Well, this impasse of council to order roll call, please. That's key here. Yang here. But we hear Johnson toast here. Council PRESIDENT Maker here 6 present. One answer be absentee in Councilmember Kim, who is excused? Welcome everyone to the city Council chambers. Thank you all so much for joining us today. We have a few very special guests that we're excited to see here. We invite everyone to please join us and stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Allegiance to United States in and the items to 3.21 derby for you for your consideration. Understand the number 13 is going to be withdrawn. And I believe 21 is going to be pulled for separate consideration. Is there anything else to come for separate consideration?
It's going to be withdrawn. All right, seeing none. I'll take a motion from Imus Johnson to approve the balance of the consent agenda. Any discussion of that motion? Seeing none all in favor say Aye. Aye opposed 6 in favor opposed the consent agenda is adopted as amended item. 21, this resolution 25 dash 6.33. Approving the 2025 commercial corridor Organization assistance program Citywide Joe Johnson. All right. So well, we had a really great opportunity, I think, to says council members to actually be to b able to even review this program and have a chance to really approve some of the guidelines. And honestly, for me, I'm really excited to see this investment citywide into the commercial quarters that we've had. So huge. Thank you to all the commissioners and council council overseeing body for your feedback for
your questions and huge job to Director Lloyd and his team with just kind of building again and initiative that we have in city, I think will be really important to the future of economic development as we think about just a commercial corridor response effort. So come to PRESIDENT, thank you. Also for your leadership chair last year and really just getting the funding started for this and I think it's something that I look forward to hearing. Kind of coming to fruition. I highly I'm anticipating a lot of folks being able to get back to assuring that the money that we're putting in for Disney is out the door. So I look forward to future investments as well. But for the time being, I know tat we have these guidelines that are in front of us and I'm very supportive. I genuinely appreciate at the time that staff taken to meet with us to respond equity framework that
was brought into it. Thank you, Commissioner Councilmember Yang on just your continued steadfast commitment towards highlighting the growing need for investing in our community. And the east side. So overall, just really supportive. And thank you for having a party and asked my colleagues approve it. Make the motion great. That's a motion to for approval. I also see Ms Lawrence here. I'm not sure if you had a staff reporter for just I guess all to my colleagues to see to folks need a staff reporter. People familiar with the program and seeing head shaking. Which I think means full support but no need. Thank Daniel, I have guys have been really responsive to questions and stuff are skewed. So I think just folks have had a chance to to do that. And I think a special thanks to year at. Openness to our feedback and specifically to ms Yang's. If you back to your point, sure, Johnson about the need
to really have equity. Be top of mind as we make these decisions. I will say I'm I'm really pleased to work closely with you, Chair Johnson and the rest of our colleagues in bringing this forward last year. I think it's a great example of how we don't have to keep doing things the way we've always done them. And if we look closely as very complicated numbers slides that are the most important slides we can often find places where money is available for things that our constituents are telling us they need. And I think by the sheer number of businesses that have already reached out to us to say, when is this going to be available? We know that there's going to be a lot of interest in the spot. So excited to get this out the Very quickly. We have a motion on the table to approve any further discussion. Really think it's quick to section discussions. Want to say appreciate the staff. Also pd
and Daniela from being Israeli response of like was mentioned before on this oportunity with getting the money out. The door has been really. I'm great for me to actually talk with some of the organizations and touch base some of the district councils and I'd like neighborhood Development Center and just evaluate just like capacity and like having those relationships. So thank you for trusting us and bringing us involved are going to be engaged in the process as a we have designated, you know, stakeholders and also have made amendments, particularly around how are implementing at the thank you, MISTER Lee, the Things Council present. I just wanted to chime in and say how incredible.
The process of just getting input from House members was from all of that piece. Tapsell wanted to give you all the shot on that and all your work on this. The suggestion that I meet around really incorporating an equity component getting a boost in funding to that. This quarters the areas of concentrated poverty with something it was really passionate about. He me share. How important is that? We have equity be at the forefront really be the first in our conversations rather than the last and for the staff to come together even make a suggestion on. Hey, here's how much we could be getting too. Those areas that cp's areas of concern concentrated poverty to me is so indicative of their
commitment as well to equity. And so I wanted to leading that Charmaine, words of gratitude to all of them. Thank you as saying. Does look like there's any other discussion on the and we have a motion. So all in favor say Aye. A post. 6 a favor oppose. The resolution is adopted. Item. 22, this resolution 25 Dash 5.17, approve the appointment of Williams as director of council City Council operations So for those of you in chambers, you might think that today is Wednesday, but actually. It is j j. In the city of Saint Paul. And we are so excited to make it official that we had. Interim council director is now are full council director are for sure Council director
day so we're excited to bring Jay and his family. Up to the microphone so can take the office. Always private. First, we'll take a vote and then I think but we discussion. So I guess I'm an open it up to I will move approval of the resolution. Any discussion of the motion? MRS. Jay, I genuinely just want to say thank you for your leadership. Over the last year and it's just been a really it's been a pleasure to work with you. I genuinely enjoy. I have 2 goals, really it and this term I'm one of them is to make both of us that we laugh at least once a it comes into places so much of the work that we've been able to do. Your leadership as a shy and multiple place. And so I have
enjoyed just I think you are as a colleague, but also just more iportantly, I'm really excited about your leadership in this role in the future for our council very confident in your ability to be able to do it, do do this role and was excited to see that. We're able to point you stay with us because when you're where the interim kind of thing that that outside looking forward to you're doing now, Thanks so much, Wisconsin. Also your kids can say the Pledge of allegiance any Ashley Other discussion of the motion. Incumbent PRESIDENT. I want to say, gee, it's been so wonderful working with you. You. I mean, really when you step into the role as chief budget officer ready, you came in with a wealth of knowledge
ready and you bring harmony to the workplace. You're so kind. So respectful. And really, I feel that what you exemplify so much you know, being being a voice for us as council members, you know, from easy moments to also really hard moments, too. And and so glad that we now have you as a council director and want to congratulations and looking forward to the work it's the same discussion billion. That's just. So I'm just like so. So pleased that we had off came to consensus chose you as our as now our interim. But our permanent director. And I want to echo everything that was said, you're someone who their leadership very balance and demonstrates and deep
compassion. And but the and how you lead how you make decisions and it really takes a unique temper. And like the will of the council, especially for historic council and majority of us being in our freshman year. And I have seen you step up as like almost coach. Jay, you know, help ways helping us play by play. Making sure that I ideas get across the finish line and making sure that we grow stronger as a team, especially in this political climate where it feels very chaotic. You've always brought like a very calm temperament to the work that we do. And I just appreciate you know, I'm working with you. Iappreciate your investment in building
relationships like offense engine and genuine relationship fan. I'm getting to know each of as well at the staff in a way to help provide us the tools and like you've always across the board in making sure yu have been a resource to help us win. So I'm super excited. Please don't go anywhere. Yeah. We need to say that. But thank you again for your leadership and your family is just so beautiful, like very, very beautiful Thanks. That's really that's just thank you. Council president. Well, just echo everything that everyone already said, bt I'm just so happy that you wanted to be our long-term council director. I want to take this moment to thank you
for all your work last year when you wear interim council director and our budget director at the same time during like the busiest that we have us that the council and for me is the first time councilmember. It was just such a huge learning curve and to be able to have your support and your expertise through that process like really helped us carry through that time. And, you know, through that experience, I just know that you're going to great things as our director and helping us work all together as a team to accomplish some of the really, really big ambitious goals that we have over the next several years. So thank you so much to you and thank you to your family because I know that like our families are really what support us through through this work and looking forward to working really grateful for you on the state.
