director about from Minnesota. Thank you. Thank you for bringing forward this resolution. And for honoring Pride month here in Saint Paul, the city that I call home, my name is cap room now used and she pronouns. I'm executive director of out from Minnesota, our state's largest LGBTQ advocacy organization which has been serving the state since 1987. I drove to get here across the Bridge in part just to see all of the pride flags as I crossed over the Mississippi to come here into downtown. And it's a reminder to me both of the visibility it that our communities deserve during this month of June, but also the challenges that we face interspersed amongst American flags. This is a challenging time for LBTQ communities. A time when our federal government has sought to reverse or race or remove our mentions of identity and protections and care that we have worked for many decades to try and secure in this country.

I'm proud to call Minnesota home a state that has stood up and protected and recognized and celebrated our communities and to call Saint Paul home a city that has done the work to speak up for our communities. When we have under threat and into support community members who called this city home. Today, especially our organization, put out a statement in collaboration wth the family of Gabriel. right. Perez, who is unfortunately murdered here in the city of Saint Paul and a beloved member of our Twin Cities community a member of our LGBTQ community. And I want to take a moment to honor and remember and his family and loved ones and into recognize that when we talk about morning here in the month of pride and it is something that is very present real for those of us here in Minnesota, it's not abstract morning. It's not about just those who we lost in the HIV AIDS crisis, who we do remember, but i is about the very real threats of violence that our communities face every day and the way in which violence against LGBTQ people and bodies is intertwined with violence on race, violence on all sorts of issues of that we all experience here. as we remember him as we remember others that we've lost, I think it's also important to recognize that pride is an act of defiance that as much as we have become familiar and comfortable with the visibility and recognition of Pride Month that it is still a radical and bold act to declare our support for LGBTQ communities and to have LGBTQ voices leaders and elected officials speaking up and standing up for our communities.

And I'm proud that Saint Paul as a space in which we can do that. Our work is ongoing. LGBTQ rights will continue to be a hotly contested issue for the foreseeable future. But if there's one thing that pride has talked me both as a practice and as a lineage and that history in our communities, it's that we don't back down from a challenge. It's that no matter what the face of hatred and discrimination and repression looks like our communities have found ways to create joy to find one another to build community and to build durable power, not just for our own gains, but for the gains of everybody in our communities because everybody deserves to live fully and authentically as themselves to be able to move through the world free of discrimination and to be able to celebrate who they are, how they choose to build a family or not and where they want to call home.

I know that there are a lot of LGBTQ folks, including myself who call Saint Paul home. I know that this recognition is very welcome this month of June. And I want to thank you all for considering it and bringing it forward. Thank you so It's a pleasure to be with you today and to offer my support and appreciation. On behalf of this important resolution. My name is Megan She her executive director of Gender Justice for a nonprofit legal and policy advocacy organization. We work to advance gender euity through the law. As we consider this resolution today, I'm once again reminded of why gender justice is proud to have been founded in Minnesota and based in Saint Paul. That's because Minnesotans don't just proclaim our values. We live them through our policies and our actions. And that makes our words and our communities truly power fall. Today's resolution is powerful and it is needed for many of the reasons care already touched on.

And I just really appreciate naming the loss Gabriel to the community. Very recently. But in mid, you know, constant attack, federal tax in particular and translate rights and the lgbtqia 2. Plus 2 S plus communities dignity. It's critical that Paul proudly declare so every community member knows you belong here and you are welcome here. This resolution explicitly recognizes the deep connections between the fight for Lgbtqia to us. Plus liberation and the fights for racial justice, indigenous sovereignty and economic equity and the historic and current leadership of and trans and gender diverse people of color, especially black and brown. trans woman. innocence. A proven over and over this year. When we say we stand with our neighbors, we really mean it. And a this resolution highlights, Minnesota and Saint Paul both have a proud history of establishing concrete, meaningful protections and support for lgbtqia to us. Plus, community members. And today this is an important opportunity to continue that legacy by adopting this resolution.

