Thanks for letting me. >> How you feeling, Laura? Are you okay? >> Yeah, it's uh >> getting a little rough. >> Oh, no. >> Are you getting it, too? >> I think so.
>> Oh, no. >> Wow. >> But, um, three of the four people in the household now officially have it. So, I would love it not to be four out of four. >> Okay. Well, we'll try and move through the agenda as swiftly as we can. >> Is it hand foot mouth
>> stomach? >> Um, I'm not sure if I can do I'm trying to open my >> I don't think it's streaming from mine. Oh, >> now I can hear this. >> We ready in the booth? >> Okay. All right. calling the North St.
Paul Arts and Culture Commission meeting to order for June 3rd, 2026. It is 6:35 p.m. Uh Jordan, would you like to take role for us? >> Yes, I can. Um so, Chair, uh Tom Sonic, >> present. >> Uh Carrie Neto
>> here. >> Uh Ashley Perfect is uh absent. And then Sharon Clark Williams >> here. >> Uh Raquel Sodto is absent. Laura String >> here. >> Right. And then Eliza Verma is absent. Urosco Garcia
>> here. >> And then Troy Woods >> here. >> All right. And our staff liaison Jordan Layman. >> I'm so used to doing this for you, Tom. >> Wow. Yeah. I thought I wondered if I would forget how. Yeah. >> Here.
>> Jordan's here. >> Yeah. >> All right. Thank you, Jordan. All right. So, uh, we're at the point where we adopt our agenda as everyone had a chance to take a look at the plan for tonight. loved the agenda. I make a motion to approve. >> Carrie moves. >> All right. I will I'm not sure how to do
the roll call vote, but uh Carrie Neto. >> Yeah. Wait, do we need a second? >> What do we need to do? >> I will second that motion. >> Thanks. >> Um All right. >> So, and then Carrie Neto. >> Yep. >> And then Sharon Clark Williams. >> Yes.
>> Tom Sonic. >> Hi. >> And then Laura String. >> Okay. >> All right. Okay, now we're moving on to item four, the approval of the minutes for May 6, 2026. Everybody get a chance to look through the minutes. Any thoughts,
edits, questions, concerns? If not, we'll look for a motion to approve the minutes as they are stated in the packet. >> I move to approve the minutes. >> Carrie moves. >> I second that. >> Sharon seconds. All those in favor? Jordan, you want to take the role? >> All right. Carrie Neto, >> yep. >> Sharon Clark Williams,
>> yes. >> Tom Sonic, >> hi. and then Laura String. >> Hi. >> All right, moving on. Meeting open to the public. There's nobody here. Public hearings, we have none. Okay, so commission business action items and recommendations. First up is the Minnesota photography utility box wrap
application review. So, uh, Jordan or Sharon, who's going to walk us through this and set it up? >> Would you like to or I can? >> I can do it. >> Okay, let me uh Whoopsie. Let's bring it to the >> I love the options, Sharon. Thanks for
bringing those forward. >> Oh, you're very welcome. >> Where are we? Is this it? There we go. >> Okay, so the subcommittee for the utility boxes met last Wednesday to uh
review all applications for the utility box. We received a total of I believe seven applications and we have narrowed it down to two finalists. I want to clarify for the public that we the members of the
subcommission had no idea who took what photos. We never opened the applications. We only reviewed the art. So it was we were trying to make it a very fair and blind process. So, no background, no nothing cuz I when the
call for artists went out, we said you could be professional, you could be amateur, you could be adult, you could be a child. We did not want to be swayed by any of that. We only wanted to go by the work. So, we narrowed it down to application one and application seven.
And for seven, they had provided several photos. And these are the photos that we had selected of the ones that were sent in to make the utility box. So I don't know.
>> Oh, you can do both. Yeah. >> Okay. So, um I don't know how this will exactly work or if people in the public can visually see the applicants. Um our I'll just go over them real quickly for
the members of the commission here. The first one the colors are very vivid and that is what struck us. So it would have um a wonderful appeal from a distance.
Uh for those who cannot see it, what it is a picture of it is blueberries and uh fall leaves. Uh what we call like a peep through view through the leaves of a lake. U monarch butterfly on I
can't remember what that plant is called. And then the last picture uh is I believe it is wood. It is like the side of a tree. And the pardon
plug in your computer. >> Oh, I did not bring my computer. That's so I'm just reviewing. >> You're doing good. Thank you. >> Thanks. So, um that is what the first images are of. Now, a second thought
process is going on with applicant number seven. They provided two photos of butterflies on natural um what would you call it? Prairie type flowers. Very vivid, very
beautiful. And what the appeal of the center series, so the wide side of the boxes are horizon pictures of one which we named sunset at the lake because it reminded us of going up north and the sunset in the evening. And the other one
uh I called I90 cuz it looks just like when you drive to South Dakota and you look out across the fields and you see the clouds coming across the sky. And the other one is kind of like a sunrise and the pink undercloud belly. And so
they're very very beautiful options. I love them both. And um I'm not trying to sway both one way or another with Carrie and with Tom, but those are the options. And
um you feel free to offer any comment either of you have regarding these images. >> Yeah. Um so can we for the purposes of these? So the the the the one that is listed first in the packet is is one
>> and the the other one is seven. >> Yes. >> Okay. So I guess we could go with one and seven or one and two. Um okay. Um I think they're I think they're both great entrance. Um
personally I really love the photos in the first one. They're really uh they really pop and the colors and the images are really great. >> I agree, Tom. I think these images are fantastic. I love the choices that you and the subcommittee made, Sharon. Thank
you for doing that work. Um I'm going to be exactly opposite because I loved number seven. Um I love I'm a landscape mark. I think landscapes are beautiful. >> Um and I love the the tptic kind of in the middle of those three images. So, um
I guess Laura has to be the tiebreaker. >> Well, Sharon, yeah, will vote as well. >> Um Laura, are you able to see the photos in the packet at home? >> Oh. Uh >> oh.