Thanks was just. Any other comments and a day. All right. Well, I will just say it's hard to add to what's been said. I just want to again, thank you, Jay, for serving in so many roles and excited for only have one. Yeah, you are so smart. You are so gentle and kind even when you're delivering really profound insights or even sometimes criticism. Sometimes it's hard to know that it is even criticism because you're so nice about Your wife tv is the best baker on the planet. I really feel like we should be honoring you with sort of resolution as well in trouble. We will you take book recommendations, even ones on efficiency and time management, which really touches my and you just you
just outstanding in every way. So we could not be more lucky. And Kelly, as my colleagues are set to continue working with you and with that, we will take a vote on the motion and then but you up at so all in favor of appointing JR. Next council director say Aye. Post. 6 in favor opposed the resolution is adopted j. And that you and your whole family up to officially take the oath of office. If you raise your. can. State your name. I do solemnly swear to solemnly swear, to support the Constitution's, to support the Constitution of the United States, the United States and
in the state of Minnesota, in of the state of Minnesota and to discharge faithfully and to discharge faithfully the duties devolving upon me, the duties devolving upon me as a director council operations as the director of council operation as a city of Saint City Saint Paul, to best of my judgment and ability to the best of my judgment. The cancellation. Welcome. MISTER Williams. Thank Thank you. Council president and council members. So the last time I was up here, it was to be appointed the chief budget officer and I forgot to itroduce the people that shared the stage with me. So I didn't want to make that mistake. This is my lovely wife tv. Chevy are my twin boys. Karen and Jason and my daughter Cala Davies. My
better half are probably my 2 thirds 3, 3 You know better. So I'm really excited and honored to step into this I love the city of Saint Paul. I've spent a lot of my fleiss here. You know, over my career, my kids went to school say Paul went to day care. And I really want to just thank you for the opportunity to support the work that you all do for the people of Saint Paul. I have a deep respect for you all. And also this institution in the work that it does. And so it's really just such an honor to be here with you. So thank you. And thank you all for the kind words and for the example you throughout the city for my
daughter to you know, I know the work we do is is we're not alone in it. You know, who helps us is the staff behind it. And so I also just want to say thank you to the incredible staff we have and city council the mentorship I've received the camaraderie. The collegiality is just been fantastic. And that's also one of the best parts about serving in the role. And so I just want to say thank you to the staff who are here in chambers and also watching. Thank you for the trust in me. And I'm really excited to do this work alongside you now, if you'll indulge me for a second, you know, one of my first passions was language. Love English classes. And I thought one day might write a
book or become an author. And actually they deny first connected through a creative writing class at the University of Minnesota. And one of the one of the things I learned years ago that stuck with from that education and that pursuit was that in English, they're only 4 sentence types. One is a declaratory sentence for declarative sentence. You know, the sky is blue. The second one is the explanatory. Wow. What a beautiful sky. The 3rd one is the imperative. You know, look at this guy and the 4th one is the Entrada Day, which is the questions English. You know, as we all use it in everyday language is a mixture of those 4, but often in environment in this
setting, making laws were using declared is an imperative, you know, do this thing or, you know, it must be this way. And I think, you know, Woods also probably more important is the Entrada, which is the 4th tape. And that's the questions we ask. And I think that and so many ways determines the quality of the work, determines the quality of the outcomes, determines the quality of our lives, that what type of questions the quantity. And so I know in this role, you know, we don't I won't always have the right answers. We don't always have the right answers. But I promise to listen and ask good questions. So I'm ready to listen. I'm ready to lead from that place of
listening and work hard to make this next chapter for the council. A good one. So thank you. Well, that actually reminds me that we did a little bit of writing for a very little bit of writing. It has. 6 words says Jay Williams, director City Council operations. 3 is resolution. 25 dash 6.49. Honoring Dia de master for her service on the audit committee. It is my honor to present this resolution in honor of David, a master who has been one of our community advisors on the audit committee. I want to thank and Pauline over staff on the audit committee in all of my fellow members. It's a relatively new committee. And so we haven't had a lot of members roll off of it. But for our very first member who rolled off, I think that quickly scribbled the limerick on my agenda and rent
it out loud to her as my thank you to her for her service and immediately felt like we needed to do a lot better for the next person who left. So sorry, Ellen Brown, but we wanted to make sure to data to master. Stepping off of the audit committee. The community advisors serve at free will free time and and they really do so much for the committee to bring in that extra perspective. Many of them are actually professional data evaluators auditors in their own right. And that's the case with Dana. So. I didn't up, especially because you got the memo about Sunday. And going to read this is high resolution to you. But I did want to just point out that over the couple parts of it and there are quotes here from your fellow out of committee members including former fellow committee member Councilmember just and so I encourage you to read those
because they really say more than I could about how all of your fellow committee members think about you. But I'll just read the first and last part. So we know are doing here. And I would just and for my part in a you really to to MR. Trump's comments just a moment ago, your service on the committee has reminded me that good questions are so much more important that the dancers you always just asked excellent ones. So thank you. And I know you'll continue to do that. Even they are stepping off of the audit committee of all of us in the city of Saint Paul. So whereas the Saint Paul City Council recognizes the vital role of the audit committee in evaluating the financial program performance of city departments, thereby fostering public trust and ensuring high-quality service
delivery, transparency and accountability. And whereas a master brings over 20 years of experience in organizational and Human services program evaluation and currently serves as the director of innovation and strategy for Ramsey County. Oversees initiatives and local government administration. Contract management, not enterprise information systems and a lot more now, therefore, be it resolved that the same City Council extends its deepest gratitude and appreciation today that a master for exceptional service, an unwavering dedication to the audit committee and be it further resolved. And they have to take it back of o That the safest City Council APRIL 23rd 2025. As did master day in the thank you. Council PRESIDENT Maker Council it has been an honor and a lot of fun
and a privilege to share my experience doing program evaluation for 2 decades. With the city is they're having like like PRESIDENT Acres at start of committee and learning the basics. Right. And commissioner airing those things. But I think to as someone who worked for the state for a decade and the county for a decade. Learning about another layer of government as someone who's fascinated by government was also something I really took from the experience ad learning how the city operates and how it's different or similar from other units of government has been really great. And so thank you so And I know that my work commitments made it hard for me at the end and here, too, given the time that I would have liked, you can still call me if you want. And I'm in the, you know, and really easy to find considering work in
this building. So please call. And then I'll just say one more thing is when asked if I wanted a resolution, I was like, well, heck, yeah, but I didn't realize it came with a day like That's like super cool. And it came with a plaque. And so I'm going to hang this right next to the certificate in the medal that I got when I was knighted by King, glorious. And it's going to be my saint Paul, Wall o credit credibility. So thank you very much. Those we should probably take a vote on tat one take a motion from his Joe's. Any discussion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. 6 a favor and don't oppose. The resolution is adopted. Take a motion from Johnson to suspend the rules to discuss resolution 25 dash 6.22. All in favor of the
motion to add. All posts 6 a favor nor opposed the rules are suspended resolution. 25 Dash 6.22. Directing Department of Safety and inspections to revoke the dancer rental hall license against the mj Accidents. Llc doing business as mj Access llc for the premises located at 6.70, Payne Avenue Johnson. Thank you of this item that is as red and I just motion for approval. Any discussion of the motion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye opposed 6, a favorite. No one opposed. The resolution is adopted. Take a question from Johnson to suspend the rules to discuss resolution 25 dash 6. 46 all in favor say Aye. 6 favor nor opposed the rules are suspended resolution 25 dash 6.46. Approval of healthy homes and power home program guidelines, citywide Jhnson, thank council PRESIDENT. So
this is a continuation, as I mentioned from the House and Redevelopment Authority b. Unanimously approved those as commissioners. I'm hoping to get to prove them unanimously unanimously as council members as well. And I'm really excited about the future a motion for approval of this as Thank you, Chair Johnson and we did have a robust conversation about right meeting today at last week. Any further discussion of the motion? Seeing none all in favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed. 6 a favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted. I will move to suspend the rules to discuss resolution 25 dash 6. 54 all in favor say Aye. All opposed 6 in favor nor opposed rules are suspended resolution. 25 6.54, authorize and city council to spend up to $300 for the purchase of light refreshments for the war to annual meeting to be held
