? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Hear >> Council President here. I'm sorry, 7 present absent. Thanks so much, everyone for joining us at our City Council meeting today. We appreciate you being here and we invite everyone to join us in standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. >> One under indivisible, liberty justice for all.
Consent agenda items 2 through 23 before you for your consideration. I know that we are going to be pulling item. 21 for separate consideration. Is there anything else to be taken off of consent? Seeing none. take a motion from vice president and the balance of the consent agenda all in favor say Aye. I post 6 in favor. None opposed. The consent agenda is adopted as amended item. 21 resolution 26 dash, 1, 1, 5, 0, recognizing the historic legacy, cultural preservation and community contributions of the Rondo days. Drill teams and dance groups Israeli, thank you. Council present good afternoon colleagues and everyone who's here in attendance to support ground obeys jail T's and dance groups. I just take a quick second. Just invite everyone who's to to join us. Brianna, get started here. So I could just join us right now. Today is Rondo Days week. And as I can think of a better. Opportunities are truly honor the heart and soul. Of Rondo. Not only this tradition, but the celebration by honoring our historic legacy drill teams and dance groups. You know, as you know, here in account. So I'm often a bridge to community in the city council here. And when I think about our city's vitality, is it?
Only defined by our budget or by building more buildings. But it's really a truly rooted in the arts in cots are in a legacy preservation. What shapes our neighborhood in for generations. All of these drill teams and dance groups have done exactly that. They have built belonging for young people creating memories that have united our city. And what I think each and every one of you. And hundreds. >> People out and community also that the folks who are watching today >> and helping to cost of 8. Now only the conversations but really trusting me as a councilmember to really cherish and nourishing recognize this community-driven effort and this community-driven effort to do something very ambitious, bringing all of the drill teams in dance groups over generations together for this reunion. But also to expand pathways for our collective helling. And you know the story about Rondo more than just the destruction. It's about the rebuilding, the repairing and restoring. And this has been so distorted for all of our communities as we've been honoring and recognizing many of the efforts of the drill teams as well as the continuation of building that legacy. So for all the millions of viewers at home,
you're invited it even though you're not here. But you're also invited to join us at Rondo Days this Saturday at the MLK Center. We'll be doing our official ceremony and all my colleagues are also welcome to join it is now my honor t invite the representatives of each of the Legacy. Rondo drill teams and dance groups for it. I'm going invite each speaker in the order of which I and vice you you're going to be receiving the resolution. And we just asked for each abuse to have 2 minutes. You will prepare, Everyone's well prepared. We've been waiting for this day. going shots, shoot, shot Gaylor. That's Arscott Garland has a second speaker as well as older land Graham and an elder Jean House foster. Good afternoon, everyone. My name is shots the lead. It is an honor to accept this recognition on behalf of my beloved grandmother. This losom a while. In 1972, our grandmother and grandfather, Mr. Restless Wiley moved to Saint Paul, Minnesota while we had a deep love for children and an unwavering belief in their potential, she understood that young people thrive when they are given opportunities to express themselves and positive supportive and nurturing environments. That vision led her to I Lehigh staffers in 1980. What began as a dance
line soon grew into a celebrated performing arts organization that embraced multiple genres of dance and artistic expression. Ms Wylie, recognize the talent within the Rondo community and recruited gifted young artist and choreographers, such as rocks and battle. Arlene Van, Kimberly Arland and Juventus do. Their creativity and artistry help shape a style. That was both distinctive unsophisticated making the highest efforts. A source of pride throughout the community. Over the next 15 years, why Lehigh staffers performed across the state of Minnesota, including an apparent at Super Bowl. 26. They became known not only for the exceptional performances, but also for their stylish costumes inspired by the rich traditions and historically black colleges and universities. And they married and stings and marching bands. Among all of their performances. Right? Today's held a special place in the hearts of the high steppers. It was more than event. It was a celebration of community culture and connection. To be a high stick or it meant more than learning choreography. It meant standing tall, taking pride in who you are and striving for excellence. showing up practicing perfecting your craft. And as our grandmother would say,
strutting your stuff. Today, the legacy of the little Wylie, High Steppers lives on the spirit, confidence, discipline and sense of community that Miss Riley and student or students continue to echo far beyond Minnesota. Many former high staffers have gone on to become outstanding individuals, leaders and contributors in their communities carrying her lessons with them wherever they go. We are deeply grateful for this recognition and proudly accept this award on behalf of Muslims Wiley, whose vision, dedication and love touched countless lives and whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Thank you. Thank you. ? My name is Gavin Jackson, Saint Paul resident here representing Umoja Protection unit. It was also a member of Stream team and the African construction drill team in 80's 90's and 2, thousands. I didn't come prepared to speak today. I just wanted support the movement. Appreciate the invite. But I just want ask encourage the council to continue support. The cities you change particular. The music dance. And I just appreciate your support and should be in it. >> Thank you so much. ? Hello. My name is Lynn Graham. Washington Life Long resident