Also a name that another set Minnesota can take is to pass an equal Rights amendment, which ensures that our state's resources and laws are never weaponized against our own people and to literally right are strong values of equity and inclusion into our state's highest governing document. We can continue to fight for every trans person's right to play, right to play sports with their friends without facing discrimination. And we can continue to foster a culture of lgbtqia to Plus dignity autonomy and celebration through action in advocacy through daily conversations in our communities and through Joyce gatherings like today's and those held throughout pride season. Last but not least I want to highlight a specific line from the resolution. Whereas Lgbtqia to us. Plus, residents, workers, artists, educators, entrepreneurs, advocates, public servants and community leaders contributing measurably to the cultural civic and economic vitality of Saint Paul. The skills like truth at the heart of the resolution and a core of our communities.

Minnesota is a better sate because of our trans and gender expansive. Leaders and neighbors say Palos a better city because of our community. And today and every day through this resolution, our daily actions, we honor and recognize the immeasurable contributions of trans and gender, expansive Minnesotans and commit to maintaining increasing the safety dignity and joy of our home and for all of our community. Thank you. Thank you so much. And with that, I move approval. There's a motion on the table for Is there any discussion of the motion? Thank you, council president. Thank you. Councilmember can for bringing forward This resolution. I want to say thank you to incredible yeat. He's in the room here for coming in speaking and jst really reaffirming the importance of pie and also protecting and and fighting for our LGBTQ+. community. As you all were speaking, I was reflecting a bit about, but the wonderful moments that I've had going in speaking into youth classrooms and aso just being conversation with us.

My own cousins, you know, teenagers who identify as LGBTQ+ and I wanted to really speak to town generational. I'm changing in. Clutch. Will change. That has happened fom even just like 2025 years ago when I was still, you know, a child to this day, I know for for my cousins and their friends who have been in conversation with they feel so much safer about being able to commodities, sure about their experiences you know, as a GP 2 cute pass, folks. And if you know, it really because of that leadership in the committee organizing the fight, the resistance that folks have put in. And so I wanted to take this moment to the share. My solidarity with all of you. And also to continue reaffirming that same policy place for everybody across race across class gender sexuality. And so you want to say again, thanks for your incredible work and keep up the amazing work. And I'm here with and keep as president. thank ensure they don't even know if my comments are my thoughts.

But they were in doubt in my phone. So if they're not original, please, someone tell me that it's there and this may come across is that sharp? But I know I'm loved loved Pride Month is requirement of the society with Mines and closed hearts. Pride is a reminder that we need every day that justice isn't finished. Safety a situational and inclusion is the bare minimum hatred doesn't require consent and liberation loves company. So while this resolution is for Saint Paul, I do want extend this. Welcome welcome this ad warmth to ever run across the state. There are many reasons why folks are and our outdoor queerness take so many different forms and ways of being. And so it doesn't matter. You know where you live, if it's safe or not, to be your full self, you are valid and you are just a part of our community as anyone I'm looking forward to this part of colleagues to pass a resolution today.

Thank you. Miss Kim. And I will just say echo my colleagues. Thanks to you both. Incredible leaders for honoring us with your presence here for your eloquence. And for being with us in the work, not just today, not just this month, but all the many days and months and years. Besides that. Kat, I really appreciated what you said. I have the same experience. Fortunately every day to come across a lot coverage to work and see the pride flag and the American flag and the complications that you described of how those 2 interlachen overlap and intersect. It's if there's a lot of layers there. And so that really resonated with me, sir. Thank you for talking about that. So with that. motion for approval all in favor say Aye. I post 6 in favor. None oppose. The resolution is adopted. Item. 16 ordinance 25 Dash 4 ending title 4 of the Saint Paul Administrative Code to add Chapter 92 title tree preservation for a city-sponsored construction projects.

I cannot tell you how happy I am to be reaching this moment. I think the 5th time we'll have a first reading of this ordinance. Just kidding. So we will have staff report. This is not actually the first reading of this ordinance, but because there has just been so much work that's happened over the last 18 months, it is essentially a new ordinance. And so we will have a staff report on the changes on the work that has been done over the last 18 months. There will be a lot more to say about this at apublic hearing and final adoption. I know everyone has received Aaron Novella describing the work and process. But with that, I'm excited to welcome Director Rodriguez and team to give us the staff report. Thank you, council president council members. Glad you got big thick three-ring binder there to review. As you can likely guess I hear a lot about a lot of things in my role as park director.

