do see. So when a cop lot people se it. Well, not gotten them too. Are 10 year you look for me is mobile computer program doing this? Back toward a roll call. Police. And here Johnson here shows here are asking here. Thank council. PRESIDENT Maker here, 7 present not after. Welcome back, everyone about that. Apparently we lost some connectivity right around the last item. So we're going to repeat that if it sounds like we're repeating word for word exactly what we did a moment ago. You're hearing correctly. Kuzma just a move. Suspension of the rules are favor say Aye. Opposed 7 in favor. None opposed. The rules are suspended. I resolution 25
dash 81, memorializing a city council decision to grant the appeal of Brian Pierce from a planning commission decision to approve the application of a vocally ago. Her go Burgos. For a reset end of a nonconforming use permit. 2, 3, 7Richmond Street. Thank you to my colleagues for being willing to suspend the rules to bring this item back. This was approval that we granted last week. This is a memorial is of that decision. And we were running up against the 15 99 clock to make sure we have enough time to take this action in the future actions before that clock ran out hens. The reason for bringing it under suspension understand that some folks will be voting the way that they did last week. So we'll take the roll call vote. I would move approval any further discussion of the item. Seeing
none. We'll take a roll call. Vote. Johnson. No. Just yes, per se. Council PRESIDENT Maker. I 5 in favor to oppose those being councilmembers. Johnson, Progress Key. The resolution is adopted. Item number, 21 is second reading public ordinance. 25 dash 32 considering the application of Matt Canavan to rezone property at 9, 5, 9 Payne Avenue from be to community business to teach to traditional neighborhood and amending chapter 60 of legislative code pertaining to the zoning map. This brings us to the public hearing section of our agenda. So if you plan to testify today, we'll ask you to come on up, stand right
between the 2microphones. So your name where you're coming from. And then in most cases you'll have 2 minutes to speak. Those don't go by pretty quickly. So I will keep you on time. But there's also a clock right in front of you that you can look at. And then after you testify will ask you to sign either of the 2 sign in sheets to your right or left. So with that, this is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to testify on item? 21? Seeing I'll take a motion from his yang to close the public hearing. The matter over for final adoption until MAY 21st. Just played a part of it. Any discussion that motion all in favor say Aye. Aye. Opposed 7 in favor. None oppose a public hearing is closed and the ordinance is laid over to you MAY 21st for final adoption item number. 22
is resolution public hearing. 25 Dash 62 approving the application of Breakway Music festival for some level variance order to present amplified sound on JUNE 6 through JUNE 7, 2025 at 400 Snelling Avenue North Allianz Field ground. And just before we hold a public hearing on this item, a little bit of of context for folks, this was actually matter that we heard a few weeks due to staff error, the public hearing was not noticed appropriately. And so we have now notice the public hearing bringing this item back. I believe there are some changes from what we originally looked at it. So I would turn things over to Ms Pilley to discuss. has a present. Played that perfectly about how we got
here as well. I think my haleigh times ensuring that we had a chance to review all of the public comments. I did have a chance to 2 weeks wisely to ensure there is a proper process of transparency. The notices for out there. I've had quite a few. Conversations with district councils and people who are also attending the event and people who live nearby. I can confidently with some of my. Recommendations that I voted last week's particularly making sure we have a document that is clean. Clear. I want to say thank you to I'm Mike, how the town's that he and you're and your team. Fantastic team to making sure that it's really clear. So what we had voted on a few weeks ago is actually represent documents. Be for
you to have some places. And Get. Yeah, thank you. Council PRESIDENT Maker and Councilmember Bowie. This is obviously the location of this event is right. Sort of sandwich between our 2 wards and so happy be event. Any assistance with you on this for folks who have seen version 3. It should both be in legistar be in front of you at the table. Essentially the original breakaway language that was proposed is seen first. And then you will also see on the next page elements that the Department of Safety inspections initially requested. And then we're marked the resolve sections of section beware, parked it is the compromise language where some of the times have moved slightly earlier and then some of the decibels have been reduced lightly to make sure we're compromising with some of the concerns that have been
stated. Really appreciate the work of both Councilmember folks in my staff and then the folks in Dsi to make sure we can find a good solution. And the further a discussion, otherwise we are going to open at the Publix. All This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to testify on this item? Thanks, Again, my name is Jared Fuji, PRESIDENT Of regular music festival. And ultimately the applicant just for point of clarification, I'll get 5 minutes to speak today. As the applicant. Yes, you'll get 5 minutes. Understood if I MAY request the table be represented up on the screen here to the right. And the voice activated. Protecting me. Yes, same Great. Thank Council members. It's great to be back with you and revisit revisiting the sound of a variance for breaking news, a festival and respectfully urging to once
again support our requests as outlined in the tble here. Which demonstrates our requests as well as size recommendations for reference as previously established break. We had a successful debut in 2024. Bringing nearly 24,000 people. So the midway neighborhood generating more than 6 million dollars in economic impact. Local businesses, sot increase traffic. Hundreds of residents were employed and Saint Paul gained national visibility as a vibrant cultural destination. But we know success is not just measured in dollars. It's measured in how we listen. We heard the concerns about noise, disruption and communication and we have responded for 2025, we need real changes. We've made real changes that
are tangible. We've relocated the main stage. The direct sound towards only unsealed. We focused sound on the site to you event area. We've adjusted the hours. We've reduced sustained volume levels through a progressive building of sound through the day we've created a real-time feedback with Saint Paul pd to respond to concerns immediately. We funded on site monitoring with the s I and a report sound levels every 15 minutes and measuring sound throughout the entire perimeter of the events. We want to partner on mailing notices directly to residents more broadly. So there is nobody that is caught off guard. We're excited to partner with each of you on that to ensure that residents throughout the much wider area or informed well, beyond the
300 foot requirement of dsi. These are not promise is these are actions. And they reflect our deep commitment to not just being event, promoters and organizers but being respectful. Neighbors. These changes come after countless hours of work with the mayor's office. The s I union Parks district, the Midway Chamber and Saint Paul pd with multiple trips to Saint Paul and I myself and our team. The sound levels are requesting are starting at lower volumes and are gradually building throughout the day. They are incredibly carefully calibrated not to exceed comfort, but to ensure artists can deliver the quality experiences that fans expect. Without these minimum sound threshold, we risk falling short of audience and performer expectations threatening the viability of the event itself and ultimately our ability to continue to promote the event
in Saint Paul. These levels are industry standard. This morning I boarded a flight from Atlanta, Georgia. We have a festival Friday and Saturday this week that we are incredibly excited about. This is actually our 4th festival of the season. We successfully executed at the same sound levels in Dallas, Texas, Tampa, Florida and Phoenix, Arizona, already this year, both in very densely populated urban centers of their cities. I've personally taking the time to speak to community members attend district meetings. I have actually also read every single comment that has come in through public notice and hearing today. We do not take these comments lightly. They are very meaningful to to us as a promoter. We hear the feedback. These comments are not lost on us. I hope the community can also hear and see what we are doing to better stewards of the
community that they live in and where they live their life every day. Paul becomes a city where world-class events cannot thrive. It's more than music that is lost. Jobs are lost. Visibility is lost and the momentum in revitalizing neighborhoods are lost. These are clear priorities. Of the city articulated by the mayor's APRIL 21st State of the City address in which he highlighted the return of our specific festival alongside a number of other amazing events in this community. We have a nearly 25,000 tickets sold to this year's event and are trending towards a complete sellout, signaling the tremendous excitement by these community members to attend event like this in their own backyard. It's not about using between residents and events. It's about finding a balance. And I truly do believe with what we have proposed. We have
found a balance. We respectfully ask that you support this variance as outlined. So we continue investing into Saint Paul and building something special together. Thank you. Thank you very much. And don't forget to sign Afternoon council members. My name is Acro to some from the director of event operations for all Ian's Field. Williams who was built. It was meant to be more than just a soccer stadium and it was envisioned to be a platform for economic revitalization and a home for culture experiences that would enrich the midway neighborhood and the greater Saint Paul community. One event that really brought this vision to life was frankly music festival as it was mentioned in the 2024 debut, the event. Welcome nearly 24,000 attendees to our city, creating energy drawing visitors generating significant economic impact. Local businesses are highlighted. Public transit was widely used in hundreds of
jobs are created for residents. It was a shining example of what thoughtful large-scale events can do for city like ours. And while can be the cnter of these national and international level events. We recognize that event of this scale bring challenges break ways taking seriously since 2024 event, organizers have worked closely with city departments, law enforcement, district councils and also field to make meaningful improvements. Everything from relocating the main stage and adjusting the sound schedules setting real-time feedback systems and funding on site compliance. These are just service little changes. They reflect a deep commitment to being responsible partners to Saint Paul. A continuing to improve the overall experience for
everyone. These are the kinds of events only until strives to attract. And I believe this is the kind of partnership we should support. Culture events like break where more than just entertainment. Their engines for economic growth. They bring people together. They put steep on the map is a destination city. And they help us build a vibrant. Then the one rooted in creativity, inclusivity and shared experience. That's why stand here today on behalf of all field and supported the break with music festival in the work they're doing to be responsive, respectful and forward thinking. With continued cllaboration, can sure events like break. We're not sustainable, become a model of our city is venues and event. Organizers can work hand in hand for the benefit. Everyone. Thank you for your time and consideration. Thanks very much. Get to