>> I was just blocking the the image. So, we have one for one and one for seven. >> Yes. >> Yeah. And are you able to see the images at home? Are you able to see the pack? Okay. So, you got it. >> Um, and I I was part of the meeting, so
I know which one is one and which one is. >> Okay, perfect. >> Um, >> it's just our three votes. >> Well, and Sharon, so there's four. >> But if we go two to two, then what? >> Then we'll have
a decider. >> Oh, then we would just have to wait until the next uh >> Yeah. >> official meeting if the if it was a tie. >> Okay. Um, I have to say that I am leaning toward one as my choice.
>> Okay. >> Okay. >> Well, now it's up to Sharon. >> So, I'm going to make a motion um to to choose uh entrant number one for the utility box wrap at Silver Lake.
So that's is that how we would do that is make a vote on >> Yeah. And then I think somebody needs to second the motion. >> Okay. >> Well, before you make a motion, I I would like to to speak to him because I am >> evenly tied on both of them because so I
am comfortable with either one. >> I do have a I do love the imagery on the first one. I think it was amazing artistic balance and use of color and light. The use of imagery and texture
really spoke to me. You can see the texture in the wood. You can see the texture >> with the berries. >> Very very beautiful. And I I I'm a sucker for butterflies. But I will also put this promo in for the other one.
The one thing I will say that Minnesota is definitely known for beyond our lakes is our sky. >> And um after all we are we are the land of the sky. The lot of water are more directly interpreted as the water
reflecting the sky. And uh so that the sky is a very powerful imagery to me because it tells us the weather. It tells us I mean we can look at those. We're so used to navigating by the sky here and you don't even realize how
intrinsic it is into who we are. We can we know oh that sunset that that clearly was summer. We we know the time of year just from looking at the sky. We can feel it. We know. And so that is my
positive for the other one is I love this whole aspect of the sky. So in that case, I would like to propose a counter motion to Chair Sonic's original motion. And with that counter motion, I would like to move that we accept number one
for this initial utility box. And then I would like us to, in an unprecedented move, accept number seven for a second utility box yet to be determined. If we both or if all of us are enjoying all of these images as much as we are, I don't see why we couldn't have two utility
boxes with photos on them. I certainly feel like I'm enjoying both of them. I How about the two of you guys, Laura and Tom? I mean, do you love >> No, I do like I do like both of them. Yeah, my preference is just for the
first one. So, >> I definitely love the idea since we have so many utility boxes to spread that love um and share the beauty because I I also appreciate the sky like Sharon said and um Carrie, it's it's three beautiful
images of different colorful sky in different times of year and it um moves us in different ways. So, I would be in favor of that if possible. >> Would you like to second my motion, Laura? Uh Jordan is going to speak to this. Sorry. >> Can we do that?
>> Um so I am not sure how this would work. Um I don't know if like we did another utility box since this wasn't a part of that original call if we would have to redo the call essentially since those other applicants wouldn't have had uh like fair opportunity
>> to participate. I don't I just don't know if there's anything. So, like we can make the motion, we can approve, but we need to at least approve and make one for this particular box. Like clearly, um the other part I'd have to look into.
Again, I'm not 100% sure. Um but yeah, >> well, I think it was a fair process that everyone who had wanted to participate in nature photography definitely had the opportunity. So, there is no slight of hand going on the part of the commission
there. So, >> well then let me uh amend and I will just second Tom's motion. We will approve number one for the first utility box and then maybe we can move to table the second round of images for a future next year utility box project.
>> That sounds more >> appropriate. >> Appropriate. Yeah. Okay. >> I second the motion Tom uh Sonic put forward. >> All right. And then I will do a quick roll call vote. Uh Carrie Neto, >> yes. >> Sharon Clark Williams, >> yes. Tom Sonic >> I. >> And then Laura String.
>> I Okay, >> perfect. >> We worked our way through that. Good. Good work. >> Good job. >> Um, all righty. Let me get back to the agenda here. Okay. Next up, we have subcommittee updates.
I have so for as far as the mural committee. Uh let me actually I can bring up my I didn't even think to bring that up. See Carrie, I forgot how to do it. >> I know you're gone for two meetings in a row and it's just everything. >> Uh bear with me one second here.
>> Can I speak to the other utility box real quick then? >> Um so I talked to Jordan today earlier. Thank you Jordan. And um we should have the heart hands completed by hopefully the end of this week. >> Oh, great. >> Completed meaning installed and
everything. >> That is my understanding. Awesome. That is uh the timeline that I was given by the company. So hopefully that is what happens. >> The rain will hold off and yes be able to get it done. >> Oh, that didn't take long.
