Yes, 6 status. So I'm just. And just 0.6, 20. Time. Is she with strong? 20st? You're withdrawing fom she says something us as whole it. just. The meeting of the Saint Paul City Council to order Roll Call, please game. Fully. Coleman. Johnson. Cuncil, PRESIDENT Maker here, 7 present, not absent. Thanks so much, everyone for joining us for our city council meeting today. We invite everyone to join us in standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. It's the flag there one all. Just before we start our agenda today, I wanted to make a note of sort of to housekeeping items, one of
them is that I know many members of the public and the media were expecting the council to introduce a resolution today in response to the police actions on Roe Street last week. We are finalizing the language of that resolution and really want to make sure that we get it right. And so we're not going to be interesting. That resolution today, but expect interest of next week. At the second point of housekeeping is that Councilmember Johnson is Brandon mom as of Saturday and has a 5 day old at home and is still joining us for our meeting remotely. We can see right here. And for that reason we are going to be taking roll calls for all of our votes today as opposed to our normal all in favor. Aye. So you'll hear a lot of real call hear our names a lot of times and shout out to brand-new mom, Councilmember
Johnson for somehow still being here. Consent agenda items. 6, 3, 28 are before you for your consideration. Understand that we're pulling 6.28. And the other items for separate consideration. Seeing none. I'll take a mtion from is common for the balance of the consent agenda. All in favor say Aye. I'm so Brokaw that's going to happen. That's also going to happen. A lot Here moment I Johnson. I council PRESIDENT Acre. I. 7 in favor. None opposed consent agenda is adopted as amended. Item number 6 resolution, 25 Dash 16, 14 approving the 2025 neighborhood sales tax Revitalization Grant program awards as Thanks. Council PRESIDENT. I am supporting the item here. I just wanted to a
couple of comments, which is that this is program that I'm very, very supportive of. I'm so glad that we have this as a way to support many organizations businesses and our city here. I just want to take it a huge shout out to many of the word 6 businesses and organizations. My word that did apply for the dollars look at the list. I was just so pleased to see so many o And it just really speaks to the incredible work that many of our business associations and the east side. And also, you know, my staff in her office, we've done to really promote this unsigned, really proud about that. The comment I like to make is that I'm it very just surprised and shocked to see that coming so late to the council. I think plan calls for him neighborhood, start board members and also many of the applicants themselves asking what is the status of my
application. And so that is really concerning to me. And I don't ever want to see is approved this solely in the year. Literally just this set last council meeting of this year. And many of these projects could happen. We earlier on and so the hold up to that, I really don't a clue to why that is it ask the staff about it. And I hope that there would be a more transparency on, especially from I mean, office to really talk about what the hold up was when our new firearms press start grant to appoint members. We stopping the where they didn't have an answer to why that there was the holdup other than, you know, it's it's in the mayor's office. But the version that we're seeing here there weren't any adjustments at all from the mayor to the approvals are to
to the board's approval isn't so it's sort of like they're wondering, well, why didn't take long? And and there's no adjustments at all. And so very pleased and very supportive of the recommendations that came from starboard also very grateful Carter for his support for the recommendations here. But again, just want to stress we need to be doing this. We earlier. Thank you missing and I couldn't agree more. I think we need to do better fire. Applicants. S thank you for raising that. And your support for the program and all dollars are going to getting out the door to support economic development. Our city, any other county that has motion for missing for approval. Any other comments on the motion? Seeing nne roll call. Call I Johnson. toast. Help the PRESIDENT Make I 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is
adopted item number. 28. Arias 25 Dash 18 96 requesting a comprehensive relocation renovation and reopening plan for Rondo Community Library this Thank you, chair. All Thank you. PRESIDENT Maker a man in the body. I just want to just share a few words, particularly around this item. I know where do for time. And I want also just say, I appreciate the chair. The library board as well as director Maureen, particularly around making sure that we do have a comprehensive plan. This resolution was a request and have deliverables around the comprehensive plan for now and the renovations. But relocation plan in the reopening plan as of NOVEMBER. 25th director Hartman was able
to provide about, I would say, like 75% of the responses to the best of her ability. So I will be redrawing this item. But I do want to make very clear and be very courageous on my stance about this library renovation project. I should be, you know, honest, been very deeply disappointed in the lack of collaboration from the start. I think we'll particularly especially award-winning represent up and being a product of Randall neighborhood. It's been really challenging to to convey not only to this administration but to the leadership in a decision makers around that impacts a huge negative impact of closing around library is going to have to community. This is neighborhood that's already face. Wait, great blight space with a lot of challenges. It has mental health crisis and we're dealing with a fat in our
prices in closing this round of community libraries. Probably the last thing if I was in charge of I was mayor I I was a director, would do I do not support nearly a million dollars of investments to go towards moving the bathrooms. I think there, you know, I want to tackle just some of the concerns I've heard from my residents, particularly around. What can we imagine? A million dollars nearly a million dollars of investment into this area into this public space. What was like as we talk with some of the asked me and front-line workers, many of them have came many ideas that they have shared that would not take into consideration. So moving forward, knowing that we're going to have a transition
knowing that these dollars are going to be dedicated to the Rondo Community Library. I anticipate working a new mayor, particularly the make sure that Ward one is in collaboration that were working coordination and we have the best use and maximize the use of these funds. So I do support continuing the transparency. I do support having a comprehensive approach that don't only ages renovate the buildings are renovates the bathrooms, but look at it from a holistic lands of how do we make sure everyone who's on board can be part of making the round of community lbrary better. So I again, I don't support disclosure. I understand that there are some limitations. What counts. So, but I do want to just say, I do appreciate
everybody's and put everyone's support around how as a council member do you move when you have administration has decided to go in a different direction and that was a challenge that was before us. So I will be withdrawing this item because I know director Jaime, she plans on presenting at the library board in JANUARY. And I look forward to those discussions. Thank you so much for the and I know that there's no motion here time, but I really Appreciate your sharing your sentiments and your thoughtfulness behind this resolution. So she cast in a motion move on. Item number. 28 is withdrawn and item number. 29 is withdrawn as well. So item number 30's resolution public hearing. 25 Dash 230 establishing water
charges for 2026. And public hearing has kept. So we held a public haring on this on NOVEMBER. 5h. So this is before us for final adoption. I do want to thank the constituents who have raised some questions about right of way water charges. We did look into those questions and based on the information that we've received from the city attorney's office, I feel confident moving these iems for today. But I appreciate that. You took the time to look into So I will take a motion for approval from ms Yang. There any discussion of the motion? Seeing none roll call, please. Yank. Comment Johnson. Toast. I council PRESIDENT Maker I 7 favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 31 is resolution public hearing. 25
dash to 31 establishing water fees and charges for 2026. Public hearings close. It was later from NOVEMBER. 5th, I will take a motion for approval from Vice PRESIDENT. Ken, is there any discussion of the motion? Seeing none roll call, please I Coleman by Johnson. Toast. Council. PRESIDENT Acre I 7 favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 32 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash to 39 setting the 2026 sanitary sewer and storm sewer rates they'd over from NOVEMBER. 5th in the public hearing is closed all take a motion from his just for approval. Any discussion of the motion. Seeing none roll call, please a bully. Comment by Johnson. Cubs PRESIDENT Acre I 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is
adopted. I am number. 33 resolution public hearing. 25 dash to 53 setting the solid waste service fee for 2026. Public hearing is closed on NOVEMBER 12. Take a motion for approval from this Coleman's. Any discussion of the motion. Seeing none roll call, please. Coleman, I Johnson. I council PRESIDENT Acre I 7 favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 34 resolution public hearing. 25 dash 2.54 authorizing public works request $828,344 in score grant funds from the Ramsey County to support the curbside recycling program in setting the 2026 city recycling service fees. Public hearings closed on NOVEMBER 12. I'll take a motion from his belief or approval. Is there any discussion of the motion? Seeing none roll call, please
