WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: https://stpaul.granicus.com/player/clip/5898?view_id=37&redirect=true

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: https://stpaul.granicus.com/player/clip/5898?view_id=37&redirect=true):
- 00:00:00: Meeting Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
- 00:02:16: Discussion and Vote on Minimum Wage Violation Resolution
- 00:09:23: Council Questions and Commentary on Wage Violation Case
- 00:13:30: Further Discussion on Wage Theft and Enforcement Options
- 00:14:57: Exploring Solutions and Uplifting Department's Work
- 00:16:10: Enforcement Mechanisms and Expectations for Wage Policies
- 00:20:28: Ordinance Layover: Tree Preservation for City Projects
- 00:23:55: Public Hearings and Approvals: Road & Budget Resolutions
- 00:27:28: Legislative Hearing Consent Items and Youth Recognition
- 00:28:55: Board, Committee, and Event Announcements
- 00:32:22: Parks Conservancy Party and Meeting Adjournment


Part: 1

1
00:00:00.399 --> 00:02:13.931
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? A meeting of City Council to order Roll call, please. Can't hear here, but we hear comment Johnson, Fair, and council president here. That is 7 president exit. Welcome everyone. And thank you so much for joining us for our city council meeting today. We invite everyone to join us in standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. to the flag of United States. to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under that indivisible liberty and justice for all. >> Consent agenda items for through. 23 are before you for your consideration. And we are pulling number 17 from consent. Is there anything else to be taken from the consent agenda? Seeing none. We'll take a motion from vice president thanked the balance of the consent agenda all in favor say Aye. Opposed 7 in favor. None opposed. The consent agenda is adopted as

2
00:02:16.603 --> 00:03:31.800
amended. Item. 17 resolution, 26 Dash 8.37. Finding that the class a valet think violated Saint Paul Legislative code. Chapter 2.24. And imposing restitution in the amount of $21,658. And I wanted to pull this item off of consent because this is a really important action that the city is taking its not one that often comes to the city council normally because we haven't players who are more responsive to our human rights economic Opportunity Department in this case that did not happen. So wanted to folks from human rights department. Us a little bit more about ad. What we're seeing here and my this is in front of >> Thanks, council President Andrea Ledger at interim director of the Hero Department joined by or assistant city Attorney Levy. I can't hear he's going to do the bulk of the presentation, but I'm happy to answer any policy questions that you have. Welcome a scanner. Thank you. Council president council members of what he can or as director Ledger said with state attorneys office and we are bringing to the first minimum wage violation that's been before the city council, as you may know or remember, the minimum wage ordinance was adopted in 2018, but the majority of the complaints

3
00:03:34.346 --> 00:04:54.157
that the department receives our resolve through determination settlement agreements with the employer, these arguments were the employer hero and the complainants worked together to corrects their wage violations and back pay 2 employees. It sometimes even enter into monitoring complaints agreements with these employers to make sure that employers continue following the rules going forward. And that in this case, we have a situation where the employer has not been willing to work with and we're hoping to bring this to a council vote today to increase pressed procedural protections, transparency and council oversights. Let's be clear that the role of hero is to investigate the complaints and make findings on whether ordinance was violated and then the role of the city council is to adopt those findings or not and impose or not impose the restitution amounts. So class a ballet is the contacted Valley Parking services company. Previously operated with a restaurant in the city of Saint Paul. And they had a contract with the restaurant from February 2024. To March 2025. In February of 2025. The department received a complaint alleging that had violated the minimum wage ordinance, specifically that