But the most consistent topic I hear about his trees, Saint Paul cares deeply about its tree canopy. And I believe that is recognized in the ordinance that we're going to discuss today. Very excited to be here has, as you mentioned, this is 18, 18 months of work. That has been a cross departmental effort along with public works and parks aligning technical standards, navigating hard tradeoffs and building something that we can all stand behind. But I want to specifically recognize Nick Peterson, Steve Dodge and Sean Kershaw from public works. Tom Hagel, Alice Messer and Rachel's on word from the park's team for their expertise and persistence and committing Tate. Get this right. But also the community input or to convened a public input group aptly named the Pig. have to say for a group with that name there and start extraordinarily president to work a pleasant to work their engagement was serious, thoughtful, generally shape. This ordinance, the residents of neighborhood voices or embedded in this product.

So just want to note that and give a particular recognition to the war to office and Megan jacket for helping to facilitate their partnership throughout this process. It's also notable that you made it to all 17 district Council meetings to engage on this process. So thank you for that. But the tree canopy with in Saint Paul is one of our most valuable assets in this ordinance. Gives us the tols to protect it. Thoughtfully equitably and with communities trust. So with that, I'm going to turn it over to Tom Hagel R Operations manager and Sean Kershaw from public works to get the presentation. Welcome. Good afternoon. I'm Tom Hagel, operations manager for Parks and Rec. I'm ready. This started to see guys are ready to start. I'll be touching first on the tree. Preservation ordinance. Just the overview and itself what the purpose goals of that are. And then shot will be following with the. Standard operating procedures from that.

The purpose of the tree ordinance is to recognize the trees are a vital part of the cities. Infrastructure. It also establishes a citywide framework protect manage trees during city-sponsored construction projects. Ordinance also lies with reconstruction efforts with the goals and policies of the 2040 comprehensive plan. As well as the climate action next with a long-term goal of creating a proactive accountable and transparent system to protect expand Paul's of a tree canopy. Why does this matter? Over the last several years we've been doing and all the ash brer aside from Mr. for we've a lot of construction and more to come with sales tax projects that are and our future as well several climate impact issues including storm and drought. Just as old over the last 2 weeks with the storms that we've had experienced over 250 trees that have either been damaged or lost to the storms in itself. Trees as we all a public bnefit.

They reduce heat. They're a part of our storm. management system as well as improving air quality and public health for the neighborhood is critical. We do have a lot of spots. I do have more canopy in our neighborhoods and it's important all the critical issues that come with slower canopies sites, mostly and pollution. What the ordinance requires. Again, this is back to city sponsored construction, that tree and Tories and sites have. We have treated Tories Inside Service. intent of including a certified arborist throughout all these processes, the formal tree preservation plan. As well as early evaluation of alternative opportunities to protect trees where we can rather than having a law student. Construction. This also defines tree protection zones, which the fencing and other things like to put into place to protect trees throughout the construction process. And it also develops construction protection standards and inspections that Sean, we'll talk about a little bit more. And it's also about putting preservation first in most instances where we can the to demolition through construction.

So far the The overall goals are to coordinate planning a first preserve existing health canopy, which is important everyone reduce avoidable tree loss as well as establish mixture, canopy and preservation is wanted or possible, but setting minimum requirements for tree planting. Thanks, Tom Council members, my name Shawn Kershaw operations manager and public works. I want to echo the to go through some of the details. Nick Peterson and Steve Dodge from Public works really did the work for this. I'm here because they had some unavoidable conflicts working really closely with parks, obviously working with the public I can't. want to call it the pick. The public input making jacket is a sort of unnamed hero in this to hold this process together was incredible because a lot needed to happen and certainly council president with your leadership. The key there for standard operating procedures. So the ordinance will live on, you know, as an ordinance. Therefore, a standard operating procedures that are behind that and I'll walk through them.

I think they are in your of the tree Preservation. Pre tree protection during construction. This is one of the biggest changes because it defines it sets a third-party arborist to come in and do weekly inspections. Immediate correction of volations, continuous coordination between contractors. Public works and forestry. It lay it specifies the contractor responsibilities and these will be in the agreements with the contractors. Immediate reporting of tree damage. Forestry permits required maintenance of tree protection throughout the process. This includes restitution for damages. So it establishes as its says, financial accountability. And w use a consistent set of guidelines for how to determine those Stan standards. sort accepted within the field. Restitution would apply to an unauthorized tree removal. Improper route, cutting so compassionate excavation damage, damage from equipment or staging and work performed without required permits. All of these are real-life examples that we've seen in projects that this sets up a remedy to address. It talks about replacement planning when trees cannot be preserved, that it is to planning is required, focuses on long-term Kennedy canopy restoration.