When did we start working on that one? Sorry. Okay. Um, public art project. So, that's Raquel, Laura, and Carrie. Um, >> the Penny Press. >> Um, >> yeah, >> they I gave them the uh go-ahad last
after last meeting when the um designs got approved. I'm assuming it's in production. I have followed up with them. I think I followed up with them last week and I haven't received a response yet. So, I will um follow up again, see where we are. So, >> that's here for 912. I will just
>> What's 9:12? >> September. Isn't that the arts festival day? >> Oh, is it? Oh, okay. Great. Yeah. How long does it take for them to do it once you put the order in? >> I don't know. I've never made one before. >> That seems like it should be should be on track for that. Yeah, that's great.
And there's another one. Glad to see uh we're getting getting some action here. >> Um any other updates for public art? Did we ever get the snowman concrete thing, Laura? I lost track of that.
>> No, you know, I reached out again since our last meeting and I didn't hear back. So, I will find another vendor if he does not respond to me. >> Cool. Thanks for doing that. >> Oh, good. >> Yep. >> All right. Murals.
Um, I would just say that uh I've been communicating with the uh VFW on a potential mural. Um, but still waiting on them to take the next move. Um, so we need to see what level of interest they have for that. >> Awesome.
>> Thank you. >> Thanks for that update. >> All right. Uh, you >> Yeah. Do you want to Is that Yeah. Was that part of the mural thing? >> Yeah. Okay. >> That's the mural for this year. >> Yeah. Yeah. Please, Sharon, go ahead.
>> Um, where we're at with that is, um, I've sent the information off to Jordan and I believe Sarah is going to just make the proposal. I don't, um, because we don't want to go too far with the planning until we're sure that the parks
>> Yeah. >> wants actually wants it in their park. So, it's been drawn up and all the basics has been put together and now the park can commission can take a look and uh think about the idea and see if it's something they want, if it's a style
they want, if they want something different or have other plans for that park. >> Very cool. Thanks for doing that. And I think I c I think they can propose or approve it with what they have there, but I foresee that they'll have questions and be like we propose this
idea contingent on seeing stuff later. So yeah, >> so they're meeting at the end of this month and they'll be able to give the initial feedback after that, right? >> Yep. Okay. >> All right. Um utility boxes. So did we
cover everything on that? >> Yes. >> Nature photography. That's the Minnesota and the Casey Park heart hands may be installed this week. Um, art cart. Any update here? >> Um, we have the new one, right? Did it
go to the music in the parks? I think Ashley was handling the volunteer. >> Yeah, I hadn't heard an update, so I wasn't obviously it probably went well. So, okay, >> that's what I am >> awesome >> going with. >> Um, we did have our rescheduled cookie night for um art night and that was
great. And I'm realizing I probably should have saved the leftover cookies and bring them to this meeting, but my family eat them. So, sorry everybody. They were delicious and fun to make. So, >> great. >> Yeah. >> Um, okay. Anything else for art? I don't know. Is our next one then? July 10th,
that's the city night at the car show. >> I think it's either the city night at the car show or the next music in the park. I don't know which comes first. >> Okay. >> I think July 9th is music in the park, too. And then big truck night. July 10th. >> Oh, so it's two nights in a row.
>> That'll be >> July July 9th and 10th. Is that correct? Okay, >> great. July 9th and 10th, get out there and make some art at the art cart. Um, art night >> we're good. >> Dr.
>> Okay. And Autumn Arts Festival. Um, Jordan, do you have anything on this that you'd want to share? >> Um, no. Other than I don't know if we wanted to touch base on the spoken word event since that was kind of
>> Yeah. saw the emails going back and forth on that. Do you want to just summarize what what happened there? >> Yeah. Um, so I think prior or last meeting, um, me and Ava had been talking and we're like not 100% sure about
having the event at the, uh, Autumn Arts Festival as might be challenging um, with the amount of space. There's going to be a lot of noise, not a lot of room for shelter. Um Ava sent out an email kind of explaining that as well and um
saying that we are able to try to make it work at the autumn arts festival. But essentially the space that's going to be allowed or given for the um uh the commission I provided the maps just for your reference as well um would
be these two orange spaces. So, this is originally what the art cart was >> is a part of and we had that tent assuming it would be maybe community craft. >> Um, >> but yeah, this would essentially if we're doing community craft, art cart,
and uh the poetry or uh spoken word event at this at the autumn arts festival, it would have to be um using those spaces unless or at least if it's going to be in this parking lot. I know there was other suggest suggestions
made. Um we're certainly open to suggestions. We, you know, we really do like the idea and we want to try to make it work. Um but yeah, so that I think is I think that's about all of it. >> Could I could I um get clarification on
what the big tent is for and these extra seating things are for >> the bands? >> Yeah, that's for like performances um is from my understanding is what it is. So the big tent would be the where the performances would be and then the seating would be
kind of where people can uh yeah sit to watch those. >> So one group of people looks at their butts and one group of people looks headon. >> I didn't make the map. I I'm not sure what uh >> what it is is I think the stage looks uh
north and south and people are sitting on the side east and west because that's where the long side of the stage >> I see. Thank you. Okay, got it. >> So people can stand in front of there >> so they can mingle around. And then art cart is our actual mobile
that >> thing that comes around and then the arts tent >> is that for us to have an activity. >> Yes, if that is something Yeah. >> stairs. So, um we have contracted with
Kidreate to do art cart events for um music in the park. We have not uh contracted, correct, with anyone to do anything at the arts festival. So, I don't think we have anything for the art
cart. I don't think we have anything for an arts tent. >> Correct. Um, I would like to propose uh that we look at um art start um as a contractor for the art event for
that night. But if we don't have and I think we talked about that with Ava briefly and she said that sounds great, but I only have $300 so we would have to cover it out of our budget. I think they quoted me $600 and some dollars for four hours for two artists to come and do
work, >> right? >> So, if we want to do that, great. But we also don't have anything for the art cart. Like, I haven't come up with an idea. I don't know if anybody else has. So, do we want to I guess I wasn't anticipating we'd have
the art cart at the art festival because we keep that to the right. Don't we? >> Well, we've always had it there. >> Oh, god. Oh, you're right. We have because we've volunteered there >> right next to the >> So we'll So we'll have to pay for both a a community art activity and an art cart
activity. >> Well, the art I mean we we have tons of supplies in that art cart. Couldn't we do something kind of simple with things that we've got and guided with our own people or >> Well, I mean, but that's the thing is this is a really busy day and we often
are pulled in many directions helping out with the city staff with all of the things that have to happen. So, if we're also pulling two of our people away all day long to man to manage the art cart, that might get difficult. Well, I suppose we can always make some high school kids do it.