4
00:04:56.495 --> 00:06:17.378
they're under paying their employees and failed to provide required notice of breaks to employees. The complainant who was a former employee submitted a pay stub to the department showing that he was only completed $12 an hour during a two-week period in 2025. when the can't, that's fine for that business should have been $14 an hour at a minimum. He also submitted screenshots of text message exchanges with the owner of Class, A where the employer lied to him about how much you be paying. So January 10th of 2025, the complainant texted the owner and said stays 14 in our rate. The players, I guess. But then after that complainant received his pace of $12 an hour. He sent that back to the employer along with a screenshot of the text exchange and said this is my first shift at the restaurant. You never told news $12 an hour. Respondents said that's what it is. says home ice. know that we need to me. It's 14 respondents said sorry, that's the wage. And so not only. And was he paying the living wage, but he deceiving employees to think they might be getting a higher wage. Here. Did a thorough investigation concluded by this man increase here in the audience today. She did a great dotting the I's and crossing the T's. She

5
00:06:20.316 --> 00:07:41.395
collected documents from the complainant interviewed completed witnesses and spoke and e-mailed with employer. And a big part of labor standards. Investigations is getting documentation seeing how much is paid how many hours for work. And when. And get this thing made several attempts to get these documents from the employer and she sent a notice of investigation. She requested and schedule to interviews which she did not attend. And she called e-mailed and male employee there. And then back in August, we took the extraordinary step seeking administrative search warrant to actually get the records from. Employer. The warrant was served on the employer and he still did not provide direct hits. But although he didn't read the records, he did that writing that he was violating the ordinance. And this is an excerpt from his e-mail where he said I received a asking how much I was paying my people. We were paying $12 an hour until it saw the rate was $14 an hour. As I mentioned, this was us approximately 7 workers in the business of qualified as a small business under the ordinance. And they're required minimum wage for small businesses during the time of the contract was $13 an hour. We're $14 an hour depending what the date was.

6
00:07:47.336 --> 00:09:20.961
Under other allegation, a failure to give notice and Section 2 to 4.8 of the ordinance requires employers to give employees will notice of the required minimum wage and their rights report violations. And plane allege he was not given notice. employee did not provide here with any evidence either way. And that creates a rebuttable presumption that violation and clear he's not rebutted or contested either this or the other violation. Working with information that thing was able collect during te investigation we determined that about $10,000, $10,829 aid in back pay to the employees for the term of the contract. That's about 7 employees and about $1500 per employee. And there's the option impose liquidated damages as well, which is either the greater the amount wages with help from the employee or $250. So in this case it would be and the exact same amount as the back pay. And it's appropriate to impose damages when the employer has shown has not shown that violations were reasonable are done in good faith. So the department is recommending that with date images also be imposed for a total restitution of 21,000, 658 delegates. Today. The department is asking that the city council find that place a valet violated the sections of

7
00:09:23.766 --> 00:10:51.385
the ordinance and impose the restitution amounts. $21,650, a pound that If the resolution is adopted by council, the city will issue a formal restitution order employer and the aggrieved employees can also use this order and this resolution to bring action in district court against the employer. Great. Thank you so much for the presentation. Comment and a question for the question is this a situation in which administrative citations would be useful and wondering what the cities recourse is when someone sort of continues to not just knocking documents but ultimately not not pay. In this case, administrative citations would be helpful, probably on the negotiation to signal to employee that they are actually in violation and we can impose additional penalties beyond just the back pay and liquidated damages. So forcing them to the table, so to speak. I will say this is an unusual situation. Usually we have compliance as you know, dead through our pdsa process also allows potentially the city to have put put skin in the game terms the monetary piece of this right now city attorney can said >> that grief employees at this point can now take this finding to court. That employee at that point has a

8
00:10:54.590 --> 00:11:55.516
claim. If the city were to impose administrative citations, the city would also have the additional claim against employer. >> While and I'm very supportive of this action today. I see my colleagues have come as well. And I'll just say, I think it's critical that we are daylighting the fact that this is this company class, a valley which is no longer operating. Same public, is operating Minneapolis is acting in this fashion. I think it's really important to be to hold these companies accountable. One of the ways we can do that is through this kind of transparency, that kind of forum. And as someone who was here when we passed the minimum wage, remember, we talked about how you pass the ordinance and that's the moment when you get the headlines. But it's everything that happens after that that actually determines whether or not that ordinance protects people. And so it's the work that your department has been doing. And it's it's this sort of following through this kind of action and ultimately getting these damages restitution for the people who did that. That makes the ordinance meaningful. So I just really want to thank you for the hard working for bringing this to us today, things just and then this

