It's city council sort of accomplice here. Leak. Jones can hear council PRESIDENT Maker here 5 present to absent those being house members, Johnson and Dewey and Louie is expected shortly. It is so exciting to see a packed house here at our very last council meeting year. Thank you all so much for being here. And I want to especially thank some of our young folks for joining us here today. We are really excited. On are you guys in just a couple minutes here? You got a way through a few agenda items that will get there, ok, and I know some of you have already been council meetings before. This is old hat for you, but we're still grateful that you showed up. So thanks for being hit. They're going to start buying body of one to join us for the Pledge of Allegiance. There. And And sent items 5 through 28
or before you for your consideration. And for all saying that was the best Pledge of Allegiance we've done all year. All right. I know that item. 25 this to be taken for separate consideration. Is there anything else to be pulled from consent? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from his comment for the balance of the consent agenda. All in favor say Aye. I post 5 in favor. None opposed. The consent agenda is adopted as amended item number. 25 is resolution 25 dash 1983. Accepting $100,000 donation from the Unity Church. Unitarian to support the work of Saint Paul Recovery Act. Communications reparation Community Reparations Commission. Great and I believe we need to move a version. 2 of this take a motion from his yang for version 2. Any discussion of that motion. All right. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. 705, in favor. Not oppose. The resolution is adopted as
amended. Item number. 29 is resolution. 25 dash 1989. Sorry we're doing 31st. As a nation. 25 Dash 1990, celebrating public service of Russ Stark in declaring 12/17/2025. Ezra, Start Day in the city Saint Paul. I think it's DECEMBER 18th. Just make sure we don't have 2 people of the same day. All right, that this this until he sorry, 17. Okay. Let's just talk about. MR. Stark welcome Mat. here's really small so really excited today to recognize for a start who's a former council member council PRESIDENT And began his work here in the city of Saint Paul in 2008 where he served, there were for can smother tell 2018 then also served for 3 and
half years as our city council PRESIDENT. And this is in very small print and very long because there's so much that research is done for the city of Saint Paul. So I'm just going to share with you a few So he has helped develop one of our strongest climate action, resilience plans in the country. He's also at the state's first large-scale network, geothermal heating and cooling now under construction heights. And he secured Staples Place as one of 25 cities in the American Cities. Climate Challenge which provided resources for creating ev spot that works ev. The country's largest only municipally owned powered electric car share program. He deployed the state's first all electric fire. With the second
on the way he worked with many stakeholders over his time with the seed to develop the citywide bike plan. He created the Saint Paul Clement, Justin Visor e board. He also worked to lower speed limits. The city crashes and injuries for making walking biking safer. He worked a simple public schools to develop safe routes to schools. There's more because rest, it's just been so much. Hard to skip any of these really important things. But he's also led the effort and the new west 7th corridor, formally known as Riverview to improve transit street maintenance and protection safety. He's reducing want to park and developers are required to pay for build citywide, making simple a leader in this area. He started walking tp to build a New Dakota and nutrient for center in a joint Land Management agreement. He's advanced accessory dwelling
units in the city in our city to allow higher density it on single-family. Lots. He's also advocated for significant investment in public transit, including the go by the b line in the coming g and h lines. We have reduced greenhouse gas emissions caused municipal buildings by 46%. Through energy efficiency and clean energy investments. I can't tell you how significant the He's hopeful. The National Award-winning stormwater. Instead Green Infrastructure System, Highland Bridge and built the new north and community Center which is being heated and cooled by geothermal energy and will soon add rooftop solar. His leverage over 50 million dollars in state in federal funds to accomplish all of the above.
In. This isn't eerything that rest is done for city. His legacy continues on into the future. He's worked to lead the building of the New Hamlin Midway Library with geothermal heating and cooling rooftop solar. Converting the polar bears in primates. Building the commotion from natural gas, efficient, gothermal, heating and cooling. And now 2 new programs, healthy homes and the powerful, which will help weatherize in transition away from fossil fuels for our low and moderate income homeowners. So now, therefore be it resolved that the city of Saint Paul declares 12/17/2025. Ezra, Start today. Welcome, MR. Start. Council PRESIDENT Council members, everyone else was here. Thank you. Really appreciate the recognition. And yes, I played a small part almost all of those things. Actually nothing to do with
the fire truck. That was all the folks back of the room here. Did all the work. In fact, they're kind of talks about how. The way you think about that, my work was successful as I didn't even know that they had ordered the truck when they ordered it So I really appreciate the recognition they have a lot on the agenda today. I'll just say briefly, it's been a real pleasure being at city for 18 years. We've been able to do a lot together and you all been a big part of that and I asked to us to keep doing the work of climate and climate justice that we've been. Are they making progress I think the city is really set up for success in that realm. And we've got a really great team of staff continuing to do
the work. So thank you. I look forward to knocking on your doors and e-mailing you calling us present I will take that as a motion from his in favor of the resolution. We do have a packed agenda. We will have opportunity to celebrate, celebrate, MR. Start later this evening. But I do want to open up that motion to any discussion for now. Council vice PRESIDENT. Yeah, just be very brief as the former la to former council PRESIDENT Of which you pass time. I was more than a fly on the wall. That is to get the table. When you bestowed upon just incredible advice about the work of the council, but also what it takes to lead the council. And so me coming in the first 2 years, kind of being one of the new he's on the council that taking a leadership role. I just want to say that the the advice that you gave me and myself in
that room not knowing tat I find myself here is stuff that is are ones that I carry with me. I will repeat all of them. Some of them are spicier than others. But the last tat is just the Greek deep, deep gratitude you were here when we were when Amy was fighting for the North Community Center and to have it be not just the jam of the north end, but the gem of the city with both geothermal and solar. That is like. We can make it the rest start solar panels, they would. But it's just a Thank you for getting that across the finish line. It was meaningful for us as a community to be investing in the future. And with your hand and your guidance, we landed that plane together. So just incredible gratitude for helping us get kind of the gem of the city off the ground and and in the ground. Thank us. Thank you. Amazing. And coming. Thank you. Council
PRESIDENT. Well for us, I want to say thank you so much for your work. In adition to the many wonderful things that are in this resolution here. I'm incredibly incredibly thankful to your leadership for being a champion for our Eastside community. And as many of you all know, in our usay community, it is a part of our city where families are most energy burdens and that you and as soon as came into the council here, I remember having a meeting with you. Carr share and recognizing that there was deep gap and the services to the countryside. And I'm so proud that because of your partnership and also your leadership. Now we are in a better place where we're talking about expanding services to the gritty east
side. And so the work that you have done in the city here as a council member to your vote now in leading our climate justice work, it is very life changing. And I'm so grateful that we have had such an incredible leader like you as a council member, it is very inspiring to see someone who has served as a council member move on to even greater roles. And so you are inspiration to me. And I believe so many others. And so I can't wait to see what you continue doing and thanks again and hope you have no. I wish you the best in your endeavors can't wait to follow up the connected more in the future. Thank you so much. Thanks. MISS Coleman. And then that's just. Want to thank you so much. On behalf of Florida for you. As I say, often set the bar incredibly high on both. How councilmember engage is with the community here at all the time so that people felt like
they were heard respected and listened to. When you were in this seat and also seeing that have a level of technical knowledge about climate change related things that I don't have plan for that a little bit. Just have word for. I think that it is so remarkable that nearly 2 decades of service in this building that that work will continue in many forms. But very thankful and hope as I think we all do really carry on the legacy that you've left. It's just all also try to keep this really short. I think, you know, all of the work you've done really speaks for itself especially appreciative of the way that you lead Saint Paul around Climate Action Network. And we have become a leader nationwide. Many of many of the topic that we just shared
that you work done and that's something I care about a lot really look forward to also advancing. I think also what really stands out to me is just the way that you lead the way that you collaborate with others. In your view, you work so hard and you're very friendly and easy to work with and calm and steady in what you know, even in my short time here have been some really challenging problems that we work done. And so that's something that I really appreciate about you. And that will certainly MISS. But I do care a lot about making sure moving all long list of work forward and you can see, as we're reading through all the items or things throughout the whole saying him Midway Library of the North and community Center, the Como Park, Highland Ridge, everywhere. And that just matter so much to everyone. And we're just so appreciative. Thank you so
much us. Thank It's just really. much for your leadership, even your previous leadership as counsel diving into this work as a council member and just looking at how former council members have created policy. When I've done deep dives around how policy was right your name was all over. Some of these ordinance were out like wow unrest. I councilmember. He was really active in making sure that there is policy outcomes actually create support for businesses and support for safer environments and more walkability. And I just want to say I champion am a better champion for many of the climate actions and many of the policy things that you have supported. So I know your service is not at it and that all when it comes to same
pond, I just wanted to say thank you so much for always being a great adviser to this work. Hstory. Not much. I can add to that except to say and I will add more. Your celebration tonight. But thank you for your friendship and for your mentorship. You were sitting in the seat when I joined the council I really a role model and how to do this work. It's possible to say that someone makes great You make great And I think that that should be said on the record because no one And and it's finally, I think it's noteworthy that you've got maybe the best loudest applause from our youngest participants here in terms of the climate action work that you've done. And i think that speaks to the fact that that work affect us grown-ups. But it's really going to affect the lives of our young people into the future. So thank you for everything. Thank I think of. Councilmember just actually moved version to earlier. So
that's what's going on. All in favor say Aye. Aye, all opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted back to item. 29 resolution, 25 dash 1989 celebrating the public service of Mayor Melvin Carter. The 3rd and declaring DECEMBER 18th 225 as moment. Part of the 3rd day in the city of Saint Paul. Before turn, things over is just I know we have a really packed house. I would urge people if you can to maybe move in just a bit. There's also maybe more sitting on the side. So folks, please make yourselves comfortable in our chambers. It's jst thank you, council PRESIDENT. And so again, we want to Mayor Melvin Carter, who is also a from a council member and what was not able to be here with us today, but has served our city for for many years. And so this is a resolution will deliver
it to the mayor and the separate it. But recognizing tomorrow as Melvin as Melvin Carter Day. And so I will share just a few highlights from I will read the entire thing. But just a few things that, you know, the mayor done so much over his time here, especially the last 8 years and even even this year than so challenging and helping lead us through a global pandemic threw the murder of George Floyd, acyber attack in the Trump era and uncertainty in his lead within stark investments in our families, in our communities. He's done things like raising the minimum wage, making making youth sports free, eliminating library fines establishing the common sense approach project to invest in our infrastructure and a highly just a few other things
then open it up for for comments. We were talking today about the inheritance fund at the hre and counsel present mention being able to meet folks that we're a part of that program and that's something that, you know, our mayor I've seen many ways he's invested in our families. Are you through the right track program then as well as establishing the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and making sure that we can provide innovative programs to make housing more accessible. We really appreciate his service to our city. There's so much that he's done. You can be on this list that we did get a list. Every last thing. But I think that everything that he set the groundwork for in our city will be very key and investing in our people for years to come. So really want
to thank him for his service. Thank you so much was just. I think that is a motion for version to any discussion of that motion. I know the mayor couldn't be here with us today, but that doesn't keep us from talking about him as Billy. Thank you, council PRESIDENT. I just want to thank my colleagues because we after we had the budget vote, I really thinking deeply, particularly around as we're going into. a new year and a transition here. It's really important that we honor people, their service, this public service work as know is is a really tough job. And it also comes with lot of rewards to being able to be selfless and the fear that the kids. So I do want to just say on record,