sign will come up. Show Intel Councilmembers. Good afternoon. My name is Mark Murrell and I live 1984, carolan new indictment co-chair of New Park District Council's Economic Development Committee. We can't complain about not having a public hearing and not show up. So I'm here last year's break with his apostles. Wonderful for those who love electronic dance music. It was a miserable for those who do not. There's not last I wish I could give you a map of last year's complaints, but the city doesn't keep a record of where those complaints come from. What I did do was a mapped out where the comments came from this year. So feel just a block over neighborhood. They're just right by it there to te West. No problem. They actually would like to see the festival can But you get down so
heading south from there. You get down into palace. But anyway, they report rattling windows and they report hearing swear words. That means that only low-frequency rattling windows. That means the midand high-frequency is also transmitted pretty far because they're able to hear the lyrics. And then you've got complaints all the ways for deal. We got a letter from the mayor there. We know that we hear that we're aware of that. Bottom line, we think 3 things change that you can have a successful festival. We can have a successful festival we're looking for is effective. Containment. MR. It's like once again out, you know, outside here. But he's here to from us repeatedly and his they take that seriously. But if it gets out of breakaway, its go to
travel far, it is going to travel out. Some containment is really key. Second thing is the feedback wind. That's easy access easy to use and there's got to be quick response and that the decline last to complaints and nothing changed over today's sold the feed that wine with changes based on the feedback and the 3rd thing, this is the one that's really going to be a challenge for you guys because you are used to something else. But Trim Mtors monitors. I know that you've got in there that distance based on the stage. I don't care whether you measure 125 feet from that stage. You are measuring what the they've breakaway festival attendees are experiencing. You are not measuring the sound league. We do need to have you have your certificates over time. I apologize. Anyway. We support
it. But we supported with conditions. Conditions in the letter and will leave a copy of the letter fr you. Please consider that Thank Thank you very much. And thank you for taking time to show up. Appreciate it very much. Is there anyone else here? Is there anyone else here to speak on the side? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from his Bowie to close the public hearing all in favor say Aye. i'll post. 7, they were not host. A public hearing is closed. MR. MR. Yeah. Thank you. PRESIDENT Acre foot helpful. I movers 3. The version in front of us but move the first on the team. Is there discussion of the motion? Thank you guys so And thank you to all of the folks that have come out for the bulk hearing. It's great to see the break. Festival team here again as well. So as to see the actual resolution version
that's being presented to us in final form. One of the things that I have shared and I will just be very clear I'm supportive of having Brickley festival up brazen festival here our city again. So I'm really glad to see it. Thriving. Be here I think one of the pieces that I'm really struggling in comparison as I shared with all my colleagues in the past when we have done with festival's something as big as the yacht they requested 110 disappoints. They were approved last year for 100 decibels points at 50 feet on Friday and Saturday. When we look at both the distance, that and the space and the sound level that's been approved at 103 decimal points at 100 feet. Well, obviously, 125 feet in cement since 120. And 25 being the
100 and others. It's actually higher than that of like the entire Kellogg Bridge. Demolition. It's higher than the Yacht Club Festival that was successful that have managed to have neighbors of 10 thousands of people And here at Island, it's actually something that for me just is not consistent with what has been done. And I also think sets a precedent to future applications. We have a plan. We have plenty of festival that come through our city that has 4 different levels of decimal points. What I have seen remain consistent has been the staff recommendations and the things that have taken into place. And so I just want to highlight, you 24 with the club as well. So the culprit demolition 103 decimal points
was not was rewarded. 110 disappointing would apply to with the club. But 100 100 points was the highest we actually approved for the demolition of Calais bridges. 95 disappointed 50 feet. So we're actually. We would be actually recommending and approving a sound level that was higher than an entire demolition of a bridge and a community that transpired well beyond the 100 feet or 50 feet. That was put forward a truly something that we had to notify neighbors about. Because of the sound of the kind of impact it had on their community. And so I just want to clear. I've seen a lot of the public comment and I've had a chance to review them. I'm really support person when it comes to festivals when it comes events I enjoy getting out and going outside. I enjoy to see those things come to our city and I recognize recognize the economic impact
that being said. When we do things like. Approve the sound level of the exact same level of last year. Did receive a much complaints. We actually on addressing the issue at all. What we're doing is actually enabling that to happen again. And s I'm personally just preparing, especially in our office for the long list of complaints that we do receive. And it's not even a sign of the festival. It's just literally don't. One thing that hasn't changed is the sound. And that was the issue. And I appreciate that. I will be respectfully bowing notice, but not as a sign of him of not approving or not being open approval. Not being in support of Brinkley Music festival, but simply not necessarily understanding if he got club. Could make 100 decimal points were comfortably. If we could take out an entire kulluk bridge under disappoints. And it's unclear to me as to why we
need to approve this at at the max level and especially at the latest point of the festival at a time when some people are maybe not attending. And so I appreciate that. But I'll be voting no to the version but I genuinely understand why it's being brought I genuinely think there hasn't been a festival of your nature that has came both times to talk about. And so that's not that's not doesn't fall on deaf for me. I just know what extent it will be on your And as a result of that and because we are changing the sound levels and because this time there's actually enforcement, I will see if this does pass. I expect the recommended the festival to adhere to the sound of a variance requirements festival. And that includes what is being proposed here and not exceeding And I hope that
there will actually be live changes and direct responses to the District Council who is requesting much, far less for decimal points. Thank you. Thanks start think a progress, Kia, that must Yeah. Thank you. Present maker in Councilmember Johnson. I think I think you're right in the sense that the decisions we have to. Talk about at the table, all sort of even if they don't formally set precedent, they have to sort make some sense with each other for me. I think one of the differences is they both the Kellogg Bridge example and the club's ample are really in that sort of wide open Mississippi River corridor. So I think to the Union Park concerns. I really appreciate both the levity and the seriousness, the Union Park. Co board chair brought
the fact that public hearing requested you need to show up and you need to do duty fm in that role before. I do think particularly on the containment. I think that's the piece that I have seen. The biggest change from last year to this year. For example, if we saw a map of the complaints all the way down to lilydale, part of it was the concert was literally pointed almost directly at Lilydale. And so I think that containment peace has been addressed in terms of pivoting the speakers so that we're a member thestadium itself. I do appreciate the request to 4 more. Immediate response on the feedback line. I think part of that can be accomplished through the staffing that the private event will be paying for through the city and ensuring that we have active
monitoring. I do acknowledge the both the chain. The difference in distance is that Councilmember Johnson spoke to as well as the union perc representative that measuring at the distance from the speaker versus the external perimeter. There is a difference there. And so I don't want brush that aside. I but I think the broader piece of changing the direction of the speakers so that the sound right into that sort sounds sponge that I will refer to alliance field. And also I think hours being adjusted as well as going from 3 days to 2, I gives a little bit more comfort from the neighborhood side. But I appreciate that. Any event like this is going
to have some level of disruption, it frankly will have a level o destruction. And in my neighborhood where I personally live and so I do appreciate that. But I do think in any instance like this, the trade-off just has to be. You know, no decision is going to be 100 or 0. And so I think for me, the trade-off of making sure we're bringing tens of thousands of visitors to this neighborhood, supporting local businesses, adding the neighbor vitality. Ultimately, I think the improvements made from last year to this year and the vibrancy we get. Is this actually worth the trip? Thank you, MR. Prest game, especially. Thank you. Cuncil PRESIDENT. I also d appreciate you following up in your staff following up with my office around the consideration
comparison with and the bridge that you mentioned as well, too. Some of the similar things that you know, I I I am confident and proud, particularly around to take this vote actually grant a request from the applicant I'm a proud champion of events and festivals. I won't say part of the attraction. I wants a pause to be a place where event, festivals, concerts like we are home to them. You know, I take really seriously you around like serving the people who live work and play here in Saint Paul and also app address the challenges so much to the point where I was looking at, like a budget increase you can actually hire more inspectors and actions. Sure that we have a stronger enforcement. You know, that's why I also see opportunities
for admin citations for people who are following our variances. And, you know, some of the challenges that faced last year have been fully and knowledge acknowledged. I would say I wouldn't be comfortable with this vote if we had event organizer who showed up and did actually acknowledge and curated excuses. But we have here today, some why who is intentional and putting effort and also investing in making sure our staff has the tools to actually hold them accountable. This process has, you know, encourage us to be very laser focus when it comes to our existing sellable where policy so much so that where, you know, we have to double
back do this reconvene this entire process. You know, as counselors, made the decision, whether we want it to reopen this and I value transparency, I value pople's engagement. I also value taken really seriously the concerns and what I'm hearing from the applicant says they're going to be door knocking. They're going to be promoting and some of the changes, I would say why this is different from the Minnesota Yacht Club in other places is like the environmental design of it. They got full or Harry Island is is designed for concerts. Has a open airspace where here at Allianz Feel it's still in development. What we have here for this year's not going to