9
00:12:01.924 --> 00:13:26.218
Thank you, council president, thank legend scanner a question so look what they did damages being equal to the amount of back pay. That was that was not paid. Is that also like divided up among see those 7 employees basically correct. And the other question is it so is, is there not an opportunity also for them to get like interest on the unpaid wages? >> I don't think the ordinance provides for that. I'll defer to you. Yeah. I don't think that is ordinance I can. I can look it up. would say if kind small claims court action and got a judgment, interest calculated from. Actions judge from time turn. So. 6. Thank you is coming. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. just don't have any questions just for A huge congratulations to hear team and say, oh, this is really there is such a crisis of workers, rights enforcement across the country. And so to see Saint Paul taking the lead in such an important way and really making sure that >> these workers who are meaningfully wronged generally that has it's a game that's a lot of money over $1000 per employee. That is that's rent. That's food. That's car payments. It's huge. It's so take this action and to show other employers violate our laws that that's not going to find Saint Paul is I it's a

10
00:13:30.824 --> 00:14:50.234
huge, huge, huge step and something that hope really proud So thank you. Q any other comments this week. >> Thank you. It's want thank council president and I just want to echo what my colleagues has shared. really am happy that we have passed administrative citations and we have this effective tool actually, you know, protect people. This is like a example here. I do have a question for to clear around understand this is a contract service business and like, for example, like we know the results i terms of like the liquidation and the damages. But is there any other violations are, I guess, kind of like, but the outcomes like is this company able to work and Saint Aug? And if you could talk about what are some things that's beyond just like the financial. fees and fines. But anything aside from that? >> So as council president making know that they are currently operating in Saint Paul. this is also being unique situation in that this is not a type of business that we license in the city and it was a business that we licensed. There might be some more opportunities for us to maybe withhold their act, their license or take action against their license. But because we don't. Control of that here we can't. But at this time, yes, classic could

11
00:14:57.710 --> 00:16:09.447
come in and sign a contract with another restaurant or another business to to to valet parking services. There. >> I would add the more generally it's actually had rethinking how we might explore other solutions. And one thing we test, but it's looking at the state licensing boards as well. Which is why your action today is important for similar kind of contracts, businesses to the extent that these businesses or local license statewide we can forward you're finding on to them. Any other questions or comments. >> All right. I will take a time Service was in Ghana, says then I was like no one actually. I think it's really important to uplift the work and I thank you, President council president for pulling this from from the agenda. I think just with the thorough investigation into some of some of the things that we've heard about, this is a prime example of an option. >> Where? The city rollout around administer patients will be really important moving forward. And so I do appreciate the questions to that. >> Because this is an example rate. an example of of wait staff. We have other ordinances like tenant protections to that also are looking to administer patients to be even more effective than

12
00:16:10.918 --> 00:17:30.662
this step that we're taking today. And so I'm looking forward to just kind of working and continuing to see to the work group that's working on this and plantation to take and prioritize examples like wage theft because we're acting on those things. Now to take prioritize ordinances like protections that are already in effect because we could be doing even more than this. >> And look forward to kind of scene. Our hero Department continue to be able to work on these items as well with the full staffing in backing what I hope to be a director soon. And so jst really excited about the work that going to be going into these because to me, this is like for some people that see the difference between, you know, it's $2 an hour and it's like when you're taking a role that you're looking to have expecting to actually make a certain way, you should be able to do that here in our city. So I just think that's really important. Thank you. week. Thank you. Council president had a quick question because I also in full support of iposing this restitution. >> But after we take this action, can you walk us through for millions of viewers in terms what enforcement looks like? You know, I've seen time and time again where even in like the court housing court, our Vision where a tent was able to get there down payment.