I really Coleman, I Johnson. Just I council PRESIDENT Maker. I 7 favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 35 is resolution. 25 dash 18, 16 proving the regional water services 2026 budget. Just as a note as we move into the next few items, these are all adopting massive budgets, which we will do relatively quickly. Given the significance of the material contained here. But just to note that all of these have been the subject of multiple days, weeks and months of conversation, discussion and debate and deliberation. And so in some cases will turn it over to the chairs of those different bodies to say a few words before. We adopt. And in this case, would love see to see if you and make a motion and a few and and with the saying those approval, any discussion
of the motion. Seeing none all copies I really Coleman Johnson. Tast Kim. I counsel present maker I 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted. And number 36 resolution, 25 dash 18. 61 approving the final 2026. Housing and redevelopment authority budgets are to finding the Fi the final eatery, property tax Levy payable in 2026. And I love to MISS Toast for motion. Like to make a motion to approve the budget. Ended with vrsion 2. I I all right, So the version part of us is going to into Johnson. Thank you so much. Vice chair and council PRESIDENT. I mention this fact of and redevelopment authority meeting but for community
members who are tuning in to the council meeting, you MAY have missed it. This is a really impactful budget this year. We have several opportunities and the h or a budget for 2026. That have truly. Represented and reflected the goals that our board has shared many, many times over it invests in downtown. It is intentional, witty and continually invest in affordable housing development. It's prioritizing. I think it's also been something that has been communal. A lot of community conversations such as investing district councils in a way that truly is a story we have had cdbg. It cbd funding for many years. But
we're very thankful for and in many ways, the district councils have spoken to all across the city about the need for continued flexibility and were able to do that in this budget. Able to invest in many different departments as well throughout the city of Saint Paul. And I think that's really important when it comes to just showing that in many ways, you know, we are aboard that. Here's a lot about our Cinco residents. We also care a lot about ensuring that nt only are investing in housing, but we're investing economic development when vaccine and businesses. Seen communities. We're investing in our city services, you know, and in many ways just overall taking a chance to think about the tree board and our finances and our fun in a way that's
responsible and accountable to our community. Really just very proud of this. It I was excited. And it's been honor, truly to be chair this year. To be the chair this but also to work in partnership with many of the council members to ensure that not only are councilmembers priority, that code, but the city's parties as well. Thank you, Joe Johnson and thank you again, so much for your leadership of the injury of this year and also of this process. It has truly been. Impressive to watch you work to watch your attention to detail and to watch the way in which you have guided us really substantive and impactful if budget. So thank you. Other discussion of the motion, which is for approval of version. 2. Seing none. I just want to say one more
thing about her son to which meant to say earlier, which is that in addition to the District Council funding chair that you mentioned, which I think is truly significant and he's gonna make a huge difference in district councils wrk. I also want to call out the fact that we're fully funding the program that we initiated last year. The tre, the Commercial Corridor Organization Assistance Program, which has seen 1.4 million dollars literally fly out the door to 17 different commercial corridors throughout our city. Supporting mural, supporting small businesses, supporting events. Activations. We were able to keep that funding consistent this year as well. And your leadership chair Johnson and then also just want to thank you as well. For the 5 million dollar Downtown fatality fund. We are taking the 5 million dollars that the
mayor proposed for dwntown activation giving that additional detail and additional substance by calling it the downtown vitality Fund and giving it some specificity in some directions that we can get those dollars out the door for both housing and retail development downtown on dy one and will be adopting the actual program for the downtown Vitality Fund before the end of the year. So wanted to thank you and my colleagues for that support as well. All right. With that, there is no further discussion on the h a budget. Welcome, Thank I really I Coleman I Johnson. I council PRESIDENT Acre I 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 37 is resolution. 25 dash 18. 63 improving in adopting the Saint Paul Public Library agency budget just.
I'm going to again movers adapt to. Just as amended version. Alright, the motion is for adoption of version. 2 of the library budget. Is there any discussion of the motion? Just talking. Thank PRESIDENT. Again, I we also adapted this at the library board. Meeting early today, but all just sheriff, you highlights so for some just really proud of what we already have in our budget to keep the transferring libraries projects moving forward. We are currently building him and the way library, which is set to open next year. And we will also be. Really renovating the Riverview Library and the Hidden Heights Library in future years. And so we're on track to do that in this budget. One of the couple of amendments that are library board and council made were restore the library hours. Arlington Hills Library. And so I'm really happy tat our council was able to find a way
to do that. I think keeping our library hours open and available to our community is so important things that r residents really counting on those with things they really value and in our city is being able to come to our library. And so really excited to see that. And then we also were able to restore library collections funds to kind of what we need to to keep the library on track with collections. So, for example, some of that that's like, you know, having books and materials that are in different languages or that really everyone in our community can be able to see themselves in enjoy. And so I just really appreciate prison acre for you taking and helping us to figure that out how we can keep that going. Really, again, just really excited about the library
budget. We're passing this year and want to thank everyone. I want to Director Hartman and over staffing also with think the friends of the library. Part o the reason why we're able to continue with our library collections and the rebrand program transferring libraries. So many things this the advocacy and investment, the partnership with the Friends of the Library. Thank you. Thanks, Justin. I also want to thank you for your leadership. Live report this year. It has been a pleasure working and earning under un Senior. Your enthusiasm and your passion and your dedication to the library's. It's really a joy. And you've produced a wonderful budget. So kudos to you. Any other discussion of motion. Seeing none local
police yank, I believe by Coleman. I Johnson. Council PRESIDENT Anchor I 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 38 is resolution 25 dash 18. 0, 7, proving the River Center Convention and Visitors Authority 2026 budget. I will take a motion from ms Pilley for approval of this item. Is there any discussion? Seeing none roll call, I really I comment. I Johnson. Council PRESIDENT Anchor I 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 39 resolution. 25 dash 18. 53 approving the 2026 city tax Levy and I will never 2 of this item. And just for those millions who are watching us at-home version, 2 of all of these just contains all of the final detailed information that wasn't available when the Swiss agenda was first published. That has been
worked on. Up until the moment that we sat down at the table. So moving version 2. Either city tax Levy, but remains at 5.3%. Any discussion of the motion. Thanks, council PRESIDENT. Well, I will be approving point support of this agenda item. I just wanted to. Make a quick comment that I'm sure the at the table him many times. It's always been my interest to bring down the left even more. And it's really because of what we've heard from what we've heard over and over from many businesses and residents about the financial burden that they are experiencing especially the tax burden. And while I think that there are so many things that you're doing great inner city. There's also a lot of things that we can do to reevaluate what we are doing too be more efficient with their dollars and also make sure that we're not duplicating programs that, you know, the state or the county or other entities are
already have. And so, but that being said, I know that there was an appetite from full council for majority of the council here to bring that to the levee down even more. But I hope that for next year we will commit to that knowing that cost of living for many people in our city and also for business here. Is only going to increase and we can work together more to better home and by at and at the same time, rally find really funny a balance between sustaining many of the programs that, you know, are very important to the residence. Thank you. Missing. And I want to applaud you and and completely support you in. In the way that you raising to our attention. Always the importance of affordability and the fact that that so many folks are struggling that we hear every single under the property tax burden that we have due to