>> Yeah. >> Thanks you, Ed. >> Great. >> Okay. Yeah. So, we'll just have to come up with something is what it sounds like. Yeah. >> Are you telling us we have to go home and bug our families? >> Well, I mean, we've had the art card at the art festival every year. >> You're right. I'm sorry. I'm very tired. Um,
>> we'll figure it out. Yeah. >> But that but in order to do that, I think what we need to do tonight is uh make a motion and approve rearranging our budget so that we can actually pay and contract with ArtStart because Jordan's going to have to approve that with city council and that's not going
to happen now until next July. Um, I think for this art cuz that even we were talking about this. Ava normally does the pays for the community craft I believe. Um, I think one of the problems was she have she has $300. I'm like,
well, it all has to come out of the arts budget then because we can't pay two different bank accounts, right? Um, that's coming from. But I realized that we have $1,000 in the autoart or not autoart um >> art night uh which is in her bucket in
her thing. So she can use that $300 and if you guys are willing to use the rest of that um >> she can use the whole $600. I'm fine. I don't care. I mean >> should make a motion. Huh? >> Yeah. I don't think this needs to go to council per se. Um I think >> Oh, that's really good because I was so
worried it wouldn't time out appropriately. So, do you need a motion just to approve spending some of our budget on >> Yeah, I think that' just be safest just to do that. >> And and I would also like to add in the motion that if Arts Start is unavailable that day that we contract with Kidre
because they um I'm I guess I should check in with Ashley, but they seem like they've been a great partner for the music in the parks. >> Do you have that number? Yeah, I got this. So, my motion is >> I propose that Ava take some of the bun the leftover money in the commission's
budget to pay for art start to send two artists for 4 hours to do a community art event at the autumn arts festival. And if they are unavailable, backup plan is kidre studio.
>> Second that. >> Thank you. >> Right. I'll do a quick roll call vote. Uh Carrie Netto, >> yes. >> Uh Sharon Clark Williams, >> yes. >> Uh Tom Sonic, >> hi. >> And Laura String, >> yes.
>> Great. >> Um good work, Gary. Uh anything else on that? >> I So we still need to We will come up with the project for Art Cart. >> Yeah, we'll have to materials or something >> or suggestions. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. Well, I'll email you some. >> Okay. Perfect. I don't have the >> And then as far as the right now, >> I'm sorry. >> Go ahead. >> And then as far as the spoken word event, it just seemed pretty clear from the email chain that this wasn't the
location uh because of the noise and the constant performing because there won't be breaks in between. >> Um so we will just have to find another space that works best. >> Yeah. Um, just throwing it out here, just one
suggestion other staff members had were, um, potentially hosting it like you would like an art night. Um, again, you can use the it would be using the Casey Lake building. Um, I don't know if I don't have like a very fleshed out idea, but like that's what somebody
threw out and I thought it'd be worthwhile just to bring it up. >> That's what I think too. So doing something because I did some sound attenuation in that Casey building, right? So the sound doesn't bounce around so much. >> And we have like those TVs that you can
project on. People can have a visual if they want. >> I I don't know what the capacity is, but you could have a pretty good >> capacity is about like 100 120. >> That'd be pretty good. And >> there's tables and chairs and Yeah,
>> it's bigger than an equity waiver house. All right. Uh, okay. Anything else then on uh Autumn Arts Festival and Oh, so community project. That's the spoken word event, right? So, we kind of
just covered that. All right. Anything else from subcommittees? >> Okay, great. >> Um, let's move on. So our next item on the agenda then I think is a budget review. >> Yes. Um and uh let me find
my packet. Sorry. Um so budget proposals are due to finance. Uh probably in about like a week or so is like the wiggle room that I understand. So, if we could get I guess official
numbers or proposal numbers uh from the commission for 2027 for your guys's budget, that is what uh staff is looking for today. I included the 2026 proposal sheet just as a reference of what was done last year and if anything's
different. um if I could get a justification as well. If uh you know we don't have a justification right now or like a refined one if you guys could like type one up and send it to me by maybe end of day Friday that'd be great. Um but yeah that's essentially kind of
what I am looking for. Um, I would like Well, I guess Tom, we started this conversation a little bit last meeting um about our budget and what we have and how the different line items are allocated. Um, Jordan had some
points about perhaps we um adjust our expectations on murals and look at doing one mural. Um, which I absolutely appreciate that input. I think the challenge there is knowing what size of mural and what's going to be included in that. So, um, as I was thinking about
this over the past month, I, um, I feel like, you know, when we started, we had nothing, right? So, our first year, we literally just like looked at each other and made up bylaws and then we got a little tiny bit of budget and then we got a little bit more budget. And I I
really do feel like the 26,000 that we get allocated is um is the sweet spot for what it is that we are looking to do as a commission. I mean, we have a number of public art projects we do. We have a couple of events that we do. We have some art
nights that we do. We have the arts festival that we do. And granted, you know, that's um part of AA's budget, but I think if we can focus on reallocating our line items a little bit better um within that 26,000, I would be comfortable putting that forward to
council for um our request for this year. >> So, when you say reallocating some of the line items, Carrie, are there particular uh line items here? like I look at the five uh items that we have
um and we've been in a groove on this you know we've been uh and I think this approach has worked well for us um but would you see uh where might you recommend uh dollars moving from one item to another?