be the same for next year as a space is being developed in. We're working with the partners there to look like look at ways to enhance it for concerts and then also like The adjustment to are the quest for 103 decimals is not like for them to be at that selling the entire time. It's for them to allow the gradual increase in sound so they can ensure that they're meeting their quality of their experience for the people, that would be there. And also like or a council member for vaccine had mentioned, the event actually has shortened. You know, I recall last year complaints really came in on
Sunday. And one of the reasons you know, a lot of those complaints came in on a days because there was a active church service happening right across the street. Some can only imagine, you know, the the disturbance like trying t convene church while there is a concert ticket right across the street. So I'm in this case they aren't convening on Sundays. I think I feel really good about that. If that wasn't the case, I think that probably be one of my suggestions. So but I think this is really good. Robust conversations is not the end. Be all. And like I mentioned, like the Allianz Field don't normally hosts concerts. So I don't see this as a as a situation where we'll be having this problem again. And I also just want to just like
support and reward people who make the adjustment to make the compromises in the investments to actually do the right thing. Thank you, MISS And this can actually have question just to confirm, it looks like come. The motion on the tables to move a version 3 and just to confirm the version to language is included. Struck out was changed. A new language entered. Is that correct? That's what it appears to be. But I just want to be certain because during our fabulous dress rehearsal, there is a conversation that was has I just want clarify for the council members as well. That by moving a vrsion 3, we're would then be approving approving the Seminole variance, not a mandate. Yeah, that the document yet. Thank you. Councilmember can. The document includes
previously approved language that instruct through for the sake of transparency. So that sort of all previously discussed versions. Everything document. That's great. Thank you. I appreciate that. So we would not be voting on the amendment would be voting on the entire some of the variance. That version I would say the way I would categorize that is version 3 would be The version moved on table. This and just to know them procedurally should version 3 fielders aversion to Any other discussion. I have a quick question for Dsi. But it's cause Here's what the sound level limit was last year. At the highest. Telecoms. PRESIDENT Councilmembers damages deputy director public safety inspections. Last year yourselves approve them, I believe. 97 at
50 they had requested 103, 825 based on our conversations. They were probably close to that level. I know for what duration or because we were never really able to get much for measurement, but likely they were operating closer to 103, at one. 25 and you can check with Gerri to find out for sure than 97 50, but they were approved at night. So 50 foot operating probably closer to 103 5. Thanks, MISTER Jealous. So leaving aside the fact that the applicant violated their some level last year, you granted we granted 97 at 50 dsi is now recommending 100 at 100. And the applicant has requested 103 at one. 25. Cuts for latest of the loudest. in terms of the largest volume, some of that distinction is the is the ramp up as opposed to just a blanket approach to the
blanket approach last year was for the entire duration this year there. It's coming up floor. And then there's different on levels between what we recommend it and what Braithwaite recommended requesting. But at the loudest point. Get that. I was 0.100 at 100% 100 and tree at 0. 25 and last year, 97 okay. Thanks, Kelly. For some of Any other questions for MISTER While we have here. Thank you. Man, appreciate the testimony. I do appreciate that. The organizers are making efforts to. To address the concerns that were Also really appreciate union Park District Council for taking time to write in and be really clear about the ask that's helpful. And thanks to my colleagues for the really hard work on
this. I leave you this when we voted last time, but I'm going to be joining Johnson in voting against this. I think rather than allowing a significantly. So limit in response to a festival that I think tere's a difference between vibrancy and hearing from literally cnstituents all across the entire city disturbed by this event. We have lots of vibrancy our city all the time. That doesn't yield that sort of response. So I would be willing to go up to size recommendation of slightly higher 100 at 100, but I'm not willing to go one of 3 to one. 25. Given the response that we got last year. So I'll be voting no against adversity. Any further conversation. All right, seeing none. Let's take a roll call. Vote. Kim. I Yes, Johnson know just yes at ski. Yes. Council PRESIDENT Acre know 5 in favor to oppose those being. Johnson and
council PRESIDENT Maker. The amendment is approved. All right. And now take a vote on the entire home of a variance. With After this. Johnson, no toast progress. Key? Yes, I council PRESIDENT Acres now. 5 in favor to oppose those opposed being comes members, Johnson and make or resolution is adopted. Item number Twenty-three's resolution public hearing. 25 dash 86 authorizing the police department to accept the 2024 state Homeland Security program. Grant for $235,000. And amending the financing and spending plan and the police department in the amount of $199,000 and $199,175. Right before we take the public hearing, we have a special guest Yeah. And just. When in the gratefulness yes, she Ford has come today to
just briefly give us a brief update and I got a preview of this. I think actually it probably a point of the department pride of what we're doing here. But, you know, it's not often that you see accepting funds for homeland security. So naturally picks up our interest and so on request certainly came in late. And so we just really appreciate the time and attention and and would love to hear what is this rant about? Not toss it over to us in chief. Thank you. Councilmember ankle. So present so the Saint Paul Police Department bomb squad week on the ordinance Disposal unit. So they're one of 5 underwater hazardous device teams in the country. We're really highly regarded. We're all very well trained. So with that, they do the there. They have the ability to do under water, you know, explosive device mitigation. So being on the Mississippi
River, we have a number of ports along the river and Saint Paul. We can respond to. Those were one of 5 in the country. So they're the National Office of Bombing Prevention identified a gap in our capabilities. We don't have a boat. So I we were dispatched to an incident where there was a suspected explosive in the water in one of our ports, we would have to approach problem from the land as opposed to the water, the river, which this kind of a best practice in many cases using that capability? The Minnesota Homeland Security had an opportunity for a grant to purchase a boat so we could do this. And we applied for the grant in 2024 early 2025. We were selected to get that grand soul with that will
purchase a boat to be able to do you know, any underwater hazardous explosive mitigation that late occur in Saint Paul or actually are on the country. So, for example. There's bomb squads are on the state of Minnesota that that's the kind of share the workload when calls come into the state duty Officer Saint Paul, Bloomington, to a lesser extent, other smaller operation. But I believe it's the 3rd scrolling county. So, for example, in Graham is occurs they call us and that's part of our territory is divided up by the state. So we'll go up there and do the Palm 6 for that event. So with this additional equipment, we could be called to go assists. You know, if there was something Lake Superior, something and one of the parts there that would gve us a more capability to address those concerns. And in were
reimbursed for all are ordinance disposal work outside of the city of Saint Paul. So when any one cause into the state duty officer and we get dispatched were reimbursed for that. Thank you so much for the at context and that's because it can really appreciate you fighting this item. I think it's really easy to sort of glee is through significant decisions that are in front of us, especially when it comes to accepting large amounts of money for homeland security. Important to know what we're doing. Thank you. Thank you so much. Chief and I see MISS Billy in the Council. PRESIDENT I spoke question. Really appreciate the bp him for making sure that we and a brief report you had mentioned as ppd is one out of 5 out of the country that has this. Specific service or unit could you are using the year
if you could share with us? I or the other 4? I don't know. Ok, about that, ok? I was hoping I what you do. honest man, appreciate know it's going to a stop. Thank you, council PRESIDENT, thank you for being here. Assistant Chief. I'm wondering just from moments of it whenever like. So this is like state funding financing. Really not federal financing, but are we? We have? Is there any ties or anything that we should be concerned about? Whatever the latest just like federal ties? It all is only state where 100% guarantee there's no, it doesn't get caught up in the hope. Leffingwell. Yes, counselor Johnson calls for it. PRESIDENT Maker. Yep, it is state funding so we don't have any concerns. A vote on many issues with the federal government. Thank you so much that clarification. Just awful. All
right. Any other questions just as a point of clarity, so what is the name of the unit and like what would be the name of Ike us, the officer who ever will be like driving the boat. I'm just trying to think of like with the technical term. Sure we should call are officers who are going provide the service. counselor, weakest prison the ordinance that we call the ordinance Disposal unit just because it's so much more than, you know, they say bomb squad has a lot what we're way more than that. S ordinance disposal unit as far as who's going to drive the boat being the assistant chief. I'm in a deli and myself to drive the boat. No, just kidding. Yeah. All of ordinance disposal team will be trained operate the in case, you know, individuals vacation or
sick or whatever we we have the capability to have anyone to it and our entire ordinance disposal unit team. They're all cross train. So they're all dive trains. So they all they all have the capacity to do the underwater hazardous device, mitigation, but they'll all be trained operate the boat. And the questions. Thanks so much. Appreciate it. Thank you. And I know a busy day for you and the team. So thanks for being here. All right. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to testify on this item? Item 23. Seeing none. We'll take a motion from camp to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. Aye opposed. 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 24 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash 87 mending the financing and spending plans in the apartment in the fire department in the amount of