you know how how much. I appreciate the the willingness to be committed to this role now a council member, but also stepping into a year you know, having a that's centers, kids have a centers, equity and also being like a light, a beacon of hope for many cities, major cities across the country that looks to Saint Paul as wys to be more equitable and more courageous soul. Understand he's not able to be here, but I do want say I do appreciate the contributions to the team that he has appointed so actually know, get us this far. And I also just want to make sure that no as a as a council member from Rondo, right from the same neighborhood and graduate from Central High School that paying it forward when it comes showing recognition to leadership that comes from our community and
leadership that also had some great, great contributions to our community as well. Thanks so much. History. Vice PRESIDENT And the Mustang. Thank Just really quickly. I know as my neighbor and the north end and we were neighbors for 6 years. And I think nt knowing really wasn't the work that he did. And one day read in the newspaper or on part of the filed for office. And I thought this issue. The Stakeout, that's But I think sort of that genuine authenticity that he brought to this work is something that this is definitely leaving an imprint everywhere in Saint Paul. I know that are youth programs got better. Write our libraries got better. So much of the city. This growing his legacy as we continue to invest in those values blessing. All at he was
interviewed Anna article a red and he said it's a it's sometimes hard to enjoy the view and you're when you're in the driver's seat. So I really hope that Melvin takes one of those famous any drags and drags around the city and not only walks under Rex honors, but I think sees all of you and the faces of the city that he she has served so boldly and carefully and kindly over over the I don't even know what it doesn't include his counsel service, but for sure, over the last decade, so deep appreciation to the service and we look forward to seeing about an community. Thanks as PRESIDENT As Thanks council PRESIDENT. Why echo everything colleagues have shared and I just want to name The work that we do is not easy at all. We have to
make very tough decisions. Sometimes we get to make easy decisions. And that's man. Now things are running smoothly and one thing that really commend mayor critters, leadership. And one of the things that appreciate most aside, even when everything fell so hectic in chaos all around from the pandemic to the murder of George Floyd to even the cyberattack that our city recently experienced. I appreciate so much he was always so poised and calm and ready to take action on that. And that's something that I will always carry with me that he is somebody who is such an eloquent speaker. I still remember when I was when I began committee organizing 10 years ago, that one of the first few things that I noticed right away. And so on top of just all the really incredible things that have
already been named in the resolution, I know that there's going to be very big shoes to fill because we had a mayor who was so innovative, so creative and so deeply committed to community. I'm so grateful to the ways in which Mayor Carter deeply committed to our youth and also to really transforming the conversation around safety, which is why een have our community public safety, a platform, inner city and also an Office of Neighborhood Safety, which you do not always find in other cities. So will definitely MISS Working with him and know that he is in good hands. He is that, you know, he's a leader and can't wait to the future opportunities that he takes Thanks so much. It's coming. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT, just 3 things to say quickly. The first says, I think the thing that we know
about the mayor is how much he leads with love for the city and how deep that runs and him and his commitment. To truly making Saint Paul the city, we all believe it can be is so admirable and so important. And I think it is not it so much to have over the last 8 years has led with love for Also, I I want to say that the second thing is, you know, as we read the list of accomplishments and look at the programs that have begun under his it mayorship and everything else. We are still so far from seeing the full impact of what he's been able to do for our cty over the last 8 years. And it will take years and even decades fr so much of the work, the seeds that his plan to to come to fruition. And so as we move forward and as he moves on in his career, I just think really knowing that the that
the real fruit of what he's done it for Saint Paul will continue to flourish for many, many years to come in, continue to change lives for so many years to come. And then finally, you know, I know our mayor, first person to say that it is an incredible privilege to be at the mayor. It is also incredible sacrifice, both on his part, but also on the part of his wife's Keane and his family. And knowing how many people have that really put their heart and soul into service, whether they were in the role of mayor or not is I think that to be forgotten this moment. So I'm very, very grateful to Mayor Carter and grateful to his family for service. Thank you so much. Just echo all of my colleagues, words of gratitude. There has not been a better ambassador and champion for our city throughout incredibly difficult times. The Carter and I think we're all deeply indebted to
him for his service. And we know he'll continue to stay a champion for Saint Paul long after the mayor. And I'm personally really excited to see what does next. So with that, take those motion for version 2 from his toast. All in favor say Aye. I post 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted. Take a motion from council vice PRESIDENT To suspend the rules to honor chief. Thanks all in favor. Say Aye. Post 6 in favor. None opposed. The rules are suspended council vice PRESIDENT We have to read resolution 25 dash 2008 celebrating the public service career of Chief Martin Butch inks and declaring Summer 30th 2025. Pushing. Stay in the city of Saint Council. Vice PRESIDENT She thinks. And that thing likes. But I mean, read into the record thank you all to my colleagues for signing on to There's a
compact very competitive honoring days this So we've sides we are honoring Butch inks on Butch Inks Stay, which will be DECEMBER 30th, which is actually his last day working at the city before you retire. So whereas Chief Burton r Butch, thanks has dedicated 40 years of service to the city of Saint Paul, starting out in a city youth employment program advancing through the ranks of parks and recreation. And then joining the Saint Paul Fire Department in 1994. Culminating in his appointment as fire chief in NOVEMBER of 2019 and where she thinks is combined his public services fire chief with service to our country having served. 26 honorable years of the United States Air Force, bringing a lifetime discipline, dedication and commitment to his role. And whereas under his leadership, the Saint Paul Fire Department has undergone a historic transformation, strengthening readiness, expanding staffing, modernize, a modernizing equipment and buildings, community trust, all aligned with our community. First
public safety strategy. Where is she thinks is advanced numerous innovations and first responder health and wellness, including peer support to address mental health and stress, physical exams and cardiac screenings, whereas during his tenure as chief, the Saint Paul Fire Department has expanded staffing to its highest levels of aisle at attorney lies here. Not enough. But you historic levels created new career in ems, pathways to track talents of our young people and strengthen the future of the fire and emergency services here in Saint Paul. And where is she thinks managed an unprecedented 56% increase of calls for service over the past decade handling more than 60,000 calls annually demonstrating strong leadership and a rapidly
growing city. And where is she thinks he's built his leadership on one simple yet profound truth beyond every first responder is a human being. Shaping the 21st century to pack fire department culture, the centre well being and humanity above all. Where she thinks successfully balance the demands of high stakes career with the love and support of his family, especially his wife, Erica and their children. Kyle and Lisa Feehan, Ala their unwavering support has been a cornerstone of his success, allowing him to dedicate himself fully to the fired for it to the fire service into the city of Saint Paul. Therefore, be it resolved. The Saint Paul City Council here by proclaims DECEMBER, 30th 2025. As Chief Barton Butch Inks Stay in the city of Saint Paul. Council PRESIDENT The City
Council Fit thank you. Super kind and very kind words. In the in the resolution and We did our last graduation ceremony today of our last recruit class. And I had my last Bajo today. It was I thought I didn't think would be is as hard emotional. But it was. And I. Reflect that it was because we we care. And that's why we're we do this. This work I and I looked around the packed house here because people here because they care and then they want to serve. And so it's it's inspiring see such young people in this in the chambers today because they care about things and want want to make change. So I was just an honor to be public servant for so long and the city a group a
lot work. The fire chief best fire department and there is where we say the region or the area. It's just let's just stop is te best fire department. There is and that's a fact in this because of women and men. The fire department and said because of the support in the council, the mayor's I and everybody this such a huge support system that we have is why we're able to be successful. Thank u n. Last Thanks for mention my family like that means so much to me. So that to what they what they see and they experience. And in this, 100% best in Saint Paul. Fire Department Saint Paul. my daughter Sophie, a year. My wife Erica, my son was at the graduation. And so it's just they they care as well. Everyone knows your positions, you know, your friends and your family and loved ones,
they serve as a lot. And so thank you. My wife and daughter there. Here today. So we'll take that as a motion for approval by Vice PRESIDENT Ken. And I would look to see if there's any discussion of the motion. Thanks, council PRESIDENT. Well, it is. It really a such a bittersweet day saying goodbye to? So many leaders in our city and achieve things? I want to say thank you for your service to our city. For so many years we see that, you know about your retirement. I gotta tell you I was not ready for that at all. It's truly an honor to work with you. I want to thank you for being so communicative with the council here answering our questions, providing us information and chilly being one of the strongest advocates for entire department. Under your leadership, you're able to open up. New fire stations
that there was just one in war. 2. Recently, one in my ward and, you know, more firefighters that the her could be coming into the department who more resources for safety and for their own well-being, especially health wise. And I know you know how important that is. And so when I read that, you know, I just felt so much genuine love not only for the things that you do every day as a firefighter in as the chief. But chilly for our firefighters to him. So want to say thank you. You will be deeply missed and I wish all the best retirement. Thank very Thank you. That's Thank you. Council PRESIDENT And chief things Councilmember Yang had said when I received I was very shocked. But I totally understand. You it's so deserving in
terms of when it is your time make that decision array of when to retire. And I just think I can think of most and credible leader and under your leadership. You have seen the resides. You have expand it. The firefighters, you have a point to historic a monumental leaders within these. But within this department. And, you know, when I think about particularly as a councilmember know what is a leadership, I want to stand next to and I recall way before I even made a decision to run for office. I remember listening to year Keno at I believe, was like a fires. United firefighters, united, even. And you open up saying that this isn't a fire department. This is the opportunity Department and I
was just thinking, oh, like that is the type of attitude and type of leadership and type of genuine dedication equity means for our cities that this is not just coming into a profession to do a robot. This is coming into a city to provide a service and that service is making sure that people feel protected as want to say, you have always been so accessible. You always have been a not only mentor but educator, particularly around learning about the process. I am and admire how you now only lead. But you also think very innovative Lee around how we can solve today's problems and how can soft tomorrow's problem. So I feel really confident that you
have a a team that is ready to step up I am so excited to celebrate you and also to make sure that we have a legacy that the next leader can step into some. Thank you. Thank Thank It's history. I saw woman is just a Present Thank you. I have been sitting here thinking about the 3 people who recognizing today and how hard all of their job she thinks yur job seems truly impossibly difficult to me thinking about how to lead the department believed where life's on the line every single day. Both the life of our he the folks in our fire department, the people who you are all saving every single day. It I think that it is the type of work that can take for granted in a city. And I hope we never do
in Saint Paul. It is. It is so essential getting up every single day and knowing that that has been what is on your shoulders. I cannot imagine. But that has been like, but we are so so very grateful for your service. So grateful for the culture that you have felt in the city at, you know, as we have talked about it throughout the budget process, when we knew that there might cuts coming to the fire department, every single person at this table knew that that was unacceptable because it you have made. So is the work that you're doing. 6 likes it is it's we're we're very, very grateful. It wouldn't be here if it weren't for leadership. Help. They're going to take a lot of time to rest and recover from what i imagine. Been a very, very hard number of years with the city. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Tank you. That's very kind. Thank it's
because the PRESIDENT She thinks I too, was was very, very sad to hear that you're retiring, but also very happy for you to. After just so many years of service and so many rules under fire department that you are able to spend the time with your family and your loved ones. The people, you know, also sacrificed so much for our city. Think that, you know, as my colleagues have said, we've learned so much about the fire department in our first 2 years here from, you know, the fire program that we did and how much you've educated us, what it really takes to be a firefighter. And that had a big impact on me. I think it had big impact on my council colleagues also watch, you
know how te fire department has evolved over your leadership, even as our city has also been changing, always needing to find a different way to rise to the occasion, to care for our residents. And so I just really appreciate that about you. And enjoyed getting to know you. And you'll certainly be very much, but wish you the best. So thank you. As present camps. wrap it up I oh, yeah, you should go. The second trafficking. Yeah. It's very difficult to talk about year's tournament. I think you have more than my respect. They have trust. I have called upon you in very dire moments for our community. I think the one that will lift up hopefully isn't too spicy for folks. But folks are here tonight to testify about what happened a few weeks ago.
