count. >> Okay. 6:30 Arts and Culture Commission meeting will be called to >> Yes. Um Carrie Neto. >> Uh Ashley Perfect. >> Sharon Clark Williams >> here.
>> Laura String here. Raquel Sodto uh is absent. Sorry. Eliza Verma and then Tom Sonic is absent. Um and then Urosco Garcia is absent. And then Troy Woods >> here. >> And here
a motion. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. Awesome. All those in favor? >> I >> All right. Then we have two rounds of minutes to approve because we weren't at
forum last month. Any edits or changes on the minutes >> from >> from Oh, sorry. Let's do March 4. I looked at those before and I don't
have comment. >> Okay. >> If no comments, we get a motion to approve. >> Motion to approve >> and second. >> Second that. >> All those in favor? >> I oppose. All right. Great job on the minutes as
usual, Jordan. Now we've got minutes from April 1st. >> I think the only thing Okay. In the adjournment, it said that I asked for a motion, but didn't we learn from the that we can just adjourn for Robert's rules. We don't have to ask for >> correct.
>> Okay. So, I think I just adjourned it. I don't think we I guess I don't know how to write that. >> Maybe it's just fine to adjourn it. I don't know. Whatever. That's my only comment. I don't know if it really matters. It probably doesn't. Any other
edits or thoughts or comments? No. >> All right. >> Good. I guess you're I guess you're waiting for me. >> A motion to approve the minutes from April 1st, 2026. >> Thank you. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I.
>> Any opposed? >> Yay. Two rounds of minutes approved. Great job, Jordan. Meeting open to the public. Oh, we have a person here. It's amazing. You're the person. I think you guys
>> Thank you for being here. >> So, I am Eugenia Meltzer. Call me Jeanie and I live here in Norc and I have been a member of a symphony orchestra and I've been driving to Cottage Grove and driving to Woodbury,
but they decided to move to North St. Paul. This is a big orchestra. This used to be the 3M orchestra >> and if you take the three and turn it becomes an E. And so we are the East
Metro Symphony Orchestra. We're about 80 people. The wind section is fabulous. We just uh we play at St. Marks. We rehearse at St. Marks and we have been there since January. And I just we have
quite a following here in North St. Paul. I don't know if you've ever been to any of our concerts, but I thought I'd better get to know this commission and you guys get to know us and invite you to our next concert, which is u the 17th
>> St. Marks at 3. And I appreciate any guidance on advertising. U I I have posters. We did our last Christmas concert at the high school because we've outgrown St. Marks. Mhm.
>> And um I'm always looking for venues. Now we're rebuilding St. Marks so we can have 400 or 500 instead of the 300 it holds. So we're moving ourself to the back of the church.
>> Anyway, um >> they're very kind to us. You know, we store all the timony and all the harps and stuff. So it's Anyway, we're playing Brahms. Uh, >> it's going to be fun. Uh,
I just Can I give you my card? Would you like my phone number? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Would you please invite me to more meetings? >> I apologize for tonight because tonight is our May board meeting which is a budget meeting and started at 6:30 and
I'm I'm a VP so I I got to get there. >> Oh, yeah. You're good. So, if I can repeat that, you're the East Metro Orchestra for formerly the 3M orchestra on May 17th at 3 >> in the afternoon. You're going to be performing at St. Mark's Lutheran Church
across from North High School. Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Correct. And I will leave you a couple posters. >> Okay. Okay. I will leave you uh several business cards. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. Thank you so much.
Yeah. Anyway, thank you so much for being so quick. >> You're good. You're good. >> Thank you. Good luck at the meeting. >> Welcome to North St. Paul. >> Yeah, welcome. >> And you live in North St. Paul?
>> Yes, I'm over across from >> Oh, lovely. I we have had uh several off smaller groups that we do chamber music and my house is big and it's just we've been rehearsing in my
house. >> So anyway, I'll tell you more later. >> Thanks J. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> All right. Commission business. computer project. Uh Tom talked to the BFW guy
who sounds interested in doing a mural and that's as far as I got. So more to come about that. Anything else? >> Okay. So I have been doing some work on the concept of making a marker for the
45th parallel. Um the best location seems to be the Southwood Nature Preserve. My husband and I went out and took longitude and latitude readings around North St. Paul and the 45th
latitude goes directly through Southwood Nature Preserve. Um maybe I don't know, 30 yards after you enter the park. Um, my question for you, Jordan, is before I get into deep with this, is this something that has to be
presented to the park commission and get their approval to put um a marker in uh North St. Paul Park? >> Um, that is something that maybe I would discuss. I mean, I'll discuss with Sarah. Um, if for anyone who doesn't know, she's the parks uh commission lia
staff leaison. Um, I think for something like that Silver Lake utility box, I we actually were having this discussion and she her thoughts was that she would just kind of report that to the commission to let them know that's a thing and you know they're very open and like love
having arts in the park. So that might be ends ends up what hap is ends up happening instead of just like a full-blown um presentation. But I'd have to double check with her. She is out this week, but I will hopefully be able to get you an answer on early next week. Okay. Um, and if everybody wants to know
just a little bit more about what I've been doing, like I said, we walked around and there were some really close locations like at Hosy Park, um, at the Snowy and kind of the center of town, so to speak,
you know, right where the main intersection is there at Margaret Street. So um but after looking at it uh it looked like the um Southwood Nature Preserve would be the best place right
now. So it can be known uh the tentative wording for the plaque or monument would be like this boulder or monument marks the 45 degrees 000 north and 92.59 degrees west a point exactly halfway
between the equator and the north pole placed by the city of North St. Paul Arts and Culture Commission 2026. I was also wanted to consider and this may be something for you to discuss with Sarah and then you can get back to me if this is something that we need to talk
to the park commission about. I think it would be good to have a wording for interpretive sign because I think people might not know the significance of those few words >> and to have something more explanatory and some sample language is at this
location. You stand on the 45th parallel north, one of the major circles of latitude used in geography and navigation. North St. Paul is part of a small group of cities worldwide that lies precisely halfway between the equator and the North Pole. From this
point, both the equator and the North Pole are approximately 3,17 miles away. and the map have like a little you can't see my computer but I have just like a little outline of Minnesota and it shows
where the 45th parallel crosses our state and then there would be like a circle on the other side representing the world so people could see well what is a longitude and it would mark the equator the north and south pole and 45 degrees north 45 degrees south so they
could visualize what that monument is why it's significant because I'm not sure that everyone necessarily is into geography and knows that. >> I did not know that until right now. So, thank you for that explanation. >> Oh, yeah. I definitely think that's a
great idea. Um, could you send me that like in a written form like email or with the >> Yep. I'm literally reading off the document. >> Oh, perfect. >> Perfect. And so, oh, and then the other thing to let you know about it, I don't have
pricing, but the things that I've looked into, as anybody who's talked to me knows, I obisk is my number one choice for the shape. And if you don't know what that is, that's the shape of the Washington Monument. >> And um I'm that could be in granite or
it could be poured cement and with a plaque. The fallback position always is a rock with a plaque. I haven't gotten pricing and all that stuff because like I said, I don't want to get ahead on my skis until we know how the parks
commission feels about everything. But those were the things that I was considering those three possible designs and with a plaque and so on. >> I love it. You were saying >> I was think
No, because it has sides. >> Yes. >> Yeah, that's that's a cool idea. >> So, >> but that is just the starting point where I'm at. And like I said, I I want to get outside input before we get too far down the road before I contact
people and they think, "Oh my gosh, you know, we're working with the city of North St. Paul." And then nothing happens >> and I don't want to hype anybody and then it It's not necessarily the best idea for the city. So, this is where I am going to send all this stuff to you.