both the city, the county school district in the state and beyond and be more efficient with their resources in trying to keep alevee as low as possible, I think is as always a priority. So thank you saying. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Has one also just echo it. Thank you so much. I I'm sure for all the million viewers and all the people who are looking to us to make this really critical decision. I often think of the council member, you know, the decision of I do. I want to make a point. I do. I want to make a policy change. And I think, you know, if there was the will of the council to lower that levee, I would be on the side of to lower that. But since they're not, I briefly just making my point particularly You know, there is a lot of people, they're very tax burden. I also apply
the budget year for really starting us off in the good foot to get get a a clear overcast, particularly from the state and other entities around not only for Mike Ramsey counties assessment of like how people are taxed because we are taxed equally. Although we voting on setting a levee, these impacts are going to be based very differently for different neighborhoods. I know in the Thomas Dale neighborhood, they're going to be experiencing like dramatic increases and their taxes in many of them have shared with me. There are concerns about it. So I am more more more committed to, you know, this new Mayer and work in
collaboration, particularly around ways that we can lower it also understanding that the administration did fantastic job with it, making sure not making any cuts that's going to cut staff. But we want to make sure we are preserving now services. But really the people, you know, who makes this city runs every day. But I am also as well connected or excuse uncommitted. You know, for next year, looking at wys that we can lower that levee. Thanks physically. Any further discussion of the motion. Seeing none. We'll cop. I I comment. I can. I council PRESIDENT Acre I 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number 40's resolution 25 dash 18, 14
adopting the 2026 budget. And for last and most significant budget item. I first of all, want to say a huge thank you to Chair Yang and vice chair can. For your leadership of this process, it has been remarkable to watch you both work. And mean, we've got into a great place. So turn things over to. They struck him to talk bit about Awesome. I went back in time very briefly. And saw tat we had our budget retreat on JUNE 5th. Where we established a lot of our priorities together for the first time and some of the things that came out of that budget retreat was a strong focus on economic development and that a thriving downtown is sort of the economic engine for the city and so deep investment center downtown and along our culture along or commercial corridors is incumbent upon the council to
continue to expand. We also are really interested in fiscal resilience around staffing and overtime vacancy reporting. We're also really interested in budgeting reforms. I think it's not a mystery that budgeting every single year is kind of how we've done things. But I think there's an interest in sort of program program outcomes and looking at even a biennium budget. As the council PRESIDENT Mentioned, we also had a strong focus on a district councils. A few of us volunteered on a few of them. We also had a very strong focus on housing. Thanks to our chair Johnson, Vice Chair Joe Stow Power Homes, Rental assistance, Rental assistance for folks that are. Our need for housing, stability. And we also focus on public safety for our staff, like our firefighters and r b l a c
units and our bike and head infrastructure. And we also are really interested in investments addressing the opioid crisis, which I know is being letter. Public Safety committee. So just in brief, I when you think back about that, I just want to just commend my colleagues for having a clear vision for what this budget could look like for the council. And so, I mean, we know that the budget much more than a balance sheet. It's a reflection of our values and our values really clear throughout. And we support our workers in this budget. We invest in our residents and our neighborhoods. And when invest in our community's ability t afford a home work and play and attend school, we know that they're safer. It was an honor to serve as vice chair and interim chair of the Budget Committee this year. And we started out with the
commitment having more transparent process and a strong focus on the quality of services that are city provides. And I do feel strongly that we achieve that. We made a point to engage residents and stakeholders earlier than in the past. And it was important that we center and respond to the concerns of our residents and inward 5. I want to give a shout out to my only up to and the same values Commission we hosted use Budget engagement session in Ward 5. They're really strong winds in this budget. I'm proud lead on or supported. We successfully restored funding for immigrant Defense in partnership with Councilmember Coleman intriguing and restoring 1.5 million dollars and public safety through our cares unit center. Firefighters, our front line staff worked incredibly hard to provide programming and services for residents that they rely on
and enjoy this budget really focuses on investing in staff. I'd like to acknowledge some folks that made this budget happen, although it was definitely a citywide effort and grateful for your partnership carrying on the Budget committee. Huge, huge thanks to our budget officer committed who jumped right into our budget cycle. Hit the ground running and a special. Thank you to Director Watson and Madeline Mitchell along with the whole staff and fast for their collaboration and continued engagement and collaborative problem solving. I know sometimes we might. My questions might be the problem that you all forward with a really great. With a really great answer. The last 2 thoughts for a briefly. As you know, I believe the city assertive frontline service and last
line of defense. And I feel like. What I see in this budget that my that was in collaboration with all my colleagues be achieved it. And on a very last you know, I think but in the council prefer priorities and values that sort deep in the investments that the current administration of Mayor Carter has and also is marking a beginning for a new administration as we welcome Mayor elect her. Sort of a bridge between administrations caring for budget and the values of our city. It was a heavy lift. And I just really want to commend all my colleagues at the table. But see if our chair Yang has additional comments as well. Thanks Vice PRESIDENT Kim. I want to say thank you for filling in for me. While I was maternity leave. You you take the lead for
really over half a Plus, a I was out. And so I really appreciate you. I want to say thank you to yu and and you're a legislative to have meat. Also thanks to my legislative aides to pull who's out on maternity And then Sarah, child to commit our chief budget officer and really all of the staff who been a part of this really important process. This is my 5th year on the council. And when I reflect on this year, got to say it's really been. I'm so pleased with the process. And I want to say thank you to the council here who's really contributed to that's having a budget process that is that is rooted in the engagement with each other and also engagement with the community as well and really giving space for even customers who MAY be here when you were to be able to have.
Have a voice at the table. Even more on that where where amendments that they really care about those are really prioritize to. And so that's just as Miya. I when I think about our process, it's rooted in that engagement. And that's really important because everything that we that I have here on the sheet on that on amendments that we as the council, I have have pretty much carved into the amended budget like it's here because of the places they came from. The committee members from our staff members. Whenever I have, you know, there's folks who come and meet would need to talk about budget. They're always asking what's the best advice for us to be able convey to you what's important to us? We say, yu know, really to have a head start come to the council members
early. Talked to everyone that you can and especially to be really clear of all your demands. And so I want to give a shout out to our the firefighters union who has shown up over and over again means really since my first year on the council here, they've so strong and clear about what they are meeting in the fire department. And that's really important because we are a growing city me in the eye in the heights with go doing development there and we have households. We're moving Also island bridges fall and many more that that I haven't mean tear yet. But you all know our city is growing and we as a council, we have so much on our plate. We're trying to figure out how come you meet these demands coming from our growing city which, you know, I know that this is a council
that has always been to find the answer for that. And as I think, look at dfferent iems on document here, for the better we're about to pass a kind soul pout about it. I'm really proud about us restoring library hours and recreation center hours that we're about to be cut like that is not okay. Me I we are not. If we're not letting our libraries and our rec centers, no other government entity is going to step in and do that for us. And so we need to know what where our priorities lie. And then also for the council that like our office to be getting much needed renovations to of that. Even we you know, be have a space that is accessible and safe like that's also really important to you. The fight for I'm, you know, our staff and other departments to go to have that and need to remember
to fight for ourselves to and for the staff who work for us every day. And so that's why for me, that project was so important. In addition to that. I'm just really grateful to everybody here for your support and increasing staffing for Stephen capacity for Port Authority. The describe himself as an economic development engine for our city. And they really are. And it's really important that we are supporting because they're also supporting us the right return and and sure that we're expanding our tax base, too. And also to be up I Office of Financial Services Chair, Richard You really even planning economic development staff working to find funding for want a penny for ev car.