13
00:17:34.668 --> 00:19:00.433
given that the down payment, their arms, a security deposit back. But they have been chasing, you know, that person in this case was like the enforcement mechanism. Is it like Department of Revenue was involved or other entities ensure that back pay this for story to those in place. >> I'll defer Staley arm is kept in case and speaking out of turn here. But right now the answer is that complainants in this case will have this order from you that they can take them to small claims court. And tat is their best avenue at this point for actually getting restitution. what I would say is that I think one of the things we're exploring is in the case of administrative citations, if we had been able to impose administrative citations here, we my have more avenues as the city to be able to also have our own standing with that employer to be able to try to and and a formal legal setting. But again, I think we need to fot half further. Explore that your action today will give complainants. Evidence that they can take small claims court >> And just at that, we will be doing everything we can to train. Flatow the restitution as well or collect for the employees. And and like we talked about if there's instance where maybe they have

14
00:19:07.642 --> 00:20:28.121
places in the city or something, we're trying to look at their creative solutions where we could. >> Try and get compliance as well. So a ton of options in this specific instance. But small claims court is a great option for employee. All right. Well, thank you again. Thanks for the great questions clarification of what this ordinance does and doesn't do. And I'm really glad to take action today. I will take that as a motion for approval from its Billy any further discussion. All in favor say Aye. Aye, all opposed 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted. Item. 24 ordinance 25 Dash 4 amending title 5 of the Administrative Code to add chapter 92 titled Tree Preservation for City-sponsored Projects Inc. ? >> Because I think that that's right, right. Thanks. OK, so this is this is before us for final adoption I'm going to move to lead over till June 24th. >> For actual final well, for probably a public hearing and a lot of amendments from the last time we saw this. I want to be really clear that this is not being laid over because of lack of action and is actually being laid over because there has been so much great action going on on this. There has been citywide work, especially between the departments of Parks and Rec and Public works, which is

15
00:20:29.591 --> 00:21:33.720
important because those are the 2 departments that are going to need to be working really closely together when this ordinance goes into effect. So the process is actually kind of. The goal here and it's getting us to the outcome that we want just through the process. There's been citywide work and engagement many district councils across the city. Our public input group continues to be really active. And we just we don't want to rush to get it done. We want to get it done right. and the other advantage here is that it will be ready to implement once its past. We will not have a separate rule setting processor standard operating procedure process. All of those details are being figured out in the midst of this ordinance process. so we're not going reverse engineer it. It's just gonna be ready to go. On June 24th. So I want to thank all the departments that are working this, the public input group and especially my legislative aide, Macon jacket, who jokes that this is a part-time But it's not really a joke. And I appreciate my colleagues for parents because I know the sus. This is at least the 3rd time that I have asked for this to be laid over. But it's going to be great so I over to June 24th. Any discussion of that motion this can't. Yeah.

16
00:21:41.863 --> 00:22:47.926
It from exactly said appreciative out of time and attention that you're putting into this end and in the war. The has one of the trick or street equity scores in the city just like on behalf of 45 and so grateful that this is like something that your office has been leading on. And I'm very supportive of the layover because of te amount of work and engagement that your office has been doing. So really appreciate Thank you. want to echo that as well. Council president also jacket yearly has done amazing work. I was really impressed with. >> Getting all of the outreach, particularly through the district councils. I know this is something that's really top priority when it comes to Frogtown Neighborhood Association spent endless conversations. And, you know, one of the silver linings Lane is over is get more input from my constituents who have a lot of questions that I would love to also. All right now with some of my colleagues and you who's leading on this ordinance. So, again, just you know, for those who are watching and listening, like, please, you know, provide feedback, provide and played. And I just want to say thank you so much for your Thank you, Miss And there of this will actually go. >> To the Parks Commission on June 11th and it will be