>> Perfect. >> Oh, thank you. >> Awesome. >> Roseville has a >> Everybody does. >> No one has an obulus. Okay. >> So, there's not one that we I could find going around the whole world. I thought
we could get the cool one. >> Yeah, >> heck. >> Great idea. >> Thanks so much for doing that. >> Uh, utility boxes. >> Okay, so here I am again.
>> So, we're moving forward. We have gotten responses. I am not sure how many yet to the photography one, which will be the one on uh 19th and is it lake? Is that the >> I believe so. Yeah. >> Um right by the by the tennis courts.
Okay. And so it's a nice big beautiful box. We're going with photography. It's going to be a great idea because it'll blend right into the concept of the park and enjoying nature and all of that. And it closes to today. >> Yep.
>> It's closed today. It's the last day you can send in your photographs. So hopefully we got a few in. And >> yes, I believe we got five applications total. So >> that's good. >> Okay. I think that's fantastic. So I'm very excited. Now Jordan is going to
explain. >> Oh, and we have to take a vote on >> vote uh to approve the expenditure of 3,500 total for that wrap. 3,000 is just for the wrap and then 500 is for the artist stipen. >> I guess I don't think I can make a
motion. I have a motion to approve whatever needs. >> I second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> Okay, we did it. >> Okay, now Jordan, go and explain the photography,
>> right? Um, so it's come to my attention that when doing like the best practice while doing call for artists, um, would be kind of have the commission review and discuss applications during meetings. So kind of how my understanding of this is that the subcommittee's function to the commission be kind of similar to what
the commission is to the council which is like they're recom you're putting forth a recommendation not making like a universal decision. Um so >> h >> what's with what >> the best practice I mean sure it's best practice but I think if we're saying hey
Sharon you take charge of this project >> I am giving my implicit trust in she knows how I guess I don't understand why it feels like that just bogs it down a little bit more
>> it's more of like it would be best practice that the whole commission especially for higher priced items to kind of have input or the opportunity to give input instead of just a few individuals. I think truly if the commission wants to not do that, that's
one thing. Um I think it's just bring I'm bringing this up just as you know an awareness and like yeah and so and like for example like if there's 10 to 15 applicants it's not like we're expecting everyone to review all of them.
you know, the subcommittee would review it, be like, you know what, we think this group of three to five is the best or, you know, would have these good qualities. >> The commission reviews it, gives their input, and then, you know, kind of right then and there, we can get a vote to, you know, make a motion to recommend
that this is the one that we're going to go for. >> I just I feel like I'm sorry, I know I'm always like dragging us down, >> but you know, we've done it both ways. We've done um when we did the initial Silver Lake, we brought all those
applications forward and everyone review everything and vote on it, whatever. When we did the snowies, that was a lot. And I think just Amanda and the rest of the committee said, "Hey, this is what we're thinking. Sound good?" And we're all like, "Yep, sounds great." So, I feel like we've done it both ways. I
guess I I don't have a huge horse in the race, but it feels like Troy has something to say. >> I was kind of lost. Um I I guess I would equate this to so right now the city is going through a
>> um equate it to like an RFP like you're doing for a a vendor for anything. Y >> right now the city is going through one for solid waste removal for a garbage company. Um there was a committee put together of representatives from uh city
council, from the city employees, from you know from different departments reviewing all seven or eight applicants or RFPs that came in um narrowed it down to two and then they brought those two
are bringing those two to us to say hey here's option one, option two, what do you guys think? And so I would think it's like that just for the sheer fact of they can filter out like the >> the Yeah. And then bring you like the
best options, >> but then it's also everybody has their ability to kind of weigh in on well, I really like this. And it also, not that anybody here would do this, but it also avoids that conflict of interest. The person that Sharon picks is like a
really close friend of hers because everybody has some involvement in arts or culture within the community >> and there's no, you know, outside concern that, oh, this person that Sharon picked is, you know, a good friend of hers or somebody that
she's worked with personally. She's, you know, there's some kind of kid. Like I said, not that there would it avoids that >> conflict. I'm sure having been in the arts as long as I have, maybe that is my bias. But, you know, >> I kind of like Troy's idea because one,
like uh I know we each do our own work on our subcommittees and things like that. But like for me on the autumn arts, like sure me and Tom will work together and give you guys updates, but like if we have ideas, it's great to come back to the group and say, "Hey, you know, we had this idea. what's your feedback and
things like that. Um, and it also kind of prevents like what people wanting to join every subcommittee to have a say or like a vote and things like that. Um, but I also carried to your point like you don't want to everything's going to take 27 million years. So I feel like Troy's approach is a good, you know, have the subcommittees, you know, have
their ideas and things like that. And I think it's also cool, you know, if Sharon has an idea and she's like, you know, here's three, but I really like this one. I don't think there's a problem like you know saying what your recommendation is because we do trust each other on that >> we'reing our community right so as a
member of our community and res >> but I derailed your conversation I'm sorry >> no I mean that was essentially the gist of it is from my understanding just for transparency so the public can see you know here are some of the options that we have and you know so there's I guess
you know just really good opportunity for discussion and if there's there's disscent or you know I guess I don't know what the opposite of descent is ascent um agreement um you know it's all kind of on a public forum you know people have that opportunity to say something uh the intent isn't to bog
things down for this particular utility box unfortunately it will kind of do that because I wasn't think when I made the um the deadlines I wasn't thinking in relation to the meeting because this was not on my radar um I think there's ways to avoid that so that you know once
ideally if this ended did yesterday and I realized this uh earlier. I could have sent this to the subcommittee. They would have had time to, you know, review it and then we could bring it today and you know vote on it. Um then this didn't come till later. But yeah, that's kind
of the gist of >> Well, I'm happy if >> um I would have to ask like Ken or somebody about that just you know kind of like the best I guess practices and transparency sake.