Sure. That's really important. I mean, that one specifically because I remember my first year on the council here, we had a vision to expand services to the gritty East side, a committee that has been left out but in dire need of more transit options to be able to travel around. And so we need to fill that gap. And I know that getting there, but we also need to make sure we're supporting funding to that, to car, to even make that happen. And so securing that money was really, really important. And I know we have a little bit left to do it actually fill the gap. And so my hope is next year we can work even closer to just get from that 176,000 Ish to 200,000 to support that important work in. There's a lot that I will say here that I want to say. But what I do think that comments from the rest of any of that will be covered. So I would just the only thing add is that I am
really excited about, though, coming year here that. But be able to move into it with the same momentum or even greater momentum around how we can, how we can continue funding programs and services in positions that are really important to our city. I am hoping that one day we won't be doing this and process, but instead be moving to a two-year process because we really need to make room for evaluation intercity process here like over the county. They work on a 2 year, a budget basis. And we need that because missing really critical, really critical time. You know, really, to just look at where are investments going and is it are we meeting our goals and also if we are, then we should consider putting more funding where we need it. No, that's not even the conversation that I feel we don't have enough
of. And there's so much work for us to be celebrating. And so I I hope that you will work to change our system so that it works for us and that we can be even more intentional about you know, where we want to be putting investments and always keeping our residents and businesses and staff at the center of our work. Thank you again as Yang chair and vice chair for your leadership from the budget. I think I'm gonna ask my colleagues to hold for their comments until we've done a little bit but it can ex because we do have a couple of additional amendments that are going to be considered. So I will look is for that. I will look to MISS Kim first to move. The global Amendment. Make a motion to approves
amended. So this is to move the and there's amendments envisioned it. All in favor. Say Aye. They're starting roll. Thanks, Greg. I call eye Johnson. I just can I help PRESIDENT Make at 7 in favor. None opposed. The a one Amendment is approved and now we will move is believed to have because 2 I a 2 amendment that I'm going to actually refer to our chief policy Officer. Tim Green, too, talk about the different versions. So we brought forth a version one, but I believe there's going to be version 2 that's going to be presented to all of us. As changes have took place earlier this morning and can. And I just want our mind, all all of us that we are and
sort of a timeline for our. Budget chair, vice chair. So thank you a couple a couple months. Thanks. PRESIDENT Maker members of the committee to Buoy amendment as mentioned by Councilmember Bowie is an evolution of what was previously posted. And this is a request for information regarding opiate opioid settlement dollars. So a lot of the whereas clauses have remains intact from what was previously previously posted for was, I believe, intended to be part of the chairs, budget amendment. But now it's been separated out and kind taken on its own. So I won't go into detail about the exact nuances and the detail of the whereas clauses. It's been posted on when start is
available for your review. Bt I will note that there are 3 components to this request for information from the administration, the first of which is at the outset. This request is due to the council on MARCH. First of 2026, that represents a change from what was previously posted. We're the request was do SEPTEMBER first 2026. So this timeline is nw considerably accelerated. And then the 3 components are request for information on the ue expenditure of existing city opioid settlement funds, including a full current fund balance projected annual settlement revenue. A description of all expenditures today and policy outcomes, performance indicators and measurable impacts for many previously funded initiatives or staff. The second component
requested. The information is a full the Oi rsponse and spending strategy plan that is detailed in the bottom portion of the amendment that describes the city's collaborative and complementary approach to the future uses of settlement dollars with a specific and detailed information regarding the proposed 1 million dollar allocation coming from the administration regarding a fentanyl initiative that is being adopted in today's 226 budget. And then the 3rd component of that ask for the requests for information is information about a proposal to establish an account that would that would direct the settlement dollars, the funds into those into specific account rather than the general government account and would alow for council approved expenditures are allocations from that account. So just to requests for
information on that proposal rather than actually putting the mechanics of that proposal and the first version. So from there are some other minor difference is that I'd be happy to talk about embers have questions. But I will note those those 3 components are on Page 2 and kind of reflect the the crux of of and okay. Thanks so much, MISTER So get and what that thank you so much. I just motion to amend the chairs budget to To our belief Yes, one nation aligned with the procedural. This is. Just get break right before we do that as were going to have take a motion check to adopt the 26 Council budget summary of changes and it's been it's
been changed since to just council changes. The council change attachment catchment a yes. So moved any discussion of the motion combat. Welcome. Plus I really I Coleman Johnson. I can. I come present maker 7 favor not oppose. The amendment approved. So about that must back to you on your amendment. So this brings forth a motion to move too, I will speak in support of the motion. I really appreciate as Billy your leadership on this. We've talked a lot of this table about the need to have a more coordinated approach to art billion dollars, but that the city in the county and also just understanding what we're doing with these millions of dollars that coming into the city. And the oversight that you're providing here I think is really needed. So. Other
discussion of the motion. Seeing none welcome place. Yank I moment I Johnson. Council PRESIDENT A Kurd I 7 in favor. None oppose. The amendment is approved point. And my other motion is a 5. It's amendment. I just want to just articulate some changes. So it first was proposed funding for John a place. But I have made changes to the language. So it's going to be funding, continue support for the returning home. Saint Paul, which is a program that exists it within the community. First public safety. So this will not be a direct allocation to a community organization. This would be a fnding returning home say pa program that in partnership with them, John, a place. So w all have you know, from the Public Safety Committee the Minnesota Justice Research Center had
came and presented the report. One of the things that came out of report is this program braked and that the community members lives have been changed. And we have seen over the years that housing is truly a public safety, removing barriers as public safety investing people's public safety. And it keeps our neighborhoods safe. When people have access to housing and that those barriers are removed. So these funds will be actually I'm going to be returning home, say paw that exists within the Office Office of Financial Services. That's the Office of Financial Apartment and it gives residents a fair stability in their in their homes after leaving from incarceration. So I just motion to like Welcome discussion or a motion men. The first is we amend the
budget to include a 5. Great. Thank As we saw the motion for approval of 5, their discussion on the motion. Things kind has I I am planning on supporting this, but I would just like clarification about the budget for the budget saw for this just the the document looking at it says that $100,000 is going towards returning home. Saint Paul from that continent intervention plan. I'm trying to figure out if that is a part of the opioid settlement. Dollars are not yet it some fun to 11 and the current budget for that is 1 million dollars for they intervention plan that will be. Allocated 100,000 will be allocated from that fund to be returning home program. For those are those per the opioid settlement dollars, correct?