17
00:22:50.464 --> 00:23:52.792
available for public viewing on June 4th a week earlier than that. So there will be lots of conversation. I will make sure to be walking around, of course, with all of your offices, but also for the public's information. This will be publicly available significantly before it comes to Council. Thank you for the kind comments al in favor of the Please say Aye. Aye opposed. >> 7 in favor. None opposed. The ordinance is laid over to June 24th 2026. item. 25 resolution public hearing. 26 dash 81 amending the financing and spending plans and the Department of Public Works Capital budget for the wheel at crowd of Phase 2 Street Reconstruction project. So this brings us to the public hearing section of our agenda. If you are here to speak on any of the following items in the public hearing section when your item is called. And I say this is a public hearing. If you're here to speak, please come on up. You would just come up stand right in between those 2 microphones. You don't need to touch them or just them. They'll pick you up just fine. You'll have 2 minutes to testify. We St Start with your name and where you're coming from. And then you're free to speak on the subject after you're done testifying. There's a sign in sheet on

18
00:23:55.463 --> 00:25:06.799
both sides. And we ask that you cited. So with that, this is a public hearing on number. 25, if you're here to speak on this item, please come on up. Seeing none. I will take a motion from a scam to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. post 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item. 2 resolution public hearing. 26 dash 82 accepting local road improvement funding from the state of Minnesota and amending the financing and spending plans in the Department of Public Works Capital Budget to add this funding to public works. Pedestrian improvement projects. >> This is a public hearing. Isn't anyone here to speak on item? >> Seeing none. I will take a motion from this Johnson to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say aye. >> I all post 7 in favor. None oppose. The resolution is about that item. 27 resolution. Public hearing 26 dash 106 establishing the financing and spending plan to the Department of Parks and Recreation, the amount of $100,000 to reflect funds received from the Minnesota Twins to support youth baseball and softball. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. I have 2 young were to constuents at home. That would be very upset if I didn't say thank you to the Minnesota I will move

19
00:25:08.936 --> 00:26:12.865
approval all in favor say Aye. post 7 in favor not oppose. The resolution is adopted 28 resolution. Public hearing 26 Dash 107 amending the financing and spending plans in the Department of Public Works Capital budget to transfer municipal State aid funding into projects. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak item? Seeing none. I'll take motion from his just to close the public hearing and approve all in favor. Say that. All opposed 7 in favor, not oppose. The resolution is adopted item. 29 resolution, public hearing 26 Dash 108 amending the financing and spending plans of the Department of Public Works Capital Budget for the 2026 sidewalk Reconstruction program. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. I'll take motion from his comment to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. I'll post 7 in favor not oppose. The resolution is adopted item 30 resolution public hearing 26 Dash one, 17 authorizing the execution of an M O U Accepting $10,000 gift and can travel support from the city's for financial Empowerment Fund and amending the spending and financing budget for the cities for financial Empowerment Grant. This is a public hearing. Is there

20
00:26:14.402 --> 00:27:26.872
anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. I'll take motion from his ability to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. oppose 7 in favor, not oppose. The resolution is adopted. This brings us to the legislative hearing section of our agenda, legislative hearing consent items. 31 through 38 for you for your consideration. Welcome this moment. Good afternoon, Council president. I don't believe there's anyone here to testify a legislative >> so we will now hold a public hearing on all of our remaining items items. 31 to 30 eights. Is there anyone here to speak on any of those items? All right, seeing none. I will take a motion from Vice President Yang to close the public hearing approve the items with nations recommendations of the legislative hearing. Officer all in favor. Please say Aye. 7 in favor not oppose a legislative hearing. Consent agenda is adopted as amended. Before we go to news from board's, we do have a few young folks here in chambers today who I think might be here from school. And we always like to give you an opportunity if you're kind of project, too, come on up and standing between the 2 microphone so that you're on all 5 cameras. Also live on YouTube at this moment. So