And I had to call personally called books. To say one of the protesters needed immediate medical care and that we are really struggling to get folks in. And Butch had just been fresh off surgery. But I watched our chief of fire go face-to-face with federal agents and say, are you denying this person medical care like you cannot? Tonight, the Spurs and medical care. So I just commend you for your bravery. So you've a very honorable legacy here in Paul and the. The time will be passed I know the department will continue on in those principles. For me personally, I have I have called a new and very dire moments for sure. And you have responded every
time I just the last thought is the cares unit is the only mental health life specific mental health responding like emergency service that we have here in Saint Paul. And that's with our ems enter fire, know, bls unit and so This is a dire dire need for our community. And this is something that our our chief has ushered in and grown and expanded and helped alleviate the call times for fire and more emergent services. But now this allows us to sit with folks. And a we a truth in taxation, their children really struggling with their mental health. Right now, fmilies are really struggling with their mental health right now. And some just really, really how'd that the legacy that you felt the structure infrastructure, the you're built. He's standing up against this moment in time in a really powerful way. So thank you so much for your
service actually, I think it will start There's no way to follow that. Chief, thank you. And I think it addition, everything my colleague I think it says a lot that your team, so many of your team are here because you have built an incredible team and you've inspired them your family, your team members, they're all here to support you because of the incredible you do that you are so will be deeply, deeply missed. And we also Ford celebrated tomorrow evening. So thank you so to take that as a motion from best present him all in favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted. Item. 31 is resolution. 25 dash 1977. Recognizing human
rights stand International Migrants day and this is at could not be a more important time to be ready for this resolution. I believe that Amanda Lee from our city attorneys office is here. Although I'm not seeing him, know. Going to foot on the but seeing that there's no staff here to present. I would say that I'm bringing for this resolution because I think it windows here always trying It's going to tap dance for Come on up. Thank you so much for being here. Good afternoon afternoon Council PRESIDENT Council members. I stuff behind the crowd and want to scream. I hear Thank you very much for considering this resolution is resolution is. Request recognize a national human rights international migrants
day, which are both celebrating DECEMBER, given all the events that are going on in the city I thought it was important for the city to recognize both of these historic events and dates so that we continue to reaffirm. Support both migrants human rights in the city of Saint Paul. Thank you, MR. Lee, how appreciate your hard work on You first immigration attorney in our city attorney's office and made brought you on board several years ago. We could not have imagined the moment that we're in. I also want to thank my colleagues, especially council, Vice PRESIDENT Kim and others. Investments that we made in our budget this year to make sure that we're investing in your work, both Immigration and Naturalization Services. So thank you so much for bringing this in front of And we have many folks here to
testify on a related item later on in our agenda. But really appreciate you being here to bring this forward. I will move approval. Is there any further discussion of the item? Seeing none all in favor say Aye. I'll post. 6 favor. None opposed. Resolution is adopted. Thank you very much. Item number 30 twos resolution, 25 dash 1914, outlining the city's 2026 legislative agenda. Welcome up, MISTER Peterson. And again, we sort of talked about this a bit last week in by way of instruction. This is not the city's final legislative agenda. This is not what we will be taking to the legislature this year. It is sort of a preliminary report mostly with the priorities that the council has shared. We will then have a full report on the new mayor elect subset of agenda on JANUARY. 21st. So at the end of this will be laying this over till
then. But welcome MISTER Pearson, thank you. Council. PRESIDENT Council Do you want me to start from the very beginning again, or would you like to kind of? I can get to start a band called kind of cruise through itself, looking at slide number one here, as I kind of mentioned last week at the state budget couple weeks ago, we received the NOVEMBER forecast. I believe Polly's tending around the power point. If you don't have that from last week or but just shared previously last week, we are looking at it. Current biennium of a 2.4, 6, 5, projected srplus. But in the out years, the fiscal year 2029, we're looking at about a 2.9 billion dollar short fall. That's just kind of higher
inflation rates. And then the forecast just kind of shifting policies. I'm certainty at the federal level. Some cars around k 12 education and hhs as well. One ting I want to highlight here is on that debt service part of the negotiations of the session last year was that the bonding, though, would be would be included in the budget forecast. But that number would be negotiated as the legislators leaders negotiate with that funding bill would look like so at the moment, what the NOVEMBER forecast. That's 1.1, 6, 5, So that's the max at a bonding bill could be at this. Level we'll see when the FEBRUARY forecast comes out in early MARCH. What that number would look like. And then jst highlighting those 2 key dates there for one session starts on FEBRUARY. 17. And ten when they have to legislatively and by midnight on Sunday, MAY 17.
So. Mntioned last week, the Senate had 2 special elections. So this current makeup as 34 3 with Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy here from Saint Paul leading a center champion still the PRESIDENT, the Senate. And then Senator Johnson is still serving as minority. There. Lay of the land for the Minnesota House. Currently there to secial elections that will happen at the end of JANUARY JANUARY. 27 to fill 2 seats. One was that Senate seat that was filled in the eastern half of Maplewood and Western half of Woodbury. There was a primary on Tuesday. The individual named Shelley Buck won that There's
no gop and likelihood there is a strong write-in campaign. Shelley Buck will be the new representative elect for that seat. And then for the mayor elect seat she resign for. We have that primary on Tuesday and make Lugar Nicolay as the winner of that primary and she'll face a Republican on that day and then filling that election on the 27th as well. So we saw Speaker day math. And then later, Stevenson taking over for the late Speaker America most apartment and then for later, Jamie Long and Representative Harry, because the floor leader for the gop. Just highlighting here, our delegation where they're sitting at I won't read those They're all very similar to what we've talked about previously. So just going ahead here, as mentioned, council PRESIDENT. So here are some of the city
Council legislative priority. So as director House and I have met with you all in the summer and the fall here, these are items that you call collectively have brought forward to us that you would like to be seen in the legislative agenda, all kind of highlighted Thursday public That's but more than one of you had mentioned that to as best as I can. But as you categorize that and the ordinances organized in the new structure here. So the first one is revenue taxes and revenue. And so as we talk about local control and the best needs for our city here. And as we work with our county partners and other cities across the state, just making sure the state revenue and fiscal policies are kind of matching those that local control and that we have autonomy and authority to do
those. And here as well as the half-cent sales tax that was authorized in 1993. That would help with the financing of the arena. However, that would be seen going forward. Aso, I'm from many of you as talking about is the lga increase and indexing that to inflation. Sure. You've heard many times. I just want to put that in repeat that in for contacts in 2002, the city of Saint Paul receive 73.6 million dollars and a g a and 2025 or allocation was 81.8 million dollars had that kept up with inflation. Saint Paul would have received 151.1 million dollars in 2025. So that's a difference of 69.4 million dollars. So that's we're thinking about the property tax levy, not just here, but as the county looks like county does well and increases there. How that have. Help us meet the largest unmet need because we have the heart, the
largest unmet need of all. It's the pallet ease throughout the state, which is about a gap of 153.8 million. So 72 million dollars that we're looking to fill. So anything of legislature can do to allocate more money to Al Ga. You all made that very loud and clear and then indexing that formula for inflation. There. We talk about these previously, the 5th here, income tax on high earners support Medicaid expansion. Also on the state mortgage transfer, indeed, attacks the kind of help with revenues there so that sales would come back to the city, something that Councilmember Yang you've talked to us several times want to highlight those there. Also item at re farm property tax refund to kind of make it easier for homeowners and renters to get those refunds. And then just expanding our property tax base as much as we can. As we host large number of government buildings
and nonprofits throughout the city, MR. Patterson, and just as we some folks are a little bit and getting ready over here from there. Maybe we can just hit the high notes of some of the side. Moving on to the next section capital besteman economic development. You've all seen this before. But mentioned kind of arena, complex projects and then the River Learning Center and the Macomb was a big cat exhibit capital projects. Also just an economic development, just talking about anonprofit capital investment projects for the state to invest in those as well. And as we talk about downtown the cut tax credit, which is kind of amazing underutilized buildings to help converse of those buildings and helping new stuff. Also looking at land value as a potential thanks for downtown and midway and other economic development
way there, too. Also just wanted to highlight investments that were made on arcade and the 7th this last year, the Legislature and how that fun could be created statewide for a program for all of our businesses throughout the city and throughout the state folks to fight for that. And then just having the authority for social districts, which would be the ability for individual to enjoy a alcoholic beverage certain days of the year. Certain boundaries in the streets during special events are, however the city like to see However, the city council would want to organize We would need authority from that from the state. Moving along to transportation, just as we think about our transit system and how we build out more transit opportunity through brt. Talking about the West 7th corridor COUNCILMAN Dot Ramsey County. How we can kind of invest and given the the money being reallocated from Ramsey County to different