7 million, 400 39th out wow. Yeah. 7,439 dollars and $0.5 for the Minnesota task Force. One reimbursement from the city of have to say that. It's a good day when you take money from the city of the Dinah, even to affect or 10th graders. And let's listen in This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? Seeing none. We'll take a motion from missing to close the public hearing. And if all in favor say Aye. I'll post. 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 25, its resolution public hearing. 25 dash 88 amending the financing and spending plans on the part in the fire department in the amount of $30,000 for the Savic Foundation in Delaware State University's initiatives to enhance workforce diversity. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here
to speak on this item? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from this just to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 26 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash 92 authorizing the city to accept $20,250 in grant funding from the Saint Paul Minnesota Foundation. To support direct guaranteed income payments to Saint Paul families in the college bound Boost program. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from MR. Prescott to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. I oppose 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted. Item number. 27 is resolution
public hearing. 25 dash 93 authorizing the Office of Financial Empowerment to apply for and accept a $20,000 grant. From the city's for Financial Empowerment Fund for the Financial Empowerment Cities, expert mentor program. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from his ability to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye opposed 7 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 28 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash 97. Approving the adoption of a 6th amendment to the tax increment financing plan for the Fort Saint Redevelopment, tax increment financing, district and authorizing the execution of related documents. So we're going to do a little bit of legislative jujitsu here and we're going to hold a public hearing on this item and vote as the city
council. And then we're going to suddenly become the and take a vote as the church. Because this item does require approval after a public hearing council. Do we have this? Just police say I just have to move aversion to really quick. So basically there was language in the resolution. Around the minimum assessment agreement and when it goes before the other legislative bodies. So they were dates in there so that those dates have been updated or the language has been updated to better realign with those actual schedule so that someone just starting its been updated as version secant. So it just moves version to any discussion motion. Seeing
none all in favor say Aye. I opposed 7 in favor. None opposed amendment is approved. And with the staff report in district notice we've had and a lot of discussion of this item in previous setting. So this is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on the side? Seeing none. I'll take a motion is just to close the public hearing all in favor say aye. I opposed 7 in favor. None opposed the public hearing is closed. It's just thank Thank you. Council PRESIDENT, have few things to say about this items. I first just want to think our staff pd in the city attorney's office for all their work over the last several years to come to to this agreement for the Fort Satyr Highland Ridge, which has been on pause essentially for 4 years. Also to thank my council members for taking the time to go through all this
information and for their thoughtful questions. I want to also up with some of the public comments that we receive. So we received letters of support from our local construction unions from the Affordable Housing Development Partners. Many of our businesses and chambers. And as I mentioned last week, this is a top issue that I hear from or through residency. They want to get Helen Bridgeville. So the there's a few things I want to highlight in documents. So there's a series of documents, including the tax increment financing plan there's a minimum assessment agreement. And the biggest thing about this that I would make sure folks understand that does not impact City budget where the general fund the base, Txas, that are being limited in
remaining. So basically what we're doing with this agreement is lowering the assessed values for some of the parcels on the site for the first couple of years at a few properties that are paying assessed values of those buildings a few of those properties are being paid. The assessed values of most buildings that are not even place yt. So this reduces the holding cost to the developer and a billing it to move forward as envisioned in the master plan, these valleys will actually exceed the originally anticipated values prior to the tif district ending in 2047. With that, if amendment, there's no increase in to budget for the site. There's no change in the amount of public dollars being
put into the project with these updates. Again, we're not changing the public investment at the site and the developers are agreeing not to seek any future public subsidy. That's part of one of the agreements. And again, that if amendments not expanding the budget but reallocating funds to eligible public, improvements prior to the end of the five-year period. So this action will basically restart the market rate housing with a binding agreement to build vertically. That was not in place previous previous development agreement and the rest of the site depends on this market rate housing because of the tip structure to subsidize affordable housing construction. So basically this will enable that production and then also enable a lot of the other parts of the other parts of the development to move
forward. Some happy to support this resolution. Today, Highland Ridge is important or 3. Important to the whole city and it has laid dormant for too many years. And now this action will allow construction to restart in first or city enjoy the benefits that come with hundreds of unions, construction jobs for the next decade as the site gets built, skilled craftspeople earning good wages building much-needed housing in our city. And second, our city will see one of its vacant spaces replaced with something of purpose, a place for people to live in aplace for people to do the businesses of their lifes. 3rd will benefit from these homes being available in a housing market that desperately needs them finding a place to live shouldn't feel so competitive. And with this project, we're expanding the housing options available in
Highland to our residents by helping make the neighborhood more accessible to all. And finally, our tax base will grow allowing us use the burden on seiple residents across the city infill, the property tax void that was left behind by the Ford site when it also funding all the critical work our city does each year that our residents depend It'll be a tremendous relief to finally see. Action of the densest sites of Highland Bridge moving forward, where the challenge is to build have been the greatest. The Ford plant was so vital to the city and neighborhood. And I know that everyone is eager to restore the space occupied to a productive if different purpose. I'm excited to welcome new neighbors to Highland and to see and enjoy the neighborhood. It will become with that. I would move approval. Thank you, MR. Ost
discussion of the motion. Council PRESIDENT. Well, I definitely have some questions. Customer just yet beforehand of. Customers could let you know, ahead of time, what questions we have. I was still in thick. So digesting nearly all of the information that was sent my way in. They do want to give an opportunity for for our staff. And also it looks like the there's also representatives here. Different rain companies are whitener and say I have questions that I'm hoping they would be able to tack teen the questions they have really because I want to get better understanding and and really unclear about right now what the portfolio of this project is that the over the years we've had folks come in front of the council here that have
been approved before and I'm trying to understand what is basically the before and after get this agreement where for the past well as the before and what is the after now? Because I am concerned about just some of the changes here and you all heard me in jury meeting Housing Redevelopment Authority board meeting last Wednesday about. Where we I highlighted some of the things that I thought were really positive about the the grant agreements hre, but also continue to have some concerns to around especially affordability and what some of the impacts are going to be for people for renters, especially as we are thinking some of the decreases in units that are being proposed on the site here. So I will welcome whoever is available and able to take the questions that
come up to the podium path. That's right. With the council PRESIDENT And I think it sounds like of Ryan, White or representatives would also be requested to come up. Yeah, I first want to say really appreciate especially on scene, the representatives from it here. I think maybe trainee that we had a week ago was probably the one of the first times I to meet a representative officially. And so thank you all for your time in being here lately. You definitely have been hearing a lot more about right here in Seoul. I would just really appreciate getting a refresher, you know, on right now, 8 who owns the Ford site and also what is what's the what are the affordability, affordability levels of housing units on the site. Has proposed now. And then if they commit were to get approved,
how how do those units change? If at Council PRESIDENT Council members on. Thank you for the question. I'm Melanie McMahon, deputy director of the Department of Planning and Economic Development. There's a multitude of owners now at the at Highland Ridge. Yeah, Ryan companies which owns parcels, yeah, fine or apartments which owns parcels. You also had individual owners now with the raw homes and health. Also multitude of residents between the various multifamily things that that rent at the site. And in terms of affordability, there is no change to the affordability gulls within master plan. And within the site development, 20% of all of the total of the housing units on the site will be affordable of that half of
which so 10% of the total housing units will be affordable at or under 30% of area median income. 5% will be at or under 50% of area. Median income and 5% will be at or under 60% of area median income. So no change to the affordability u. Okay. Great. And I'm very glad to hear that. I wondering. So I'm just taking a look at some of the information I have here. Me a second here. With the the minimum assessments agreement. I see here that they're in terms of the multi-family housing units. It's going to be a reduction in the number of units being proposed for Is that correct? Going from 2000, 2 on the probably around. You see here. 1200 units. My understanding that correctly about the changes and
development. Council, PRESIDENT Council members. So the original redevelopment agreement in 2019, the public dollars were invested for that public improvements for the horizontal. Public infrastructure and the say. So there was no requirement of building the buildings of the vertical going up. The master plan called for goals of 2400 to 4,000 units of total housing on the site in that 2019 redevelopment agreement, there were projections of what would be anticipated for development on the site. The projections in 2019 were approximately about 3800 dwelling units and to update those with the current market conditions and everything looking a what will be anticipated or projected on the site would be about 3142 willing units
again, the 2400 to 4,000 dwelling units is what the goals in the master plan. We're so we're still on upper half of the range of that master plan for what we anticipate for total dwelling units originally, as you know, was mentioned by council member Joseph, there were no obligations to build the housing and the for to clean its again. Those public dollars as part of the redevelopment went into that public infrastructure and the site now with what's before you, there is an obligation to build and that obligation as 447 housing units. They would be a pretty thing. I'm still trying to absorb all of that. I'll be what I what I'm hearing from council virgil's isn't a great tool. That there are definitely