And that gives forestry the ability to determine species, planting locations and minimum standards. So keep some central to this role. It also sets up a public input and transparency process. This is throughout the planning process. So it starts early when we begin the basic planning for a project. They'll a multiple public input opportunities, multilingual, communication. And then annual reporting to the city Council. And that's the end of the formal presentation. So therefore sets a standard operating procedures tree planting and restoration, which is sort of the start of construction. And then after construction. Construction protection. So critical root zones to finding those and how contractor should operate tree damage and restoration restitution that I mentioned. And then there's an SNP. The last one is on the transparency and engagement. So I think we are I know we'd be happy to entertain questions. This did go to Parks Commission and received unanimous vote in favor of it.

There's a lot of public input there. And I know that that they'll be an opportunity for that at a later date. Thank you so much for the staff report. I see a question for Johnston. Thank council president and thank Director Kershaw being here along with all the team that worked on just kind of what has been a lucrative now. And honestly, just truly great to see it all come together. I-2, one point asked just a little bit more on the budget for this and kind of like kind of understand the grass year to hear what going to cost the city. How can we plan ahead for this ordinance to go into place in the end, be more than just like an ordinance passed. That is actual eyes. And I and I apologize if I missed it, but I don't think I've received kind of a fiscal note for this ordinance or really an understanding of.

The costs and estimations to keep up with the ordinance requirements and to implement what has been put in place so we can move on that plan with the intentions of, you know, action allies whatever passes. Thank you. Councilmember Council president all speak to the public works side of So this will increase the cost of projects, but the projects themselves will pay for that. So hiring an outside arborist on they'll be more time. They'll be more process. The projects themselves will cover those in so much as its a common sent project or any public wrks. Project. The project budget would take on the cost for that. So it will increase costs, but they'll be all these public benefits that go along with it. Thanks, Council, president council member also Ed, just we have one urban forester that oversees construction projects citywide and that in its current form just. Not enough to keep up with all the projects that we have.

So just factoring in the overall forestry budget. You mentioned that could be absorbed by project, but we will have to look at the structural kind of setup of the Forester unit and how you can make it more sustainable future. And I think this is a quick nod and follow up for it. You know, I really wouldn't continue to just encourage with me this. Unanimously receives canopy unanimously receives feedback as a pretty high priority. Not only for all of us in this room by, you know, you have to hear it's been some of the top priority as well for council and was again this year. And so just placing that into the understanding to from what I've seen and even heard from competitions and my community and my ward, 2, you know, it's really important. I think if we can plan for certain things ahead of time, just t know if it's, you know, if it it's realistic to have when individual doing that work or within the parks dpartment and to the peace around observing the cost through the Hear you on And if it adjusts the timeline of projects can do that.

I think just whatever's learned in the first year from it and we really welcomed as far as like feedback $0.2. I very much see this is something that is the right direction to go in and something that we spent so much time. What the planning things that have Gavin, a lot of community input, but also something that must all of our constituencies care about. And so just genuinely wanted to to see it be successful and also since we're placing these ordinances in place, just kind of know what we have to do to continue to keep up with the requirement itself. So just echoing both my support there and also just welcoming the feedback of like what we learned from the first year. But the men Taishan. Thank you, Johnson. Before of Mr. Khurshid jumps and just to say I fully appreciate agree with your questions about cost over time.

This ordinance uniquely, I think killed in an annual review of the ordinance itself and its cost and its effectiveness. So that is actually what exactly are asking is baked in that that will come back to us for review. I would also encourage the department's to think about whether or not the cost of say additional forestry staff much like a certified arborist could also be amortized unaccounted for. People sort of piecemeal over the cost of different projects, each of them sort of paying a share of whatever that cost ends up being to the city to have that additional staff who is working on those I think that there are creative ways to think abo had at not add to the general fund burden but make sure the projects are paying for the full cost of the work with that. I think Mr. Kershaw had thanks. Helps president was going to mention the annual ew that it's built in to the ordinance and the fact that just one endorsement and he said that public works can't do its work with inadequate.