They are okay. I would make a comment. That rally was planned supporting this. I I don't plan on voting for it just because I know at the table here, we've talked a lot about. Money to have more conversations about about opioid settlement dollars. And one thing that has been really important to me is making sure that there is collaboration between us and for example, the county as well to make sure that we are depleting our programs. And so because we haven't had that sort of conversation yet. And more so I would say a holistic plan on this. I don't plan on supporting it. However, I want I would like to if in a scenario where this did not
past, then Iwould really like to see that funny for returning home. Saint Paul be a part of the holistic plant that we have once we know what exactly the situation is calm that looked like on how where we put investments and this in partnership with other with the county as well. Thanks for staying other discussion. The motion. Thank you so much. And I appreciate Amendment council verbally and bringing this forward. I appreciated hearing from several young men and our truth in taxation this year, especially around this program as the current thanks. Chair of heading home Ramsey and the continuing the continuum of care that we have with the partnership with the county and with the city COUNCILMAN Billy, I really am see this
program is an area for continued investment, especially as we head into the new year. I know a lot of the conversation surrounding that through home has been around how we're investing and aren't southern homelessness community in totality. And so I see this amendment. I see the parade commission and I hear the I see avenues to the discuss investments not only in the opioid response dollars, the potentially in our city and county, local, affordable dollars in the future. And so I don't know why. Well, you can't fans there in the sense that I'm not sure how the vote will go today, but I genuinely I do plan to see continued partnership with you this investment because this is
something that I do actually think is continued conversation in 2026. And I think that the the main reason why I supported resolution is because I want to ensure there's transparency in reporting on all ends of how we're using those funds. I don't know if that's necessarily accomplish that. Accomplishes that today. So I'm going to vote no on on the proposed amendment to the resolution at this point. But I do want to just reiterate, you know, I see multiple avenues for partnership with the program that has put forward. And I genuinely hope as we head into the new year that that's something that to get into consideration. And we
have many partners that members any home including John, that I hope to see that continue to invest partnership to as as well with the county. And I'm happy to work with you on that. As we head into the new Year. And thank you. I am of move us towards a vote. If there's no further discussion on them on the item. All Thank you. Everyone woke up Present maker now. 3 in favor or oppose those being councilmembers Yang Johnson, Kim and maker. The amendment is not approved. And I believe. I have the last amendment to offer, which is a 4. And I would make a motion for this is to keep our library collections purchasing power consistent with what it has been. In past years. We have made a motion as a live report to do that. We already took a vote on this at the library board that this is specifically to allocate
cultural start dollars to keep the collections and our materials budget purchasing power, constant and that had to be done with the city. Not live report. So I would make that motion any discussion. Thanks, council PRESIDENT, I will be supporting a resolution, but I do want to Really clear that I I don't want I don't want to see the council continue to vote for library collections. You know, culture start funds over and over again, like it's really important to me. They were funny, very sustainable funding source or for this because our libraries are families Saint Paul here and many visitors of our libraries. They really deserve to have new and updated materials in our libraries. But they also really for us to be able problem solve this as
well. And so that because this is not a sustainable solution at all for this. Really stressing on this and hope that next year. Let me just be really clear if this comes up again next year, I will not vote in favor of it because I hope that that we will be able to figure this for for this vote here or right now, I will be voting support of this. Thanks, Mss Yang and for what it's worth. Agree with you. Grateful that the friends of the public libraries are able to find $40,000 help us fill gap and that we're able to find $5,000 and our own unspent funds as a council to fill this gap. But you're right, we're continuing to go to sources that we should have to go to cultural start to fill a gap that really should be ongoing funding proposed in the base budget by the mayor for the Labor Department. So I hope to get there as well. Further discussion is just
really as a reward chair. I also agree would like to see this. I'm going in the library. and again, I really appreciate the friends and their support, you know, collections of something that a lot of library, friends of lovers or Library foundation's are able to contribute to, you know, they'll they don't contribute to pay staff salaries and things like that, which those with a large portion of any of our department budgets budgets are. But I do think I would like to see a more just stable source really handling the base of library collections and then, you know, if the friends are going to here and there as they always do, we we love to see that too. All right. There's no further discussion of the motion. Johnson. Apologies for that league Henrys I. I just want to share
that as person who served formally on the culture of Starboard. Hey, remember in the rooms where we were talking as a community on the culture of starboard of what it was like wen the news dollars earmarked for things are put forward purposes without the, you know, real inclusion of the members. And do want to note that council PRESIDENT, appreciate this amendment. Do want to know that that it's it's never never felt great when there was country star dollars that truly come and wide between often that are used to fund projects throughout the city and have multiple projects that come through that or for funding. I'm really supportive a continuing the continuation
of the funding for library materials have been about no to because of that because of that reason, I think that we really need to get out of the practice of of using culture, a star dollars for this as we actively trying to ensure that trust our dollars can reach many places in our city. But that is not reflective of my lack of support library materials. I'm very supportive of library. But who is continuing both? You know, the both of the year make sure that keeping up with the market, but also ensuring that our community members are simple. Community members have access public life. It isn't her materials. And so I just really want to say thank you for that. Bt I also want to just raise that this is something that I hope as a as a board and also it's council and a partnership with the mayor elect as we head into New Year can really prioritize investing in my base this
year. Thank you, MISS Johnson and thanks to everyone. I appreciate the articulation of the tension inherent in this vote. There's no further discussion. Welcome, please. Thank I. PRESIDENT Maker. I 5 in favor those to oppose those being councilmembers. Bowie in Johnson, the amendment is approved. All right. And we are now at the Are there any further amendments? We are now at the point of being able to add move the outlook, too. Check him for a motion move the 2026. To prove that when 26 but as amended. Is there any discussion of that motion? And this will be a great time to make brief comments about the budget as a whole. If you haven't already come to. Thank you, council PRESIDENT And keep this very quick and just say that I came into this budget cycle much later than everybody else at this table. And in doing that,
I think that it is little bit stressful. You know, as as vice PRESIDENT Said, our budget is a reflection of our values and coming into the starting Ben there JUNE 5th, when we talked about what are the kinds values and what our priorities it was. It has been such a relief to come in and see how shared are commitments are in this body. And 2 have so many of it. The conversations and priorities that I spent the year hearing about from folks in Ward 4 already be accounted for and reflected in this party's priorities. Things like safe and stable housing, economic development, vitality, public safety, including safe streets, Parks, rec centers, libraries. So many of the things have already come up today. Deep investment in climate sustainability, multi-modal transit, a commitment and deep commitment to our immigrant community. All these things things that I
have just very appreciative to see at that folks across the folks across throughout City hall and particularly here in the council are so deeply committed to. So I will be it voting yes for this budget. We all know what that it isn't an easy financial year. I think that again, to go back to the fact that our budget is a reflection our values. It is very easy to alter your values when things are good and easy and it is much harder to do so in challenging times. But I think that this budget really, really manages to do that in the midst of the challenges that we face. Tanks coming. Other discussion. The motion is just thank you. Council PRESIDENT. Again, you know, this is such a tough year when we when we entered into the budget with them. Looking at the bdget for
this year, we started out with a 23 million dollar deficit that we have to cover. Last year's was 16 million dollars. And you know a lot of that was covered by cuts that were made. In the mayor's budget before it was proposed to 23 million dollar deficit would be in lake and 11% Levy, which we know that we just we're not going to entertain. And so I just really appreciate all the effort that we put in even in the beginning of this year, we started the process to get a lot of ire Priorities Incorporated from argue JUNE retreat, even in that process because, you know, it's it's really challenging every year to continue to do even the course services we do every day, a large majority of of our budget is paying our
staff. A lot of funds are contracts that we. That we have to fold for workers that we care so much about. And so I think I'm just I'm just totally Just really impressed with what we able to do this year. With that being our starting point, we have 23 items plus the amendments that we made today that we were able to add. And if you'd asked me earlier this year, if I thought that we're going to build the do that, I don't know why. I'm not sure I would won if that this is where we would land the plane. But I'm really excited to see you. A lot of a lot of restorations to what I think it really is kind of the heart of our city services are parks or libraries. Our public safety through our firefighters. I want to highlight a couple other things. I'm really