I think, you know, in that it's the first week of June, I think this is the earliest we've managed to have been able to get out the gate. So, I feel like we still got plenty of time. >> I'll stop pushing. >> But, no, it's okay. But I I don't mind
having more conversation publicly. That's why I brought all of that stuff instead of just emailing it to you. Read it out loud so people can't say like, "What? We're doing the 45th parallel." They they heard what the concept is. It's out there. It's on record. It's going to let live forever unfortunately
on YouTube of me reading that and and so I I mean I'm okay with that of being a little more vocal about what we're doing, a little more transparent, but I also appreciate the bogdownness. I
mean, because we have such a short window of actual action, >> but I think when it's possible. The more we can bring to the meeting and let the community hear about it in advance, the
best. But my one concern with this whole public we're looking at submissions is, are we going to be legit about what we think artistically? Because let's just pretend somebody sent a photograph of a duck. I do not know. I
have not seen the submissions yet. So, please see anyone get upset. Let's just pretend it was a duck and one or more of us look at it and go like, "Oh, you got to be kidding." Or or some something that should not be said out loud.
>> I'm not saying we're not professional. We are. But maybe, oh, maybe I'd go into an indepth artistic critique of it. >> Is that fair to the people who are submitting it? If I'm sitting here going, well, the composition is this, and while this vaguely reminds me of
this, but I have seen this before, and nobody wants to hear their art picked apart publicly like that. >> So, there's going to have to be a time outside of this meeting where we can have those sorts of conversations and, you know, where we can say, "Hey, I
recognize this." Or without accusing somebody publicly of plagiarism and >> that sort of thing. You know what I'm saying? Absolutely. The hard part about meeting once a month. >> Yeah. >> And then also adhering to Robert's rule of law or >> Yeah.
>> You can't have conversations. >> But that's of the subcommittees is to try to, you know, avoid that. >> I have a a new girl question. So, and other commissions, um, not necessarily recommending more meetings, but to meet the public requirement. I've had
commissions that had our public meeting on camera once a month and then if needed do like a workshop, but it's not necessarily on camera, but it's still public record. So, it might kind of be the best of both worlds. It's not a subcommittee, but it's still public record. And you don't have you have the
minutes, but you know, you record the minutes accur accurately, but not every minute detail. So if we do have feedback of the art, it's not necessarily is, you know, it's still public like people can still come. Um, but that I don't know if
that's something that's available or not. >> That's a little difficult. We have two new mothers. >> Sure. >> And I just thank you. >> As a mother of four, I don't know how that would really work out. And when I say new, I mean we're talking can't sit
up new. >> Yeah. Got it. We miss you, Raquel. >> But I love the idea of workshops. Um, I just still feel like if it is then open to the public, those artists could show up that really want us to pick their art and then we could feel some kind of
obligation to choose them or to not be honest with our opinions. And I mean, that's this is why we set the subcommittees. It's not to limit the opinions of the rest of us because we value your opinions, but it's just to keep it moving forward with as much respect and dignity to those artists as
possible. >> I am a sensitive artist, so I wouldn't take it well. I think these are all super valid concerns that are great things to think about that I'm definitely going to be bringing back to Ken and discussing, you know, with, you know, because I think, yeah, these are all very
>> because I know certain like contract negotiations you're not required to do things in the public. So, I don't know if this would follow under something like that. >> Might be a question to ask too if you can get an answer for that. >> Yeah, for sure. >> But we do keep it public as to costs
what's happening >> and so projects are. Yeah, there's quite >> right. And yeah, and obviously the in the call for artists is always >> very public. >> Yeah, because Laura, you had a good
point as far as the artist just like so >> staring you down. >> And Tom looked at me and he's like, "So, we're gonna go through all of these submissions and score them according to this rubric." That just sounds very >> too meth methodical in that.
>> Yeah. And it takes all of that >> passion and >> art out of it. And then the whole piece of critiquing artist >> anyway. You know, I'm gonna wander down that path. >> Got to bring my art history background.
Okay. So, it sounds like we had a really good discussion. Utility boxes, we we did the motion, right? So, Sharon has 3500 boxes moving forward. It sounds like um we'll have the subcommittees kind of
look at and maybe rank and then present to the group. >> Yeah, I will I will discuss with Ken. it'll be kind of priority on my list and like hopefully send out an email I will do my best to send out an email update um before the next meeting to see kind
of where we're going with this because yeah, like I said, you guys brought up some really valid concerns that we hadn't thought about. So >> ultimately what sounds like >> um yeah pretty >> even a private vote I mean if it's still city email >> you know then we could
>> get that approval. Yeah, >> just so everyone has seen it and has has a say even if that part is not >> right >> if only the final is public. But >> open gov. >> Open gov. >> Oh god.
>> It's a challenge. >> It's a challenge. I just really think it's prohibitive for people who aren't diver. >> Well, I do have a question about utility boxes. So, is there any thing stopping the heart hands?
>> Um, I think that's just weather. Honestly, it's been kind of unusually cold recently. I think they were saying like 60 to 70s like consistently. I know we'll get some days here or there, but I don't know if we've had like >> where they I guess have it on their schedule and have time to go out there
and such, but I think it's really just waiting for it to get a little bit warmer. >> Okay. Because for some reason I was thinking last year it just had to be above 45. >> So that's why in my mind it was like this needs to be done because we're like so oh my god like it's got to be there.
But yeah, I'll settle down. But I just wanted to know if like we had to approve that money again or if it's just waiting. >> Yeah. >> So, is there something I need to do for scheduling? >> Nope. It's all uh they have all the stuff and essentially just kind of waiting for Yeah. that weather to cooperate. >> Okay.
>> Thank you. Very cold. >> I remember. So, it's opened up. Does that mean that everyone can see? >> Uh what do you mean by everyone? I guess >> is that is that a publicly available resource to see? Um, no, not
necessarily. I guess people have data requests, but like our our work emails, like if people have data requests, they can still get access to that, but they can't just it's more that other staff can see it. >> Um, so if I'm gone or, you know, something happens and, you know,
>> someday I might leave, you know, and so other people can see and versus me right now like other staff leaison like what they've done. I can't see that. Um, and it would be incredibly helpful, especially with how much turnover there was here. Um,
>> I mean, the greatest gift that I've had is having Sarah right behind me to talk to about. Um, so, but there's just it'd be a lot more knowledge transfer that will be able to stay between staff, between other admins. Like, if I'm gone, like they are able to keep up with it versus like email, they can't get into
my email. So, it makes it a lot harder um on that front. >> Okay. for me. Um, art night, art cart, uh, tomorrow night candles. We had, we tried to have our cookie night. Um, that didn't quite work, so we reschedled that
to May 21st. So, that'll be happening. I'm very excited. And then I think we break for summer. >> All right. Any art cart? >> Um, I asked Jordan that before the meeting. So yeah, Raquel wasn't sure if
the new cart was ready to be dropped off for 522 and Jordan said it should be. So I just have to pick up the key sometime that week and then um I believe it's a Friday the 22nd is the first one. >> So we'll be there to set up and >> Brilliant. >> Yeah, it should be fun.