on MAY 1st. And I apologize for having to bring the sun under suspension of the event is happening before our next council meeting to my own era, just it was not in time. So did not want to bring it after the fact because it really don't like approving things that already happened. So thank you to my colleagues for your willingness to consider this. I would move approval. discussion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. Opposed 6 in favor nor opposed the resolution is adopted. Councilmember Billy moves to suspend the rules to discuss resolution 25 dash 6. 58 all in favor say Aye. I post 6 in favor nor opposed the rules are suspended resolution. 25 Dash 6.58 amending resolution. 25 dash one. 92. To extend the timeline for the establishment of an administrative citation. Legislate advisory committee fully. Thank you, everyone. So I
appreciate the courtesy to suspend the rules like the last item on this one. It was really time sensitive in back in JANUARY 22nd we vote it. I mean, honestly to Curry are established the admin citations Legislative Advisory Committee with the new reference of the certificate of sufficiency. This now will be a ballot question is going to go through that process, you know, to ensure that we are not missing the deadline. I'm just asking that we make an amendment to the resolution to actually extended after NOVEMBER to give more time to for that decision that will be made in NOVEMBER. The applications are open. I do appreciate all that and put and the patients for everyone so that patients are open, but
we will not be considering. Adopting any or excuse me appointing anyone to this committee until after the decision in NOVEMBER. Israeli. Thanks for that Cairo explanation and for your leadership on the committee. And I know that. It's disappointing to have to pause, understand the reason any discussion of the motion. Seeing none all in favor say aye. I all posts. 6 a favor. No one opposed resolution is adopted. I will move to suspend the rules to consider to reconsider resolution. 25 dash dash 5.82. All in favor say Aye. I post 6 in favor nor opposed the rules are suspended. And I believe you need to vote to reconsider the item, ok? I will move to reconsider a resolution. 25 dash 5.82. The reason for this is because there was
apparently an era from staff in the language that was in the previous version that we approved last week. There is now a version 2 with the correct linkage. But we need to do that this week to reconsider any discussion of the motion to be to reconsider and adopts. Person to that together. I believe to be a separate separate. So for some of jury consider and and to person, too, any discussion, the motion to reconsider. All in favor say Aye. Aye, all opposed. 6. A favorite known oppose item, 25 dash 5.80, two's reconsidered. Its author race in the city to enter an amendment to lease areement 15, 905, with National Co-operative leasing to expand the fleet size of the ev car share program by 45 vehicles. And I would move version 2 for
the previous. The stated reason any discussion of the motion. Seeing none all in favor say aye opposed 6 favor nor opposed the resolution is adopted as amended. We will have one more motion for suspension of the rules for reconsideration from belief resolution public hearing. 25 dash 62 all in favor of suspending the rules say Aye. Aye, all opposed 6 a favor. None opposing the rules are suspended. And move as we get. So I like to motion to reconsider item. 25 dash 62. Okay. Motion the forces for reconsideration. Any discussion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. Aye opposed. 6, a favorite known oppose Arias ph. 25 dash 62 is
reconsidered. Resolution. 25 52 public hearing. 62 approving the application of Breakway Music festival for some of variance in arts percent and flights out on JUNE 6, the 7th at 400 selling Avenue North Alliance Field. Brown's MISS Billy. So we have a staff report. But as short on share, why we are reconsidering this item for 2 reasons. One, there's a procedure air on dia size part which and we have the director, Angie, and we see here to give some explanation. So we'll be talking about tat here. But also I'll be making a motion to amend the resolution so it will go back to version 2, which is on the record, which was the staffs report. And also a part of the amendment will include a layover to MAY 14th, so we can get more time for public
comment. So I'll director Weezy. Shares some contacts and then I will make a motion to make those 2 amendments to the amendment. It's a layover. But first we need to man to get back to the original version. Thanks welcome Good afternoon comes PRESIDENT. Think you can survey for bringing this up for reconsideration. As you noted, there was an air on our part. Part of the sound of a variance process is to public notice. And after the public hearing last week. Unfortunately recognize that the year public knows it had been drafted. But the all important part of hitting send did not occur. And as one, it's an ordinance requirement but to evaluate the public process. Unfortunately, we
have time to bring it back to properly noticed public hearing. So that will be brought back MAY 14th. Very, questions, but apologize for that But I'm grateful for the opportunity to be able to bring it back to an official public notice. As we see and we know happened. We appreciate the department. Explain to us what happened. Taking accountability and we are also grateful we have the time. Is going to do a further not to have any questions. Thank you so much, Director. Easy for that transparency. I know this is something that we had a lot of conversations of last week when most important things that I throughout this process. Our take continue to uphold and this process is the transparency and the ability
for public too voice and their their concerns are supports. I know I heart of it. The passing of the resolution we had received a public comment from the Exective director of the Union Park Dstrict Council, which I know is in Ward one and also in Ward 4, where had, you know, shared just appointments around the We want to make sure we can rectify this, which is why and motioning to bring it back to version version 2 that on record, which is size original. Recommendation just because I want to have that evening. Brown, an even playing field for when people are going to submit public testimony that they're submitting it from the original stance that we had
took. So wth this new information, you know, I the reason why I think it's worth reconsidering are both. So I'm asking. All right, Kelly, for my colleagues, if we can approve to make the motion to get it bck to the amended version, which is on record and then I believe is in a second motion t lay it over or can we do same boat? You generally can do that on the same boat. Can certainly separate the monarchy like, ok, I would like to combine did if we amend it to the second version and lay it over to MAY 14th for public So open public comment in layover to MAY 14th. Thanks, Lisa. There's a motion on the table to go back to version 2 staff recommendation. Lay the matter
over and keep the public hearing open to MAY 14th. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none all in favor say Aye. Aye opposed 6 a favor and no one opposed the resolution as amended and laid over to MAY 14th for a public hearing. Item 24 is final adoption of ordinance. 25 Dash 30 and many chapter 3.10, point 0, 4, of the legislative code to regulate more efficient method of cancellation when licensee is not in compliance with providing materials to be engaged, unlicensed activity. And this is before us for final adoption. I will move approval. Any discussion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. Opposed 6 a favor opposed the ordinance is adopted. 25 is a public hearing of ordinance 25 dash 26 amending
chapter. 43 Point '03 of the legislative code pertaining to vacant buildings as it relates to the vacant building registration fee. Great. So we're starting our public hearing section of the agenda. So if you are here to testify on any of the items in the public hearing section, what you'll do is just listen for your number to be called. And when the number is called that you're here to testify about we call for the public hearing, we might have a staff reporter, some conversation first. But when we call the public hearing, police just come up line-up. If there's a lot of folks to speak ad come to the 2 microphones start by telling us your name and where you're coming from. You don't need to touch. The microphones are just then they will pick you up just fine. And then when you're done with your testimony, make sure to sign in either of the 2 clip parts
on either side of the microphones and with this. So we at with this item before us just to be clarify, we have had a staff report about this. This is not the much larger look at our vacant building program that I know the council is going to be taking this year. This is a much smaller change director we see looks ready to remind us what it is. So what you can nothing do that just for all of our. Refreshments since we have not talked about this is in a MARCH. Thank council PRESIDENT And yes. So this really just says. All of our fees are in ordinance. All the fees that are administered through the Department of Safety and Inspections, Art for an ordinance. And so every time we change fee, we come and present for an ordinance change. This cange was part
of the 2025 approved budget. And so we are now memorializing that through an ordinance change. It I for a 10% increase across the board for all categories. 1, 2, 3, Thank you, director. Any questions for director? We that Johnson. And just reminder, I when was last time the adjusted or fees? For the in particular was in Councilmember Johnson, tis fee structure actually was changed 2023, I believe we added change that the fee for category 2, 3, ad actually at that time. It was twice the amount of Category one mission. Clarify that it's actually on a baking category 2. It's the lower amount for the first year. And if it remains as a vacant building, I'm your to it goes up to the
higher amount. And really that just speaks to the amount of monitoring that's required when the longer that a building it remains on the vacant lists. Thank you. Appreciate Clarification. Yes, thank you. As Thank council PRESIDENT, thank you. Director easy. Actually I'm looking forward to more robust conversation around this and I do appreciate opening up that this is. Just like a minor fix, but I really am particularly my office. Know having cut some of most. No large is a vacant buildings. And my word, I'm I'm sorry. And last note of my my question on here. But just have to remember my question me was distinguishing around. I know this is just like a 10% increase, but I'm curious around.