>> Sure. So, um I think uh one area and actually this was um Jordan's point from last meeting was with the art cart. We have moved away from um you know commissioners running art events and
hiring external vendors to run those events with a commissioner as a volunteer. >> So, I feel like you know looking at that we went a little bit over budget in that line item this year. Not terrible. Um, but we do have $1,000 in branding and communications, which I realize I'm
behind on looking at sign vendors, but maybe we rearrange something with that. Maybe we look at moving murals down from 125 down to 10 and reallocating within those. I also, you know, we've never really talked if we want to do a new wrap on the art cart. I mean, that's another expense and really could fall
into either line item. >> Yeah. >> Um, I guess that's kind of what I'm thinking of. I feel like we we did well with art night. um having that $1,000 balance remaining. Um >> I don't know. I guess that's just where I'm coming from with it. Um
>> I I I like your thinking a lot on that because >> I mean she came up with that. So >> on moving the mural money to the art cart for those vendors. Great. So I like Yeah, because if we're going to have if we're going to be paying people to lead
the art cart, which I think is fine, um then let's move more money over there and Yes. a wrap for that. I do think we want to somehow decorate it whether it's giant stickers like we had on the last one or or something. >> Yeah. >> To make it stand out.
Um and I don't any idea, Sharon, on what a wrap for something like that might cost. Of course, you don't have to do the whole thing. >> No, I it's just it runs about 3,000 for a utility box. >> Yeah, those big ones were like 3,000.
So, >> um, >> feel like the art cart might be bigger, but >> yeah, >> you can always move money as well later on. Um, but just getting that initial kind of >> idea. Um, it also like when I when we've had to go to council and such like it's
usually like bigger >> ticket items and also this would be an idea like already approved on the budget. So, it's a little usually have to I have to talk to Ken about these things, but it does make a difference and if it needs to go to council or not just for your awareness. Um, Troy, does
that sound like a reasonable ask from this commission from council if we maintain the budget that we've had in the past? I mean, I always like to ask for more money year after year, but I realize, you know, I don't want to be greedy and I feel like this really is right size to what it is that we try to do.
>> Yeah, absolutely. I think it makes sense. And like Jordan said, if there is a big ticket item that comes up, I mean, absolutely come to the city council and we can review it and hopefully approve it depending on, you
know, but at least review it and we can determine whether we can fit into existing money. >> Yeah. Because the art cart would be a one-time expense, >> right? That's not really something we would that's really not part of our budget per se because we wouldn't we
wouldn't know. We haven't gotten any estimates yet to and we don't even know what it is. >> Yeah, we don't know what >> we want. >> Yeah. >> I'm guessing we don't I'm Well, I don't know. You guys might have an idea of what you want from your team. >> Maybe a little logo would be nice. You know, I really like our little alcohol
ink logo, but that's multicolor and that's going to be more expensive. So, >> um, yeah. >> Well, we wanted to I think >> I think that we want it to be multicolored even if it's more expensive because we want to draw the attention and draw people in to do the art. But in
general, I think the ask of 26,000 again. And then I would like to add whatever the raph or stickers would be in addition to that 26 in a perfect world. But what we do is so very subjective that it depends on the size.
It depends on the artist. It depends on, you know, what style the art will be in the medium. And so everything is very project specific and artist specific. So we can't actually know the exact line items and cost to any project until
we're in it. So the flexibility of going back to council or even just reallocating from line item to line item by voting would be huge for us. >> Yeah, agreed. Uh okay. So at present then what I have
for the 2027 budget proposal um is utility boxes. Uh this would we' be on to phase five. >> Wow. >> Um 7,000 art cart and I'm took the word
supplies off of that. It's not supplies. It's just art cart kind of more generally. Um 3,000 mural. uh 10,000 public art, 5,000 branding and communications, 1,000. Certainly, some of that branding and
communications money could go towards the art cart uh decoration as well. >> Or, you know, once we have an idea of what it is that we want because right now we don't really know, we go to council and we say, "Hey, this is a one-time special thing. We think it'll really make a difference."