>> Yes. Hopefully cross fingers for good weather. >> Yeah. >> Cool. >> And I do have a um Ardum Arts Festival update. Oh, let's go to that then. >> Um, so Ava sent out the submission for
artists for the Autumn Arts Festival. Um, she sent Tom and I an email today. So, we have a lot of different acts booked. Um, they've got music from the Andes and Mariachi band. Uh, Chinese chopstick dance, a percussionist, and Polar Drift um, is going to be performing in two different groups,
which is exciting. Um, we're going to have face painting, airbrush tattoos, and the caricature again. And then kind of things still left to be done is um book the food trucks. Looks like we have 35 confirmed artists so far and um Tom
even and I need to work on the event mapping because we're having it that new location downtown. Um, one thing I wanted to bring to the commission is potentially for this year, um, probably more next year, I tossed the idea to Tom and Ava about doing like sidewalk chalk
art because that's like when I think of fall festivals, that's something I know kind of draws crowds. Um, uh, Tom and I are good with it. Ava like the idea as well. Um, but asking you guys if you know, do we have anybody that we want to
like know to do that or should we just ask Ava to kind of do an open call for that as well? >> Are you thinking it being just like one like artist doing something to like display or is it like an open invitational for folks? Like >> it would be something they would sign up
for. Usually when I've seen events like this before, it's a certain number and they get, you know, marked out squares and they can kind of do what they want. Obviously, we would need to pay attention and like uh we haven't really gone deep into the discussion on, you know, how many or you know, what are the
parameters, you know, do they need to submit things and things like that. Um I loosely tossed it out of like, hey, maybe for next year and Ava was like, well, we can get it this year. Um but yeah, I'll ask Ava and Tom some more details. It might be something that we kind of kick around a little bit. It
might be next year just to make sure we fully flushed it out. But >> wanted to run it past you guys if you knew anybody. Uh because that was Ava's first question is if we knew anybody, but uh yeah, we're excited about the new location. >> Yeah. So, it'll be downtown and um AA's
done some really good work kind of thinking about ways to partner with the businesses downtown and and drive some business to our downtown area. So, exciting. Um, I just want to bring up the spoken word event uh again and uh how we are
going to how our commission will partner with you guys to get the spoken word involved in the auto arts festival. >> Okay, great. >> So, I um I did >> I do apologize. I wish I sent an email
earlier. Um, I did talk to Ava and touch base with her on this again and I know we were the ones that kind of put forth the Autumn Arts Festival. Um, we're also afraid of that event kind of being a bit too noisy because there's going to be
performances. It's going to be downtown, there's going to be food trucks. We're not 100% confident that there'll be a space that this won't the poetry um slam won't get drowned out. I wanted to offer potentially
um we haven't talked to them, but Fly by Coffee as a potential venue since they do coffee with the council. Um it'd be a similar sort of thing. Um, I wanted to bring that up just because we're also kind of somewhat concerned with Autumn
Arts and also the space is turning out to be a little bit less than we thought. Um, yeah. So, I do apologize. Um, this was kind of something that came up recently. Um, and we were just really kind of thinking about it and now that this uh
festival is taking shape, we're getting really concerned as to, you know, how much noise and sound is going to be there and kind of having these competing um things. >> Question. Oh, go ahead, Laura. >> Um, question would be like we have like
all these performances. Could we have time blocked for spoken word as something integrated into the performances since it is a performance art as is? >> That would be an Ava question. I can definitely bring it to her um to have
her reach out to you guys. Um yeah, I would Yep. I would have to ask her. >> I was going to I have the timeline so far as far as it looks like we've got performances. Um, she has them one an hour it looks like starting at 11:00 and then you know basically from 11:00 to 5:00 we have
somebody. So the order that I read them the only person that has the 2-hour block is Polar Drift. So basically it's the Andy's music, mariachi band, the dance percussionist and then Polar Drift on that. So >> well with with that which I'm very excited because that's a great lineup.
Um but with that there's always setup and tear down time and resting because if they're singing they're resting. They're dancing, they're resting. So there's always some kind of downtime where we just in the past have played the boom box or whatever their stereo has been playing. So in that 15minute
block, I mean, could we not have like three showdowns or whatever we want to call it, but in those 15inute blocks at some point or >> um with discussing with Ava, it sounds like those blocks have shortened dramatically since um there's the uh
festival is going on for an hour less. So we're working with like a whole hour that kind of downtime she's noticed is starting to like erode. Um so she was kind of concerned about you know how people would have time to you know switch from performance for for from
performance to performance. >> Yeah. With this with the spoken word um with that alternate venue where like what's your what is your dream of kind of like the spoken word event? The whole purpose behind it was to find an event that anyone could participate in. But as
I said before, um it's not going to be a poetry slam, which is spontaneous. They can just come up and speak. We can't really have that in a governmentbacked event because we have literally no idea what they're going to say. So the idea
was that they would submit a recording of themselves so we know what they're going to say and of you know assuming like we had a bunch of people we would select a certain number and then they would present and it could
be anyone from >> kindergarten, you know, anybody could speak up until any age. So it wasn't directed at high schoolers or 20 year olds or whatever. Anyone could come up and speak of whatever they wanted to speak about.
>> Gotcha. >> And Fly by Coffee is lovely, but it's um I mean that's where our subcommittee meets, so we're in there often, but it's small and narrow. And so it would not I mean it would lend itself to hearing of course that spoken word but it would not lend itself to having people witness it.
So there's just not a lot of space to to sit or get a wheelchair in or I mean it's just it would be limiting. >> So >> and part of me wish like kind of wishes that we still had that Casey Lake building at the Autumn Arts because I feel like this would solve so many things because it's that enclosed space.
They've you know we got speakers in there all these things. Um, another option would be to have it potentially as a standalone event at that building. Um, where these are just things that we're trying to throw out. Um, this, you know, as staff, we really do like this
idea. We think it's a great idea. It's just we're struggling. We're finding these things that's like we don't want it to, you know, end up just kind of getting drowned out and competing with these other events or like the performances at the other events and, you know, all the noise that is there. Um, at least that's just the concerns
that we have currently with it. >> I think it's worth consideration of how can we integrate it. I don't think that's off the table. And if we can have Ava kind of revisit that idea of like a solution to do that because I also
agree, I love flyby coffee, but it is not a really good space for us to even if it was on the same day at the same time, people wouldn't really be able to come in and listen. So that would be a concern. >> Yeah. It's not a coffee shop like where you'd have like a guitar player type
venue. It's it's much smaller than that. >> Yeah. >> So more intimate. That would help with sound. >> Oh, okay. Good point. >> Yeah, we haven't done the map yet. >> Set up. >> Okay.