21
00:27:28.143 --> 00:28:55.940
your teacher knows you are here and just tell us your name and what you like. Best about Saint Paul. So if any of you in here me that this feel moved. you can do it. One of you know what, you know, you want the jacket there. All right. We're gonna give you a minute to think about all we share. Good news. And then we're gonna look back at you off early for a long pass all right. Just Morts camp and the food truck Friday is are still on 9 17 avenue. The parking lots at the corner pain and York. 03:00PM to 07:00PM. Every other Friday. >> Please join us there. And a few weeks ago I shared the amazing good news of our soap box Derby. Some of the of except him and that he shuns Sunday. I'm still here feel pressure. But not next Tuesday, but the following Tuesday, we will be defending our title against Minneapolis in the soap box at Hidden Falls. The there missed out on the fun. So FOX builds are finishing the speaks. If you haven't had the chance to go out and to check in on your team's, strongly encourage you to do. It's really fun. Chelsea Heights team had 3 kiddos when I was there and 2 broken arms So I really wonder who's driving so like CBD of least consider coming. It's a great parks and rec opportunity. And again, we've

22
00:28:55.960 --> 00:30:35.727
got to defend our title on home turf. next, next Tuesday Falls 05:00PM to 07:00PM. Some it. I think it's gonna be a lot of fun. This comment clarify in with the broken arms for related to the Derby. separate. You know, I great question councilmember home and I did not have a follow-up question for the but of 6 arms to a broken. So it's also scary as president. Think of the president. I wanted to share about the Pain Feeling Committee council's monthly meeting that tey're having. >> It's on that Tuesday. Me 26 from 06:00PM to 08:00PM at Arlington Hills Committee Center. The we're going to have Mayor Cawley her there. So that should hear from residents about concerns and ideas about north and Iran, which is the fallen tree in the east side in 0.6 and I will be there too. So wanted let folks know about coming there. Thanks, And news. Have a couple here. So coming from Parks and rec. >> I'm a zing programs. We have the Rondo Baseball initiative. >> That's hosted on Mondays and Wdnesdays from 5.30, to 07:00PM. So if you have the little kills and the Rondo neighborhood from age 8 to 11, they can join the baseball team. We have also the stop, the violence bsketball event free vendors, basketball games, music guest, speakers, celebrities. I'm not sure who those deliveries are face painting. That's going to take

23
00:30:38.866 --> 00:32:12.899
place at Frogs. How community center Saturday May 30th and also in that same day, May 30th. We have the David Winfield ceremony out given more information, but you can find it all on social media. And last but not least this is not from the word, but inspired by my word. Actually, when I was in college was on the Planning Committee for the Malcolm X Conference. And I am the late great mentor of mine smell Reeves head and also elder Yousef Guinea, both led the Malcolm Minnesota Malcolm X Conference. We've had it in Saint Paul Minneapolis. It's going to take place this Saturday. May 23rd my good friend. Time he sees way is carrying on the baton and asking for people to join. as we were talking about just liberation politics and education. It's gonna take place and that the at the North Community High School, you can find it on line from 09:00AM to 07:00PM. Lots of discussion. We'll have tons of elders there. All 3 vegan food hosted by the time he sees way. Who is a vegan chef vegan by nature. So please, look it up again. It's not insane PA, but it is deeply rooted in our mission and community. And I told her by mode it this year. I would love to see it next year. Most of the same So stay tuned. But yeah, taking place this memorial weekend. That sounds like a lot of fun. She

24
00:32:22.644 --> 00:33:19.166
appreciated. You can put it I will share just because it's actually not till after next week's meeting, but it is right after next week's meeting. And I want people to have time to plan dress mark their calendars. >> The Sample Parks Conservancy is hosting its 2026 party for the parks at Harriet Island next Wednesday, 5.30, to 08:30PM. It is celebrating Saint Paul Parks and the people who make them great and is going to have a performance by circus to dentists. Food from Boca Chica original music by Thomas pictures and Tom less music dancing and fives 50 Jake great minds. Not just by UPS. So a lot of excitement. So I really encourage people to come. I'll definitely be there. you know, which is another selling point. any other Anyone who wants to come talk to us. I'm tired just that the Okay. And with that, we are dry.