72 years and around the community. >> And Jill teams have not only been the heartbeat of the round of community. >> But they were also my heart I grew up on the corner of Saint Opens, say and me, which is now westbound entrance to I-94 across the street Maxfield Elementary School and they else used to practice in that same route every day. And you would not only hear the drum be, but also hear the bugle call. If ya know what it >> Due food, food, food food, the usual to drums kick in. It was Willie Brown and the Elks Drum and Bugle Corps sponsored by Peters Meats. They were like the Pied Piper us. We've stopped what we were doing. Ask our parents, couldn't down and go March with the elks down the street. When the freeway was under construction. They also practice on it. In heat. They packed. Is that freeway up and down to make. that completed. I want to play the drums back in. But only the girls. Could be an and they did. >> Skirts want to wear that. >> So it became they became the gopher else large with Granny bridge for Gladys Miles. And they were called the highlight is. I was too old to play to with But then I seen the little white high step was it's only days and I knew I needed to feel fulfill my
dream. That parade inspired me to team. We started out to the Saint Croix Valley Boy Scouts as explorers. But in order to make sure to get insurance and reach a range issues between the ages of 5.21. We work with University Minnesota Extension Services and the 4 H Foundation. I got insurance. That's what I needed. And we became Saint Paul Falcons. Why the Falcons? Because the Falcons, a pair of Quinn felt Is why respected Barrett due to its high train ability? First, a talent e and availability. Para can falcons for an endangered species and sore Arican-American youth. But the Falcons were removed from the United States endangered species list in 1999. But ae still on that list? A pair can felt and never left for young out of the nest until they are ready to make it all their all the Falcons. I was going to make sure our talk are used, the skills they needed in order to survive in this world. So gardening survival, camping experiencing the underground. We will come out Kamui out while the forest. Computer technology with Philip True at the University of Minnesota Technology Center and keep passing grades in school. We did more entertain and dance based on the 3 D's, which our determination, dedication and discipline and the 5 P's, which is proper preparation
prevents poor performance. We became who we are. The Saint Paul Focus two-team and Drum Corps providing entertainment throughout the Midwest from Sway City. I will to green giant festival in a soda. The Timberwolves Viking have Minnesota State Fair Saint Paul Winter Carnival Minneapolis up. We'll tell And the book building can for competition in Chicago. Just a few to mention. But Ronald Days was the most important event of all these very teens mention right here hair to compete against each oher. We fought withdraw not with guns. The Falcon reached over 250 the 4 H program and Iran do and say for our communities, many of these youth have now their own businesses or can the education system are proud? Parents have professional careers. Some are still carrying time. So they where are you? Some are now and this young man right here, Some are no court gas lines. It's still the art of drums advance. But with a new flavor. >> So keep it up because it's still a heartbeat of the community. >> So >> you heard it. The innovation, the ingenuity, the excellence and Rhonda was so rising. Randall still here, as say. Thank you so much. Also want to recognize we have here a
reparations commission, chair of the Preservation and Archive committee here with us as well. Who's also drill team. >> Participant follower honorary, okay. >> That's like me too. I beg to be on the drill team. But now I was I was a supporter. But here I am. So thank you so much. We're going to move for final adoption open up for any discussion. Thanks so much we thank you so much to all of our speakers for solid currently painting a picture and joining us today. It's an honor to have you with us. >> There's a motion for approval. I look to my colleagues to see i there's any discussion of the motion. >> Well, thank you all for being here today. And just overall, I will just share that as stories were shared. I think I was envisioning >> the >> entire picture that you created in real time in my head so they can my all. And I really just appreciate you guys taking the time to come here and to be a part of the city Council meeting. I think it's really important that the public record reflect the history that is embedded in the work of the drill teams, especially n and their impact in there community. And so we've spent a lot of time cause we're really in a as well being intentional about
ensuring that the record reflects the work of so many different entities, especially within the black community and the black story and the bike narrative. And this is a part of that. So just really appreciate you all for being here and participating in that because ultimately what you're doing, I encourage face opportunity, which I think is the first time that this has been recognized that unfortunately in our history year, the city. But because of that is history in the making as well. And so just lok forward to this being captured and added to the archival work as well as it continues to preserve the story and the heritage of the heartbeat Rondo. And this is definitely a part of that. So thank you all. And I very supportive of the resolution. Great work on some bully and making sure that all different things are up blow up lifted. And I really appreciate you taking the time to do that today. Thank you, Mr. Johnson, any other discussion of the motion. Seeing none all in favor say Ae. I post 7 in favor. None oppose. The resolution is adopted. think there's a request for a quick photo. Okay. Look closer. ? Thank so much, sir. getting to