The department interest particularly around distinguishing commercial from residential. And I know that span. Conversations we've had and our council retreats aound this policy. So does the Soe. This category is for including single family housing all the way into our large commercial development. Do you see a difference at all and how much it costs actually review and manage and secure some of these vacant buildings. And does this. This is increase is going to actually like support that costs. Comes prison consumer read the I've answered from the previous council, but I don't think that we've spoken to during this forum. Logic would tell you, you know, based logic would tell you a
smaller buildings, small amount monitoring what we find in vacant building program myths. That's not actually the case because of the number of openings that are really readily accessible from the ground in a residential property versus commercial property. Commercial properties tend to have fewer openings that are accessible from the ground. And really the openings. And that's what tends to drive the nuisance activity that we see related to vacant properties. So the amount of time spent on a single family isn't necessarily any less than let's say. Big Buck's tape story. Let's make a follow-up. Claire occasion. We think around openings I'm thinking basements plane might be something else at like can you
explain right around openings. Absolutely. I it really hard not to use jargon and me Doors and Windows. Thank you. Thank someone for holding the ground opening for me next those questions. Any other questions for Dre? All right, without any further questions. Thank you so This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item number? 25. It looked like So I will move to close public hearing and leave the matter over till MAY 7th for final adoption. Any discussion of that motion? Seeing none all in favor say Aye. All opposed 6 a favor. No one opposed have a 7th. 6. Okay. We're going to pause. The public hearing is closed to the ordinance is laid over to MAY 7th for final adoption. Item. 26 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash 65 amending the financing spending plans. The Department of Public Works Operating Capital budget for the 2025 Lighting improvement program. And that. 2025 bike unproven program. And this item is being
withdrawn. 27 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash 66 amending the spending plans. Department of Public Works Capital budget for the Pain Avenue. Pedestrian improvement project. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from his yang to close the public hearing and approve any discussion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. All opposed 6 a favor nor opposed a public hearing is closed and the resolution is adopted item. 28 is resolution public hearing. 25 Dash 70 many in the financing spending plans in the library capital budget for the transforming libraries project. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. We'll take a motion for mis just to close the public hearing and approve any discussion. That's just I just want say. One thing really
quick about So this is basically taking cip interest and allocating it to the transferring libraries project for $500,000. I just want to thank our our staff and office and everyone that helped us helped us find, you know, more resources for our libraries. I really appreciated. And we're really excited too, to be able to tease the money. Thanks to everyone who is part of that. Thanks. That's just any other discussion of the motion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. All opposed. 6 a favor don't oppose. A public hearing is closed to the resolutions adopted item. 29 is resolution public hearing. 25 Dash 74 amending the financing spending plans and the fire department in the amount of $64,241.9 for the midst of the task force. One reimbursement from the city of Medina.
with all my eyes to former council PRESIDENT Amy Brenneman. And I always like to point out that it's a great day when we can take money from the city of This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on the side? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from Ms Yang to close public hearing and approve any discussion. All in favor say Aye. Post 6, a favorite know and oppose a public hearing is closed and the resolutions adopted item, 30's resolution public hearing. 25 dash 73 approving the applications of watershed, bring company for to some level variances in order to present and 5 sound for weekends at Wabasha Friday's MAY and JUNE event series and a weekend wabasha Saturday's meeting in JUNE event series MAY second through JUNE 28th at 4.29 Wabasha Street South Havering company. And just before we
hold a public hearing on this item, I will note that it is going to be withdrawn and it will be another sound level variance introduced on MAY 7th. That will be more up to date. But we have noticed this public hearing. I think a couple of times. And so if there's anyone here to speak on this item, we will hold this public hearing today. I addition to MAY 7th. So this is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Okay, seeing none. I will withdraw the at item 30 is withdrawn item. 31 is resolution public haring. 25 dash 37 final order approving the 2025. Ali Iprovement program. And I believe before we have public hearing, we have a staff report. Come on up. Welcome. Council PRESIDENT Becomes live. Steve Dodge the assistance year and also the street. Engineering construction
division manager. Nice to meet you. And I do. I was asked to do a staff report. Also understand program start with that. The alley program and we have about 2300 Ali segments and what, roughly 330 miles alleys. We're currently around about $400,000 per year. That's a combination of assessment. C funding basically the whole program has been updated as of last year 2024, when a new assessment policy was adopted and before that it was everything was by petition. Because they required for a few 100% of adoption of everyone in the quarter to be signed off on the petition. Just weren't getting that. So with the new with the funding we have nw we're able to do
one or 2 Ali segments per year. And so this is kind of where the alley program is that they so are we do with a new program now. So we'll look into it going into this winter and we'll come back with a capital improvement program for alleys. And we'll have a list of alleys. And just so, you know, that the alleys consist painting there's oil alleys and there's also the scrabble or an improved So we have. Whoa, slow these Ali segments to that. You know, need updating and we will use the funding. We have to come up with the program and and share that counts. Tank MR. And just my own education. When the policy change from. From the petitioning to something else. I understand the concern about
having all property owners signed a petition saying we want to really improve. That could be very difficult to get done. So what is the new process by which we are choosing alleys for improvements? Council president a very good question and. And the new program is going to work like Street program where senator alleys that are designated for next year's construction to a special benefit analysis consultant and that appraiser. Then we'll look at the cost of Raleigh program and what the adjoining properties prove be improved for special benefit just like we do at this tree program, you know, be a cap on the assessment for the those that are going to get assessed. So that's the new program. So we have $300,000 of you know, kept them from
money that goes towards alleys and then we can stretch that with since we get with that. Also. know with our street program we have a certain percentage of the cost that's typically assessed to the neighboring properties. Do we have a similar cap on the percentage that can be assessed 2 adjacent properties or is it all based on the special benefit test? And for a very specific Sunday asked to join that is her area of expertise. We do all that have questions that the people doing. The first presentations. Welcome. Good afternoon council PRESIDENT Maker and council members. for the alleys, it varies by project. So just the 2 that are before you today, for example, the Laurel Selby come
in an urban do that one. The benefit goes from 0% because the special benefit analysis came back that some properties do not benefit because they don't have access. All the way up to 1.0, 2, 5%. And the total that we would be assessing we our goal is the 25%. Just like a street project. But because of the special benefit cap, this project is actually going to be assessed. 12.6%. Then if we move to the 7th Woodward Railroad and the pain. That one the benefit is between 0% and 2.2 5%. And the amount that we're going to assess us. 13.9%. And the rest of the cost is paid for out of the street. The Alley improvement fund. The Thank you. Are there other questions for staff on this important program, new
programs or just want to take the time? The things council PRESIDENT. Don't have any questions, but just wnted to share my thoughts. But in some very supportive of this item, so I will be voting in favor of it today. Really excited about this investment that we need from our last budget season. It's really one of The items I was excited. But just because and my word, there's some a couple of alleys that I know like keep hearing about. I am sure some of you do, too, in your ward. And so one of the things that find would be really helpful and we have a stack up here, but really getting the council members too, a place understand a bit more about like evaluation and even just the backlog of the alleys of be really helpful
and has a that is something Im really interested, especially as a as a budget chair because would love to see more funding going into this program. And so if you really helped with understand what is the need in terms of dollars, a number of alleys, something need to that need the maintenance work. And and so like a presentation. I would say maybe like during at Work and Policy Committee would be really helpful. And then just getting a schedule to like similar to the mill and overlay program on Haiti like in the next few years or so. This is what we have lined up. That would be really helpful to see. Councilmember being councilmembers. That is exactly when we get to this construction season and what the plan is to come up with a national cap and put plan for alleys and with budgeting data-driven decisions. But share that program with
counsel so that we we know on. Also what a funny where the funding needs So we we hope to bring that information back to by, you know, winter this winter of 2025. 2026. thank you and thank you all for your work on this. Thanks a single definitely add that to the future topics list for gun policy committee and very much appreciate MR. Dodge the fact that right now your crews have to be out finishing construction. We all care a great deal of that. Happening. Think on Thank you. Council PRESIDENT. Thank you MISS That. I really appreciate you being here. I'm on a short notice. I know quite a few. The items are in my word and had. Received tons of e-mails
director Kershaw has been very supportive in response to tell all of my questions. And I was really, really curious about the alley improvement policy because I know there's quite a few residential Ys properties are even homeowners who are interested and improving alleys. My question particularly is how how properties are assigned to the assessment. Roll. I know like when it comes to our street improvements is psyched. Literally the properties that are on that street that's getting improved are part of the assessments in this case. You know, I had a chance to to walk to the sodium lauryl alleyway this morning my morning walk and I definitely saw a lot of challenges and one of the things I recognize,
particularly with alleyway is that, you know, given that is in cthedral Hill neighborhood has like the historic brick, right? And you kind of to see where like the alleyway is crumbling. You see that won't break under it, but most importantly, my question is around assessed to it? Because some of the concerns that were brought up is that business owners there on that assessment actually don't have access to the alley. There's no way for know that Ali really just serves the residential properties that facing Laurel Avenue. So could you. On just like how Selby was assigned to this assessment. He's so Lynn this year, the
bill, but I think it would be helpful and the neighborhood that we're talking a lot still be. have the voice activated projector to show. Sweet And I should introduce myself earlier. Sorry, I'm Lynn role in the Office of Financial Services. It's so the special benefits classification. It's similar to the county land use codes from Ramsey County. So if Ramsey County has a property has mixed retail commercial. Then hash appraisal puts that is commercial retails. So it's very similar to the county land use code. There are some exceptions if he goes out and looks at the property it looks a little bit different, maybe they had it as a single
family. And now it's been rebuilt and it's an apartment building that he will make those adjustments. So we have properties in this project that are commercial retail vacant land next. Family condos and then single-family residential and some of the properties that are on Selby. Like you said this do not have access to the alley and they're not being assessed. So like the curling club in some of those. So they're not being assessed. And then the vacant land is also exempt from the assessment because of access the benefit. And then the