excited about the District Council funding. That was something that I tried to make feel like on some sould get in last year's budget was really challenging its. I really appreciate that being in this budget. I really excited about the unique our share program calls worrying. Thank you so much for your partnership on that. Really, actually all the council members, Councilmember Coleman, everyone that tried you know, Bill, to maintain that that funding that was something we found out about, you know, after we already asserted the budget process and it was going to be really challenging. But that's something that we care about so much. And then one other thing I'm really excited about is the lighting on Shepherd know PRESIDENT's going to talk about that. But I think the other thing
that I really care a lot about is is our public works in our it infrastructure. And I did have a couple of Second Amendment. So I tried to bring around making sure we're Rick Perry mill and overlay money in a really cool robotic front machine really excited about. But I really hope, you know, I work as an engineer and I think that making sure a continuing continuing to invest in in things like our roads ad safety sidewalks, infrastructure, plowing. All those things are really important to me. I'll be looking, you know, in the next years to make sure we are continuing to invest those items because, well, those were cut, you know, and and I see that as a disinvestment in public works and public works, that is already not fully funded to what we need. I think that's just so what our residents expected really need
to see in our city. And so I look forward to cntinuing to tackle some of those challenges. But again, there's just there's so much in this budget that is it's just really exciting to see. I Leslie want to say the you can you can see that part of the reason able to do this is because we worked with with us in the fire department to increase inland transport fees. That's 2 point. Almost 2.3 million dollars of this. And if we wren't able to find that, I think we're having a very different conversation about things that we might need to make even tougher decisions on what we're going to keep a going to cut and sew really appreciate everyone's effort on that. And I think, you know, aain, we all really care a lot about lowering the property tax levy of future and also making sure that is staying stable for people for
residents. And I'm really excited to see that a lot of our investments are going to do just that. Our investments in downtown, we did. You just decertify uttered the tif district to district this year and then also particularly in Ward 3, a lot the action that this council, jury took this was able to get more housing bill. That Highland Bridge. And so that I think all of those things and all the other developments we have across the city are really moving us in the right direction for being able to try to keep our property tax levy as low as possible while delivering on the services are city requires and really the values we care about. So thank you all so much to everyone. Thank you check him. Vice Chair come mood. I do a certain people can for folks. But also council director who's not here j in all of our staff for
for all their work on this. But I'm really proud of our process. And we got to. Thanks just. Any final comments. Briefly, Johnson. I will be brief as I've talked a lot. So I just want to say to my constituents fresh air and the 1, 7, conversations and the city, why budget discussions? You know, I just I heard very clearly that as my colleagues have echoed there is Bill real need to continue to have competition surrounding our tax burden here in the city. And I also just want to uplift the work that the council has done in the past 2 years. I do not think not for for last year's budget process and have a cause c of the council, tax levy discussions with the weather right now. And I am
truly feel that bad that last year's tax levy discussions, the painful cuts that everyone had to go through for the budget to be at 5.9% last year for a tax levy really carried us into making the conversation surrounding the 5.3% tax levy 100 increase conversation to be a lot easier because some of those works around. They can see reporting the intentionality that we took around taking a look at her overtime spending within their Saint Paul Police Department and people fire department. The ask questions that this council has been able to tackle multiple times Now. Our second budget cycle we do. Councilmember Coleman's first budget cycle. But if not for last year, I'm not sure if the company says this year would have been the but we seen them go. And I think that
that's really crucial and important beyond that of this year that I'm really excited that we're able to restoring funding for libraries for Rex senators were able to prioritize public safety dollars that quite literally in my word. That is the number one thing that I heard can take consistently was do not cut our firefighters. Not that I care unit do not have night shift. Do not cut public safety in any way, shape or form. We've had a lot of public safety related issues in our community. Including a shooting that just happened blocks away from a in so in a way where we're trying to prioritize public safety right now. This is a huge win for city in more ways than one and just very, very quickly. I continue to be a huge supporter of our local,
affordable dollars and we continue to invest in our down payment assistance program. The continued investment in our eviction prevention program. The downtown investment as well as the you know, just of those fundings and just in many ways, I become more and more proud to be able to be in partnership with council members. Find, I think spending money the way that we should be, which is respond Responsibly responsibly and conservatively. So we expect to support the budget even more excited about some of the budget to actual reporting that will be doing next year. And just will open with that and say thank you I look forward working with you 26, thanks Johnson. This really very quick. Thank you so much. Council PRESIDENT. Want to just echo everything that was said. Also just want to just say that
this budget is not the and it was truly the beginning of a new chapter here in Saint Paul. And I'm so grateful for all the residents. I'm so grateful for how we approach this, but a conversation how all the people have participated in the process. I do want to just highlight, you know, also as the chair of the public safety Community Wellness Committee. I'm really, really grateful to see that the listening housework now program came out of of that review. I want to just also give a shout out to I former led the heart team. The Amazing Heart teen Andrea. And when I was just reaching out trying to figure out what are some good it public safety community safety investments and the work now program has really, you know, got the attention it deserves. So I'm happy that you all alright support of that. And that made
the list as well. So kudos for for this process. I look frward to next year to having even more robust conversations about Thanks, Bree. Thank you all so much. I will just close not by repeating anything. You've said that by saying I think this was the most transparent collaborative and productive budget. I have ever been a part of on this council. We restored critical services. We preserved ideas that are working like a commercial quarters program. We made changes that make sense like our District Council funding were able to accommodate dozens of ideas from all of us. And I know that each of us might feel dissatisfied with a portion of the budget, but I hope we can feel super sper satisfied that the vast majority of this budget because I hope you see your fingerprints all over it. And we did that without
raising the levee further. We stay within that 5.3%. We might have wanted to get even lower. But we were able to make a ton of Additional investment while staying within that with creative problem solving like the fire transport fees that don't fall in property tax payers with belt tightening and tough choices. And I wnt to just finally say at this was all done through a process that was extremely transparent, used to be that we hear from department directors. The budget would go into a black box. The council PRESIDENT Would talk to the mayor and then it would emerge and nobody would know exactly how that happened. And in this case we did not do that. We spoke with the administration throughout the process. We came to this table 2 weeks ago and we all shared our amendments publicly here. And now that budget is what you're seeing in front of you. All of
our constituents can see. So I'm also just as proud of the processes and the product and we are adopting a budget on time and on budget. I'm the day that we said that we would do it on DECEMBER 3rd. And we've been clear about that timeline from the very beginning. So huge. Thanks once again to our chair vice chair, to Mayor Carter and his administration to all of our staff to our community members. And finally in especially to you, my colleagues, because I this will not happen without all of our dedication. So with that, we have a motion for approval from they struck him roll call, please. But I call I Johnson. Can't. Council PRESIDENT Acre I 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted as amended. Item number, 41 is final adoption of ordinance. 25 dash
77 amending Section 2.20, Point 0, 5 legislative code to set rates for a base level garbage service to be effective. JANUARY first 2026 and those of you who are just joining us for the first time, our ordinance adoption process has 3 stages. First reading staff report public hearing at the second reading and final adoption. We take them backwards. Order. So this final adoption has already been before us at least twice this case twice. And I will take a motion from his Yang for final approval. Any discussion. Seeing none roll call, please. really Coleman, I Johnson. Toast Council, PRESIDENT Maker. I. 6 in favor. None opposed the resolution or the ordinance is adopted. Number, 42 is public hearing of ordinance. 25 dash 72 amending chapter 60. 61. 68 72 of legislative code pertaining to the Mississippi River Quarter critical area in flood
management overlay districts and the public hearing was continued from NOVEMBER 19th at s. Great. So this is actually the force for further public hearing. Thanks to all the constituents and other stakeholders who came out to testify about this ordinance last week. Based on the testimony that we heard last week. And just reflecting on what we're trying to do along over the quarter and downtown. I am proposing an amendment today that removes the have restrictions downtown and restores the language to the original staff recommendation that went to planning Commission. This is version for in front of you. Version for free consideration. Need