happy. >> Item 24 ordinance, 25 Dash 4 amending title 4 of the Saint Paul Administrative Code to add Chapter 92 title Tree preservation for city-sponsored construction projects. So this brings us to the ordinance section of our agenda. If you are here for the first time, if you're not one of our millions of regular followers on YouTube. >> All of our ordinances have at least 3 readings. The first reading is a staff report where we hear about what is being proposed. The second reading is a public hearing where we hear comments from the public about the idea and the 3rd reading is final adoption. In some cases, we take more time for final adoption in this case be taken over 16 months in the final adoption because sometimes we need to take the time to get it right. I want to say. I spoke about this before, but now that we're here at this moment, huge thank you again. First of all, to my legislative aide, Macon jacket, who shepard of this through, who facilitated our pig meetings, who made sure that every single I was dotted t was crossed and that everything in this ordinance was ready for prime time at all of us are fully educated about it. So thank you to make him. I also want to thank the members of the public input
group, the lovingly refer to Peg for being part of this effort. I want to thank everyone who has weighed in on this all 17 district councils for inviting us to come and present about this ordinance, the Parks Commission, the Mayor's Advisory Commission on Disabilities and all the other groups that weighed in. And I want to say how excited I am to have this ordinance on the books. We are finally giving trees a voice at the table early on in the process. We are recognizing that trees are public infrastructure and we are recognizing the critical importance that so many people all across the city and every single corridor in every neighborhood feel about the importance of trees for for climate reasons, for equity reasons. And for just the vitality and with the ability in our city. So with that, I will move approval. And looked to my colleagues to see if there's any further discussion of motion. Thank council president, want to commend you and also your check it all of the committee members, the staff members who was a part of this work. >> Because it's been a long time coming got to say and I just want to acknowledge maybe even though it took a really long time me was necessary for this work to be done in a way that was equitable and right to the best way possible. And
so I really believe tat, you know, bringing different stakeholders, especially your president's to be a part of the work is very important to tell. We can make sure een tree preservation, which falls right into the bucket of equity work is at the forefront of decision-making and development of projects that come before us and the city here rather than an afterthought in Seoul. The work has to be very intentional. He quit because equity work has to also be very intentional to. And so I care a lot about this. That's how we can combat climate change bill towards environmental resilience and pride ready with the higher quality of life. It's especially important for neighborhoods that but that are i areas of concentrated poverty that tend to experience higher despite levels of disparities when it comes to health economics and sell. I'm all in support for it. Thank you. As President. It's thank you. Council president, want to thank you and they can check it for all of your work on this. And also. >> All the staff and everyone involved. I just in. Totally and impressed by how much effort that you both put into this and your ability to be able to a really complicated problem and look at it from
all sides and listen to, you know, very different point of views and opinions and being able to bring everyone together on something they feel good about. I think we heard that a couple wes ago in the public hearing. And I I just I just think that that is is an example of how we can bring something forward with the community in a way that is what's best for our city. I'm really excited about the ordinance itself, too, because we have experienced challenges when it comes to a lot of our new construction projects, whether it's buildings or roads or just, you know, new. the new vsion that, you know, we we have foresee with all these projects and we know that we can do those projects and we can preserve trees at the same time. And I think that that it's so iportant because we're going to have a lot of those projects moving forward and council as president, mentioned, you know, there are huge disparities across our city when it comes to our tree canopy when it comes to, you know, what is the temperature in the city in one of our residents experience and it'll it'll take a while for trees, trees to grow. But this mixture that we have something in place so that all of our residents have the opportunity to to benefit from what trees provide. So thank you very
much to everyone involved. Thank you. just. And the further discussion of the motion. >> Seeing none. I want to thank again all my colleagues for your support all in favor say Aye. post 7 in favor. None oppose the resolution. The ordinance is adopted. Item. 25 ordinance. 26 ? And actually I'm so sorry for move on. Completely forgot to thank. I thank them last week. But I meant to do with this week as well. Our prk staff public works staff or consultants who worked on this project. Not only for starting the applause just now, but also for critical partners we could not have done without you. And I think as I said last week at the process really is the outcome. The partnership that you showed, the collegiality, the working relationships that I think are built about this process between the 2 departments and teams is really going to be what makes this ordinance successful from day one and your willingness to put pn to paper on al the details of the ordinance, the rules, the standard operating procedures, not just the ordinance language makes all the please protect like that was all said before the vote and the A plus. ordinance 26 Dash. 35 amending chapter 65 of the legislative code pertaining to