condos and multifamily are 8.5% is the cat. And single family residential the campus. At 1.0, 2, 5. So all of the percentages are based on those classifications when they come back from appraisal. Okay. Thank you, Tony. Further questions guess what I was just talking the properties that are being assessed are on this assessment row on the sell these properties which don't have access to the alleyway. So I guess I'm trying understand for improving that Ali. The prevention, you know, who's been a session reap the benefits from it, but these properties on. So we don't have access to the alley. It's not just wondering like is the reasoning behind having them? Part of the assessment if they do actually inherit any of the
benefits of this project. Yes, so they're not being assessed, but we still count their frontage. And the reason for that is because the properties that we are assessing shouldn't have to pay for the front edge for somebody that doesn't have any benefits. So we take the frontage for every property. Calculate out a rate per foot. And on this when the rate per foot ended up about $50. So then that is what the people that are assessed pay, the ones that are exempt don't have to pay. But if we didn't count that and the assessment rates would be, you know, $100 a foot. Thank you for Thank you for question that helps explain to cause members that I just note that and this diagram for 70's, the big. A line area here and that is one that's
being assessed 0. But they're i believe they're still notifying because their energy use and property, what they haven't been figured yet that there's assessment 0. So that's probably why they're making a should be happy nice to be able to deliver Okay. Any other questions before we hold a public hearing? This is a public hearing. 31 is there anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. I will take a motion from ms Pilley too close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. A post 6, a favorite known opposed public hearings closed in the resolution is adopted item. 32 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash 42 ratifying the assessment for the Great
Shepherd Area plan paving and lighting phase 2 paving lighting project construed constructed as part of the 2021 Sint Paul Street paving program. And it looks like we have another staff report. Welcome back. Let's turn Council members have a few. The sign face. From that. Chair so I also put the sending viewing for shift for reconstruction. And there is different portions of it. And I think they both will fit here. So Jenny, what you have here this reconstruction occurred a black area and here's reconstruction. There's a 2023 in the 2023. 24 area says project going on for a little bit. And then we also
had. Sidewalk improvements that are in the blue and the right. So. A few questions on assessments. But for those that weren't assessment the some people wondering about the project itself. It was a full, you know, the fully reconstruct the area. There was a concern and with some of the comments about why it took so long. Where there was assessment policy last year. The new policy actually delayed in the ratification of some of the assessments. So that was part of what the lead it could get to this point. And we also know that there were excel gas work. That affected some of the side like panels and that and but we're able to they were able to crack sidewalk.
Kansas with the project. But in general, this project happened a couple, year and a half ago. We're now at the basically assessment portion of the public hearing. Thank you, MR. Dodger their questions for students. Does look like it. All right. Thanks so much. Don't go too far. This is a public hearing on item. 32, is there anyone here to speak to this item? Just as a reminder coming up, we'll stand between the 2 microphone to don't need to touch them and just servicing your name and where you're coming from. Left 2 minutes and they do go by fast. Okay. My name is John Smith site with it 15 55 Edgecombe Road which is part of this project there are a number of comments that Mailed-in to you, I'd just like to call those to
your attention the question I would have is what percentage of the assessment is being put on the individual homeowner as opposed to what is considered a public benefit because I believe most of my neighbors would think that this project benefited the public a lot more. Then I did the individual neighborhood that the Edgecombe neighborhood was kind of a hidden gem in Saint Paul. Without sidewalks and there was a boulevard and it was it was beautiful. And we don't mind sharing our hidden gem with the rest of the cty. A lot of people believe that the rason for te improvements and the sidewalks and everything that was put in there to benefit Highland Park
to make it more accessible and make the city more walkable. And we have no objection to that. But we feel that there should be I guess the city should be picking up more of the bill than the individual homeowners. And I ask that you please read what other people except in. I expected more people being here to comment about that. So thank you very much. Thank you so much for taking the time to make sure to sign on either the club for today. And I appreciate their mind or so which I should also said that we have. All of the comments that are sent and beforehand are in front of us. Many of my colleagues are looking at them as we speak on their computers and they're all available to us. So okay, gardens of
whether or not anyone's here in person. And honestly, if even if you run out of time that the 2 minutes we have a test. So thank Okay, please sign and is anyone else here to speak on this item? All - right, seeing none. I'll take a motion from his just to close the public hearing all in favor say Aye. All opposed 6 a Reno and oppose a public hearing is closed. And this just thank you council PRESIDENT And thank you for coming in and sharing your comments and we did get quite a few excuse me. Public comments on this item and we also did get a lot of folks reaching out to the word 3 office about these 2 projects. And I just want to just share that our office is here to answer questions and staff members here as well. So I just want to talk a little bit more about these projects in the assessment. So these some of these do have a pretty
large price tag. I think the ones on this project, the assessment strange from $4,000 for some properties to $25,000 for some of the other properties. And we do have I our assessment policy, which we also have I have a copy of and I think does around here somewhere and has copies. If anyone wants to look at it that. You know, the the with our policy, the price cannot exceed the value added to the property by that completed There's basically 2 options for the assessments. There's one related to the total project cost, which is what we're also talking about. The alley improvement. So 25% maximum for a full street reconstruction, which is what this project was. And then there's also that's calculated
based on the property type the acessible cost the frontage and many other things. And that's all kind of in that policy and the other side to the special benefit, which of the testified earlier was talking about to the property and that's determined by a 3rd party appraiser. And again, for this particular project. So this was a full street reconstruction. So if you read the resolution included new new bit to mistreat services, concrete curbs gutters. Driveway aprons. Alex. If they were PRESIDENT, lots of sidewalks, landscaping. There was also I think water main replacement in part of this project. It was a it was a full street reconstruction, which is pretty substantial. We also have assessments for rehabilitation overlay. And I also wanted to share that, you know, the question that was
asked was how much of this was assessing? How much is the total cost of the total cost of this project with 17 million dollars and the amount that was assess on the assessment roll for this is about 2 million, 2 million dollars over. Think it I think it was several 700 parcel. So that's about 11% was assess on this project and the rest of that cost comes from other sources of city dollars. So in our assessment policy, you can see that includes, you know, city issued street reconstruction general obligation, bonds, municipal state aid, other other funds from other governments. Other not bonded city funds. And then we have these assessments and so I also just want to share with folks since it's more so for people listening, just reminding people that we
do provide accommodations for making payments. These can be made over several years. There also deferment options for residents. If you're 65 pus or retired based on Disability act, military financial hardships, et cetera. And wnt to add one more thing because I think this MAY be was the case for some of these properties. If you're on a corner that you cannot be assessed again for an adjacent street. I think for another 20 years or I don't many years. But 10 years something like that. There's number of years about being like assessed again. If you're on the corner and then about special assessments. These are something that we also have and many other cities and
their tool that allows every other city to be able to sustain a bit sustainably and equitably financed infrastructure that, you know, folks expect to see from from our municipal government. So just want to share that with everyone, folks that are listening and I would motion to approve the Great thanks for Just and I appreciate your thorough explanation of how the policy works as well the options that have from him and and your direct answer to the question we were asked in testimony. Any discussion of the motion? Seeing none all in favor say Aye. I opposed 6 a favor nor opposed the resolution is adopted. Item, 33 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash 49 order approving the reconstruction of streets in the 2025 Streets Program and
sales Tax streets Project looks like going to have MISTER Dodge back up again for staff report. I just want to know before the staff report. This is item that is happening. In some parts in Ward, 5 Council vice PRESIDENT's question can represent scored 5. She has had a planned absence since JANUARY 30th. And that is why she's not here today. However, she's been in close contact with staff as well as with constituents and at the end of the public hearing, I will moving to keep the public hearing open until MAY 7th when Vice PRESIDENT Kim will be back so she can hear any additional testimony and be here to consider and and make a motion. So I just want to let any of council vice PRESIDENT Kim's constituents know that we will be extending this so that there's additional opportunity
for input. And so the council, vice PRESIDENT Kim can return from her long planned absence and be here for the vote, MR. Dach. Council PRESIDENT Council members. We will start off with w like residential Reconstruction Project. And as you can see me a full reconstruction with pavement governor sidewalks relating tree. Plantings side in all utility of grace, clay sewer, water and private utilities. Just. If you know me Council where that there there was a lot of tree discussion and this project. I would note that they were. Staff and that quite a bit with the residents and tey 200 and trees in the public right away in project
area. There were 75 trees. In the end, they got removed that the 2.10. And there originally a staff member and 90 trees through further review, they were able to save 15 trees by sidewalk, mostly in most cases. And but the that's kind of how the tree conversation was. Very. It was somewhat challenging. It. We really reached out to the residence and we listening. But there were the tree condition. Survey staff does is we. We we know, professional engineer and they are risks that are both out and they're making decisions based on both the construction activity that's going to be around the tree and also the tree condition itself. And so that essence, the trees are in right away. They also are going to get
damaged by much of the sewer work and that occurs. It is an example. Doing 380 feet of water main. 5500. Se of sanitary sewers. Calm, sir. There's 3 infiltration. Trench is they're going to build below the road in for water quality. Just 26 Boulevard, renderings that are going to be installed with kept region. One of our partners on water quality. 14,000 feet of Kervin. 22,000 square feet of pavement. So there's it's a pretty substantial project in the blue is phase one, which would be this year in 2020 fi and phase 2 will be we're a 2026. So that's the general nature of the pri, project parameters and hope that the
council if you any questions on the we left proud of this. Part health doesn't look like. Roll onto all projects and you have the hearing together, to council PRESIDENT Items. Next. One will Jackson. So Jackson turned at the. So as be Jackson Street between University in Pennsylvania and the project is going very well. Is common Cent sales tax project. And I do have a more detailed. Corridor. Look at at this and as you can see, years university. But there's going to be a nba protected two-way trail and one side and sidewalk and the other. And it's going go up the whole
quarter or so years. Some really the substantially good improvement solely happened. This, you know, be connected to the North. We've got to bring my dream healthy so that's Jackson Street enough that he questions on Jackson. And that's wat I do have a question. I think it's more Muslims, particularly around assessment roll. But I can just likely for you to go the presentations and have my question commisson right? The next project will be Pleasant Avenue. Unpleasant. Pleasant Avenue is in the both pleasant. Construction firm Sinclair and Victoria. Basically there is a multi-use trail being added to one side.