Staffing for the expectations within forestry. It's vital that they have even if we hire an outside arborist, there still needs to be review internally. And so it's critical that the spport from. Ongoing forestry staff is there. see a is just thank you. Council president, thank you all for the presentation and also thank you to you make a jacket for all of her work on tis. I have a qestion about. Just the the trees during construction. So thinking about, you know, have all of road projects coming up. And, you know, that's a road project or a building project you often encounter like unforeseen conditions. And I'm sure you do as it relates to trees. during construction in order to protect trees will projects be required to basically are they going to locate those critical root zones prior to construction does that require nondestructive testing? I guess I'm just thinking about understand that they'll be taking on that cost.

But I could see that being a pretty significant cost. The project potentially if there's a lot of trees. Council president council member it's normal that we do a survey of where trees are in a project. But this adds a lot more depth to that so that there will be a tree by tree determination of the critical root zone will be in need, you know, to make sure that those are followed. So it's the combination of better work before the project begins, assessing it literally on a tree by tree basis. More careful construction expectations as well as monitoring and then penalties for when something happens that shouldn't have to. So it will get down to the individual tree. You know, accepts the fact that on some boulevards, there's very there's a wider boulevard and others that it's narrow. If you think about the work right now on Dale Street, it's a county project that's a street was really narrow boulevards trees that the trying to work around. So it acommodates the fact that the situations for each project and its street are a little different. Thank you.

Not seeing any I want to thank you all again for your time. Will say more about this may cause factors for public hearing on July 8th. But for now, I also 2 things. One, I want to recognize the amount of immense work that you and your teams hve put in. And I been saying this to everyone, and probably say it again during this process. But I want to say to you, our sort of let's just us that the process really has been an outcome. I'm not typically very patient person. And so I know you've all experience that over the last 18 months. and yet, I have come to appreciate how much. Your departments and your teams working together on this ordinance is actually what is going to be needed for this ordinance to work because ultimately this stipulates the work happening between your 2 departments. And that's not something that we can just Band-Aid on, paper it something that has to be learned to build in.

And that's exactly what you've been doing for 18 months now. So thank you for all the all the hard work that's gone into it. I know it's gonna make it much more successful from day one. I really appreciate that. And also and recognize that one of the members of the pig, we love pigs in Saint Paul. I think it's a KSAT. He's here with Bridget, Alice and I really appreciate I'm so sorry. And I didn't know Ad are both here and will t Al time to recognize you at the public hearing as well. But thank you for being here for your hard work. Wth that. This over till. Republican. Item is laid over to July's for second reading public hearing item, 17 resolution public hearing 26 dash one. 41 approving the application of District Energy Saint Paul for some of variance order to present amplified sound for district energy boiler testing event on June. 29 through July 3rd and July 6 through July 10 with the potential addition of joy love and 17 to 26 at one.

25 Sheppard road. Just a couple This brings us to the public hearing section of our agenda. If you're here to testify in any of these items, when your item is called, we invite you to come up. Stand between the 2 microphone. Start with your name and where you're coming from. of 2 minutes to testify. When you're done, please sign in on either the to sign in sheets. This is a public hearing on item 17. Is there anyone here to speak on the side? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from is common to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. Aye. All post 6 in favor. None oppose. The resolution is adopted item. 18 resolution public and 26 dash one. 42 authorizing the police department to amend the financing in spending plans in the police Department Grant fund. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item?

Seeing none. We'll take a motion from his just to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. post 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item. 19 resolution public hearing 26 dash one. 23 approving the application of think for some of advance in order to present amplified sound for Rondo Days festival Saturday, July 18th 2026. At 2.71. North McEwen Street outside Martin Luther King rec center. This is a public case. Anyone here to speak to this item. Seeing none. We'll take a motion from come to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. I post 6 in favor not oppose. The resolution is adopted legislative hearing consent item. 20 is before you for your consideration. we don't have moment. 4 of us anybody. Mister Williams, Mr. Council, president Council members. We have no one here to testify today. So well us our calls to make sure we amost never have won legislative hearing agenda items. That's why this has been If you are here on item 20, this is your public hearing. Seeing none. We