golf courses now for something completely different. This is a first reading. So we will have the staff report will come up. >> Well, good afternoon Council president council members and yes, this is zoning text amendment. And this is the first reading. so they'll be a public hearing. And then a second get a little bit of background and then can check that the planning Commission review and their recommendation. >> And then District Council sent a letter of recommendation as well. And so the amendments originated request from Department Parks and Rec they would allow a parks department to light te driving range at Highland Golf course until 10:00PM and until 9 can for operations and then until 10:00PM for cleanup. And then would also provide allowance for current lighting at golf that used in the winter cross-country skiing other winter activities. The amendments were initiated by City Council. resolution. 2, 6 dash, 9, 6, 2, and at City Council partnered Parks and Rec's Department and then sent the amendments to Planning Commission for their review, which is required under Minnesota state statutes. So Planning Commission has reviewed zoning amendments. This is proposed amendments reading City Council. And so
there's just changes to subsection C and >> And its removal of a restriction on pitch and putt, miniature golf courses which is outdated and restriction. So many all would allow there's no plans for pitching vote would allow on. Parks and golf courses to do. You are a very good activities. And then changes to the would add remove lighting restriction. So the proposed words are golf courses that are equipped with lighting for night use shall not operate after 10:00PM. And after Planning Commission discussed the first amendment and they reviewed it discussed and >> the entire golf >> course. Objection and had a a change that different from the original. >> Amendments that are proposed by council. So the changes in red and and it is a change to the proposed windy and >> council recommendation is to strike windy, completely. And there are not similar regulations on other sports related to lighting and the Parks Department has a whole process for. >> They operate and public process to weigh in. >> operations like lighting. Their side-by-side. Original proposed from council and the Planning Commission recommendation. That is
different. Yes, the discussion was at Planning Commission is that all? Presidents are in alignment with the comprehensive plan. are in line with other facility, zoning regulations which are not for other sports. >> And it would allow golf course operations more hours and more access for accessibility for our public golf courses. then historic various record preparation are also discussed in relation to golf, which has had some historic racial barriers. So again, no other sports are regulated. And in the same way that golf courses are in the zoning And then the planning Commission recommended that. Consider this at the July 22nd at their meeting. And this there at condition along with the Highland District Council's resolution in support will be considered at the at the public hearing July. 26. that's my position. I can stand for questions and and yu better get from Parks and Rec is also hear their questions for parts. >> Thanks so much from. So just to be clear, the language in front of us is the original staff proposed language or it's the planning >> The language in front of you is the original proposed and that meant. You have the planning commission changes as well that you can consider.
Thank you. >> And the other questions during the staff report, part of this ordinance obviously have a public hearing and consideration next few weeks as Thank you council president ensure that I really appreciate. Just put the slides. if we could just summarize, was I was just trying to follow and I could ask and we like, what problem are we looking to stop its accessibility alone or if you speak to this kind of what is How would this and what solution are re bringing forth with this amendment. >> So it was originally proposed to allow later use at Highland Golf course. So they could be oen until 09:00PM and then have time to clean up until 10:00PM. >> the lighting just for their driving range. Ad it's just ahead. Like slightly later to allow for more revenue for parks and rec and a lot more accessibility people to stay just a little later. >> The for I add to that to the I don't vote. You're the lights were installed that they were installed. I think. 3 or 4 you 2 or 3 years ago check what year it with this intention and they have been on cross Country, Cross country skiing. And so the goal is really, fact, provide more opportunity. The golf driving range does get used quite a bit and it would
provide quite a bit more revenue and also their golf lessons at Highland. And, you know, there Just a lot of opportunities there for for folks to get to get more use out of the golf course. Stuns for staff. I was thanks so much. And certainly over. Yes, the family over to July 22nd ordinance 26 Dash. 36 adding Chapter 86.1 3 to the administrative code to require city council approval of mixed municipal solid waste contracts. >> And this others and staff report per se. I look at council member report, which is basically that this ordinance is a proposal to require that the city council have the authority and ripped the required to approve municipal solid waste contract. It came to my attention when we were considering our most recent organized trash collection contract that this was not a contract that the council approves. We approve any smaller contracts and this and we approve any contracts that affect our constituents lives much less than organized collection. And and so the proposal here is to give the council more of over an oversight role in approving those contracts. And hopefully also greater transparency to the public as to what those contracts contain as part of that That's my councilmember