And there's also park up and Saint Clair. We are working on the street drainage that was one of street was breaking up to some drainage. It was getting on te street. maintenance actually had winter conditions and icy conditions that they had to address. So with that, redesigned this project. We be able to not only at a trail, well, so be to resolve some of the icy conditions across the street. And the question is unpleasant. Than assessments looks like it. And the last one with the University Avenue. And staff be another common sense has act tax project. And that will also have a multi-use trail. That will be added to it.
Generally. The from Lafayette. Down street and that that general. Project that occurred with the overall design of that is identified that right away acquisition was needed for this project in order to get the full corridor of multi-use trail, but also its the quarter that has and pedestrian traffic both so in order to meet all the parameters of the corridor for and we're we needed to make acquire some right away. So that will be 2026 project. Instead 2025 project. But we'll we're working through the right of way acquisition process and we'll be all the launches project in 2026. So for those that are here for the preliminary hearing to order the project, the actual assessment hearing for this project on occur until fall of 26. Any questions on
university? It's thank you so much. Really appreciate the presentations is now the top. If you don't mind coming back from this police question, MISTER Lee. Tank you so much. That Russian assessment ai is actually the second assessment, Gillette Children's Hospital. See that they're they have a reduction for prior assessments. And I just as a curiosity to system if know to me, looks like and that assessment for them. Think that's playing. What has the reduction for prior assessment in particularly. At first I thought it was made because it's a nonprofit, but see that Regions Hospital does have a assessments. So and they also have a reduction for prior assessment. If you share what that means.
Yes, I can councilmember's. As w implemented the new special assessment policy that was approved last year. I quickly discovered that there are some place and the policy and we have a meeting scheduled to discuss it with the directors. But the way the current policy is written is that a property? It doesn't matter if it's a tax exempt a commercial or residential the way the policy is written right now is that we will reduce the assessment by any assessment. They're already paying that in that same in a term yet. So the assessment that doesn't have a 0 balance. So in the case of
the JULY at they already had an assessment and one of their other streets for over $200,000. So since their assessment, this time with 70,000, they've already paid 228 and subzero this time then same with the Regions hospital. They do still have an assessment, but there was still a huge reduction because of the way the new policy is written. So we will be looking at that and probably coming back to you. Thanks, MR. Prescott. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Maker. I really appreciate that explanation. And I'm also very happy to hear that's quickly being discussed right? Have emotions of and our fantastic nonprofit
institutions and how they do or don't contribute to projects like this. So I'm glad it's being addressed to be a shame. If. That loophole and addressed. And I also just I have to make a note just based on the routes that were described there on Jackson, Pleasant and university. I just have to state for the record. I think amongst this group, it's my job to state for the record important it is for those multi-use trails to be added essentially brick by brick. You don't build the citywide network without building that. When you have the opportunity right in front of you, you have to do every route as it comes forward, especially dring reconstruction when the road is entirely ripped up. So I just want to the appreciation for director Kershaw and his
staff and the entire city team for ensuring this network where regular people, children, people of all abilities, are able to get around someone who's crazy, like me is perfectly happy biking in the street and risking getting killed by a car. But regular people out to do that. And so those trails getting implemented is just a big deal and getting one piece of the times. The only way we can do it. So thank you. And MR. Her at ski and I would assume it's about that. Policy changes that you're describing will be made before we do these assessments. That are in front of us or how that policy change Israelis. Excellent question about the fact that currently. There is no assessment for those properties, right? That would be a question. I think we have to bring to the city attorney's office to see if we
can assess them. So if we are concerned about that with the right move, be to pull those items from this currents. To lay them over. So that we can get that answer. That's good point. It's already delayed over to MISS Thank But I think even We have questions about how the policy be implemented and we don't want to prove something would I would just add that the public hearing today is to final order. The project, not the assessment. So if the city attorneys we can meet and talk with them, we won't be ratifying tis assessment until. The Okay. That help students yes.