to So. I'll move in for just a bit about it and we can have discussion vote on the amendment and then we're going to have another public hearing because that is a substantive or continue keep the public hearing up and have the public hearing. the but you can now. So I'm moving some of that because at first I want to thank there's so many folks who weighed in on this, but I want to especially thank friends the Mississippi River who I think has done a really good job articulating kind of the tradeoffs that are in front of us with this item. And it seems like everyone agrees that we need to balance economic development and especially downtown development, which we have all acknowledged is economic engine of our city and our region with protections for the river. And we also agree that any major project along
the river should have public oversight, both in general and to make sure that that project conforms to Marquette. And i also agree that some have argued it's better in general to have clear guidance rather than arbitrary. Are they guidance? Because that does make things easier for development. But I think in this case, the issue is that the clear guidance directly conflicts with a major project that we all support, including those who advocating for the high limits. And that will make it tough to get through that process because it will require a conditional use permit lot of additional regulations and hoops to jump through. I also think it would be difficult to write guidance here. That would be clear and would also apply consistently
to every major project along the Just think the nature of development along a river such that each one of these project is going to hopefully be an iconic development. It's going to look really different and we're going to want to review those projects on a case-by-case basis. It would be difficult to say one height limit that is going to apply across all of them ad not trigger additional review and conditional use rather than trying to get a different hate when that right. M proposal is to just go back the more subjective tearing process and review each of these projects on an ad hoc on a case-by-case basis for subjective, tearing through the public site plan process that both river's edge and other major projects on the river will happes. I think it's important to note that I think it is important for that
public oversight to happen, but we can do that through the site plan review process. We don't have to do that through process, which I think is more intimidating and inhibiting of development. So that's that's why I'm making the motion. And so I would look to my colleagues for discussion of the motion and again vote on the amendment and then we'll have a public hearing. Thank you, council, PRESIDENT Maker, I just really appreciate you bringing forth amendment and for your thoughtfulness on it. I agree. I think that this provides clarity to the process. And, you know, word 3, we you know, that. The southern border where 3 is on the river. And so something my my constituents also care a lot So thank you for. For all of your effort on Thanks just. discussion really to thank
Want to say I'm in support of your amendment as well and all hard work that went into it. I know this family year range plan and discussion many of the residents left shared with me that they also want to see something iconic. They want to see this area revitalize and really the state of the art of development. You know, and I think the way for that you present gives an opportunity. Thank you, MR. Any other discussion, the motion. Seeing none. We'll take a roll call, vote on the amendment and then open up the public here. Welcome. I I call eye Johnson. Toast council PRESIDENT Maker I 6 in favor not oppose. The amendment is approved. All right. For all of our public hearings, including this one will open the public hearing will ask folks who want to testify to come on up
to the front. You can stand right in front those to make a phone to do not need to adjust them. They'll pick you up just fine. Have 2 minutes to testify. Start with your name and where you're coming from. 2 minutes goes by fast. My job is to keep you on time. It's not fun or easy, but the glory in the big bucks. And at the end, when you're done, make sure to sign so with that will come up. PRESIDENT Maker of members of the council Allen Torsten some 15 55 grams front street in Saint Paul. With a proposed amendment to replace objective fate, tearing language for the uc district with big subject of language. It would be unclear what meets the tearing requirement in state recover rules. For larger buildings. Decisions on conformance with the tearing requirement would be referred to the Planning
Commission for consideration and public hearing as part of the site plan review process. So that subjective review. What happened? Whether or not there's a conditional use permit or if it stems from the site plan review. I think it's better to keep the object of language recommended by the planning Commission. To automatically approve most structures for conformance with the Murtha tearing requirements and provide for a conditional use permit in the few cases where greater height is proposed. Conditional use permit should be required for things that need subject to review. That's their purpose. The cuple is the standard often used best way to prove permit additional height, worse objective review
is needed. It's not onerous. Thank you so much. And make sure to sign Well, come up. We have lines going on both sites. So we'll just go to site. Thank you. And keep sun from 17. 58. He would avenue in Saint And I'm here for representing the Saint Paul Byrd Alliance. The the matter the same as the book of last hearing, the annual loss of 1 billion birds to window collisions in the U.S. Logical catastrophe. However, an underreported consequence of our. Urban environments, brutality towards Peretz is the harm to our individual and collective will When its residents are subjected to regularity to the suffering and death of animals. The city has no. Basis to tout its
liveability. The proposed version has removed the birds safer. Requirements. In an earlier draft. That was authored by The steam la Torre Stinson. The city administration proposed language t include only recommendations to study a citywide birds, safe policy. That's study you're talking about a little bit. We agree that studies can help local governments make policy decisions based on. On variable data, but American cities that have already implemented birds safe zoning and building codes like Madison, Wisconsin, San Francisco and so forth. They've proven that it works. Growing consensus that of
updating building and zoning codes to include protections for migratory birds is a common sense approach to designing livable cities. We should not have to encounter dead and dying birds on their sidewalks. Many of our city problems do not have clear feasible solutions. They don't have provide meaningful benefits to the city and its people. But bird window collision problems have an easy solution. Put forward, say features into our zoning and building codes is the answer. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign in. Good evening. Council PRESIDENT And council members. My name is doctor be being human and I am a Ramsey County residents who attends the cathedral. The Simple Cathedral eldest child. Is a student at Hamlin University right here in the
city. I live in Saint Anthony Village. a small But what happened in Saint Paul on NOVEMBER? 25th? Concerns me deeply because the safety of our immigrant neighbors are students and are journalists is not confined to city borders. The choice is made here. Ripple across the etire region. So Simon have to stop you for just a minute. We stopped the time. So just to be clear, we are required to hear public testimony on the item that's in front of us. 7 in need you in the next minute and a half of your testimony to tie into the item in front of us, which is. The Mississippi River credit Quarter critical area. Can't have a public hearing just about any topic. So please continue. The choice is made here ripple across the entire region, including the public corridor of the Mississippi.
On NOVEMBER. 25th community members and journalists gathered in pain, fallen. I you're immigrant neighbor targeted by ice. What they encountered instead was chemical irritants, tear gas river rounds in Kansas. Reporters clearly marked this place was shot with less lethal munitions. One was hospitalized. Others including residents simply holding space. So burning difficulty breathing and the terror of excessive force. As someone who prays weekly in the city whose child walk simple streets to 10 classes, including the river and who relies on journalists to help us understand what government actors are doing in our name. I'm an alarmed that Saint Paul police knowingly or not contributed to harm during a federal immigration action. I appreciate that the city council has called for an outside investigation, but an investigation alone is not accountability. I'm asking you
to take these next steps. Full transparency release all body worn camera footage, radio traffic an after action reports protection of consist of constitutional rights ensure journalist and peaceful observers and never again targeted with projectiles or gas clear boundaries with ice. We are firm and enforce the city's separation ordinance. So community trust is not fractured by federal entanglement. We are in Cern's reassured that its time of you to start your thank you so much. Make sure to sign in. Well, come up as a reminder. This is a hearing about the Mississippi River Critical Corridor area ordinance. Welcome. Thank you. Ice same policy Council. Thanks for having me to speak on this matter. Shine violent. I am a lwer town resident and I'm here to emphasize previous comments that you have all made him regarding the tiered height limitation restrictions in the planning commission's updates to the Mississippi River Corridor. Critical area
program. I am in support of and agree with the City council's decision to amend the height limitation restrictions in favor to be more alignment with the city staff's recommendations as PRESIDENT Maker proposed, I echo that these height for more obstacles second progress for more thriving fiber and dense and lively downtown metropolitan area buildings that exist today, such as the Science Museum would not in projects, including Ramsey Counties River would have the opportunity to revitalize downtown and grow the public around. That MAY not come to fruition with these restrictions in place. So thank you for this moment. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign it. All right. Here to testify on the Mississippi River could a quarter area ordinance looks like there is
no one. take a motion. On the Mississippi River critical corridor area actually jus. Question has stopped. When I can answer questions, you can testify. I mean, and where you're coming from. And you'll 2 minutes. I am so feel upset. I live and Minneapolis, but I work and grew up in Saint Paul. I'm just wondering if the Dakota community has been discussed or if there's a plan to involve them with this ordinance and sort of where that where that all is, it's hard to know sort of where you're coming from with this without knowing if you've had conversation with them. I think anything related to the Mississippi River. They need to be involved in discussion thank you very much. Thank you. That make sure to sign in.