report by way of staff report. And I'm happy to take any questions. Seeing none. This ordinance is late or to July 22nd item. 27 ordinance 26 dash. 32 amending Appendix C of the legislative code relating to northern states power dpa Xcel Energy Electric franchise. So this brings us to the public hearing section of our agenda. So the way public hearings work is that when your item is called BS, that you come up to the front, you'll have 2 minutes to speak. You start please with your name and where you're coming from. And and you don't need to adjust the 2 microphones. You can stand up straight and leave them where they are. They should pick you up just fine. When you're done Yes. The sign in with your and where you're coming from on that. You sign in sheets on either side. We do require that folks stick to the subject at hand. So make sure that the subject that you're testifying on is the subject that you're speaking about. And again, 2 minutes to go by quickly. So if you find you're running out of time, there's a time right in front of you. You can check yourself and it's my and people job to keep everybody to the 2 minutes. We also accept testimony via e-mail. If you are in writing, if you feel like you need to give a smart. So with that, this is the public hearing on
item 27. there anyone here speak to this item? So coming up. Thank Council president and council members, John for the website. Us so overhead work. activated protector. We joke that its voice activated, but just have to wait for media. Folks which is which has not happened yet, but it will any moment. All right. Well, here's ordinance draft here. >> And I can understand the intent is to extend it to December 31st because the negotiations have been completed. And I can appreciate that. 20 year contract coming to an end. So all due diligence the city of Minneapolis to do the same What I would like to point out that there's just going to all you need I would suggest to you need to make a different version for it because the 2024 west and this is ordinance amended. We had to deal the rakish here. You're dealing the actual contract. >> But you have a race that you haven't adjusted in your legislative text year. by that, I would have to say that you could look here at what was by Councilmember ghosts. In 2024. first of all, this the electric rates that are up. But you'll notice no, I don't know if you can see schedule of rates. Ws amended. If you look at top column there, it was to extend
from. Well, the last time was to apply for from 2025 until The city attorney and the council recognized this contract with end at the end of August. And so they modified the the their schedule rates. As you can see here. But adding in. >> Expiration of August's 2026. And you can see that on the residential. But that applies all of the. So on. >> You would need to simply just. Correct and do what? The council did in 2024. But copying that language to pretty that getting it getting here. You don't want to leave law. You know, one 3rd of te and it's 2 minutes. But I appreciate your point. And I will follow up with our city attorneys. And that point, thank you so much for testifying. Make sure to sign in. Also here to speak on this topic. I back up for the Okay. Found it. becomes topic. Coming up. Members of the city council, the city gvernment. It is my unenviable task of speaking on this topic and in particular a topic to which the city has acted unilaterally opera name and where you're coming from, please. Yeah, absolutely. Mentally anchors award one resident and I'm here to talk about a public haring item that remains notably glaringly off of this list. It has been exactly one week since the
assistant mayor told in a private call to service providers, shelters and the have a public hearing on that Need you to stop talking on that topic. But there be a public hearing on this item. >> I appreciate your point. Thank you for raising it. Needed to speak on this topic today. Will there be a public hearing on this item so that members and residents of the camps that are about to be shut down have a chance to actually voice their opinion. Thank you for your testimony. Please make sure to sign in. Is there anyone else here to speak on this topic? This ordinance? Will we need to close carrying out commotion from is just to close the public hearing on favor say Aye. >> post 7 in favor. None oppose public hearing is closed. The ordinance is laid over. Item. 28 ordinance 26 dash. 33 amending Appendix B of the legislative code relating to note northern states power dba Xcel Energy Gas franchise. >> This is a public hearing. Is there anyone he speak on this topic? >> Thank you again gas as probably all know even 8% rate increase in the next several weeks. I think September one. In the 2024. Conversation on Fresh eyes We pointed out that the increase that was
taken there by eliminating the shelter of ecuse a a time frame which was exempt from natural gas. franchise us. We added that back. And so instead of there being a 6 on 6 game, 7, 5, >> And that raised everybody's rates up to now. I just want to make clear that the way these rates are standing. Until until August 31st those represent the highest franchise fees and the state of Minnesota. not. And I know that w can't talk much about what's happening on the future. I did want to point out that you need to changed to correct the. The franchise rate chart to reflect collections after August 31st. But I also want to ask the council to please, as you as you in front of appreciative, the last ordinance or resolution made. But you need the council needs to make input o how these 20 years agreements are how much they're going to assessing. very difficult to understand. >> Without some analysis how much the city is collecting from But >> other cities have made it a little bit But in the got to address residential side and the fact that we've lost, you know, how you make up that revenue. You know, we lost North star Steel. We lost the Waldorf. Big gas will have users. You know, is the burden going condense upon the