Always welcome thank you for standing directors. All right. Thanks, everyone. Present that as we really thank you for the close look at that. That's really important point that you raised it. All right. It is. This is a public hearing item. 33, is there anyone here to testify on this item? If you are, please come on up just from a line and again come speak in between the microphones, start your name and where you're coming from. And got 2 minutes. my name is Dana said I'm at a 70 Park Avenue so be impacted by the wheel project. And I'm here to discuss the assessments were assessed to my property it's my neighbors properties as well. And so I want point out, I know there was some discussion of the policy and I just want to make sure that. From my perspective, I understand
Minnesota statute, 4 to 9.0 5, 1, to be the authority to apportion the cost to property owners and that provides the cost of any improvement or any part thereof MAY be assessed upon property benefited by the improvement based upon the benefits received. And so looking at project to understand it's a very large project. But I think in terms of assessments, when look at what benefits are to the property owners. There's 2 different parts of this project that I think are worse. The council's consideration, the first thing. The removal of 75 out of 210 trees in the neighborhood and what that does to the benefits tat folks enjoy. But also then to the property values has a poker, you know, as compared to what we gain. And so already halfway through my
time spoken to realtors. I've looked Realtor Dot coms 3 to 15% of property value. Comes from shade trees on properties, mature. She, too, is that you can only get after 30 to 40 years. According to an arborist in a lawsuit that we filed out, the trees takes 30, 40 years, provide those benefits. So for 4%, my home's property value as assessed by the city last year. It's $15,000. So I was the streets. It's a $15,000. My property values. Real world. People looking to buy homes and then what do we gain? Well, we don't have a sidewalk. That's something we gain. Already have street access. We already have water access and in fact, how the project has been advertised online is that this is it benefits como water, Como Lake water. Bnefits connecting sidewalks pedestrians, cetera. And I think that that
neutralizes the Thank you very much. And make sure to sign either Coming welcome. My name Rita m and a look. It's and I 79 for a few of you across the street from And here are more or less to address the emotional What's going on? The block. Beautiful park I'm seaking for most of my neighbors and I say that every time I step my door. And I see the whole sky. And the denuded street. The only word to close to my head over and over again. Is It's horrible. That it's important. It's horrible. You know, can of the list. Trees. And there are few Stanley saplings. I understand, wanting to make the city walkable. And I understand handicap accessibility. But you have
bring back. That act. Don't policy again because it's not absolutely necessary to have sidewalks and parking. Or streets south of us that you've devastated with tree removal. There's no heavy traffic. Any of the streets. And the people who watch district walks are here for strolls not to get anywhere, not to get Como Lake, but just for a leisurely strolls because of the beauty of the streets, which is now gone. You think you're doing a good thing, but what you're doing is destroying the environment and the U.S. Fed ex and the Valley in our neighborhoods. You're angry billion, 18 constituents and spreading will. And they're turning Como Park in Saint Paul and we'll hook that. It's
You should kow that. Myself and many of my neighbors are going to be dead before the saplings that are improperly planted. And not maintained by the city if they even survived to be mature. And sorry, but you are people feel deep connection with the streets. People are heartbroken deeply hurt. But move of these trees you can't keep hurting people like this. Thank you, ma'am. I do need wrap up your coming effective counsel. If you should keep hurting people. Thank you very much. Please make sure to sign in. I do need to keep every one to 2 minutes to be respectful of everyone's what time is up? Your time is up yet. Thank you. Want to one more thing? No, I'm sorry, are you need Our online is of the people. Thank you. Come on that. 2 minutes does go by fast, please. You know, you can
always send emails. You can call and there's lots of other ways to get testimony I council PRESIDENT And council members, thank you very much. My name is Leslie Hendrick. A and a resident we're tied district 10 subdistrict to 13, 12 is Como Boulevard and I echo what the emotional piece that Rita has spoken and the legal case, that same has spoken. And I am. I just want to say that Considering the single trees which has the forester came out as was mentioned when we consider the qualifications and the recommendations for a single tree. It's totally understandable. I am not opposed in general as a rational urban dweller to the needed fixings to our city. But when we considered on an
individual tree level, we lose the forest for the trees. And so while our trees are gone a bit early, 90% of the trees on my street have been wiped out. These are trees tat were so huge beautiful we can't get those back. But I want council i want counsel present. I want each of you to hear this and hear what we're saying that this is going to come to again and again. They're going to be other other streets that are going to be be experiencing this and, you know, one tree. I understand a handful of I understand. But when we're doing this neighborhood by Neighborhood Street by Street, Saint Paul is going lose that much or canopy. That is absolutely critical to the
well-being of children of our home ability to earn nervous systems so very quickly, much or tree canopy that reroutes the filtration, the stormwater the tree canopy, cooling, the critical ecosystem at 2 young saplings won't they won't do what the mature canopy. Well, I understand and appreciate replanting again, the mental health and the nervous system of our entire system. So please be ceative and foreground. The trees rather than just technical infrastructure. Thank you. Thank you very much. And don't forget to sign in. Welcome. Hi, I'm Marion Con Sarah live at 8, 6, 7, Ivy. Just up the street from Leslie. Imagine my surprise when I. So the title here, the final order approving the
reconstruction streets. The trees are already down. And so now being told that. There's nobody higher get to do the project. So that seems a little backwards to me. And it seems as though if somebody was hired ahead of time to do the projects, maybe we could have had some inroads with some of their construction people to maybe save one or 2 trees. The other piece of this is I don't know how long this project was thought about. I'm Ben told years. I don't know if those around you guys weren't the same people who probably were involved in this years ago. However, if we knew even 10, I lived on the street 9 years which I moved to Minnesota 9 years ago. If we knew even 10 years ago, you could have taken the tree down
front of my house. I would have watched over that tree to get it to grow before having my whole street denuded and now I walk out my front door. I can hear no Bert's nothing. No shade. Nothing. Yes. This is an emotional issue I have bought and sold properties 5 states. 6 of those times. I've worked with realtors to buy properties. Never once did I ask, how my pipes worked? Never once did I ask, how is it? I would ask, is it sewer of septic? But never once did I ask, how old are my pipes? No, no, no. What I looked for was mechanic. Okay. I know how important is a biologist in my
past that I know how important a tree canopy is for all of Not just those on our street, but all of us. We are in a time of major change here with our climate. You cannot keep approaching these projects this way. And that is absolutely why I'm here because Im concerned not just for my street, but for Saint Paul. Please find a better way. Find a better way to preserve trees. Thank you. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign an unwelcome My name is Karen billing at Saint Paul. I'm here speak to the whole issue of the project itself. But it's specifically in relationship to the special assessment. And then really only here everyone to tell you that. I have great concern about
how. I feel the city of Saint Paul has drifted away from what I perceived to be with the people of Saint Paul. Lot. I have talked to many, many people. There's much despair and jus. Confusion about what is say. Paul You know, there's just not a lack communication about what is happening. the trees coming down the most graphic sign. Something is going on, that we don't understand the information we're getting does not hold together. Mean, it's coming down to save the climate. You know, I mean. And there's just minor. You know, there's so many issues like that. And there is so
much suspicion about what is going on. What are really doing? What is this really about? And there's information over the Internet from previous years that this is bigger issues hre than what we're currently a loud. Apparently given consideration to There should have been a referendum for this whole issue loads in titans of information. It's been nothing like that. And then we get slapped with a $10,000 Bill. This is so discouraging in so many people just given up on Saint Paul. And I'm that's here to express my concern and to ask that you do some. It least take away this. Assessment and reconsider your plans for the future for the trees. Thank you very Make sure to sign in and welcome up. I think you make your last
testified there's anyone else wants to testify now would be content again liked. I'm Nathan from 12 53 Osage Street. I don't have a time. That's what my neighbors have said other than that, move in the neighborhood at the end of 2023. One of the reasons why we picked this neighborhood was because of all the tree coverage and the fact that it was. Besides like those who live on the street, there's no real traffic going through. So we enjoyed was walked on the street, not have to worry about, you know, all sorts of traffic coming in and out. It's also frustrating to see all these trees coming down before any things actually approved. And I do just want to acknowledge it is a little frustrating to all of us who
took time off work and our council members even here. So going to come back again. Yeah, because its And please make sure to sign in. It means for homeowners. I'm Wendy header. This is my husband, David and I are we on the property at 3.50, University Avenue East. So it's the university project for talking about. And we also on the business that operates on that property. Good afternoon. Council members. He simply express our concern with the perceived benefits of this project. I'm trying understand the genesis of the project and really talk about the public benefit you could hasn't certain things versus benefit to businesses on that street. It's a summit commercial and residential area. It appears that some of the gunfight for for the construction would around
petition traffic bike, cetera. For owners there. It's an extremely low pedestrian traffic area for us to spend time here streaming a little like at this juncture. But we understand that as public benefit. The road is in condition. They're late, 600 Lafayette and all streets, which are simply trying understand where the benefit MAY be coming from as business owners. It simply doesn't benefit is for traffic flow for what we were not aware of the high accident area, doesn't benefit employees for access for customers, for access. And so part of our challenges understand where the bench early as to the ourselves in the other companies along the street and turn that chansley's too. The assessment that really has Governor Sanford pretty does that. But it certainly based on certain assumptions and how it benefits businesses at this juncture, this project does
not benefit. Our business in from people we talked to longstreet those business either. Again, certainly a public benefit through biking has, but significant figure for the businesses along the streets. And I would like just to add is as running the business, I could do a lot more things paying a 40,000 plus a bill for an assessment. I could use that money to give my employees their annual wage increase. If I have to pay this assessment, I will not have money. We're a small business with very lean profit margins. And I think it would be much better spent on to help the employees out. Who will then in reinvest money in the city of Saint Paul. Thank you both so much and make sure to sign and they give you a little bit more time because technically you have 4 minutes given that