benefits terms of to Haitian is not being increases. There isn't going to be a and negative impact at all to our our city budgets here. But what I'm learning understand is. if we if there. If there are less units being built, for example, which in this case it does sound like it. I have concerns about that. But then in terms of the minimum assessment value that is produced when the project I fully developed, its increasing from 390 million dollars to about 45 million dollars. Really curious to what the rent is going to be for these units. And I didn't see that anywhere in the documents here. So I know that these units mean it doesn't sound like these are the affordable housing units. It's
going to be market rate. That rrect? And if yes, then what a what are the rents going to be for you next? Council, PRESIDENT Council members I don't have an answer us what the rents for the specific 447 units would be. That was a correct numbers in terms of the minimum assessed values for those 15 parcels of the 44, the son the 15 that are being modified with this minimum assessment agreement that does have a total additional value of about 82 million dollars by the end of the term of the tif district with those 15. And that difference that you had mentioned before the 447 units that are obligated as part of this are market rate. And again, as councilmember just explain the with the with the structure of the site, as you all have prove the body has approved in the past is this provides the opportunity through the development,
continue development of the site to create housing affordable housing Tipp District Simplot the market rate to parent to allow for that last dollar and for any remaining gap because of such incredible and wonderful cools for affordable housing on the site, knowing that 10% of the total thousands of housing units being affordable at or under 30%. And my this gives us that opportunity to have that final bill to allow those to continue to move forward on the site. So progresses that development to allow for that affordable. Well, just want I wanted to share, followed by asking about the rent is that I'm questioning, you know, just goes back to my thoughts on who do we want to build the site it for me, especially as
somebody who as a council member representing country that is very impoverish and where families are, you know, the average median House household income for folks in Ward, 6 assists little over $50,000. I definitely have an interest in making sure that development that we build, especially to such a large scale like this. It is a place where people even from the board 6 or are they pop opportunities in Saint Paul can move to? And so that's why I'm really proud about the affordability levels not being impacted, but but the point about other units, though, the hope would be that your families who are low-income are struggling financially, they're always going to be improving and getting to a place of stability. It's really hard for me to see that transition happening in with a project like this where there's so much public
investments going into it. My question is really, you know, is this is chilly? Do you know the biggest win that we can get, you know, for the city of Saint Paul here, especially at the negotiation, people. Would really like those numbers on what the rent is going to be for those units, especially the ones that are going to be that are proposed for amendments here I. I am. Really curious to what it would even what I've said this before t matter. Lasseter a meeting. I don't know what an alternative agreement could have looked like mean agreement here that we have in front of us. It was crafted as the rent stabilization amendment to the permanent exemption for for construction Reconstruction. After 2004 was already approved. And I
mentioned that we didn't vote on that yet. So it's hard for me to even really see this as an agreement that is this. It's hard for me to consider it being an agreement that is the best one in front of us. And that's what I see is really problematic. And it's, you know, I was definitely prepared to come here we did the public hearing at. And right. Close to yet. Okay. Because You know, my hesitation that on this. I was. I I wouldn't have been able to vote in favor support of this confidently. Knowing that there's, you know, there's still information that I would like to get. I definitely want to give you all the opportunity to be able to share that information to the
council, in the county mean they laid over the vote for the minimum assessment agreement. I don't know. I believe those indefinitely but to me, I think it's really important for between this, the city and the county school board to. But that was huge missed opportunity for us to really build a connection there with them on this the proposed agreements here. But between the city and the county, especially like I I would be. Because of You know, hesitations that I have. And the more the information I I would definitely be at a point right now where a donor join commissioners to be voting in support of this. I think it's really important for them as well as as U.S. Council members to really understand what this part feel of project is right now. That way, we can
really make informed decisions and also, you know, get to a place where whatever a voting on, we believe that this is what the best a way forward for city. And just like all of my colleagues, I want development to happen. Make all of us here. We have huge developments happening in our words and for me, that's the heights I can. Met many of the other ones and other words to and so I feel like at one point, you know, all of us are probably going to be in a position like what council or just a son and I want to be able to votes that very confident and I definitely not in that place right now. And so I don't know where the land the votes land for for folks at the table here. But I feel strongly about really getting
us to a place of understanding on what is it that we're voting on? You know, water, even the responses to some of those questions that they had and aso where where is the county on this till? What does that partnership look like? Because this is something that's going to be impacting them, especially the vote on the minimum minimum assessments here. And so I well, I'm seeing I would be in opposition to a vote today. I would really like like to give our staff and also representatives from the developers that opportunity to be able to to build that lne of connection and also communication. And I don't know if folks at the table here would be open to Ellie over on this at all that the 2 weekly order for us to be able
to to make that happen. But that would be what I what I move for. Council PRESIDENT. And so I I don't recall that there was a motion of that. He will agree. We do have a motion tabled this and we can certainly come back to second motion. I before we move on to I depressed. He and Ms Johnson. I just want to see if the representatives Ryan and wind or would like to come up and address any of the questions specifically. I heard a question about rents. And I'm sure there's other information you'd like to share as well. Just one more I want to add, I thought it was really helpful at the eatery meeting today when we had the presentation about simply park where they had a slide around sources and uses. I have not seen that yet at least not an updated version of that for the Highland Bridge project. And that would be really helpful to get as well. And if
there's more information, you want to share feel free Council PRESIDENT Councilmember getting Marine Michelle's rain companies. 5.33, North 3rd street, Minneapolis. happy to answer your questions. As Melanie had noted, staff noted we're not changing changing the affordable housing apartments on the site. And that comes in partnership with nonprofit Partners Project living incumbent communities and also portion of the the units that are at 60% very mean income actually are within the wider buildings as well. So there's a mix of affordable housing not only in the stand-alone buildings, but also in the market rate buildings on the site in market rate rents there. And I'll let that Nick know what her ski from Weiner
speak to the wider properties. But they've ranged and, you know, starting at around $1600 a month for the market rate. Moving an effort from there, whereas the Affordable housing units as Melanie at noted at 30% of area median income are, you know, below $500 a month. So we've got a very wide range of housing at the site. Only about 10% of the housing on site is for sale. The rest of it is multi-family housing, which is why the advancement of multifamily housing is so critical to the realization of the site in the tipp District is set up as such that the market rate housing the the increment generated from the market rate housing has always meant to support the affordable housing in filling funding gaps on the site. So
that was what the original intention of the agreement was. And so that's why you see a note, for example, from project for pride in living in your packet, of of of of support because as they look to advance their next block on the site. They are looking to, you know, see vitality and development on the market rate side as well because that also supports their development. I'm happy to answer any other questions you might have. Doesn't look like it. And did you want to add anything Nick know what our ski with wider public you know, these projects the next couple upper market rate housing. We haven't read it yet. Big picture, the rents probably be similar to what's currently being achieved. That collection of Highland Bridge, which is I can take her constantly above 90%
occupancy. The rents there in the low on average $2000 per unit and unit sizes relatively large. That mid 800 square feet. So something similar, it vary. But, you know, I said it will be market rate. Thank you. Thank you both. At. Don't go too MR. Pratt Ski in the Yeah. Thank Council PRESIDENT Maker, I would just say I'm not sure should speak directly to the layover under need sawdust. Speak to both. I. I've personally had a long history with the site from being a random neighborhood advocate hoping you would have frankly, much, much, much more density here. You know, I'm kooky on the French person who would have wanted 10 to 12 stories and all these buildings in to fully
maximalized thing too. My cookie rainbows and dreams. And obviously that's not what I don't live in the neighborhood. This is the compromise version, but my history with it is, you know, that range of 2400 to 4,000 is seared into my brain and certain of the master plan goal that I forever hurt us aiming for. And so. I'm never going to be someone that's excited to have fewer units. You know, if we were projecting a 3800 and now it's going to you know, 3100, I'm never going through a parade about a reduction in units. But I do think the fact that it's well within the initial range and that's well above the initial 4 is what gives me some comfort here. I also think for someone like me, I always have to grapple with my goals and ambitions versus the market reality and I really appreciate Councilmember Yang are you spoke to the fact that so many of us have these very significant development either in our words are adjacent to