residents? Thank you, Thank you. Make sure sign in. >> Is there anyone else here? Speak on this topic. Seeing none. take a motion from its just to close the public hearing all in favor say Aye. >> A post 7in favor. None opposed. The ordinance is laid over and public hearings close item. 29 resolution, public hearing 26 dash one. 53 approving the application of Irish pair of Minnesota for some of variance in order to present amplified sound for twin Cities. Irish fest event and August 7th, 8th 9008th at 2 200 ER hits Boulevard carried Island Mitchell Park. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this topic? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from Vice President Yang to close the public hearing and all in favor say Aye. A post 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted legislative hearing consent agenda items. 33 before you for your consideration. Welcome MS. >> Mormon >> we only have a staff report and she is coming right now. >> My apologies comes president council members, the only have to pull is the Portland had dress. And 17 item. 33. Lh RSA 26 Dash 7 appeal, Lieutenant Michael Smith to rent stabilization
determination at 15, 17 Portland Avenue apartment E in moment. Council president, this is rent sabilization appeal. The appeal dismayed by the tenant of Unit >> The >> Mather Under Appeal is that there be an exception to the rent cap, which is set 3%. So the numbers in the city could increase event annually up to 3%. Anything beyond that does require Department Safety inspections to review and approve. approval is up 100 >> Pending a final determination. Final determination could be after 45 days passes and on appeal. This a finalist for the mission made by the city Council here. That's what you're doing today. I need to the few. The appeals primarily in the home talks of this section of stabilization code related to use of return on investment. Reasonable return investment >> decent handful of provisions that supplied to pull it up here in it. go fix okay. So what's in front of you here te code one. 93 a point. '06. >> And I will walk through. There are. The first level of analysis provided is what the department does in the department compared in this case, the 2023 set of books. >> With the 2025 set of books and looking at that, they said
17.9% is what is justified in this analysis. Income and expenses and twice went through the but says in 2025. I looked it again. It's just you have me do. And I found that there were a couple of aspects of the analysis that weren't adequately considers and my few all the first has to do with. Here This section of the code and it speaks to failure on the part of land there to provide adequate housing services to comply substantially with applicable statement housing has left the housing health and safety codes or they're going to the DREAM My specific items that I look at it and that that I think are. Problematic would be that the wind, though, in the bedroom. Could not open and stay open on its That is considered an emergency egress. And you need to have 2 ways to get out of the sleeping room. One would be directly to the outdoors which this window would do and the other can be through the house. So through the clothes store. I can stay open, you can't use it safely. Another thing that I thought was key was that the fire extinguisher needed to be replaced and not fit for use. With respect to my other concern, this is really equally important is the way that the code is
constructed when it comes to utilities is says. >> If the tenant pays for utilities. And you've always had a separate fee for utilities, You can move forward with that separate fee for utilities. If you as a landlord paid utility us and now you want to have a separate charge for utility us. You need to figure that out pretty done carefully and be able to justify that expense is part of what you have paid in the past and what is expected moving forward. still be considered really a part of the bundle of housing services that you receive for payment of. >> Ben Foden and our grant and this extra fee. Paperwork that was submitted. >> Did split out the rent from the utilities. Although the release was not clear on this point. And that happens again to a greater degree with the current proposal for a rent increase. I found that taking those 2 things together. Made it impossible for me to recommend approval at this time of the application or yes, the appeal does need to be granted to the tenant. I would note the landlord has been operating in an upright fashion. I would say. The history of repairs. Good at the property. In my view is a Nobody is that it's this isn't
a matter of drinking in a bath landlord assists. >> its valuation of this application and the inspection is a snapshot in time. Unlike most things you see for me, it's not a correction where that got issue where we're giving a certain length of time to be. Too poor to be remedied. This is but it didn't look like rght now, which is a separate kind of a conversation. I say that these items can be rectified. the owners could be referred back to the Department of Safety and inspections to revise their application that are still. >> To completely submit new application and that would be under what ever rules the department for dealing with 3 application. I'm not involved in that process, but that would be solution again and finally secured for me with all of these the recommendation and the decisions that you're making today pertain only to unity within this building. Thank you, Miss Mormon. Are there any questions before we hear from time? All Then in this case, this is the legislative hearing for. And 33, if you are the appellant, this is your time. Come on up. Council president council members. My name is Abby Hanson. I worked at Housing