ok, anyone else here to testify on this item? All right. And then make a motion to close the public hearing and then make some comments. So to close public hearing roll call police yank. I Coleman Johnson. Yes. Council president makers 6 in favor. None opposed. The public hearing is closed. I want to thank everyone for coming out to testify. Actually, I the question was just asked at the end, MR. Johnson, we have a staff person here who think might be helpful to connect with the testifier just now, because I think it's a great question. And I know that staff has done extensive work on this and engage with many different communities. I appreciate you bringing the need to engage with that. Dakota community as well. I want to I want to say, first of all, in terms of the birds safe place that many
folks have mentioned. We did talk about this 2 weeks ago, the public hearing, but I think it's important to know that the fact that we initiated a study of birds safe place is is not is not in action on that issue is actually the opposite. So in order to ask a policy we need to be informed about what the implications of that policy is. And also having it not be tied to Mecca means that we can have safe place and other parts of the city, which I think might be the intent of those who support this as well. So I did hear very clearly the call to not be long, get this process and not have a study be a delay tactic. And I think that that is very well taken by body. But I just wanted to note that we have here studying that we are moving that forward. We are not adopting it today, but that doesn't mean that we are
taking the next step that process. We're not gonna vote today. This is going to have to lay over for another week for final adoption because we did make a substantive change today. But I would look to to see if my colleagues have any other comments before we let it lay over for another week. Seeing any. All right. You know, the item is laid over to DECEMBER 10th for final adoption. Item number, 43 a second reading public ordinance. 25 Dash 78 establishing chapter 15 of the administrative code to establish and define structured quarterly reporting requirements for certain personnel vacancies overtime utilization. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item number? 43. Seeing none. I'll take a motion from Missouri to close public hearing and the matter over till DECEMBER 10th for
final adoption woke up ynk. I really I Johnson. Council PRESIDENT Maker I 6 in favor. None opposed to the public hearing is closed and the ordinance is laid over to DECEMBER 10th for final adoption. Item number, 44 is resolution public hearing. 25 Dash 2.52. Amending the home project budgets to reflect the current 2024 home program. Income of 3 million, 356 or 3,003 $56.60. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. I'll take motion from his comments to close the public hearing and approve. Local police. Billy, Coleman, I Johnson. Council, PRESIDENT Maker I 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted. Item number, 45, its resolution public hearing? 25
dash to 58 approving the adoption of its second amended restated spending plan for various tax increment financing districts. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on the side? Seeing none. I'll take motion from his just to close the public hearing and approve all I really I Johnson. Comes PRESIDENT Maker. I 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 46 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash to 59 amending the 2025 Regional Water Services Budget resulting in an increase in spending and financing of $600,000 for urgent 2024. Lead pipe replacements. This is a public hearing. Is anyone here to speak to the side? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from his yanked close public hearing and approve roll call. Please. Thank. I cold I Johnson. Accounts present maker. I 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is
adopted item number. 47 has been withdrawn. Item number. 48 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash to 64 approving a 5year Reconstruction Plant Street reconstruction plan for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 and granting preliminary approval to the issuance of to the 2 issuance of certain general obligation, street reconstruction, bondsman city. This is a public hearing. Is anyone here to speak on this item? Seeing none. We'll take a motion from his ability to close a public hearing and approve roll call. Please, thank I really I comment. I Johnson. PRESIDENT Act. They were not oppose. The resolution is adopted. I remember for a resolution public hearing. 25 dash 2.71. Amending the financing. Spending plans in the fire department for the him in the
amount of. $29,333.99. For the minutes of a task force. One reimbursement from the city of Medina and accepting the donation of conference frustration. Always a good day. When we take money from the city of Eden. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? Seeing none. We'll take a motion from is common to close the public hearing and approve all topics. Yank I really I call I Johnson. PRESIDENT A Kurd I 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item. Number 50. Resolution public hearing. 25 dash to 72 mending financing and spending plans in the fire department. The amount of $4,500 from the Minneapolis Fire Department. This is a public hearing. Is anyone here to speak to this item? Seeing none. I'll take just to close the public hearing and i I Johnson. I Council PRESIDENT Maker I 6 in favor.
None opposed. The resolution is adopted iem. Number 51 resolution public hearing. 25 dash to 73 Manning the fire department's financing plan to transfer funds from the hra to the fire Department for Catholic Charities. Response This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? Seeing none. We'll take a motion from his yang to close public hearing and approve I really moment I Johnson. I Toast Council. PRESIDENT Maker I 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 52 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash to 74 ending the general to General Fund budget to budget, a transfer available balances from the hra and I'm going to move the updated version. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to the site a vote on the most? Yes, okay. We're gonna vote on the updated version. Welcome picks. I
Johnson. Council PRESIDENT Naked Eye. Favorite up 6 in favor oppose the amendment is approved. Have tis then they Yes, this is a public hearing, a sermon here to speak to the set. Seeing none. I'll take a motion from toast to close the public hearing and approve the updated version. Welcome, Thank. Week. Johnson. I have present maker I 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted as amended. And the public hearing is closed. Legislative hearing, consent agenda items. 53 54 before you for your consideration. This you're up there as It comes to There's to be mask and item number 54, which is to continuing public next week. Change. I take a motion from ms Yang, too. Continue the public number 54 to next week. And we need to because I have to does
that make separately or is that just part of the consent agenda? Consent? Okay as we can take them together. Okay. So we're gonna hold a public hearing on both items. 53 54. If you're here for either those items, this is public hearing. Okay. Take a motion from his yang, too. Close the public hearing except for 54 where we're continuing. Following live state hearing officer checked the nation and otherwise approved. 53. Well, Johnson. Council, PRESIDENT Maker Open toast. Health present maker. 6 in favor, none opposing legislative hearing consent agenda is adopted as amended. And those of you who can't see we have of Isaiah joining us for the end of our meeting. Strict say. All right. That brings us to the end of our agenda.
That's of us. Good news that I can imagine. But is there any other good news around te table? Thank As the talks which say about I want to put the Consuls just wanted it to ensure that practice to council is holding their annual meeting tonight. It is open to all lovers of Union Park and public specifically residents. It'll first rie center from 7 o'clock to 9 o'clock. Thank you so much. I wanted to share a actually I realize this event is in your say, te Grammy under is is this weekend and DECEMBER 6. It's also or so it's basically a big event for the Grand Avenue Business Association in our District Councils where there's, you know, Santa and a chocolate, all the businesses are open sometimes, you know, served can taste. Teams are just
different events and it's something look forward to every year at the cats and coffee shop, which is new. Coming up on the year they had, I think they pack and that I should do that. But were just up and you should. You should definitely. They were dressed up and you could you can meet them. And so it's just such a wonderful event. You can also read that rally and listen to listen to staff from the Red Bulls Bookshop or your book. So that's this weekend from 11 to 3 really at multiple spots along along grand. So anywhere you go, there will be something to do. The Thanks, council. PRESIDENT Care for all is that business in the East side and their hold hosting a youth. Coach, I wear coats, hats, gloves, socks, and boots for use in all sizes. Keep Also also accepting gift cards for
purchasing additional winter gear and other items. If you having items to drop off, please do so. On DECEMBER 13th at 9.25, Payne Avenue Suite b 3 and you cannot drop it. Also dropping off Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 05:00pm this Any other good news. Thank you. Can't stop smiling. Looking at is it? So that's that's my goodness. All right with that. Thank you all for a great meeting. Productive budget season and we are