>> You know, see how it goes. Um, so everybody okay with that? >> I love it. >> And then Jordan, do you want me to just leave the events off of this? >> Um, yes. Um, I sorry, I totally forgot to add that on here. Uh, Ava, we touched
base as well and she felt like that 4,000 was a good number. I don't know if that's kind of what you guys are also feeling. Um, it wouldn't be on this budget sheet that I submit to Dan. Um, it'd be on Ava's, but I guess yeah, like >> Yeah. What did we have? So, so for the art nights, we had 4,000.
>> Yep. That's what we had for 2026. >> Okay. >> Which I felt like that was a pretty decent number. >> And then we had this taste of North St. Paul was a thing last time. I'll cut that. Okay. So, we have Autumn Arts Festival.
It has 7500 in there. So, I don't know if that but I I can leave that to to Ava to decide. I mean, because these are events. This is the events budget, right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, >> okay. If everybody's okay with that,
then um I'll just send this on over to you, Jordan. >> Um and then could we get a vote approving this as well? >> I move that we approve the budget as Tom delineated. >> I second that. >> All right. And then I will do a quick
roll call vote. Uh Carrie Neto. >> Uh I >> Sharon Clark Williams. >> Yes. >> Tom Sonic. >> I >> and Laura String. >> Hi. >> I >> Perfect. So, um Jordan just it's got all of them in here just for reference, but if you
just look at the 2027 tab. >> Okay, perfect. taking care of business in a flash. Look at us go >> like Elvis. All right. Um I think that now let me It brings us
back. Let's see. Back to the agenda. Where am I here? That was May. Sorry. Okay. So, old, thank you. Took me a while to get to the right page. Uh, old business. Any old business? Moving on. Reports from staff. Anything
on the current budget and events calendar? Jordan? >> Um, nothing for me. >> Okay. Reports from commissioners. Carrie? >> Nothing. >> Nothing. Sharon? >> No. >> Laura, do you have any updates you want to share?
go to the North St. Paul Library. They're awesome and it's a wonderful selection and they have a great thing going for kids to encourage reading. >> A that's >> great. >> I love that. >> Great. >> Don't forget the Lego thing a Saturday. >> There's a Lego thing
>> at the library. The kids can go get Lego kits and then it's a whole project. >> Did you see that, Laura, when you were there? >> And they had brochures. I missed the Legos. >> What's the definition of kid?
>> I, you know, I was wondering about that. >> Okay, maybe I'll check it out. >> Triple digits. >> Okay, I work. >> Uh, you do you have any updates you want to share? >> Um, only oney
mini bitty my small update. Um, so around the start of January, I applied >> for like this statewide position, Minnesota youth council. >> Um, 36 members across the state, you know, get to work with Minnesota
Congress, the governor's office, >> and after four months, three interviews, a bunch of like applications, I'm representing District 4 Minnesota. >> Nice. Good job.
Thank you. It was really like so I lost my student council election but like this came in like a week after and I was like >> oh wow I guess >> things do happen for >> who needs student council. Look at you >> I know, right? >> You're working for the state now.
>> I'm in the big leagues now. >> Big leagues. Yeah. >> One more step one more step. >> Congratulations you representing North St. Paul public schools. Way to go. And uh >> and congratulations to all of our uh
North High graduates tonight, right? Who are walking the stage tonight. >> My flowers >> all the out at Aldrich Arena, I assume. >> Yeah, of course. >> Wasn't so long ago that was you and I >> nervously walking down there in Aldrich.
>> It was actually a really long time ago. >> Oh, then it was ancient history for me. >> Um All right. And I don't have any updates, so we'll look for a report from the council leazison. Troy, you got anything? >> Uh, sure. I I think it's been a while
since uh we've had three council meetings, I think, since our last arts and culture meeting. But >> wow. >> Um big I guess not big things, but uh stuff that we've talked about at council mostly in our workshops. Um we talked about the 2026 budget as a big topic
right now. Um and basically the city is sitting really well, you know, financially. >> Good. >> Um we actually um because of the way our electric system works and we made a little we made more money than
what we planned to. So we're able to cut some rates >> good >> um you know percentages. So kind of um transfer the savings on to the residents. So, um, speaking of residents, we got initial,
um, population or census stats. Um, we are about 16 people away from 13,000 total. Whoa. >> In North St. Paul, like 12,985. That's incredible. >> So, yeah. So, we are very close to
13,000 people in North St. Paul. um number of households, number of uh residential um buildings all increasing. So, we're all doing well. Um because of that, um and the fact that there's evidently been
a deficiency in our water supply, which I wasn't aware of, >> um we are building a new water tower. >> Yeah. >> So, >> so cool. >> Um the tower at Tower Park, the water tower at Tower Park will be replaced. Um we had a presentation from Morgan Dolly
um our city engineer last night about it talking about it and we got the um grant that we got from the state that we were going to use for the uh community center got reallocated. Um we
turned it back in and got reallocated. We were able to get that then to pay for the water tower. Um, so that's going to pay for the water tower and then you know the money that we had planned to spend for the water tower could be reallocated to other projects potentially. So um but yeah, so the we
got an update on the water tower. Um it's going to be current one is third uh 300,000 gallons. The new one will be 750,000 gallons. So more than you know one and a half times bigger >> than the current one. um which will not
only um get us to where we need to be but provide for you know the new residents >> and better water pressure. >> That is one of the things that we are hoping for too. >> Um is mine's terrible >> I guess water pressure on the north side
of town uh the mayor was saying last night that it is not very good for some people and >> so we're hoping that this may help them. >> That's brilliant. >> Just a quick question about that. How will that happen? Will they build like a new tower next to the old one and then dismantle the old one after the new one
goes online? >> Yes, that is the plan. Um so it's going to be a two-year 2 and a half yearish project. Um because they will plan in 2027 2028 will be begin construction. The new one will go up side by side with
the old one. Once the new one is up functional, they will cut over all the water lines that feed the um from the wells to the old one, cut them over to the new one, and then start dismantling the old start dismantling the old one. >> Um but there's a lot that goes into it
because I guess we lease out the top of the water tower for like cellular >> Oh. >> uh antennas and things like that. Um, and so all of that will have to be moved as well, but not until after the new water tower is up functional and working.