projects and how we can work with the state and other resources for those regional investments and West 7th and as we talk about local traffic calming money that we receive previously. As now have the admin citations authority now, if that's something that we'd like to see moving forward hearing from you all that maybe be an interest of between a pilot program to head to Minneapolis on speed cameras. For parks and trails just kind of ongoing support funding for that as you heard from MR. Start just any kind of geothermal work as well. We've been trying to do phase 2 at Como Zoo that work there. So just some of the work there. Network as you on your previous resolution, just any kind of support access for our Americans and English language learners and then any support we can do for our lbraries and recreation centers for
youth workforce. And then and those fees swimming lessons, any work that we can do to build on to what you've all adopted in the 2026 budget there. And public safety space. As we've talked about before banning firearms in our rec centers are libraries, our government, our sense of the spaces that we should or our children and youth are at. Also just preemption around that law as well. And just sensible gun measures. The one-time public to 2023 to make that ongoing. The work for copper wire theft that we've been doing to help mitigate that. And then hearing from you all and some of the legislation just opposing any harm to our New Americans with ice cooperation. But those legislation, their public safety, faith. And housing and economic and community stability just around the housing and in any kind of
investment that the state can make for the heights for housing in investment bonds. There. Our work with that continuum of care with Ramsey County and with kind of thing county and city of Minneapolis for our unsheltered homeless population in any prevention efforts, an emergency shelter support we can do there. Tenant rights protections and then any policy that we can help with some of the racial disparities that impact and hurt some of our community members that have here. And then finally, our last night here, just oher organizations, just type of investments in clean water, lead line replacement funding and then also just any work around climate change as you've heard previously. So this kind of highlights some of the conversations they have not obviously everything we've all seen that the document think. And I look forward also
conversation with Mayor elect. MR. Petersen, thank you very much. Really see a lot of our thoughts and reflected here. It's already a long legislative agenda. So looking forward to what the mayor elect will be proposing as well. And and I think this gives all of us a good sense of what we might want to have further conversation with you about to make sure is included before we see this again in JANUARY. 21st. So thank you again, very much. With questions from my colleagues. Okay. Good shape take a little chair's prerogative here because we have a very special presentation for some of our very special guests here. We're going to move item. And take that item now. Item 35 its resolution public hearing. 25 su 57 amending financing and spending pan, the
Department of Parks and Recreation in the amount of $230,000 for the Baker Park Improvement Project in entering into a grant agreement with the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy for the project. Council member representing the West side and they park it could not be more excited about this item and about our guests are here today. I'm excited to welcome up. Director Rodriguez to take us Thank you. Cause council PRESIDENT Council members just want to take this time to. Express our sincere gratitude to the nfl and the Minnesota Vikings for their continued partnership and generosity. If you look across the city from Oxford to North Community Center to calmly into now, Baker, they continue to provide meaningful investment in our communities. And most importantly, for our young people also want to
thank the Saint Paul Parks, Conservancy lisc Wesco and their continued support and their commitment to strengthening our parks and public spaces. Their partnership plays a role in and getting to the finish line and critical projects like Also want to give a special shout out to the West Side boosters. 5 New Saints. You know, everyone that shows up every day to provide programs and services to our young people, their dedication and consistency make a real difference in our neighborhoods in our communities. And this field improvement will truly be a game changer for the kids and the families that they support. So with that, I'd like to welcome up all of our partners, specifically our young people to come and stand with me real quick. And then. And I will welcome up. Lester Bagley from the Minnesota Vikings. Thank you for being
here. Good afternoon. City Council. PRESIDENT Members. Lester Bagley, executive vice-PRESIDENT, Minnesota Vikings here on a great day to honor Mayor. Carter chief, thanks. Former city council member Starks. Great great group of people start or other, but a great group of and an opportunity to celebrate community. And that's why we're here. Just wanted to say thank you. On behalf of Vikings, too, Paul Parks to the Parks Conservancy to the nfl into list for the partnership that opportunity to make this this new football field happen. We're hopefully dreams come true and the kids get to play and get outside. Both men, women, boys and girls. So very excited about that opportunity. Great relationships and respect for
the city of Saint Paul and the the mayor and the future mayor, all great people and great relationships are looking forward to that. So with that, thank you very much. And U.S.. of course, we can end this without a surprise fr our young people. Alright, underneath, here are some I will hand to each of you who wants the first one? We'll thing that. And If you've got a few Jealous city council members here and now a special counsel just I want to sign hope that by director it would any of our young people want to come up in just their names, what they love about same college
West side, West side. And you guys want to come up and say if you wear. welcome welcome a thing that I like about fake. It is like I have communities like a family to and played stuff. And I just think for delicious is for the first. play in We made it to the He made it to the junior Olympics, but we lost again that we need. But tey go into Florida and going to get back in. They let picks. And when you do a thing back, If get Would you mind if the council members came down to the quick photo? I guess could put up. All right. It was really exciting. We're going to do with Common Council heart of
it and return back into item. Oh, I'm so actually go I mean, a Okay. That was a pblic hearing. Okay. S this is a public hearing about the item just heard about. Is there anyone here, everyone else here to speak on that item? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from as just to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. I'll post 6 in favor. None opposed. Resolution is adopted. I will note, guess that we do have some more seats in the front now, anyone wants to come into town, make yourselves comfortable. And welcome back to item. 33. Number 30 threes Sr 25 dash 2.70, graduate intern. Final presentation as Thank you so much, council PRESIDENT. I just want to introduce around a berry who was a graduate intern in my office. He started some months
ago and he is closing out his finals in terms of his last year in law school. So he's just going to give a brief presentation, particularly about his firm in its wake. And the word went office and also year, some of his his learnings and also his recommendations, particularly around. And the work we're doing and what one and also with the reparations commission. So I'll just pass it on to our theme graduate intern. Rob, a I don't. It's hard to also got a list of those kids. everybody here, my name is Ron DeVere. I am currently well, one semester. I got a lot lawyers cell. before law school, I worked with lots of the network. a blessing that we did like get out the vote campaigns voter registration efforts in Saint Paul. And tenant with Ward One Morrow support the
community engagement. Can Douglas new system reparations Commission? So just the overview of like what I some work. I did promoting this new sessions and I Kozak officials events become involved. The motive, social media page, which if you haven't already follow Instagram page to the reparations commission actually share Cruz is here. All And also go, the commission means. So to keep things as everyone listening sessions and the health disparities in the black community was talked about a lot. The community members expressed a desire for support for the Senate Rhonda, particularly land restitution. Increase support for housing. Programs to help individual organism utilize vacant property for economic development and identify health care providers that
allies of the black community. So what methods they use for the public engagement. Award winner had a newsletter. But one thing that we want to do is actually increase the amount part of the newsletter. So Roman and Posted updates everything, a social media inform the public about upcoming events and events that customer speaking at. That ended with a means of communicating missives of and other problems, understand what's going on in neighborhoods and everything. So with one of the revelations commission meetings. Let's go to the last bullet point because I never knew like history of I-94. And that one kind of a I was a big learn about to do also learned about how organizations want to partner with a minute push reparations commission to everything that was going on. Again and social organization, how they want to help the city of Saint Paul grand develop
without of accident. So overall thing that I learned in his itentions, the forms of interest, the community, everyone wants to be heard. Everybody offer that Boise thought to the right person, then that enable that people speak a counselor believe was a very important thing. The need inclusive policy discussion that reflect what community members Warren years also big because I feel like sometimes people don't feel like it. There. With their ideas of what they want to changed to happen being able to have that bridge like give them a line of communication for that was awesome for him. And then just also explored the best measures to have everybody get. Everybody insists on difference. I forms of social like ways of communication fit in all those ways to get everybody involved relations of obviously aound
the city council members is a very good thing to be around. But also is the same poll reparations commissions like sure Cruz is Know there's just just end of the building, which I thought was a very good learning tool. Now with the city attorney is a moment Carter. So the strengths of this international world, one this year. We experience on participation listening community events more than 20 plus people tend to listening. Sessions. We were looking increase next. Next. You have 30 at the boosting of is that you attended enough. Yu have see any of and please stop all. And then do connections with key community groups and plan to continue relationships next year. Any questions? It will. Thank you so much for not only information, but for your work with us Kuzma. Billy, thanks for taking the time to.
Help us hear more about the work. You did. Any questions from many colleagues or discussion. Get we do want to, yes, say I appreciate you stepping into the hot seat. I especially imagining my experience. And as a college student. Come in for a body in such a formal way. I want to say I appreciate you saying yes to your leadership and aso want to just say I appreciate you being extension. The priority of engagement, you know, coming into this office, we understand the importance of engagement of people being hurt. So thank you for being that bridge. Not only to what lanes office but also to the city as a whole. So thank you so much for sharing what your experience been like. It also sharing what you hope to do in the future. So thank you. And all the Thank you.