them or whatever. And it's funny to have to work them incredibly in-depth versus having to work them sort of in the back seat or the 3rd to 7th seed in my in my case with all of these all the concerns you listed are ones that I would be very curious about as well. But I do the benefit of having the surety of these these units being built and the development going forward is so significant in my mind and also knowing we're not sacrificing any of the affordable units are particularly sort of the 2 biggest pieces that make me excited about this. I also particularly don't view the court, unquote, give on the city's 7 this agreement to be outside of the norm. And so I I do think this is going to be very positive step. So I would at this pose the layover in
support the underlying motion. Thanks, MR. For asking Johnson, thank you. And normally would. Okay. I was just going to I was just going to thank you guys for I was gonna wait. So we get to jury thanks. But since talking to some make part, I think a little bit quicker. Attorney one they'll hear me. It'll be I just so I think one of the big pieces that I feel like it's just really important to name, especially if the jury chair as we get into that space as well. Up until is brought to us, actually, office contacted by deputy director of the and buy you buying companies. But we had never been contacted by Whitener. And serve in this role for
about a year a half. And I think it's really important because your public hearing, sir, you mentioned Nick, just we have 31 properties remember you saying in the state and therefore we are local. And I want to extend. I just want to hear you on that as well as just encourage you to get t know the new council members and the new body. I think that will a long way. I am very involved in some of the biggest the development projects that we have in our city. And I'm invested in what happens at Highland Bridge. With that being said, I do think communication on all 3 points, including here at the city can be extensively better with ensuring that all councilmembers commissioners, especially at a time when you do need the sport of Council of commissioners that are here
because we play a large role, even if it's in the back. And it's just in the ending things like that. If district, if you things can't go past this body. And at times when we you know, the one thing I would say the process pies, the only thing I really have kind of a not even a brief with, but I think the one thing that I think we shouldn't repeat is having other jurisdictions government entities hearing about it before it brings the spotty. So that's the one thing I would be saying is like whether it Island Bridge or any other site, I think it should be precedence that if we if it's an award, know is action. Coming up, we take that liberty ensure that folks know about that. And so I just want to thank you for taking the time to come here for testifying for bringing your space because before the
public hearings there had been this mysterious entity and her office and that in a negative way or not, even in a positive way. But truly genuinely entity way that was spoken about almost as if it was a 3rd person. And I think that can help your feeling because I see at night, even just from reading the agreement and being able to see assessment agreements in the multiple amendments when to recognize is that this has been much more than week-long conversations, but like extensive period of time of competition between everyone involved. And so I don't take that lightly. I also take the commitments being made from both frank companies and whitener in good faith in the sense of like my expectations really, truly from this is
like I hope to see the buildings go up. I hope to see in the building has nothing to be financed. I hope to continue to see the development happened in our city. And so, you know, for me, this really is my he says, are out document agreement in space bases that I hope to see, especially with the pretty notion the amendment to the control peace would be amended. It has been at this point in time. I just really. Think that this is a step forward in a space of my expectations as chairs that we build after this. And so I appreciate the conversations, but I do want to insert that. I'm not sure if and other places. And te other end and others parts of the city and the state or as well as - nationally. If there was a housing and redevelopment authority chair that you have
not met with. And if there are, I would encourage you to fix that. But I for sure, my space in the behalf of myself as the jury chair, I wuld enjoy hearing from you and so that's a piece I want to make sure that is clear and that's not to embarrass you. That's not to really that it is really just to be clear that I often have beans with developers, owners with renters. And I want to to question and I heard a public hearing last week on the item and that was just one piece that's time with me because for the first time ever. But you and so I just share that and like my feedback for you and iced tea and the way they lead and I thank you, deputy director of the command for the work that you guys are doing. It's very clear to me, like I said, this has been a long time coming and I hope that the development is successful and the movement to
it. And so I hear you, commissioner commissioner you but also cause marrying some of the concerns. I appreciate the questions I recognize. And just to clarify, the county voted to lead over Italy for a week not indefinitely, but that's just from one weekly over time. And I am aware to on the back and that there is a county deadline as well, too, actually get the assessments peacetime. So the 2 weekly over actually be tear us from being able to meet that deadline. So I'm not support of the Lee over, even though it's not the option we're talking and I am prepared to vote today on these items. So I'll doing so But I just wanted to name that just truly. I have had a chance to talk with everyone except for you. So that was a piece for me that I just wanted to share because it goes a long way. Come Come on back up to the microphone. Sorry. Can't hit. He recorded
it for nothing. acknowledge our again, development director of wider it or a patch air Johnson, you know, full fully acknowledged on our part. It's a it's been a long process to get Really. I wonder for 2 years and the last 9 months has felt like a sprint on this project. So I apologize that that's on me. But very interested in having a relationship with you. Whatever you need. We are very open to dialogue. We understand that this project is really partnership in a global sense with the city with the hra. So we will do a better job on that. I'm here in person. You know, if if there's anything you need, please reach out and happy to have conversations. Thank you much. I appreciate that. Other discussion is jst so. Is there a motion for
around the table? You're motions on the that are. Okay. I just I ok, I yet for the We do have 0st. There's any other discussion of the motion that's on the table, which is this very, very high. I think for Frist, fun. Just want to say that Tommy in Krahn like a grand vision of tack income tax, increment financing. On the way forward and word for when I first started working here and I think about it a lot. To be honest, I see the visual in pointing, but it's it's just say like I think the this knd of the rights of how we get here, much less about the the overall picture. But I do echoed sort of the concerns around you know, are lessening the U.S. U.S. The assessments,
but it's not going towards the housing that's going to serve the public infrastructure piece. It does look like there's gonna be less units. They will be market rate. I think the other part is earlier this year we we tie. I feel vote on sort of that front. Front edge of it were there was there were issues and geotechnical and whether or not there could be infrastructure placed on top of it. You know, we're reading things that it required in order to secure financing required the indefinite exemption from rent stabilization. And now we're seeing a 6th Amendment to test. And so it just starts to feel at it. I just Echo Council Chair Johnson's remarks that. The criticism isn't necessarily coming from a place that like we don't see this as huge opportunity for the city. But I start to ask the question how many times here and ak the asked for
these exemptions and at every turn, it feels like it's a little bit less off of what serve our community members supported and the vision that they had for the site. And so that's the thing that I'm holding on to. I really appreciate the staff work on this MAY staff are able to meet with Deputy Director McMahon on it. I have a question as an aside for personnel. As an aside and I will see you for her office. We did not pioritize that meeting. It was a few months ago to be honest, but I think the concern from the 5 office and perspective is just sort of like it feels like there's all these things that we're offering you to make this plan work. And we. Come back with more asks and more ask Senator certain point. I think I'm gonna ask the question like what else is needed for you to get this project started. And
so if this is it, that's really great. But it just starts to feel like they're concessions being made little a little bit little by little. And at what point are we so far away from the goals? The site and the goals of our community. And s I do think believe him on the feeling end of the votes, they'll be voting. No, but I just wanted the intent of my vote, but also in Florida will be supportive and ensuring that we are seeing housing go up on that site. Again, Nick Nolte, her ski Weiner from homes. There's nothing else needed from Weiner to keep this project moving. This gets Pending approval. Today we have a 2 full days of design meetings here with the right Ryan team and we will be full steam ahead. also comes President
Councilmember game camp. We are planning on starting on that development that you mentioned in early JUNE. Should this move forward? So 97 units of apartments and 40,000 square feet of retail immediately starting this year. So guess you would see immediate. Development at the sites. Thanks so much because can thanks to one for the discussion. I'm really grateful that we had this robust conversation because regardless of whether or not people are on the losing or winning end of the vote this is a really big deal and it's a really complicated deal. And I think our constituents expect us to be asking these questions and understanding it before we take a vote on either side. So I hope that this conversation not just here, but the ones
we've had last few weeks have helped all of us understand what we're voting on, whether or not we agree and have also help the public understand what we're vting And I will say, as I said a couple weeks ago, I'm extremely frustrated that we're in this position that we have to make additional concessions and additional changes to the original plan. I also recognize the reality that things have changed since we created the original plan and then in order to have development move forward, we need to make some changes. I have been encouraged by the information I have received from city staff since we last talked. And I appreciate that it's become and very much the things that have been most alien to me. And this just mentioned, these are no additional public money going
in. More private money up front to us. A commitment to build 350 units by 2027 with 3 and a half million dollars of liquidated damages on the line. If that doesn't happen. And no more public subsidies requested for this project over the lifetime of this project. And no impact on our city budget. Our property tax levy. So to me, the drawbacks, the negative impacts to the city are few. If any. The benefits should construction happen. And it seems like we now have more leverage to make sure that does happen. Our great. I will be voting in favor, but it would like to agree with Councilmember Yang has missed present Kim enter Johnson. But I think the communication is the piece that has been most lacking here and with the project of this magnitude it is critical that not only the council member in the word responsible twist on unbelievable amount of work to get to this point.