Justice Center in here and the half of Michael Smith. The appellant will speak in just a moment. Our asked today is that you adopt the hearing officer's recommendation Grant Mr. State's Appeal. We think there are at least 2 legal basis on which you from the recommendation. The first is have an ability and any ordinance have the ability must be considered section one. we do succeed mandate. Set this council deny any rate increase 4 units in which a has failed to comply with and have the ability standards. Minnesota have the ability standards include lcal code. As you can see in the code is the hearing officer referenced. There's inspection report in the record that shows they're open code violations here. I also do want to note that this is a Class B property whose fighters it if it contains faction is one year overdue. So has Mister Smith will talk about. There's maybe additional issues that would arise. And so those condition issues themselves allowed you to affirm its recommendation. The second issue on which you from the recommendations, utilities a the hearing officer explained her reasoning on the base of utilities. And I'll provide you additional one. All utilities at this property. Yes, water garbage time. Mary
electricity. Those are passed through to tense utilities measured by a single media are passed through to tenants. Minnesota law has specific disclosure and a portion formula requirements as explained in the materials that we submitted. Those are not being met here. And under Minnesota law failure to follow that is itself habitability violation. And that brings us back to subdivision C meaning that this council cannot approve this race. So I would ask this council to adopt the hearing officer's recommendation and grant Mr. appeal. didn't over. The Mister Smith has more to Thank you very much. Make sure to sign in will come up. >> My name is Michael Smith and I have lived at 15, 17 for more than a decade. >> I've learned to navigate an old building. Don't run the coffee pot when the toaster is plugged. never plug 2 things into the bathroom because you'll blow a few us don't run a C Both routes at the same time and don't use the because of the gas get isn't completed and it will set off the fire alarm. Do we know my little tricks and even leaving the front half of my apartment with nothing plugged in my electric bills, which I pay all of have soared and become unmanageable. I have a large chunk of my wall that sends invoice, chairman of moisture
meter all the way past. 99 and is only getting worse. I had a meeting with my father and Robin to discuss rising cost electricity. And Brent, in the first week of August 2025, at this meeting I pointed out the up showed the water was coming in. At from the roof and that the wall was wet. I understand that costs are up, but I can't carry the burden of paying more for an apartment that doesn't meet my basic needs and the rising cost of gas, water, trash and common area. Electricity are already passed on to U.S. attendant. The building is now for sale for the 3rd time since I've lived that. The hallways haven't been vacuumed. There's been and cobwebs since my neighbor moved out last month. The line has not been mowed or tended If they are not willing to do basic maintenance to sell the building. I think it clearly shows they're unwilling to do maintenance in general. Please adopt the hearing officer's recommendation. Thank you very much, It's a win here else here to speak in this legislative hearing. Thanks starting your name where coming from. >> Good afternoon. I'm Rob Indoor show. Along with my husband, rich crime fell to be on the building at 15, 17 Portland Avenue we purchased in September of 2022. At the complainant. Micah Smith was
already a tenant in the building when we purchased it. Somehow it's related to the prior owner. So there was no damage deposit. We thought maybe we need to institute that. But we thought, no, we're not going to do that. We're going to leave the situation changed. Try to foster good relations with our tenants. We kept the former Anders Lee says enforce when we purchased the building. Rent variants have been completed by the former owners just a few months before the sale with the resulting rent for the units being $1324. That amount reflected a base rent of $1060 and monthly utilities, an average of $264. We kept us going. This is what we inherited from the prior owner. >> Between 2023, 2025. we implemented a couple of increases to the base rents. We received a 5.8% variance through the city of Saint Paul in 2023. And racetracks. Thing late. At the increases did not exceed the 3% cap in any 12 month period. Did huge increases in property taxes and insurance as well as rising costs all round. We went through the lengthy get variance process again, end of last year receiving the recommendation for the 17.9 7% variance. At issue today. We raised the rent for apartment due to $1500 on January. First 2025 decreasing it to 1466
later that year due to a decrease in average utility costs, which is likely result of a new thermostat regulation system. We had installed at a substantial costs. After receiving notice of the variance. Granted, we've raised rent for 3 of the 4 apartments each around 15%. Not the full 17.9% to commence on May. The first for parody, the basement was scheduled to go from 12. 66 to 14. 61, increase of $195. Or 15.4%. So we do need you to summarize your testimony says for past 2 minutes. So and we do need you to wrap up your testimony since your past 2 minutes. So if you can try to summarize your >> can also written testimony. Okay. So we've also responding also to Mr. Smith's first letter saying that the apartment too expensive. Research shows that a two-bedroom apartment in the Lexington, Hammond, South neighborhood, which is the neighborhood Ren between 152100 a month. And with the median price, 1700 classic older traditional brick walk-up, such as ours typically start around 1500 and go to 1700. And a similar properties to hear. >> In >> his initial complaint, she asserted that his electric bill to doubled and said he got 0 help from a landlord.