Item number 34 resort is final adoption of ordinance. 25 Dash 4 amending had a 4 of the administrative code to add chapter 92 titled Tree Preservation for City sponsored projects. And this is an item that is actually not the force for final aoption. It was going to be, we have been doing truly thorough, deep and thoughtful work since this item was last in front of us. And actually, as a result of that work, we did not want to do final adoption today, but make sure we took the time to really get this rght. I'm gonna let our speakers say more about that in a moment. But I want to express my gratitude to directors. Kershaw 100 guests for your leadership on this to my legislative aide noted jacket for her in indefatigable work on this and to our public input group members, several of whom are here today and
we're going to speak for all of their time, diligence and input to this process. I think we are. We are getting there. We're making huge progress. And this is something that I know is of interest to the entire city how we preserve trees in our neighborhoods is critical for so many reasons. So with tat directors, the show is yours. I just introduced myself last time Good afternoon, everybody and your ideas. Park director with the city of Saint Paul Health, PRESIDENT Council members. Thank you for the opportunity to provide update on the Tree Preservation ordinance in its current status. As mentioned, the ordinance remains on track for full implementation on during future construction season between now and then staff are actively applying in testing components of the
ordinance where feasible with ongoing projects establishes a couple key standards that will apply across the project. Lifecycle, including the use, a certified arborist, Comprehensive tree surveys, formal tree preservation plans, strength and tree protection requirements and updated planting standards. And we're not seeing the power point. Just a second. Just got ok, thank you. These eements are not being integrated into our internal workflows. An early design process additionally our team is finalizing standard operating procedures for both tree protection and tree planting. And so peas will be made publicly available by FEBRUARY. 1st, I'll turn over to Sean to speak on some legal and
practical considerations. Thanks counts. PRESIDENT's counselor is fine. And Sean Kirst on the public works. Director this process. I want to reiterate your point council PRESIDENT About Megan Jack, its leadership in pulling together community input on this and working with staff and certainly another great opportunity to work with Director Rodriguez. Part of this is balancing critical importance of trees with the need to improve our infrastructure, whether that street reconstruction sidewalk repair, sewer, repair, water lines. What are the legal considerations is at this age? Proposed ordinance would only apply to right of way that the city owns that. There's some
right o way that's on by Dot Arcade is an example West 7th as an example or the county parts of Marshall Avenue or white. They're avenue are examples or property. That's on by Council. We're starting first with property that the city owns and that right of way. Certainly we're going to work with those partners to encourage their adoption of in their work because some of the key aspects of this. We'll apply on on projects that don't necessarily require a full construction plans. So if you think of health and safety work that's done either to repair a sidewalk panel or a series of sidewalk panel. So the sidewalk is you can get across that sidewalk for mobility or to replace lead water lines or sewer lines. That work is done
often on fairly short term basis. You're replacing existing infrastructure. You don't go through the same process is that you would for street reconstruction or from Illinois overlay. So those projects sidewalk panels lead line replacement sewer work would still follow the tree preservation standards for construction and those standard operating procedures. That's a benefit even though they would necessarily go food through the full process. That of a project that includes a longer design timeline would include. Thank you, So you can see just some of the the guiding goals for this work. The staff teens between public works parks and then our our community led effort on behalf of Megan Jack and more to
office has really done a lot of work to develop shared goals to guide both ordinance and its implementation. So that that's clear and timely decision-making improve in with the goal of improving public trust and both parks and public works enhance interdepartmental cooperation and coordination, which on can be admittedly a little challenging. Sometimes when we have different goals about sidewalks or having replace panels the impacts that that can have on a tree or or in someone's neighborhood. So trying to come to some consensus process flow and how those decisions are made. And then central theme in this work has been treating trees as critical public infrastructure assets to provide measurable environmental, economic and
community benefits. Think we all know that. But memorializing that an ordinance in an ordinance, I think is what is most important. You can see here this overview of tree infrastructure work to date. So the started back in the summer continues into the winter months into 2026. But just multiple sessions and outcomes developed and consultation with some consultants and others to really just dig down on these issues and come up with an ordinance that is very well informed across both departments. Again, just an overview of the draft project. Design and construction process. You know, Council approves the project Pw it project manager and public works is assigned arborists elected Tree survey conducted going through all these different to make sure that we're taking every protection
possible to preserve our trees with the complexities that construction. As mentioned to 2 primary standard operating procedures to be delivered by the public by FEBRUARY. First, that follows tree protection in tree plantings or staff are actively working on those right now. Expect to provide a status update all of by that time. Goes without saying we implement something like this to the scale. There are challenges and considerations that we're going to have to talk to in future budget cycles or other things. But additional costs consulting operate arborists. We do have a virus on staffing are forced department. But the workload of the amount of construction across the city, we just do not are not resource properly for that's opening in consulting arborists are contractors to help do that work I something that we need to look at and then more contract requirements for staff time needed for design.
An ongoing monitoring of tree protections and preservation as a prop throughout a project or ration will require some resources. And then how do you roll that out? How do keep the public informed? Of the new ways of inner cooperation already status updates. If a tree does need to be removed, what does that kind of public interface or communication, the bidding process and then essentially every chain on procedures for internal departments and for contractors. These are going to be new guidelines for everyone to follow. And then we want to make sure that everyone's informed on the process and what is expected of and then decision-making valuation and monitoring. Happy to stand for any questions tat you MAY have and just how close and saying you know, for everything that
goes on in Saint Paul, what's something that everyone gets behind streets? And I think this is a very powerful ordinance when it's all said and done and be very positive for the city of Saint Paul. Thank you again to you both and your teams. I think point that's important to point out is that this ordinance is only going to work if there's cooperation between your 2 departments and the fact that there has already been that cooperation between your 2 departments just to get to this point and to get us to the final passage really sets us up for success. Once we have this ordinance on the books. So thank you. I want to bring up there. A few members of the public input group or just going quickly. I reflect on their 10 so far then we can take any questions that folks have. So to the public input group members, welcome up. Again, and I for quick
things to say. And if they're to just and right in the middle to sure they are your name and where you're coming from, as you start. Hello again again. And this is great. I'm Bridgett Allen, Alice and I work on the preservation group, it was put together and we work with Megan Jacket. Wrap here. We enjoy our time together. So much and we're really looking forward to. A great tree preservation ordinance face for other things. Number one. And I said this before, but trees really belongs of our city. And they affect everyone. No matter who you are and we need to have great lines. Number 2. And I have pcture can shown on the voice activated project. Yes. And some of us. Walkers in the city and we coming it's coming
and you oay, my first time doing this. And we love trees. Spring summer and winter. And this is just beautiful to watch in this in the winter. And so forth. I think we have a real active group in the Write letters supporting this. Thank Thanks for Chip. Well, council members, name is Meg part of the public input group since MAY also service. The PRESIDENT. Of the West, 7th for Road Federation in my day job, invasive species biologist work to natural resources, conservation and Wildlife Management. For 22 years. And the changes that I have and just seeing has been shocking to behold. Weather Huge pendulum swings from severe drought to monsoon rains. Even here in Minnesota, increasing severity and intensity of
storms and all these things, of course, make trees more vulnerable. But also underscore the importance of trees. We need trees. combating urban Heat island effects handling storm water, providing shade. They're so important. Sure. Liveability and enjoyment of the city. Ad for a long time. I think the city has kind of treated them as ependable. The idea that we could just no big deal. But in the new regime in 2025, it's going to be so hard to have new trees survive. I can't tell you numbers, but the amount o new planted trees that do not make it is just staggering. Run over by
drivers. We have deranged cycle paths. Tech cutting down 60 trees along Shepherd Road in an hour. That's what her to do on a mature tree. Mature trees with their deep roots and thick trunks. Already providing those benefits and they can survive. They're still struggling in these conditions. But an established church tree is going to be so much more resilient, unable to survive these new conditions. They could maybe hndle getting by a car and it's gonna be a lot harder shore. Some deranged individual to cut them down. So this ordinance will strengthen protections for those existing trees. And so I urge you to support that. And I think leadership of council, PRESIDENT Maker and her staff,
so just energy to support this and keep provide the funding support that is needed when it is approved. Thank you. Thank you so much. Good afternoon. Council members, Colleen o'Connor and I represent friends of the Mississippi River at the public input group. Another commitment to council PRESIDENT Maker and particularly Megan jacket for their phenomenal work on bringing this ordinance a lawn. The fact that it's not ready for a vote today speaks to how good of an ordinance you're going to get before you and how challenging it spent to to find the right path. Our Trib Preservation Group has had a lot of really good conversations. We haven't always agreed. And that's been very healthy. We work through a lot of really healthy, different perspectives and different needs and different
experiences in the city. And I think that that means that we're going to end up with a really excellent product. It's also, of course, then a huge lift for public works and parks to prepare the standard operating procedures and prepared to implement this once it forward before you, we certainly ask for your continued support for the ordinance and for the budget to make sure that it is carried out appropriately in the years to Thank Thank you. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Council members, I'm Michael John Peace with the Saint Paul Parks. Conservancy, which has been my role on this public interest group. And again, speaking to the diversity of perspectives and experience that came to the table and really understanding we started with te ordinance that was really all about the love, our trees and really grew to expand the life cycle of trees and how the city and how projects care for them. And I think again, we've
mentioned it, but bringing in those arborists a key point so that you're not having people whose job it is not to understand the life cycle of trees at the construction site making decisions where the tree doesn't have a champion or a knowledgeable partner in that. And there's also a piece that you'll find we we spent a lot of time talking about tree equity because if all we're doing is replacing trees that already exist, that's not changing our tree canopy for our high need on neighborhoods that have negative health impacts and they give you impacts and joy impacts because they lacked really is. So we really worked putting language in there about when trees can't be replaced in the area where they were originally because they can't thrive or you're taking out mature trees that where a little sapling, it's not going to do the same job. Can we
prep plant saplings in other parts of the city? So again, there's just a lot of passion that's gone into this. Speaking t the point of the vandalism along Shepherd Road, but a little late announcing it. But tomorrow will be announcing our partnership with Saint Paul police to offer a cash reward. Some donors have come forward information leading to the identification of that folks have been doing that repeated damage, whether they're the same people are different. So there's just been a lot of passion and pop it into this. And I really applaud the city leaders for saying they want to come back and report to us how this has gone the first year, right? Because you put it in practice and things will need to be adjusted on their standing operating procedures. So I think keeping the dialogue open, it's going to be really important. So thank
you. You all so much again. And the public input group has been meeting volunteers coming together over and over again. I think for longer than we thought you would be to try to help us get the best ordinance we can. Thank you. Thank you again to our directors. I'm gonna move to lay this item over to MAY 20th 2026. For really, really final adoption. This time. There any discussion of that motion or questions from my colleagues? Seeing none all in favor say Aye. 5 in favor. None opposed. The item is laid over to MAY 20th for 2026. For final adoption. Thank you so much. And before we we're going now into the public hearing section of our agenda a a just a note to anyone is here to tstify on a public hearing the way we do public hearings here is when your item is called, we invite you to lined
up on both sides. Sometimes we'll have a little presentation for some time. Just go straight to the public hearing will tell you that. And then we'll have you come to the front stand right in between the 2 microphones. You don't need to adjust them in any way. They should pick up your voice. Just fine. You have 2 minutes to testify. Please start with your name and where you're coming from. 2 minutes to go by quickly. And it's my job as council PRESIDENT To make sure that everyone has the same 2 minutes. So I appreciate your cooperation in advance to help a stick to that. And that helps us make sure that you have the full attention of this entire council on the first speaker, as you do in the last speaker. And so when you're done, please make sure to sign in. So read the first item, which is about our planning commission process. Item number. 36 ordinance. 25
dash 79 amending chapter 107. And the administrative code pertaining to improvements to the planning Commission process. All right. So this is a public hearing about planning commission. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? This is sorry to hear if anyone else is here. Come on up. reiterate that the planning Commission get Planning Commission. Public about the planning commission changes we're getting there getting Yes, this and sorry a sense of earlier, each of our ordinances has a first reading. We hear a staff report on what the ordinance is about. a public hearing is usually the second reading and then a 3rd reading where we take the final vote. So all of these items that are ordinances and they're here for public hearings like this one. We had a staff report about last week and now this is that public comment. So anyone here to
talk about the changes to the planning Commission process, please come o up. All right. I'm going to be fast. Good afternoon Chair I name is Christine Real. I live at 14, 15 Alaska Avenue in Ward. 3 and I'm here to speak about the proposed changes says the Pope Planning Commission. I've been a member of the planning commission since 2019 and chair for the last 2 years. I currently sit on the zoning committee, the steering communications nominations committee and I was chair of Comprehensive neighborhood planning for several years. So a lot of experience with the committee today. I'm speaking as an individual and not at the behest of the full commission. That being said, I can tell you that this proposal was very well received when presented to the commission. And I have received no comment from any commissioner in person or electronically pros.