Do the people that own >> Yes, they were actually at the not the last city council meeting but the first one. >> Yes, I can definitely bring this to Ava. um see what we can do. Kind of see bring back tell her like where the you guys
are at with um the spoken word uh event. Um and I can give an update to the subcommittee once I uh talk to her. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, >> I don't think we would say no to a standalone event at Casey Lake either. I mean, we want it to go. I mean, I think
it would be lovely for the people that have the courage to speak in public >> to be able to do that. So, Maybe I'm I'm like part of me thinks like the the idea of do like um doing the spoken word is the idea of it being
in a place to one not only showcase these great artists but also to have folks who might not regularly go to listen to poetry to be like exposed to it in a way that um is organic. So, I
think um I I also agree Casey Lake is beautiful. I think we could make it something special, but I would think if we could prioritize looking into integration into something bigger um like I wouldn't imagine that the first
event would be a large number of presenters just because given the size of North St. Paul, it's just everything takes time to grow. Like even the autumn Arts Festival has taken time to become what it is. So
I agree with Eliza that it's something that for now would have to be integrated because it's it's not a known event within the community that oh North St. Paul is known for this giant spoken word event.
It's it's something that would needs time to develop. Yeah, I will uh definitely uh have some discussions and uh let you know um happens. Yeah, >> thanks Jordan. Thanks Jordan.
>> Awesome. Okay, public art project Penny Press, right? >> Jordan, thank you so much for getting these. Um, that was a flurry of emails when we did that, but I really love these proofs. Oh my god, the snowman is
any input on these designs. >> They turned out great. >> I like how they got the little >> That's helpful. and the history cruisers approved
>> are you saying he looks better on his >> looks Oh my goodness. >> Oh gosh. >> He does look ruggedly. >> He does. Yeah. >> Do we need to vote on approving these or
>> I don't think so since I think we already voted on like the concept of it all, but okay. >> I think kind of just sounds like it's pretty unanimous with everyone who's here. Um but yeah, I think tomorrow I'll give them an email and let them know we're good to go. So, >> oh my god, that's so exciting. I think
it'll take a little while for it to be in production and, you know, for them to get the thing built. Um, but yeah, that's the green light. >> Yay. Wonderful. >> I love it. Excellent. We're gonna show you these pennies once we're done with
this meeting so you can see. >> All right. Is that everything on our >> Oh my god. And then we're gonna talk about budget. Okay. So, uh, I know we got a little bit of time. It's
not July. >> Yeah. Beginning of July. >> So, if we look at our I just wanted to start getting the juices going. >> Um, not saying that that's for everyone, just for me. Um, but looking at what we
had for 2026, um, so we've got 7 for utility box wraps, 500 for art part, 12,500 for mural project, 5,000 for public art, 1,000 for branding. And I think we went a little bit over on the public art
because the penny press was higher than we had in our budget this year, but I don't think we're going to spend everything on our mural project. So, I feel like that worked out. Um, any other thoughts or suggestions
for adjusting the budget for 2027? Um, one thing is the art cart, the new one. I don't know if you guys have any plans on editing it or like, you know, rewrapping it, painting it. >> Um, honestly, that might be able to be its own subcommittee all by itself, just
getting that >> revamped to be stylized for the commission. Um, I think that's something like worthwhile to consider for the art cart budget just because it would kind of increase it. Also, for the art cart budget, I know it's kind of hard to say because it hasn't happened yet, but if
the commission is going to continue doing um hired artists for that uh because that current $500 I could imagine might >> go pretty quickly, especially if supplies are needed. Um, those are some of the things for that specific one that
I was uh wanted to put on your guys' radar. >> And we still have to decide or finalize our thoughts on an art from the arts festival, right? >> Yes. >> And so we talked to the art scraps people and I can't remember what she
said for her quote. >> Yeah. I don't remember that either. >> I'll pull that before. But I think we should go for it because if we're so stretched at that day, I think hiring someone to help is worth it. >> Sharon, are you comfortable if I talk
about one of our ideas from our subcommittee meeting? You would have been there. Um just the art show question. >> Oh yeah. Um, so with an idea of kind of having like an art show or art gallery
where we have kids art displayed, um, is it a possibility to maybe uh use the current community center space um to display that for an evening or a weekend depending on how big it could get? Or is there a way that we could build into the
budget to just rent a space for a night or what could that look like as a possibility? Um, I'd have to get back to you on the community center thing. My gut is saying that it's not really open for the public. Like it's not I don't want to say safe, but just like not, I
guess, approved for public use at the current moment. I think that maybe that that sounds right. So, I think the community center is out. Um, if we're talking about budgeting for next year for this kind of thing, yeah, I definitely think that could be um something that we can do. Um, yeah. So,
trying to think if there's any other bases. I mean, like obviously Casey, but it sounds like maybe you want something a little bit bigger um potentially. But yeah, there's a lot of different options to explore, but yeah, I think that's definitely something worthwhile to put in the budget for next year. >> So, if we were going to look into that,
um how do we find out what it would cost? Like, if we were going to look at renting a space, I mean, would I go through you or like are you going to suggest spaces? is like I want to help it move forward by our budget time >> um so that we can make it a good event and draw multigenerational
>> I think maybe gathering some estimates on like what size building you're thinking or space and just get estimates on like kind of how much that would be doesn't have to be an exact thing um because I think that would probably be the only cost to this it sounds like
>> um again since it's kind of something new you know probably want to overbudget a little it. Um, but yeah, just it doesn't have to be an exact, but I think finding spaces and, you know, what they cost and a general idea would probably be enough.
>> Okay. And what bucket would you want that in? Would you want it in public art or art night? >> Um, I mean, it kind of sounds like a public art thing to me at least. Um, but yeah, that's kind of where I my
initial feeling is. how this how this event kind of works. We had discussed I had gone to one of these when I was in California in the hotel where I stayed. I came down and all of a sudden I saw easels going up and then I went back
upstairs. I came back down and it was filled with children showing their art. It was like a popup art show. It was only for one evening and only for a few hours. But all the parents came and members of the public and of course
everybody who was in the hotel uh saw it and it I I thought it was a great event. The kids were great. They stood by their little easels. Um I mean some of them were big kids and so the art was just incredible and you could ask them about their art and they would explain you
know I drew a duck. I like ducks, you know, or in the older kids, you know, had obviously more complicated responses about what inspired them. But I thought that would be so cool to have and it doesn't have to be limited to children.
It could be anybody in the community, you know, however we see this evolve. But the idea is to give people in the community one night, a couple of hours, let's see your best. I do love it could be any age truly because I just went to I lost a resident one of my dear
residents passed away recently and I went to his funeral >> and I didn't know because I only see one snapshot of the person by the time they come to me that he was a a beautiful painter. I didn't know what he could do and his art was on display in his
funeral and it was so lovely and touching and so I mean I love that too that we could have kids being inspired by seniors and vice versa and so um yeah it would be a really fun and exciting thing that I think would also enrich kind of our community. Right.