This is false. We contacted Xcel Energy on his behalf repairs. program for all the tenants. We did our best. And we have also. Circle back with Exelon brought in home, survived. Only what we can you make your asked of us and then we need you to some. Yes, we would like you to grant the variance. And I would like to speak to the deficiencies. Really unfortunate. so sorry we don't. limit thanks to 2 minutes. So I think we've heard Rask will accept written testimony. If you haven't. >> Thank you so much. Thank you. Anyone else here to speak on this legislative hearing. Seeing none. I'll take a motion from this bully to close the public hearing all in favor say Aye. had something to say on post. my name is Linda I rside in Frank town in Ward, one neighborhood that was tragically, decimated and >> cut off from the Rondo from the unilateral governmental decision. >> And much like Mr. Smith, I believe that everyone deserves housing that meets their basic needs. And I think that the city and the county in the country is failing our residents and we are here to demand a public hearing on the eviction plan because we don't have time. They're going to be evicted. paycheck. She had testimony. Please sign in.
And take a motion from his way to close the public can give or say aye. 7 in favor. None oppose public hearings closed as Billy. Thank you, council president and thank you so much hearing officer spent for being here as you just never as well as happy owners. I have just a clarifying question. I came prepared. Reviewing all the information and came prepared with my decision. Guys want to have a clarifying question just for the record since landlord is here, you would mention that this is more so just like a based off of the assessment of how they apply. That does not meet the conditions to grant that variant. And you mentioned at size and is between the U.S. I and the applicant, particularly around reapplying. Is there anything? And I was looking at the ordinance is there like a grace period in between of when property owner can apply and say they are tonight and then when they can reapply. I'm just wondering if there's a grace period. With Council, president Council member the best of my knowledge of the code is silent on that matter. And that would be a policy internal to the Department of Safety and inspections and how they administer the code. >> So I
Moving forward with the motion. I just want to to say I do plan on moving forward t granting the approval of the recommendation from the hearing officer based the findings. And I just want to just reiterate, you know, some of the things I think we have a really strong ordinance here with our tenant protections. We actually have 9. conditions in terms of which some property owner has to meet in order to received a variance go above cat. And in this case with Apple can't of applying for the the housing services are particularly for. They did not me. condition number 8, but egress window and the fire juror also having the fees utilities as a pass through. I think all of those question it's habit allergy cash trying avoid. But you know I say? The standards in which we have for housing because of that. That's why moving forward. I also want to just like highlighting apprecte the tenant being here. It's really important we supported the tenant protections, ordinance. It was because of reasons and opportunities like this for a chance to step up and share, you know what they experience been like. And I appreciate you sharing some of the same Paul life hacks of living in old home. Being born raise an old hall, particularly in the neighborhood. I know the
feeling of not plugging up the toaster and air condition. And, you know, that is even more reason why we need to have more investment and to our housing into our repairs and really helping improve housing stock here in Saint Paw. And, you know, affordability issues are real. And I just appreciate the practice this appeal. so I am in alignment with hearing. Officers I motion grant grant the so much. As to grant the appeal, any discussion of the motion. >> All right. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. I post 7 in favor not oppose. The resolution is adopted. As far anything else to come before us for separate consideration. >> To the best of my knowledge, else is here testify, right? So this will be a public hearing. If you're here on item. 38 through 36, this is your public hearing. reiterate that we need folks to speak to item on the agenda so asking which item it is. we need to stick to Is Images? Council president council members of what you have in front of you for. This >> address is >> tree removal assessment of this, too, deemed to be dangerous. A letter went out and telling the owner that it
was a dangerous tree on May 29th of 2026. the depth which is a green ash removed from the yard. It cost to the tree removal was $4,400. The assessment indicates that hospice services and fees attached to it. My recommendation is approval of that assessment its payment over the course of 10 years in order the property owner can more easily manage the costs. >> Thank you, miss moment and so this is a public hearing item. 31 23, that incident, right? All right. Hta 26 dash one. 25 ratifying field Special Tax Assessment for property at 7.20, College Avenue All right. >> Hello, my name is Corey Smith and I live and where and I'm just here to continue to point that other people the making and say that people say all deserve an immediate public hearing on the decision continue to get until you decide transparent with people decide on a child and the people who are being affected by homelessness public health solutions. Thank sign it. ? So we're not going to hold for their testimony unless you are here to speak on this topic. So please do not begin speaking in speak on this topic. We're going to need to recess the meeting and not have further conversation on any Please go ahead with your name and please keep it to the topic. The >> My name is Ken and I'm in
Ward. One. >> And it is imperative that this council speaks on him. Innovations in Saint Paul, your silence and inaction thing that immense farm and is deplorables that people cannot and will not silence. This needs to be discussed immediately and we will not impression. Thank you. ? My name is Xavier Decker from one. And I just wanted to point ot the city of Saint Paul has never cared about the safety of its residents and will continue to murder people through the stifling of resources and continues displacement. Encampment, eviction is direct action against the same residents are constantly and addiction has always been on their radar. 7 in favor know is that it's here proposition and a 2, a visa, careful in violent know in past rest of the legislative hearing items out there. ? ? ? ? ? ?