The proposed changes. I believe the staff report does an excellent job of highlighting the benefits of this update. And my hope is that these changes make serving as a commissioner, more compatible with people's lives as well as simplifying the process for the public and the staff. I'm happy to take any questions. Otherwise. Thank you so much for your time. Thank you so much to make sure to sign and thank you for your leadership all of those different committees. Anyone else here to testify on this item come on up. And you can sign after you know, just of. But it is to 7, 5, 6, street Ward, 7 spree talking as a member of Transportation committee. I think that we need to have some discussions about the
future. The Transportation Committee because as it is established under city council and not by the bylaws of the planning Commission. There's a limitation of how we can effect the composition of the future of that committee there. I've spoke to multiple members who are former members of Transportation Committee who are very invested in the business of transportation Saint Paul who say they dropped out because they don't feel like their voice matters. They feel like this is a rubber stamp that their voice is just another one in the system. Things that they could go in to open house and save a Monday night. We need to make sure that we have processes in place for if we want to be able to pass resolutions. How does that come forward to the city council? How do we make
sure we are able to do more outreach to get a more equitable board on the Transportation committee as a whole and in my opinion, moving it under public works and not planning and economic development as there is not as much overlap in play. That kind of a development as the nuts and bolts of public works. And so right now it's kind of a little bit of both. But as our role is underneath the Planning Commission, it means that it's kind of a weird thing over kind of part of it and kind of not. And so I think some clarification as we are thinking about the future Planning Commission's report for transportation. Thank you. Thank you so much. To make sure to sign anyone else here to testify on this item. Seeing none. I will take a motion from his game to close the public hearing and leave
the matter over till JANUARY 7th for final adoption. All in favor say Aye. A post 6 in favor. None opposed. The public hearing is closed in. The ordinance is laid over to JANUARY 7 for final adoption. Item number, 37 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash to 91 celebrating the 50th year anniversary of Lehman Resettlement. The United States. I'll take a motion from his anchor version to an as yet. I'm gonna go up to what he Good evening, At this time I will be introducing the resolution to celebrate the 50th year anniversary of the most recent events. The United States. I know we have many excited folks here to support here in presence or to testify. And so I welcome you
all to join me at the podium. National do. Should they all that? You know, can we get a pass? A resolution? She hd told Shawn had the education can hold both going after the 2 began. It again. You thoughts have not without any sort of and appreciation I can do. And want to reference that we do have interpreter in the room here today, too. So if anybody would like their assistance, please go to them. If want to be what time who pay a hike the and the house at though, find the fun day. Knee-high don't you show time with photo need the chief u can I just get a show of hands for where the interpreter is? John Della. And then during the we will have a public hearing after this, especially because there are so many folks who are eager to come and speak about the significance of this resolution. Therefore, we will
need some extra time for interpretation at that at that time, took a pass, resolution, not that day. Do my call. They call a public Touch initiative law. Hi, Lou. On up heat on the microphone. They have a date that the Ching team to They published and they had up to at the side of from local The total haul. One it on me and I Tyler Daily and one day took a hot heat to come thank you so much, everybody. It is a truly humbling and such an honor to being for this resolution. My name is now seeing and I'm the same pod member representing words 6, which is a part of our wonderful Eastside community. And I can't say enough how special this moment is. When I look in, if the ruling today, i see so many people who are
the pillars of Army community and have really then the building block the building blocks that allow for a committee to have the quality of life they that they have today in our city. And I just in a city bus, so many of contributions too, communities and our entire community all across the country as well. And so I want to extend the thank you to everybody here who are I will made here in a bit. But I just want to really acknowledge on first off our veterans who have taken they're very special time to join us today. I I will what I want to for says, I want read out the resolution to share about what's in it and then I will make my comments briefly afterwards. Whereas thousands of Hmong involves were recruited by the United States Central Intelligence Agency. And the secret word led by
General Vang Pao serving as special curry like Eunice alongside U.S. Troops from 1961, to 1975. During the Vietnam War. And whereas many Hmong fled their homeland to 2 political persecution and a significant number of resettled in the United States. In the late 1970's as political refugees. After the 1975 into China, migration and Refugee Assistance Act and the refugee act of 1980, was signed into law whereas in NOVEMBER 1975, the first among family resettled in Minnesota. And we actually are joined by who one of the 3 0st families to move here into Saint Paul. And today the city of Saint Paul is home to more than 36,000 among people making it the urban city with the
densest monk population. And whereas the Hmong community has contributed to the growth and progress of our city and significantly shape their economic, social and political landscape through their cultural contributions and on monument achievements in many fields such as food, health care, education, entrepreneurship, nonprofit, first responders, government politics and more. And whereas we celebrate the latest accomplishments of distinguished Monroe models in our city, such as Mike Yu and award-winning pastry chef who opened to marquis putt history. Paris in 2019 and the fact her neighborhood Sunisa Lee, the first Hmong American Gold Medal Olympian at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a pow. How the site are Kelly her? The first Hmong American woman elected as Saint Paul NOVEMBER
2025. And former state representative district and countless others whose achievements reflect the strength, resilience and leadership of the monks, unity and continue to inspire future generations. And whereas the city Council remains committed to collaborating with them community to elevate and honor their experiences and identities and ensure they live lives that are dignified and thriving in the city. The result the City Council thinks the Hmong community for their profound leadership and contributions expresses support for the community's endeavors and wishes for their continued success and to for the resolve. The Saint Paul City Council celebrates and recognizes the 50th year anniversary o them only settlement to the United
States. I want to give a special thank you to. My staff, Sarah and selling out who helped put together the resolution and did their best to try and get the word out about this. And I want to think they can young 2, which board 7 residents who was one of the first few folks to reach out and say, hey, can we get this resolution? She has done really tremendous. And just by changing word in partnership with a woman leaders like Eliane and while Thao who founded the Women's Association Association of Hmong and Lao and I just want to mean that like I this would be overflowed if we had everybody in it, too, has had such a huge impact, too. Not only our community here in Saint Paul, but honestly all across the country. I what I have here today is I got a
story clock with me. Representative Charlie, ok, holding this of This is so in our area, you often see this. We call it our month and all it's a story class. And this story cause is very special to me. My family my parents and they came to the U.S. Here in the late 1980's and the response of here by 3 very wonderful individuals. Donna Howard, Julie Morgan and Tom Morgan. Who are honestly in my family friends and my My most amazing role models. Unfortunately, Donna left us a few years but when she passed away, this was returned to us. She had in her hometown it was on the wall the entire time. And this is a story clot that depicts the journey that and
people had to make when the experience after the Secret War was lost in that really, again, the people were recruited by the usda to fight against the spread of communism. And with that war was lost, then it resulted people having to the Spurs and flee for their own survival and I must say that I know to me it is such a tere's so much grief and I and people were left to die in the jungles and to fend for themselves when the Secret War was lost. And so this is the very you know, very difficult journey that they had to make where some families they had to walk for days. Some even months, just to get to the Mekong River and cost the
river to get to time. And so they cross that brder to get to the refuge and safety. You'll see here they were. You the flooding tubes to get got where on boats and eventually, you know, be we were able to come to the U.S. Here. And this is the story of for many people in even though I was born here in the U.S. And to Louisville for many parents, first landed. I always carry the story of my people with me because it is truly a story of strength and resilience. And over 5,000 years be used to live in what is now China and story. No matter no matter how many times we have been displaced have to have had to seek refuge. We have always
remembered that we are, you know, is the blood of people and that we are warriors. And among people we have been here for 15 years and want to make it clear that we are here to stay. To stay and invite of atrocities, the injustices that so many in our communities here and all across the country are experiencing from. The attack on our immigrant communities are undocumented communities, refugee communities. It is not really an attack all of us. Its an attack all of us since I can't say enough, how important this resolution to that the 2 years that I pople have and here but also speaks volumes about why it is so important for us to be in solidarity and to protect their communities to keep our families together. Because we know that love is