>> Um, and then am I also able to get like a write up? Now, it doesn't have to be a full proposal form, just like kind of your initial thoughts like in an email, just so I have something like written to reference myself. >> I think this is a lovely idea. >> Yeah, >> I've se I've seen them before, not popup
style, but like where communities have had like kids arts or just art shows, and they're always really fun. It's a great way to bring people together. In Rochester, if you go by the library in Rochester, Minnesota, you can see the artwork of local artists and of all ages
are in these glass cases when you walk down the hall to get >> to the library. So, >> that's great. >> It's another thing that I've seen. >> Would the library be a place to consider? >> It's a little small, unfortunate. like
maybe maybe >> kids section >> or teen section. Sorry. >> I I haven't been in that part. I've only gone to like >> I know what you're saying about there for it would possibly for it wouldn't be a lot
>> but there's space on the wall >> that people could display their artwork. uh county that would be a but that would be a collaboration with the county because that is the county that has that space at the moment. So it would have to
be some kind of collaboration with friends of the libraries or something like that. >> But I mean I'm not saying no. I'm just saying that >> that's just something else that came to my mind. >> Yeah, for sure. And also we talked about just the fact that we have some empty um storefronts currently and so maybe
they'd be willing to let us borrow their space just to draw people in and interest and I don't know. >> Yep. >> Yeah. Yep. That was another thing I saw as I get down the street that she that was I Laura's idea. I'm just saying that
when I was in San San San Pedro, I did notice that that in their empty storefronts, they had easels and stands with artists work on it. Even though it wasn't a gallery, the space was for rent. >> They instead of just having these blank
windows, they filled it with artwork. >> That is cool. >> That's smart. >> That's so smart. >> Well, I'm excited about that idea. That'll be fun. Um uh I'm not sure if there's anything else anyone wants to add before I bring up something else. Um just for the
branding and communication, one of the comments that I had written down um is um so the kind of justification there has been the same for past couple years. I just was asking like is there something that we want to update? Is there any specific initiatives that you
guys you know have the hopes of taking on in 2027? Of course, that can always change, you know, as priorities change or things comes up, but I don't know if there's anything on that justification list that you would like to >> All right, I will I will say it for you. >> Okay,
>> Carrie had a great idea. We need signage for our art. >> Oh my god, I thought >> I'm not stealing people's idea, but I remember you said >> we need signage on our art. We've got we've put forth all this effort to get
artists and to bring this amazing work to our town >> and it's not signed and also we need to put it on the website so if somebody wants to visit North St. Paul they can realize that we are cosmopolitan and you can go on an art walk around our town.
Were we talking about just so I can kind of get a better understanding like signage like at the places of the art explaining it maybe like the artist and kind of like that? >> Yeah. Like why is this here? >> Yeah. >> Like a metal sign installed somewhere.
>> Exactly. Like when you're at um uh the big snowman big snowy there's that little like and it's I think it's a little faded but it's got like Lloyd Kesling built this and whatever. >> Um just something like that because we don't have at the Silver Lake mural that
says what it is or at Tiffany Canon's mural that says who she is and being able to to celebrate those artists and have, you know, websites or just a QR code linking >> when it was installed like >> Yeah. >> And also so we don't lose the history of the creation of art in our town so it
doesn't just disappear. >> Yeah. >> No, I think that's uh perfect. Um >> I I'm guessing it's more than $1,000. >> Well, yeah, >> but it's something we would start working on. kind of discussion to like kind of figure it out, bring these ideas forth exactly like this so that by the
next meeting we can kind of start pinning down more exact numbers. >> Um but yeah, >> I don't know if we're supposed to have money for the parade or not. >> I don't think so since it's a business association. >> Okay. >> Um I at least looking at past budgets,
it's never seemed like it was a part of it. Um >> that's cool. But yeah, um I don't know who this would be delegated to, but I think figuring out or like just a general estimate on like if we're trying to do all this pieces of art this year, some of them, you know, kind of getting
like a game plan, I guess, or a general game plan together as to what you guys would like to do and, you know, a general price. Doesn't have to be again exact, but just, you know, kind of sounds like it might be more than a thousand if you want to do everything, but if it's just a couple things. Yeah.
>> But yeah. I don't know. I think that's a great idea. >> Jordan, it's secretly Jordan. I have a secret. It's on my list, >> but I have not remembered to do it. >> So, I do that. >> I don't know why I said it. So,
>> you're tired. >> And it's my fault I didn't do this. I do like the idea of doing it all um that we have done at once and then we set aside money in the future to add any new art gets that signage when it happens.
>> Um because I would hate to have to make the decision what gets a name this year and who continues to be nameless. That would be hard. >> Also before um it's lost in memory and the people aren't on the commission who remembers this is why this happened.
This is what it is. this is what it's about and you know this is what we wanted the community to get out of this work of art. >> Yeah. >> And I guess one question I would have is are we talking mural art? Are we talking the wraps on the electrical boxes as well?
>> Yeah. Because if you walk down Minneapolis um those utility box wraps have an actual picture of the artist and a QR code that links to the whole Minneapolis utility box thing. Okay. I didn't talk to you about that, but because we have to find a place on all
the utility boxes that works, >> you know, so it might cover up a little bit of the art, but I think just one I guess one option that we may be able to present would be uh could we do like a map >> that that would include, you know, a utility box here. Here's information
about the artist, you know, and link to their bio kind of thing like that kind >> instead of having information there or, you know, something like that. But, you know, given that some of the stuff is already in place and it may be harder to find a spot to add. >> If we were going to do that though, I
would still have recommend a plaque of some sort to number them. Um, just like our houses are numbered. >> Um, I mean, some of our houses, I guess, but mine cracked. But, um, but something to once you're there, you're like, "Oh gosh, now I don't remember where I am." And the people that don't know North St.
Paul aren't going to know what cross streets. And >> yeah, I would just like something at each. I mean, and I think that you're imagining a more dramatic plaque than I am because I see even with the utility boxes, it can just be a sticker like
this big on the bottom that says this was by John Smith >> and have a QR code, but it it's nice if an artist is acknowledged at their art. >> The the reason why I was thinking of the
the I don't know what what that's called. >> What >> you called it? Boop. Yeah. Okay. When that guy applied for the Silver Lake mural, Tom was very enamored with how he talked about Silver Lake. He
came to Silver Lake. He sat there and spent an afternoon. His family played in the park. He noticed all of the birds and the foliage and everything working together. And he he wrote it very well. And so being able to include that and be like, "Hey, look, this is your city
commission and we we chose this artist because he cares as much about this park as we do about our citizens, you know? I I just I think that would be worthy of putting on a larger plaque that's next to it because I don't >> I don't know. But but like for the utility boxes, I was with you. I'm just
like a little sticker that says who the artist is paid for by the arts commission. Here's more info. >> Yeah. Mhm. >> Well, and also the one side of that particular mural on the building, we have it's plain >> and that's you can put a plaque right on the building right there. >> Right on there. >> Oh my gosh.