>> So there's a lot that evidently a lot more that goes into it than what I thought. >> A lot of moving >> than what I'm aware of. So yeah. >> Now, what about the garbage? Did you pick a new vendor? >> We did. We did pick a Well, >> we picked a vendor. >> We picked the existing vendor.
>> Oh, so no bulk pickup. >> Yes. >> Really? Yeah. So, um part of the new contract is >> one um I believe don't quote I believe rates will go down. >> No,
>> but um in addition to that there will be I'd have to look. >> It's okay. >> I want to say three or four bulk pickups a year where you as a resident can say, "Hey, I have this thing. I want you to pick it up." And it I want to say it's more than that. Maybe five or six. but
call and say, "Hey, I have this thing. I want you to pick up free pickup for five to six things per resident or per household per per year." >> Incredible. So, >> way to go. >> Um, so that's all in the I can look back at the contract. >> I uh I'll wait for the newsletter.
>> The bulk pickup will be built into our fees. >> Yes. >> So, so we won't have the pickup day, which is fine because no one came to that. So, this will be great, >> right? Yeah. And my my thought on the bulk on the city cleanup day was that because
this is the first year that we did the um trash to treasures day. My thought is that that helped out a lot because I know I personally had a lot of stuff that I was planning to bring to city cleanup day. I set it out on the curb and by the next by the end of the day it
was all gone. >> Somebody came and took it off. So I'm like, >> so there was a low turnout this year for the um company after an hour. >> We went from about 300 cars last year to 75, I think. >> Really? Wow.
>> Part of it might have been that we were charging. Um but that >> hopefully cut down on the box trucks. You know, we said no box trucks, no big moving vans, things like that. Um we were charging per truck and trailer
>> treasure though. I think that I think that really worked cuz I know by my daughter's house there was a ton of stuff on the curb and then by the time I came back on Sunday evening out it was all gone. >> Troy, even with this like new garbage pickup, whatever. I really hope they
continue to do the trash to treasure day because I do think that was really beneficial. >> I think it will. >> Okay. Based on the success that we had, I don't I'd have to talk to Ava. No, no, but as a citizen, I would ask that you advocate for that because >> I absolutely will. I saw the value in
it. Um, and I think it was huge. Yeah. >> Um, we got rid of a lot of stuff. It helps out the city. Just helps out the residents to just get rid of stuff >> and it makes the, >> you know, people have stuff that you want and they're putting it out there and very tempting.
>> Yeah. I remember last year at the um city cleanup day, so many things going by on trailers that I'm like, "Oh, that looks perfectly good." >> You and I were like, "Let's take that to, you know, a daycare." >> If my kids were younger, they could totally use that. If >> you know, so yeah, tons of things that
people were getting rid of that I thought were perfectly usable. >> Yeah, >> that's fantastic. >> Maybe on closer inspection, they weren't, but you know. >> Yeah. just so I think there were like I remember college towns that would do that like right around movein day for
the start of the school year so people who are renting houses or apartments or something could find stuff just in the neighborhood that they could use for furniture. >> Yeah. And I know the same at the end of the >> reuse it always you know piles of refrigerators piles of things that kids
just don't want to >> Yeah. don't have room to move. So >> yeah. >> Yeah. Um, >> great updates. Thank you. >> So, Troy, there's an election this year. >> There is an election. >> And do we know uh if we have any candidates for the open seats? What is
open this year? Are there >> There are two city council seats open as well as the mayor seat. >> Uhhuh. >> Um, so >> there you go. you would >> uh so Jason Nordby and Cassidy Schwar um
their terms are coming up this year as well as the mayor John >> Mongi is coming up this year. >> Do we know who's running for anything yet? >> I do not I have not heard anything from anybody. Um in talking to them I don't know if they plan to rerun.