the strength of our community. And if it's anything, what I have learned from people is that love is always a the core of who are and why we're so family oriented. And so I just want to very briefly on foot. They resolution Aqui. Don't need to south 9 econo 100, but, you know, don't do it. You not p a they non y'all Jan. Each time the witching thing, he will be blessing and a little bit until now on only should just saw honeymoon. It's okay. Jones a key with don't have of bait something so that they home. Don't really talked camp at aca. They don't yet that the Neoga up at the Ceqa the condition faded. But back on, they had
me of that you look at than Balan don't know focal Heidi pavement going. I mean, not that she says shown. So, you know, they like down up and down union than on with So at this time, what I would like to do is I would like to transition to the public hearing and I I do have some limited number of resolutions here. We did not have enough. The only have 20 copies, but I would like to pass it for candies to veterans, our elders. And if anybody would like acopy into, I do want to make sure has a copy. One point we will mail them to you and my staff. Sarah will take care of doing that so he can make sure too. Meet Sarah. Can you raise your hand? Okay? Right. There Sonseeahray will look at your information in the case that we did not have enough for everybody also have
city hall pins that we'll to veterans well. All right. So I think he Sarah nasa to come here for a quick photo. We're going photo and that and then we went to the public hearing. Thank something that go But it's down. But what I do want to mention, too, is I just came back from maternity leave all of a many of you at that. He wasn't asking to meet my babies. Unfortunately newborn is not here. I I want to say thank you to. My father-in-law. Was Jean and up, speak up. Jacket that they would defy all maybe for a lot GOD job. My husband Com Jean case, he's in the and then my daughter Chad. Was one year old and my son, some guy
who is 3 years old. So and, you know, we do the work out here every day and sometimes our families don't get to says let me it's very special that they get to be here for such a wonderful moments. Instruct people from going to hand out resolution. Yes, thanks. And the I think we need version guess for before we do the public hearing. So we're just going to take a motion from a safer version take a vote in the 11 The public hearing. It's a motion from his incursion to all in favor say Aye. I'll post thanks. Favor none. Opposing the amendment is approved. And we have a guest in the middle of our worship some not visible above the day. Okay. What is no second to Representative Chai and says we have a great goup appear ready and they can just come one a one on to the microphone as I work with you. do you want them to be in the 2 lines? No, n, they can. Just a we'll just we'll start the public hearing officially and have pople say their names and had the tennis. Oh, okay. Great. Okay. So this
have interpreter help come up here to die. You're close to the mic and then comolli fights. Call it becomes PRESIDENT High on what to do. Welcome Webber's first. Yes, my name is state representative Cha from Woodbury. State representative, thank Thanks to the council into the city. I don't give history lesson, but I was born after 1975. 76 camp and I came to the United States and it came to Paul in 1981. My previous addresses for 95 and a half. Street North, which is adult bookstore on the corner of universe and That is my humble beginnings. I am the same call. I'm Saint Paul. I up in Saint Paul at 10, some pop-up school Webster Magnet
Elementary. And I'm a product. Of simple and that is why I'm here. I want to talk about the American dream. Ad it is possible it is a city like Saint Paul. It's a state like the state of Minnesota that today we have 9 mall. Let's say that the state Capitol of home 6 are from the refugee camps of Laos and Thailand. I'm so proud of the city. There 50 years. They have foster the community. They have supported us that provide us a new home and new home. They have foster. Our and their country. My dream. Is that it should be a legislative one day. And here I am standing. A little boy from refugee camp in 1975. Who resettled in Saint Paul in 1981 attended Saint Paul
Public school. The social services that was provided the public transit. I'm not ashamed. I'm not Faye to say that. I grew up wealth. I get up on food stamps. Lived in public housing and today I am a lawmaker in state of Minnesota. I'm so proud of the city and all of you that we shall continue. This partnership. And I know we're short on time, but for 50 years. Thank you very much. And want to think council member. No safer, bring forth this resuscitation and acknowledging those that came before us the most that other veterans and grandma and grandpas we bury the checks and cemetery. And that this is a forever home and we stand
with all immigrant communities in the city of Saint Paul, thank you. Thank you. Representative. Is make sure to sign. And after you're done. Welcome up. Got 2 minutes. Start with your name and where coming from. Good afternoon. MADAM Comes, members. My name is Michael Yang on the East Have been citizen of Saint Paul since 1979. Im a board member of the date is community Council. I want to thank council member Nelson Young for reaching out to me about this opportunity to speak in support of this resolution. During te Vietnam War, roughly about on it 55 it Sunday for the United States of America under the leadership of PRESIDENT John f Kennedy authorized the recruitment of my most people in Laos to fight and die in the places of thousands of American troops in Southeast Asia. American month secret Army trained and instructed United States had 3 specific.
Task. One cut off communist reinforcement to fight American troops in South Vietnam. To rescue a downed American pilots. Many time it took 15 to 20. The members. 4 rescue team won American 3 gather intelligence and protect the top secret U.S. Air base, 4 American bombing Operation Vietnam. The cost supporting the United States within months, including the death of my mother's younger brother and my father's younger brother. In the same day. Between 30 to 40,000 month, soldiers were killed. Many as young as 12 13 year-old. With many 1000 more missing in action. Hundreds of thousands of innocent women, children, the elderly, and all the sudden we also killed. The majority of those of us who survived the war content to be traumatized without any the a
benefit for vterans. Here in Saint Paul and across the nation among community continue to try. Contributing significantly to the Minnesota Economy's generating hundreds of millions in revenue. Leading local food movement. But domini 5 farmers market paying billions in Texas. Crucial roles and there's work. Sectors created a substantial economic engine value in the billions. As noted by the Minnesota Historical Society, the Minneapolis Saint Paul Business Journal to Nicholas Messenger, nba powers strategy. From large markets like little time of that age. 2 skilled professionals in medicine, education, technology, not to mention serving to us. Our forces and in legislative That is a little overtime. 72 to wrap up early Collective. Thank you.
Thank On behalf. Of in the spirits of a family, some of family. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. I'm so srry. 2 minutes a short, but I want to make sure everyone has the full attention of this council coming over Welcome. Know your own. My name is Mike And I'm a proud product of the see of Saint Paul. I was the first executive director and co-founder Hope Community can be the very unfocused chart. Public charter school here. In Minnesota and the country as well. This year marks 50th year living in the United States. Armin families have resettled here as a result of war in office here in Saint Paul, we witnessed the initial struggles of adjusting to a new life in America, including the harsh Minnesota winters. We not only survived the winters. We are here mking Minnesota and the city of Saint Paul are permanent home. The city of Saint Paul has had
has long health history of providing social services to new immigrants to have settled here. And as a families have grass that support. Hard work and perseverance Arman community here in Saint Paul has led and continues to lead the way for our Fldman communities elsewhere in the country and around the world. And as an example for other recent immigrants them on in Saint Paul has produced not only the first month charter school. But and Olympic gold medalists in easily. Are for Saint Paul Public School board member Julie? And of course, our state senator representing the East side. Meanwhile, among others and Wilson leasing pause, mayor that Cody, her. Are among family businesses continue to thrive. And so in closing, I strong support this resolution celebrating our 50th year here in United States when the city
gives to its people, the people will give back tenfold. This is what are among family here in the city of Saint Paul has done and will continue to do. So. Thank you for this opportunity to speak to all of you. Thank you so much. Make sure to sign I forgot my people. So I had to read from left No problem. Good afternoon council PRESIDENT And council members. My name is going to be and this is my husband Ponce. former Luton and with U.S. Secret War. He was one of the the only 10 long time. Not so that that's a lie. So everybody is, you know, disappearing. 1976, we came to Minnesota as part of the very folks feel lonely families to resettle in state. Minnesota new beginning. We spend most years on the east side of Saint Paul. Before mving on to people would just be You
know, it's good of the city of Saint Paul. We just couldn't move to fire away. See city of Saint Paul. You know, have come out interest one on time. As one o the food, small families in Minnesota. W carried a deep sense of responsibility to be good citizens of this great state and nation. We believe in helping one another. And in going strong relationship without know neighbors and community allies. To support growing community. My has been so far on board of the first nonprofit organization. Moment Association established in 1978 which later became now family community.