Just and I'm so grateful to you for your leadership on this, but also that the whole council understand what's going on and feel up to speed. I appreciate your comments about committing to better communication from Weidner. I will say it's not just with the new council members. I've been on this council for 10 years. I never had any contact. Despite many attempts with Weiner and not just on this site, but on a significant portion of the West Side Flats, which I represent. It has had tumble weeds for years. And this now finally thankfully for sale. It is your investment is our home. So I grateful to see you here. And I know you've only been on the job for 2 years. Please take us back to those have been on the job a little longer. That it matters to have show up in the matter, said this communication. And
what I would ask for both U.S. From Ryan companies. And this congratulations on your new role. It's very exciting. Would be quarterly updates to this council on the progress that happens going forward. Ideally in person. Is that something that we can commit to hear? Absolutely. Absolutely as well. So I appreciate that. And I think that will really help all of us feel much more connected to the work as it moves forward and give us a chance to talk about things that need to be. Triple shot on life. Any further discussion of this item? All right. See, no looks likely take a roll call. Vote. For asking yes, know. Council PRESIDENT Yes, 5 in favor to oppose those being
councilmembers. Kim and the resolution is adopted. We will recessed the city Council I don't mean gavel both. I do want come. Have counsel is recess. It's becoming Saint Paul housing and redevelopment of 30 to 40 called police maker. Here can. Proud to here? Ang yes, Chair Johnson. We're back at it again like we never left. But actuality, we do have one item that we want to bring up item number 7. And if we can have a just read into the record, please. item number 7 is resolution. 25 dash 7, 3, 7, approving the adoption of a 6th amendment to the tax increment financing plan for the Ford site. Redevelopment. Tax increment financing, district. And authorizing the
execution of related documents, including a new development agreement for block to and amendments to the redevelopment Agreement. Minimum assessment agreement and related documents and improving the hra budget amendment. Commissioners. a version 2 for Basically same thing is less for Jen to make some updates to the language on the dates for goes before bodies to better align with their schedules. I would move version 2 worst. All commissioner, just version 2, we have to take up from a vote on that Commissioner, just as a person any discussion on that. Seeing none all those favor say Aye. Aye. All the posts. 7 in favor. None oppose. The amendment is approved. And I think we are. Said everything. I want to the council item. This is same
things coming before. All right, so I would move approval of the resolution. And I realized coin commissions full-time vice chair do I want to just simply say thank you for your leadership on. That was something that I didn't get to say during the council meeting. But this is a huge deal to be leading, especially as we head into places where we all have huge developments in our word. I can only imagine the Highland Bridge discussions and what they have looked like. And so just want to take the time to acknowledge or leadership in that and the role that the people that you have played of these discussions, but also just and general, just to highlight, I'm sure this is a. Both a sweet moment and
also just like a moments. I just want to acknowledge your leadership in this as well. Vice chair, thank you so much for your partnership and I will say item so far that has come forward and he's got amazing, too, ask questions and have be. We responded to both buy you buy time by the deputy mayor at Deputy director. I was going promoter's sincerely, but it's okay because he's been doing a phenomenal job so just want to put that out there and just say thank and I'm happy to support today. Gap because it's I will take a motion from a council for Vice Jones. To approve any discussion. All right, seeing All those in favor say Aye. All the posts. Make medo built a roll call vote. Excuse me for that. My apologies on that. We want
okay. We should the Holder wrote I. Just yes for Gretzky. Yes. Yang know. Chair Johnson. 5 in favor to oppose those being comes. Members came and Yang. The resolution is adopted. I really thank you so much. And with that, we are city council meeting. That order will call police. Can But we hear Johnson here just. Key here. Yang. Come PRESIDENT Maker here, 7 present, not absent. Oh, yeah. Iem number. 29 is early 25 dash 1, 7, 1, ratifying the field Special Tax Assessment for property. It 2054 Laurel Avenue. Welcome informant. Council PRESIDENT Council members. My recommendation is unchanged from last week, which would be to ratify the
assessment as written. Admission is that by the assessments, MR. Progress Thank you, council PRESIDENT Maker appreciate the work by legislative in motion Mormon and staff recommendation. Any discussion? The motion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. I'll post 7 in fvor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted legislative hearing consent agenda items 30 I-59 or before you for consideration this moment. There anything to be taken for separate consideration? PRESIDENT Items number 38. And 59. Item. 38 is early age. He a 25 dash one. 82. Ratifying the appealed Special tax assessment for property at 7, 3, 6 Oakdale Avenue. Council PRESIDENT, if you will, indulge me. This is little bit complicated. What we're looking at with this
particular assessment is a vacant building c assessment which covers the time period of JULY 8th. 24 through JULY, 8th of 25. Were we find ourselves right now is approximately 10 months or 9 months into that billable here. Which normally we wouldn't look at pro rating at that point because past 6 months, there are a couple unusual facets of this case that I would just want to explain. One is that FEBRUARY of last year, the building was acquired by the current owners who are here to testify. When purchase the building. They hired an architect. They went about the business of getting plans together going to pull permits. And so on application that was made. Was misplaced at the Department of Safety and
inspections and it took. A follow-up by the owner to ensure that it was found and it was properly that. Gave the application. I would say a three-month delay and plan review before it was coming forward. The owner also during the process. She'll the vacant building registration fee that we have in front of us today. I recommended at that juncture because there were problems with the dsi processing. But the Phoebe waived not the standard 90 days, but for 120 days while this ws giving sort that out. Well, this required sorting problems with Xcel Energy required sorting. And then finally, as if that weren't enough, there were problems. Also with the contractors
having a clear understanding. How to apply for and get a permit working on a registered vacant building. If it is a Category 2 or category 3 registered vacant building. The contractors are required to go in person to the Department of Safety inspections and make that application most contractors are extremely familiar going on mine and getting in and getting a permit. So that process and that's in and of itself was causing a delay keeping taking these things into account and that the signoff was at the beginning of APRIL. And it's now up and running. I MAY made a recommendation reflected in the resolution in front of you to decrease the vacant building. A suspect And that's decrease. Excuse me. Would
take us from. a vacant building c of $2,618 to $1309. That would be having the fee. It would be crediting, I believe 3 months would have been delayed and this time period because of the plan review. Problems. Owners will testify to that. This delay because of the time of year that happened magnifies the impact of it. And so this is summer construction season that they were looking at during which they were delayed it was impactful because of that as well. Us the slowing of the starting of the businesses. So the council MAY wish to take that into account as well. Looking at this assessment. It I answer your questions or hurt all after the hearing. Thank you, MISS
Mormon. Any questions? Doesn't look like it. Thanks so much. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? If you are come on I welcome guilt. Each of 2 minutes. If you'd like to each take 2 4 minutes combined U.S.. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Maker and council members here. We are seeking $300,000 for a 5% stake in our business. The unlike the last sorry. That's a No, we just wanted to make a few comments the abandoned building we knew it was abandoned when we bought it. But the a leather worker. We have a leather shop I'm not a commercial real estate
purchaser. I am now, but I wasn't at the time we didn't know it was that there was a assessed a fee every year for that. We were not made aware that I think. And part of the reason I want to say something today was if there's something that could be done about that to let somebody know Realtor didn't let us know all of people selling and then let us know. Was about 4 months after we got the building a year FEBRUARY. We got this assessment for 2600 and I thought, well, it's really not a bad in any market. We've been working out as much as we could while awaiting permits. So we're kind of hoping it could be waived completely. Because we were shoveling the snow. We're maintaining it. Well. As soon as we purchased, it was not what I can and then and we were waiting for Xcel
to power and they're which we finally did get power. And it's a completed project. Now. But it did add expenses to us. We're still paying rent where we were and w're paying fees on the money. We're borrowing to do the remodel at the time. So it cost quite a bit extra to. Get in there. And I thought, well, nice If you can't throw it away forget about Go ahead. Yeah, this you know, speaking with Andrew Weiss on this, just say your name for the record to the big no. And you know, just discussing with her about all the roadblocks that we were htting, not really understanding with this assessment. Pea was you know, we wanted to make building super beautiful on the West side that was vacant for so many years and honor the Joseph's that the whole
community loves. Her email to me was just she wanted to work to update the vacant building ordinance to give staff more latitude, give extensions and delay in carging the annual monitoring fee. Wthout having to appeal. She says we much rather have you put that money in your building and have have let us have the money to monitor it as a vacant building. It just really goes on to say thank you for sharing your experience. I do not want others to have to endure what we did. And so it was really it was heart-wrenching. It was it was a lot of money. We didn't have you know, to do the permits to do all the extra things that that are required of us, that that we had no idea. And so then to get this assessment fee on top of it was kind of a punch in the So like I said, we follow every rule. We. A compliant with everything
you're asked to do yeah, we're asking if if you can just be forgiven altogether. threw ourselves into sea of the council. Thank you for hearing about very much. Anyone else here to testify on this item, none. I will close public hearing all in favor say Aye. Oppose 7 in favor. None Apo public hearing is closed. Something else to add this moment. We're just coming up I case we and coming up in case you have questions. First of all, thank you so much for coming out. Thank you for your investment in the neighborhood. All of you have not had a chance to get to the new other works location. Workshop and coffee shop gift shop. It is beautiful. It is a tribute to the neighborhood. As you just heard something that I think a lot of neighbors and community members have been on the West
side for a long time have been coming by and saying how lovely it is. Much appreciate it. I also want reflect what this moment shared with her testify or shared about the trouble that they run into with the Department of Safety inspections the fact that their application was lost for several months. The fact that the director said no one should ever have to through this again. Those particularly strong words to be coming from the director of the Department of Safety inspections. So I and at the same time we have a vacant building ordinance. For reason it recoup the costs for our department safety inspection staff to monitor vacant buildings, which they did do in this case. So