their ticket. Alright, is anyone else to testify on this item? Okay. Seeing none. I want to thank everyone who came to testify today the folks who just testified. That project is in my word. And as you probably heard of public works, staff say this today is not about approving the assessment correction, not even doing anything today with MAY 7th, but even that is just approving the work. And I will make sure my office follows up with you to talk about your questions. So thank you for coming here to raise them to everyone else who came to Hear the frustration. I hear the pain. I hear the loss and I hear the asked to do something differently in terms of tree policy in the future. I know this doesn't make up for what you've lost in your neighborhood, but we are working as we speak on a tree preservation ordinance, which is something we haven't had
before. And that is attempting to address some of the concerns that you raise today. So I want you to know that that is happening. Ialso understand that is frustrating to not have your councilmember here. I want to reiterate that this has been planned absence for several months. And I know council vice PRESIDENT Kim did her best to let folks who reached out to her office know that she wouldn't be here today. Please don't feel like you have to come back on. MAY 7th. This entire thing has been videotaped and I know the council vice PRESIDENT Will be watching this and you have no obligation to come back on MAY 7th. If you don't want to your testimony will be heard and seen by her as well as obviously by all of us. So with that, I am going to move to continue the public hearing until MAY 7th. Is there any discussion on that motion? Council PRESIDENT? I also want to say thanks to everybody who came and testified. I have a
question really because this was something that if you have a few mentioned in their testimonies. So I was wondering if we would be able to get information just for a cause. Some of the council members here like this isn't in our word. I would really like to get familiar with why the trees came down before the final approval happened. Is that something that Mr you can share now? Otherwise we can also. Have that on MAY 7th. Coming It's a present House members. The the trees. There's there's a general policy for the what is called the long your bat and danger species and Minnesota dnr. Requires that that species be
protected. So no from the protected to have a nation period is from NOVEMBER. 1st to APRIL 14th. And then at that time you can't take trees down after APRIL 14th because the area where they nest. So but it appeared to be staff going on, taking trees down purposely was not. It's what we did in all of our projects. You know, we've got a project going on a summer. All the projects, heather trees ct down in that timeframe before APRIL 14th. So that is the reason why those trees coming It's a endangered Species act and we need to follow that. If those trees don't come down, it could. And they we can't take them dwn in the middle of the project from the are comes on, looks at and statewide. Good luck with
getting them t, you know, view trees while the project in construction. So then there's a real good reason. My trees have come down. Thank you. I appreciate the response. And I'm not sure if the question from the residents came before hand, you know, like if if that's something that you all have heard before in public works. But if you did know about the concern from the residents about that, my hope would have been that there would have been education around. This is the reason why the trees had to come down during that time. Yeah, counselor worrying. I think it would be important for us in the future to be on the forefront of the conversation. This so everyone knows why trees do need to come down by APRIL 14th and so the lesson learned for this year and will do better in the next time around. Thank you. I really appreciate the question is and that their fixation and I
couldn't agree more that that communication, I think would really appreciate it. And I'm glad there's a commitment to do that in the future. Also something we can consider, including in our Tree Preservation ordinance and in terms of explaining why trees MAY need to come down earlier or it all. Any other discussion of the motion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. Aye, all opposed 6 favor nor opposed the public hearing is continue to MAY 7th. Legislative haring consent agenda items. 34 to 38 or before you for your consideration. Welcome this moment. Council PRESIDENT, I'm not aware of anyone here to testify in a legislative hearing. It up. So we will all items now 34 through 30 eights are before
us. Is there anyone here to testify on items? 34 to 38. Seeing none. I will take a motion from MR. Ski, too. Close the public hearing and approve all of these items with any amendments, recommendations of legislative hearing officer to figure out how to make that motion the same way every week because I haven't done yet. And the discussion the motion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. All opposed 6 favor opposed public hearings are closed to the consent agenda adopted as amended. Brings us to good news from around the words Any good news to share? The staff. There's always time for goodness. I want to. Well, I guess also just for the city yesterday, I had the privilege of joining te
friends of the public library at the municipal and courts 72 it. How can 3 different times 3 different categories for her children's that are her books. Her. There was like 2 other such because well as And so it's just really cool to see of beautiful event here at the ordway genuinely just really supportive of the work of our friends. And they had the highest attended a board members at the records. And just cool to just hear from local. You have to in order obviously when a Minnesota book award, you have to be are from Minnesota. So that really cool to see be a part of my head and attended a court in the past. And so cool see some folks be there, but also just the profound words of he said it was really honestly a tree and the gym and I had a wonderful time on a serious
note. Look forward to joining Councilmember provides King next and the first for coming. Yes, next week because no council meeting. I'm a at the Hancock Rec center. 2 kind of complete I would call it a tour of the city when we've been talking about the rent control, new construction exemption to protections and that ordinance work. So thank you council member of it for jumping and being willing to have a community meeting right after that with us. And I look forward to that discussion. It's open to anyone board work for and 7 are hosting. Thank Jenny and Monae for and Faith for all the work on organizing in the back. And we appreciate you man. If you haven't had a chance to come to community meeting and weigh in on that, you want to we look forward to
seeing you there from 6 to 7.30, at Hancock and then on MAY first Veterans Day thanks for Johnson. Any other good news from around the it's thank PRESIDENT. I I have to excuse me, my and Canada, Jews here on Friday and Saturday. That's gonna be the grand opening Walker Wes Music Academy. It's historically a ban on Selby Avenue, bt they are in a new location and they received the recipient our star Grant. A couple days ago ahead. A pleasure to do a video just promoting the star Grant at the Walker. West Academy. So the ribbon cutting will be at 04:00pm on Friday. Welcome. Everyone who's interested, we'll be there with state leaders as well as they have also been huge proponent of investments, capital improvement
investments. And that building. So it's beautiful sight and really, you know, I'm really excited about the arts in the college is being expanded and ward one. So you're invited to join the ribbon cutting. If you want to add another picture to you and Great, though. Thanks for Really welcome is just in Johnson. Okay. Actually it is these it right. So a couple of district council annual meetings coming So tomorrow evening. Council member for rats can I will be at the McAllister Grove in District Council annual meeting, which is from 6, 8, 30 at this smell. I hope saying that right gallery and the cost college. So that's
from 6 to 8.30, tomorrow. And then next Tuesday, APRIL 29th is the West 7 Fort Fort Road Federation, annual meeting which will be the council. PRESIDENT Maker will also be there. So that's Tuesday. APRIL 29th at 6 o'clock. And that is that some great come bring company. A pretty good location for an annual I forgot to mention that station 7 is officially in srvice. It was. If you want to humble brag. But if you want to one of the best fire stations that we have right city, it, I want to take a step over a station 7. It is phenomenal. I genuinely am looking forward to we've been talking just about potentially doing my budget repair. And while it's on the outskirts a little redistricted ot of my word. It is something that has
been just a true tribute to the east side of Saint Paul and we know how vital it isn't. So it's great to be there to see individuals get promoted to captain. It's just really cool. It was a great experience. They have 15 door areas. They have technology. That's a manner that allows for folks to be able to not good way like not have to wake up to every call but to the calls that are more relevant to them. They have significant upgrades to what was right across the street. If you want to see a true like. Genuine comparison, just walk to the old station, 7 building structure and then walk across the What was new and invested know that that came with a lot of work and a lot of both investment investment from our federal partners, our city partners, but also our local leadership and committee members that work really hard to same station 7 on the side. And I'm really glad that they
did because it's quite the gym to make sure and the community asset that we need. So I forgot that think's going happen. I'm glad you had banks stop. So that was really in a spectacular ceremony. All right. Well, my piece of good news actually is also retroactive, but it's reaching back a little bit further than yesterday. Mind goes back to AUGUST of 1988. I was 4 years old. And most of you were just think all of you are 21 someone's eye. How the a separate house over 2 weeks old. That this line of conversation. Yeah. But something else that the good news all of that unit and old is cherry more started working at the city of pop and that month and that year and we are a mess and not having given her. 35 year Penn at 2 years ago. But we want to make sure we
do that today. MR. Realms, you have trying to do the honors. Well, you can make a provisional 14 months. Started in JUNE of 87 then Thank you. Thank you. And I would just like to say as part of good news, I welcome others to say any other good news on this. Good news Cherry. You are just minute delay I can't imagine this work without You've been here since they won the few people who's been here since the beginning for me and s I hope it's another 37 years I'm sure you do so thank you for everything you do every single day to keep us track and keep our city funding. So beautiful. Thank Any other. The comments are welcome is
Thank you. I want take say, Sherry, like it's really been so wonderful working with you. I always think of you as somebody who carry so much to institutional knowledge counsel and really keeps us going like a really appreciate the moments in which you can even bring up a memory you had from decades ago 04:00am just share with us that different mayors and even Calpers you worked with and how your experience that been with them. And so I mean, I feel like every single time have a conversation with you. Emily is not only digging into history and learning, but also it gives me such a good perspective of the type of work they want to do moving forward like our council as a whole that where we're at 2. And so I just want to say thank you so much because I
really commend you for all the years. You've really dedicated to public service work. It is huge, huge commitment. So to be able to see you continue doing this, work I hope that you have joy in it. And but it's rewarding to you. Definitely looks like it, but I think you've been here for so long. And so congrats to you 37 years. Maybe 37 years with in government here. Thanks comments tat just thank you, council PRESIDENT. I will also just want to express my gratitude to sherry. All things that, you know, can be a new councilmember learning so much from you about how this works. And even being able to have you sitting next to me at the table. Makes me feel just a lot more confident in how every week is going to And so I'm just really grateful for you. And,
you know, looking forward to learning even more and being able to work with you. Just other comments. That all resolutions so and