>> And those those kind of plaques because I've been looking into them. It's not hugely expensive. >> Yeah. >> I mean, we're not talking about getting a fancy brass thing like is on the library downtown St. Paul. >> Not that level. Just something that can
survive the weather. Mhm. >> And not everyone's getting an oblisk. >> That's only for the 45. >> Apparently for the 45. >> Hey, that is a unique geographical feature. Not everybody is a geography nerd and
map nerd. I understand. But I'm excited about that. Heck >> yeah. >> We all are. Uh-huh. >> Like Sharon had mentioned something like an artwalk kind of like connecting the two as far as like having a map like are there any availability on the city
website? So like if we do work to do a QR code that sends them to something like is that something the city is there a cost to us? Is that available to do? >> I don't believe there's a cost. Um, Ava does most of the editing on the website and from my impression it kind of we
have kind of free reign over it. Um, I'd have to double check with her um >> to make sure, but yeah, that's definitely something I can follow up with. >> Okay. >> Most likely you're just going to have to add another landing page and then the content on it because I used to do the
website for >> Oh, great. art company and it was I just added whatever I wanted when I wanted >> because I love the idea of like giving the artist credit and plus like an art walk would be really cool >> ideas >> and get people out and about in the
community and >> um Okay, I have one question on this budget. So the budget with the blue line on the top, was that what we proposed for 2026? >> Yes, that was the budget proposal. So, this is what we're looking to do for
2027 essentially is what this looks like. Um, >> because then when I'm looking at the budget report, we we also have $4,000 for art. >> Um, yes. So, that is because it's on
Ava's budget for events. I kind of want to look into getting that back on this our budget. um >> just because it for transparency at least for accounting for me it'd be a lot easier. Um but yeah, that that is why that is
>> that was really confusing. Thank you. >> Um budget report looks great. Um, one of the things I wanted to bring up with murals that again were some of my thoughts I was having when I was thinking about this beforehand, um, is that from my understanding that the
$12,000 is budgeted out for two murals, $6,000 each is what I had understood as why that number was that way. Um, I think it'd be worthwhile considering maybe pivoting on that number just because I don't think two murals. One,
I'm not sure if I with the amount of projects the commission has currently, I'm not sure I have the capacity to do two. Um, as well as working with like, you know, third parties. I think that's pretty much what the reality is with the murals right now is that we're going to have to use a third party outside of the
city. Um, it's a bit slower. Um, but also I understand that $6,000 I I don't know, but it might be a little low for one mural. I think it might be worthwhile doing some research on to and it's kind of hard, right? Because
depending on the size >> exactly, >> it's going to change. >> This is something I forgot to say at the beginning is that, >> you know, projects do end up costing more. There is always the option of the commission going to city council explaining why this is costing more. It's not set in stone. Um because I mean
I think it's fair to say we budgeted $10,000 for a mural. It's a lot bigger than we thought it'd be. This is why we're asking for this much more. Um >> that's really helpful to know. I thought trapped in what we had. >> Always able to as long as you're able to go to council and kind of justify why um
and they approve, that's an option. Um so again, I'm not looking for like concrete decisions right now, but this is just kind of where my thoughts were going is that I think it's more appropriate to budget for one mural. I think $6,000 may be a little low. I think eight to 10 might be more of an
accurate number. Um especially doing if we plan on doing big murals bigger than what has been currently done. Um I would like to do research on it um and ask some cities. I'm a little bit kind of pinched for time right now, especially with the car show coming up. Um a lot of food vendors to process right now and
other questions being asked. So, I will do my best, but if anybody can also >> I don't think you need to because we did um when we did the last call for the historical I mean what do you think? Do you think she I mean I feel like we know we have a general sense people were telling us you know they applied for the
historical society or like really well-known muralists were like this is just slightly under exactly right Jordan I think it all depends on size you know and that's why we had the two hopefully two for 600 each but we to have that flexibility in
there knowing that, you know, it's been kind of a difficult pull to get people to align with doing it. So, I would take that off your list of all the things you would have to do because, >> um, I hear what you're saying. Um, look at adjusting the mural line item for
next year. Um, and we will we can talk about that. What do you think, Sharon? >> Well, I go selling lawyerly. It depends >> of course. >> Uh and we just never know what
opportunities we we're going to have. Like this year we didn't have anything lined up in advance. We're pivoting towards the monument in lie of the mural. So that's our mural as the monument. And next year we're already looking at a mural possibility. And if
they're considering the entire site of the building that's very spendy. But then if we decide to paint the bathrooms at another park, then we're not looking at quite such an
expense. And I think maybe I think it's a logical amount. And I think what I would I prefer to keep it, >> but what I I would say with this caveat that
if we see that the murals are not lining up by June to light a fire to either do a more more utility boxes to have the the freedom to say, well, this is not turning out or we're only going to get this small mural or we're going to just
do the bus benches or something like that. So then to to have us push to do other work and to make other positive changes for the community with that fund, those funds, >> but but not something new that Jordan
has to research and >> No, no, no, no. That's going to consume your time. >> Just only things that would um fit within your your >> Yeah. Something that would fit within what we would ordinarily do. >> Does that seem reasonable?
>> Does that Yeah. Does that sound logical? >> Are you thinking like, yeah, like by June this year, if we don't have like a mural kind of thing potential lined up, that would be like you would pivot. >> We'd pivot early enough that it would allow time to do something else. >> Okay. With the money,
>> we already do just more of it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Right. >> But I think we're trying this year to do >> Yeah, we've already pivoted this year with the >> obelisk. >> The obelisk. Yes. >> The monument for the 45th parallel. So, um,
so that kind of thing. So, we didn't have anybody. We had no connections, whatever. That seemed like a a good go of doing a historical marker this year. >> I would probably have to talk to Ken just to get confirmation on, you know,
if that's like kind of something we can proceed with. But I can I can see that working out. >> Yeah. But in previous years, we just didn't have that mindset. We were just like singularly focused on who can we hunt down for a >> mirror.
>> And instead of having just that singular focus, we go at it hard from January to June. If we can't line somebody up, then we pivot to an another known entity presented to you you through email like
we you and I have been working on already this year. And then you can say, "Hey, they've come with this, then we bring it back here, say it publicly so the public knows what's happening, and then proceed with that art." >> Because I feel like we're getting more
tight in our ability to make things happen. >> Agreed. I mean, that whole first year of this commission, it was just what the heck are we doing and let's put some parameters around it. It feels like we're finally getting like our legs under us and having your support, Jordan, and the work that you're doing and being able to say, "Okay, we know
every year this is what, you know, the general idea of what we're going to do." But the bottom line is we're going to try to make the best decisions we can for this city and bringing more art and culture to it. >> Does that make sense? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Cool. All right. So
>> for the budget when we're planning it should can maybe could you let me know about the whether the ark knight should be included here or if that's a >> yes I can uh >> I guess it doesn't matter. We can figure
it out but >> I think the 4,000 was a decent number for this year. Um >> we still got to figure out that I'm Yeah. But yeah, I think that one was I didn't
have any real comments on that. >> Yeah, I think we're doing all right the rest of it though, right? Anybody else got concerns? >> No. And it does sound like you have a >> a good lead for a mural next year anyway. So, you wouldn't want to mess
with that money >> at this point preemptively. >> Yeah. Longer than you think. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, we're good. We have music in the parks. Big truck night. Can't wait to be full parade
and John. All right. Cool. You have anything? Oh, no. Okay. Reports from staff. Um I think my only question is um where is this page? So I think I explained last meeting um
but just to refresh that with the kids create um and the art night budgets like why I didn't want to combine them was because technically they are two different budget codes because art night is Sarah or not Sarah's Ava's um budget. art car
is on our budget, so they're drawing from two different things. Um, I had asked for some direction on where it should the kids create um, money should come from. I got the art cart. Turns out that it overbudgeted on the art cart by $95.31.