completely waiving the fee to me would be inconsistent with the way that we've handled this sort of situation in the past. However. The 3 months delay, the dsi caused a storm and that you already baked into your recommendation. I would like to add to that, given the fact that as you pointed out, this also led to a delay in construction coming when it did in the year. And I think that that I would like to propose an additional 3 months waiver. So that would be know what that would lead us to in terms of the amount. further decrease would take it from Excuse me. That had jotted down right there from 13 6. I think that would 7 or 6. If you could just say $650. Okay. So to $650. And there's the option to pay that over 5
years. Desired. That rate. Would you like to that option to pay sure. So that would be my recommendation would be to to decrease once again to take into account, both the U.S. Error and then the impact that that had. And when construction able to occur. And finally want to say to your point about overall changes to the policy, I absolutely agree. We are currently in the process and vice PRESIDENT Leading on this revising are vacant building policy to reflect what you're talking about in terms of people knowing that there is a vacant building fee and then other issues that people have encountered along the way. We don't wnt to be discouraging buildings to be revitalized. We want to be discouraging buildings from sitting vacant and there's a big difference between what you've done on the property, what you've been doing and a building that is sitting completely vacant. And so we have a responsibility to
enforce the policy on the books. We also know that that policy on the books needs to change. And we are working on that as we speak. So I thank you both for coming And I want you to know that that work is underway. So that would be my motion. Discussion of the motion. MR. Johnson, this so I just want to and I do appreciate that. I might bring goes into like the Times that we have brought in this body. Remember having a similar situation where a vacant building notification was not given to the owner that was here by a vote at the time was to waive the fee and it failed and we assess them as it was recommended. Appreciate the sentiment to be able to. Further discounted. I just wonder in this case from my own clarity. In comparison to some of the other previous boats that we've had where we
brought up issues regarding vacant buildings, especially around nose and especially around lke not knowing what's going to happen. Could you share a little bit about like maybe what you see different in this case scenario? Just for my 30 of understanding, Mike, what are the key factors driving that For the decision. Yeah. Thanks for Johnson. Actually, it's really important to be consistent in how we make these decisions. I make this decision. So I think it's a really important question because I think when you know your constituents come to you sometimes just one way that he completely to be nice, right? And then you think about the fact you have to be consistent with the policies we have about. To me the biggest distinction here. It has nothing to do with notice. I I. Recognizing hear that. My constituents were not
aware that there was a vacant building fee, but I that is consistent across the board. I think that's on that's the responsibility of the property owner to know that. And there MAY be things we need to do to better communicate that that that's that's kind of a constant. Across all the cases. We hear to me, the biggest issue here was I would say glaring error on the part of the department's safety inspections. If you are trying to get your building under compliance and not they can and you are. And your application has been lost by the city for the city to then come back and hold you accountable for that to me seems pretty egregious and So that is this alien factory. My thinking here, ok, that's really helpful to have just feel like I'm you know, I think for me, I stilts. Making sure that we're able to especially communicate that with folks that are asking, especially differentiate from
previous pastor from teacher asks with that, though, I also want to share. I appreciate knowing just kind of like the response that giving to. You does add a lot of contacts from the city perspective. I'm not sure that's the response that it actually want for folks to hit around. Like a policy recommendation could potentially be helpful because that to me is really helpful. That's like discouraging really. And the sense of like that's not something that that person can do anything about And I don't know, maybe it just kind listening to it. And just for the sake of being able to for feedback of especially in future discussions, maybe within our department do inspections, how we respond in times concerns, I think really does matter. And to me that responds,
really warrants. More that the audience should be to the policy makers of what could make maybe make this make this a some aerial not replicate across the board. And it sounds like, you know, it doesn't it just i don't know. I don't know that's the response that it encourages continue to get out - to constituents as far as like, here's the policies other the problems with like my this is the case and we could just waive them or have extensions. I don't really think that addresses the issue of like losing applications or the issue of even just with what I'm hearing from don't I don't I'm not to take that to feelings early and you know, speak for you. But I I really don't know what the angle behind policy space or responds. And so and Ido think that's really powerful. And the Sun, 7 former work.
But I much rather have We brought to our attention to there's a pause he needed to be changed make a Billiard Inc. Thanks. Johnson diary. Thank You. Council PRESIDENT IPad in alignment with Councilmember Johnson around just like the reasoning behind. I appreciate the recommendation from Marcia, particularly around reduction of the assessment. But as I'm just thinking, like scenarios in the past has really similar to to the business owners and the the residents just testify. I got thinking about the situation in my ward person, you know, bought a duplex and it was formerly owned by landing. And they were not aware that that there was assessment on it. I think there's multiple years and by the time she actually came in, appealed that
assessment. I believe we just did deletion of that entirely. And I remember is a very robust conversation. I also was in a saying similar position as you do we do a half, you know, reduction and I think after hearing all of the elements that went into, I mean, it wasn't even as heightened as like missing application. I think she just was clearly not aware and made it very clear that she would not be able to afford now assessment, but she wasn't even utilizing be. It was like assess read welding unit. Believe that was considered bacon. And this situation is very think they're active. Your usual at utilizing the building and they proactive late, getting it back into
compliance e so and also had conversations particularly around as are considering the policy. Change. Now, it really brings up questions of like how do we quantify the costs over assessing? And I really wished yes, I was here because I am really curious around is bless their $1309 for the park actually perform Gergen, you know, because sounds like owners are being very act and we're trying to get these changes time to get into I actually would be. Know I don't know where the votes will be, but I actually am. So will you support of you know, reducing it cost base. But obviously I respect that as word lead. But I think and these unique situations circumstances and Israeli
hearing from I don't know if. $1300 will be doing justice for the situation that we kind of put them forced them into. Thank you. It's really and just just to be clear, I appreciate that comments because leads me realize I should clarify as Mormons recommendation was 1300. So to take 9 months worth of. Time of the vacant building program and shape that down to 6 months worth of time. Even that's been in the vacant building program for 9 months of the 12 year. My recognition is actually to reduce that further to just 3 mnths in the vacant building program, even though they in it for 9 months. So it's two-thirds reduction of the that amount to $650 less than two-thirds of the it out in recognition of the circumstances. And also thing work is known that you bet. Vice PRESIDENT. the case together. So they were in the program and we're
receiving services from the city for. That you get being in the vacant building program began in JULY of 2024, they get billed in advance goes from JULY. 24 to JULY. 25. Ad they've. Have exited the program as of. The beginning of APRIL. JULY. 24 to APRIL. 25 they were in the program legitimately. 9 months actually the entire year could have been assessed. Once we get past 6 months, we happened to the entire year. Pro ready to 9 months would be. Anderson. We're talking about going down to 3 months. So can you say just to our things about application, the mess? And it's not too lte, but that having a blast. But I just feel like that is important, but also trying to determine how that. It connects, connects us other
than that. Dropped the ball. But can you just just 2 things about how after you how that's weighing into recommendation and the traffic into much more detail about what happened to But just for me, it's again, it's, you know, the only way you can get out of the vacant building program is by getting a certificate of occupancy for your building. The only making it a stricken of occupancy is to get building permits. A chuckle per batsman permits and we can get those at the U.S.. I receives the application for They submitted applications and we're the ones holding up everything. Then. Doesn't seem fair to say you're building has been sitting in the appreciate Thank you. Any other discussion? I appreciate their best discussion as So my mission is to prove with the amendments to only charge $650. And there's been
discussions on favor say Aye. 7 in favor not oppose. The resolution is for just puts us on the amendment thing. Resolution is adopted as - amended. Yes. Part items in United And number 59 early JR. 25 Dash 40 ratifying the assessment for the city's cost of providing collection of delinquent garbage bills for services during OCTOBER to DECEMBER 2024. This morning. Council PRESIDENT, I'm asking for an amendment after a distributed the previous list. So that would be to remove to 91. Bates afternoon, 5.81 Charles Avenue and 18th 20 to Avenue. And refer them back into legislative hearing. Just ratify the balance of the assessment. Roll. I also move any discussion of that motion. Seeing none all hearsay. 7 in favor. None opposed.
The resolution is adopted as amended. Seeing that we have taken those separately. We will not a public hearing and the balance of legislative hearing agenda items. Is anyone here to testify on any of legislative hearing agenda items? All right. I'll take a motion and Danson to approve all of the other items with legislate hearing officers recommendations in them. All in favor say aye. I all fixed 7 in favor. Not a legislative hearing. Consent agenda is adopted as amended. That brings us to the end of our agenda. Good news or on the table. MR. Progress. He's like, yeah, that were done. Pushes back the Capitals and it's that Justin. Well, I'm really excited today. We have nice said about
it, but we did have a chance to come together. My colleagues, thank you, council, PRESIDENT And maker and also Johnson. You're able to go to the same pop police departments memorial really heavy but say created an unnecessary. I'm gathering where we uplifting of heroes who I lost their lives in a in process of battle because now basking Morris in the to do that landed in thank you. So we were there today, but then tomorrow there is some good news. So. community partners in acp, the same pop ranch hosting a town hall. Has pd and also with that pc 8 pc, I heard and I my front right So that's tomorrow. I believe 05:00pm I
to Brown. So I'll be there also with PRESIDENT, presently representing acp in. They'll be talking about like the the history, the partnership, particularly between pcp church. Now I have the pleasure of being a member of and I'm also be there talking about the Public Safety committee that will be hosting our convening JUNE 25th. Thank That's just. Thank you. I just wanted to left say to my council colleagues that our minds and to leads Zahn to all of us. Happy belated Mother's Day. I really enjoyed being able to celebrate this with. So I believe that I do branches with Hannah community. But I know that there was a lot of moms and we
have a few on the council. And so just wanted have him say to you all. And also well as play tonight, I'm hoping for a sleep in the all. It's not walls and 5. It's going to be actually. Yeah, actually, I hoping for wins and 5. That's those are my good news pieces I was watching the series last year. I'm pretty I'm more of oil bubble spent. I think my husband at this point. So just looking forward being successful and happy belated Mother's Day for folks think humans are uncertain love having so many months on the council. And I know this respect to the wolves. My gut is at the Frost game I think several of my colleagues. Cheering them on SoCal fastballs. Any final good All right. Thanks so much, everyone another great meeting.