>> And is the filing date passed? Do we know? >> I don't believe so. I'm not sure. Do you know Jordan? >> I don't think the filing date has passed, but that's about all I know. I don't >> on our website under elections, it says the city of North St. Paul 2024
election. >> Um, >> let me make a note of that. >> You got to get that update. But I think it said in 2024 that it was like June 2nd was the deadline. >> Okay. >> So, I'm wondering if it's uh passed already. >> Yeah, I will find out. Yeah, I don't
know. What if nobody files? >> Does anybody know what happens? >> That would be a I guess it falls to Dave McKenzie and I to >> All right. I'm liking that. >> Um,
>> we may have to recruit volunteers to help. >> Yeah, >> I already do. Um, I forgot. >> Um, one other thing. >> Oh, how old you have to be how old do you have to be to be mayor? >> Do we know? >> 21. Did you look it up already? >> Yeah.
>> Can you get a fake ID? >> Not a good person. >> Not that we would advocate for >> not on Mike. >> Representing the city. >> Hey, you know, you got to do what you got to do. >> Um, couple other updates I'll share quick is one, um, I don't know if you
guys have noticed, but all the lock systems have been changed over. So, >> Oh, I was going to >> We're getting rid of the punch code locks. Oh, good. and moving to kef blocks which >> you're not going with salt though, are you? >> No. >> Okay, good. >> Um, but I used mine for the first time tonight. Worked like a dream.
>> So, yeah. >> Jordan, how's it going for you? Is it better? >> Oh, yeah. I can actually get into certain doors cuz for a really long time I could not uh I could only get into like one or two doors in this building. So, >> amazing. >> It's a whole new world for me. It's going to make and this was one of
those things that came up um that we as city council were just like we don't know why it's such a big deal and city staff is just like oh it's a huge deal. Yeah. >> It's a pain in the butt. Yeah. >> Having to recode everything all the time. >> Yeah. >> Um and then the other update I'll give
quick is first car show of the year is Friday. Um uh for everybody that's not aware um the history cruisers decided to go every other weekend or every other week. Um so their first car show is
actually the 12th so next Friday. Um >> I thought I had heard that they added added back. >> No, we did by some >> the city reached out to other >> organizations and we found the an organization called Invisible Wounds
Project. Mhm. >> It's based out of Forest Lake that does a car show, a huge car show up at Running Aces every year. >> Okay. >> And talked to them about doing the alternating weekends at our car show. And they agreed they're going to do it. >> Um, in addition to the car shows,
they're opening up the car age. So, as long as it's a show car, >> you're welcome to show it. Doesn't matter. It doesn't have to be 65 or older like the history cruisers. Um, in addition to the car show, they're also going to have a farmers market. Um, I believe down towards the River of God
Church down in a parking lot down that way, I believe. >> Um, but there's going to be a farmers market and they um because they are a a charitable organization, they will be asking for donation of $5, you know, for attendance. It's kind of like going to
Koma Park. It's, you know, it's not mandatory, but, you know, >> so there will be a car show every Friday in North St. It'll be different organizations. >> Hopefully it doesn't, you know, I know there's been some talk about it, you know, being a bad thing, but I think
one, it's going to help all the local businesses in downtown North St. Paul. It's going to help the vendors that came and sold food and >> merchandise and things like that at the car shows. It gives them an, you know, consistency for them. Um, and it gives the residents a place to go every Friday
night. I love the addition of the farmers market, too. That's great. >> Awesome. >> Yeah. I'm hoping that, you know, it really takes off and that people embrace it. So, >> well, there'll be more people since uh your car doesn't have to be 65 years
old. Now, is that going to be when it's when it's history cruisers, can it still be any show car or >> No. Uh so history cruisers it's 65 or older when it's >> don't quote me on the 65 but whatever whatever
>> it's 1976 usually something around mid70s or older and so that's going to be the historical show on the even Fridays and then on the odds it's going to be the say the name of the organization >> wounds organization
>> invisible wounds organizations that um they help people who are veterans first responders And I feel like there's one more group I'm not hitting on, but um >> that would be great. >> Okay. So, and that will be the open
showc car night. >> Okay. Well, that's great because then now we all have two concepts of car shows. It'll always be entertaining, always something different. >> And hopefully, I mean, you'll have different cars showing up. >> Um because it got to the point where you were seeing the same cars every Friday
night at the car shows. And this way, you know, alternating Fridays, you'll see different varieties of cars, which I think will help bring in not only the, you know, elderly, you know, the older residents who, you know, love those classic cars, but the younger
kids who appreciate the newer cars that are modified. >> And I hope we have car clubs again because like they had like the MGS and things like that was fun. >> Yeah. Cute. I'm excited. >> I like how you said that, Sharon. The evens are the ones and the odds are the
others. So, I was like, how am I going to keep it straight? >> So, that was >> I just go for >> Do you know how they're going to um enforce the $5 or like just >> they'll have a I think it's just they it's just free willation thing. They'll
they'll have a booth >> and just, you know, be asking for donations. It's I don't think it's a you know, you have to pay to get in. >> You get a hand. Like when you go to the zoo, you don't have to pay. >> Yeah. >> They just have the thing there that makes you pay.
>> If you're like me, you're silly. >> I like that. >> You put it that way. >> No, thank you. >> Those are great updates for >> uh anybody have anything else? >> Nope. >> All right. If not, I'll adjourn the meeting at 7:32 p.m. >> Thanks. >> Thanks, everyone.
>> Thanks for coming, Laura.