That budget code has already gone through your guys's budget. Like those contracts have already gone through your guys' budget. So, I guess I'm looking for direction on where that $95.31 should go that isn't from the Art Night budget. Can we
branding and communication >> for doing? >> Yeah, I mean >> yeah, might as well. >> That is what everyone that that sounds good with everyone. >> You have to vote on it. >> Yeah, we're re we're reallocating budget. Don't Don't we vote on that?
>> Yeah, I think it would be safest to do that. >> I move to use branding and communication budget. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Great job, guys. >> And that was it for me.
>> Look at us go. All right. Uh, reports from commissioners. Laura, >> I have no updates. >> Eliza, >> no updates. >> Me neither, Sharon. >> No. >> All right. Actually, >> Troy, >> um, city council meeting last night. We
had an update from the We had our, uh, 2025 audit results. >> Uh, city came in really well. Um we are our goal is to maintain at least half of our previous year's budget in our
general fund and we are at 67% of that. So we are >> fiscally doing well as a city. Um audit wise there were a couple of findings but nothing major. Um so
everything went well there. >> They have to say something every >> Yeah, they have to find something. Are they only stop? >> Well, we have to >> have to justify the fact that they're doing it. >> Exactly. >> That was an expenditure, so we needed to get something back.
>> Um the other thing that we had um that we discussed was um alleyways. It was a big discussion item about what responsibility the city should have in regards to paving um alleyways. if somebody wants to pave
an alleyway. Um, not that it pertains to to this commission at all, but >> it's a open discussion that we will continue to have and try and figure out like what is the direction he wants to take. We currently we don't have a ton of policies around it, so it's kind of a new
new thing for us to figure out. >> So, >> um, how many people ended up having garage sales? >> Um, I want to say there were 40 something like that. There were quite a few. >> Oh my gosh, >> that's amazing. >> I was I couldn't believe it. I Every
time I drove somewhere, it was like 13 more signs I saw. >> Yeah, city garage sales went really well. And then the um I will applaud Ava for um and city staff um for doing the trash to treasure day, the following uh
day or on Sunday. Um so much stuff went away. >> Oh. Um, so we had a garage sale at our house and it went really well and then everything that didn't, well, most things that didn't sell plus a few things, um, we sat out at the curb and
are gone now. So, um, my hope is that, and reminder, this weekend is the, uh, city cleanup day. >> Um, reminder that it is, um, there is a fee this year. Um, cash or check only,
no cards, only open to North St. Paul residents. um they are going to do two lines again, try and streamline things, but my hope is that because of trash at treasure day. A lot of the stuff that people had that they were going to have to dispose of went away. I know that was the case
for me. Um so yeah, hopefully it will be not as busy this year. >> I hope that's an annual thing because that was really cool to see. >> I think I think given the success of it, I think it will be. Oh, that's >> so um and then the future of the city
cleanup day is kind of an open question. Um just in regards to now that we are also reviewing uh solid waste providers, what will they provide in terms of will they continue to do something like this or do we want to revisit the going back
to solid waste pickup, you know, throughout the year? You can just set things out whenever you want. Um, >> so I that's an open another open question that we're trying to figure out is what is the right answer there and what's the best for the residents. >> Are you allowed to disclose the top two
trash people you're looking? >> I cannot. >> Okay. >> Um, I just don't want to. >> Um, >> he has secrets too. >> I have a secret. >> Um, no. And that is it. So other than my son is graduating from University of
Minnesota this weekend. So That is huge. >> It's a big deal. Um, what's the status of the chlorine in the water? >> Was I not supposed to ask that? >> As of the beginning of this month, so I want to say it has been about 10 days.
Um, the city stopped chlorinating the water. Um the is I don't want to say issue, the holdup was we wanted to flush the entire water system. And so because it was still cold, we can't really flush the uh
hydrants and things like that. So we were finally able to get around to flushing all the hydrants. And we didn't want to we'll say we didn't want to flush the hydrants until we also cleared the streets >> because we didn't want to run the hydrants and then have it just wash the debris and everything down into the storm drains and that creates other
issues. So, we wanted to get the street sweeping done and then get the hydrants flushed. Now that the hydrants are all flushed, we did stop chlorinating the water, I want to say right around the beginning of the month. Um, the plan is for to let the plan is to let it sit 10 days, a week and a halfish. Um, have the
state department come back out or state department of health or whoever come back out, test the water, and um, see what the results come back at. And so I think that is either going that test is going to happen this week and then we will see what the results of that test
are. >> Fantastic. >> Well, I drink the city water and I am fine, everyone. So, and everybody knows Well, I get sick all the time and so don't worry about it. I just I just was
curious about it. >> No. Yeah. And again, I will reiterate that even when we were chlorinating the water, the city, the water was safe to drink. the color of the water and everything. Um I did we had somebody come out uh personally we had somebody come out to our house to
look at our water heater or something just like an annual inspection thing and they do a lot of work in the city and so I asked him I said have you had a lot of complaints about from people in the city about their water and things like that and he said oh yeah we have we've had a lot of people saying you know that
things are you know t smell really or chlorine a lot of chlorine smell and things like that and I said well this is what's going on and this is why and I told him that about the fluoride that we have to put in the water and he seemed really surprised that we have to fluoridate florin florinate fluoridate
that we have to pro put put fluoride in the water um so but that is a that is a state or a federal um policy that we have to do that >> interesting so >> um but no it the water has been fine I
it I just was curious as what was going on because it was such a big deal was on Facebook and everything. So, >> yeah. And once, like I said, once we get the results back from those tests, then we will. >> Okay. Fantastic. Thank you. >> Awesome.
>> Yes. Liza, you were going to say something. It look like >> I was going to say unless we have any more stuff pertaining to the arts council. Could we maybe I make a move to like adjourn our meeting? Am I allowed to do that in Robert's rules? >> Let Jordan have a chance because I think
the last person, any updates for you? Great. We'll >> y >> Well, have fun at graduation for >> Yeah, congratulations. >> I'm glad you're feeling better. >> Thank you.