In 1980, I was honored to call found Women Association of Home. And now. The first nonprofit organization dedicated to support more We arrived with nothing but the clothes on our back yet. We carry hope, resilience and a strong desire to make me to sort out our home. If Place where everybody can enjoy freedom. Peace and harmony. As we mark the 50th anniversary Mon Resettlement in Minnesota. We ask for your support in recognizing and celebrating the historic milestone. It is an oportunity know the sacrifices contribution and achievement of them own people and their lasting impact on the great state Minnesota. You we are at we are wave headache. You and GOD Bless America. Thank you so much. Decide people time to up. Welcome. Thank Councilmember
PRESIDENT Council members. My name is minds that how PRESIDENT Ceo of the American Partnership, thank you for your support of the resolution and thank you to councilmember now see as well. This resolution is more than a measure of time. It is a recognition of resilience, contributions and belonging 50 years ago families right here in this cuntry as refugees of war, displacement and loss, they came with little material wealth, but with extraordinary strength, many of which you heard of it. Minnesota became home to the largest concentrated among population in the nation with Saint at the heart of our resettlement. And so over the last 5 decades among community has helped shape the city as well as the state economically culturally and civically. We see that
impact today in our classrooms in our hospitals and or city county state levels. Soon-to-be I mayor here in Saint Paul as well in our small businesses boardrooms, local, as well as even on the world stage. We see it in entrepreneurs creating jobs for the city. Young people leading with confidence and our elders who continue to persevere. Organizations like American Partnership. 35 Years Strong this year emerged out of necessity. From our community for our community, ensuring that our families can navigate a whole new country without ever leaving their identities behind. And in doing so. They not only strengthen the Hmong community here, but other New Americans
and all of Minnesota. And so not only does this resolution honor the Hmong people, 3 settlement here in the contributions that calls U.S. Forward. It challenges to remain united across cultures and generations to invest in policies and partnerships that expand opportunity and to ensure prosperity, safety dignity and shared by all of us. Thank you. Thank you very much. Nailed it on that Welcome, sight Pakistan. Montana. Then I'm not dawn, minutes of long on their now, Minnesota. Joe Brown. No, no. I'm going get a bit So happy Tuesday. The American people opened the door for to come in the. Yeah. Me that there yet,
though, don't do I make tat. So it does not go to. I don't know what they me because of wear Soto for you can and 61 until some the fight. And you have the opportunity to come in. thought that they that they did a lot that they do. I if they don't, I think they got a good general. left all home property fall. Like the government to take over and then become too. They be here. She's shown on my show in your sense oh, no, they time it got built up a little. But this year is so one of Sperry. Parks was to leave in the country for 50 years. name it jumped over all photos of a dominant down on. I don't get no, no, Don't tell you what brought. Want to Aidan that got mono all. One thing does ag says some
of the mall they know what to do and They end up with according to PRESIDENT Donald policy to take that back. Cole. So the kind like Joe law. Obama minutes have a picnic at the dump. It hot. But you do need talk to This year, the have mean by town mall Republican to talk to us It's a going over there. And then that same still have a struggle for us. Yeah, And down call. You know, Obama called on time Fayetteville dominant guy that got them a would go into failure on
pedal and I make out I want you the sound of a pickup John Time fighting with them, but they will fight them with to an amiable. The budget. Yeah. On against a PRESIDENT. Donald Trump about it. Everyone to come to the table and talk about what's the probably a be sure should be doing and then the don't want to let down Dawes ignore and up to go back home. You I'm on top all of those on low Hochul. Little said the whole Saint Paul momentum play put Joe Oh, yes, birthday. To come pass, how a Saint Paul and Minneapolis to have to get regarding. What do regarding tolls on. It was not. Depart. To to back to
Laos. does But just a man with a all of public out a piece that shape would think you thought out. But they don't, it will count on all they volume. Do not do it all. You know, make them to look at. Thank the time they got me. I'm a wall light them about it. Have I'm not talk about the all high level all about o at this moment. I would like to your entire console in Saint Paul here, too low us and and see what you can do. Like a Don't know yet make my way. I think, you know, they don't They all put a dominant got home it a mile. Salma Begum on vi auto site team with statement that was,
you Obama touts You long to make sure of Don't do sound like a family and then Simon to go back and then some state so it's a heart us. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign come up. Good afternoon. Council members council PRESIDENT. My name is Minding Hughes. I am the founder and executive director and museum. We are located in Saint Paul inside of Meng Village. So I would like to share a little bit history. That's a little bit further back. Among people have been displaced people for 200 years. And so when we think about that, that is for generations people who have
been displaced from China to lawless and now to the United States. So we're we're a group that were being oppressed in our culture was being race by some of the larger countries and so commemorating 50 years of Meng in the United States. Meng people here in Minnesota and in Saint Paul, which is kind of called mnk capital of the world. There are many things to celebrate and commemorate. And the last 50 years has been the most peaceful time for our people. And when there is peace, that means that there is growth. That means that there is a way for us to create and we have seen and heard all of those wonderful things. So I will repeat it here but of it. That is we should celebrate the 50 years I shared with one of my board members. Why Saint Paul
was so important to us. I was born and raised in Saint Paul and some of my best memories was going to como And now we bring our nieces and nephews to como zoo to create new memories. There with them. And so Saint Paul and Minnesota is our home my hope for the future for the next 50 years for the Hmong people is that we will be able to continue to celebrate our culture and preserve our our history. And that is something and museum is doing. And and so we hope that we'll be able to do this. I'm going into the future. And so I think you all for your time. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign in. These. Okay. Hi. Good My name is Gloria Wong. Have to do it on member on a members of the City Council, distinguished
guests, the ladies and gentleman, thank you for the opportunity to share a few words with you and support of the resolution recognize 50th anniversary settlement in the U.S. To city, Minnesota. Doing that with in a ward. Laos is a neutral country was heavily involved the U.S. Come patients knowing also has the Sicko War. Most people could trained me. By the U.S. Military base it to fight for them as a own soldiers, members of their communities suffered. Heavy casualties after the war ended. You ask pull out most people that get it for harsh treatments persecution, including tow kill prison in for was. The education by the new comment is reaching Today. I have the honor previous to come here to ask for your support for the is a resolution to honor and recognize profound Moos,
though the 50th and was upmost refugee settlement in the Unites these. This resolution is deepening point to me to many. In community because not It is these islands. It's strange sacrifices we have been doing doing active Zika work conflates many know as a Vietnam War. But one for us scars both visible. On scene. I speak from my heart. When I say that the memories of those days, so that it ice than I'm used run you through that. Tense and jungles lows fighting for my life. It's a 1, 2. And then in jeans, despite. A horse that we face, a fight that in doing. That is resolution months that not just 50, yes, I meant by mugs the use of transportation for the high mountains allows home it didn't committee too. Buses cb of America. We had 2 knee
far. We have called America Home. Not just mean it's pure. Think you it didn't have that bit of that. This great country. Thank you. Thank you so much. Make sure to sign in. Well, come up. PRESIDENT Calls across a member Cole. So PRESIDENT. My name's that home. And the chair to time in Minnesota. And I also a few Minnesota, on 1976. We all are. Here, too and he put the prize a housing site due to Jose, the court the Marshall and resting. That placed them Belmont community in Minnesota. And Nineteen's some of the ace in a 76. 77 78. gran Lau Cambodia. I
refugees status at. So among came to Minnesota, I lost a number on 1970. Mean, I-80. Also I was the guy, a caseworker working with coach or also this Minnesota. So Minnesota is that we have formby agency who sponsor among a Minnesota. A little different sources. So Kath reach it tonight runs a food and total This. So we need the firsthand a family in Minnesota. We talk association wave of doubts. Okay. Him. It first hand is the mostly we forgot about sponsor. A spa said do lot of and we spawn family. Mostly every family. Nobody be anguish. Going to depend on kids occur. 2, how
and 2 fine job if I housing apply for Social Security, everything from family. Before anything out. So. Have the way I change for coach or and language and everything. And I. By time, the 80 to 90, we have all. 80 or 90 plus and is a public housing that is that and 72 to wrap up. Yeah. And also public assistant. Tank you to take about 20 25 year, Florida. Among people at be off housing and public assistant. Thank you, sir. I do need you to stop there. Thank you very much. Please sign in and welcome up to our necks. Sorry, we need to keep of apologize. I wish I had what I can do. Tell you more about. Happened community, Minnesota. Thank you. Thank you very much. There's lts of other ways that we can interact as
well. The sides thus I know it's very limited. Welcome Mat. Thank you. Good evening Council PRESIDENT And council members. My name is Theresa Tallying 9. From White Bear All right. Flipped on the east side for a while. I want to thank council member again have for presenting this resolution as well as recognizing the 50th anniversary of the communities presence in the United States. This resolution commemorates a journey that began with displacement and uncertainty and has become a powerful testament to resilience, contribution and belonging. 50 years ago, the city of Saint Paul and the state of Minnesota. Family seeking safety and opportunity that will come strengthen our community over the past 5 decades, Simon community has made lasting contributions to our city and state as business owners, educators, healthcare
professionals, veterans, artists and public servants can Minnesota and leaders have served in elected office, built thriving enterprises and help shape public policy. As the principal at 2 key upper own language and culture middle school with in Saint Paul Public shools. A first the nation. This milestone as the professional and deeply personal. I'm here because of the sacrifices of our elders and because the city invested in education, opportunity inclusion, Saint Paul pblic schools now has 6 month principles assistant superintendent, the highest concentration of moment in us. Traitors in any district and school board member, this reflects intentional investment in equity,
leadership and educational excellence. 50 years ago among community arrived with hope today. We stand with pride together. We can ensure the next 50 years are defined by leadership, opportunity and shared prosperity for our children, our city and generations to come. Thank - you. Thank you so much. To make sure to sign in. Well, come up. Good evening. Everyone not shown my name being I'm an adjunct professor at the university, Minnesota. And they teach student development and academic identity. And dare I say that the Under dei. This resolution so important to me because of the identity that we give to people, specifically Saint Paul statewide.
Nationally recognized own as a group of people that has gone through so much and then has grown the economy in so many ways to particularly hurt the state of Minnesota. I want to continue to build that recognition and knowledge front for our money people in especially from young generation of students. I still see I was there 25 years ago as undergrad and now I still see a lot of students coming here and still grappling with their money identities in so many ways. I see some that completely embraces it in sum continues to learn are still trying to grapple with it like right? Like I grew up in a predominately white neighborhood and then I went to u of m which predominately
white. Right? And so I did come to terms with my identity and tie joined among sudent groups. And in fact, one of my mentors. The universe of us are there's only 3 can kind of one people that can help us. And we we held onto their for your life because we ae family my my students now. Are still. Grapple with that. And so if we cntinue to honor and recognize and acknowledge our resilience. I think our identity just continue to grow as we modernize and start where all these beautiful, most closed and that the heavy stuff that we have that they think of the I think we'll just continue to help for young people come to terms with and continue to represent U.S. Worldwide. Thank you very much. To make sure to sign in. Anyone else Expected to
speak Well, good evening is seeing council PRESIDENT Council members, community members my name is Paul a byproduct in the success story of Saint Paul. 50 years ago, the Hmong people began a journey not of choice but of courage. Recognizing the 50's and Versiti among 7 that matters because memory matters. It affirms that history is not forgotten. That sacrifice is not invincible. And that the promise of America includes those who paid a price for its freedom long before they've ever set foot on its soil. In Saint Paul. That promise route from the first phone family was settling here in Minnesota. Back in 1975, this community has built some 10, something extraordinary. And we help. We have helped strengthen our economy and richer culture and shape the civic life of our city. This story inspires not
only the Hmong community communities because it reminds us that what is possible when city chooses inclusion over difference. And this is personal. I'm a first generation immigrant. The proud son of Ray parents, uncles, grandparents, uncles elders who fought in the war. And sacrifice everything. So we could be here today. I'm the first in my family managed to attend law school and right here in Saint Paul at Hampton University School Law. Now this is owner with my own law firm practicing here in the Twin Cities. My story is not unique is a reflection of what happens when immigrants are given a chance to belong. This is what makes Minnesota special ad this is what makes Saint Paul strong. Supporting this resolution is about honoring the pass, recognizing the present and committing to a future where every community can live with dignity,
opportunity and pride. And today we celebrate 50 years of resilience and we look forward with gratitude, confidence to the generations. Still to come. Thank Thank you very much. Make sure to sign in. And anyone else here to speak on this item. Coming up. Thank you. As Pall Mall and I living on use ice and Paul. And I could and I so many people to talk about so many day. So I making yeah. Another bull city console updates the same post City. They community. I would like to this press release a survey appreciation. For your hard work. Put your leadership. And
continue case. Jean, to this city, Austin poll. Thank you for your ongoing support. And coming To improve decor it of JULY for resident is simple. Including d'mon Committee. Yeah. And food to promote. He called it. Saftey economy, a paternity. And community development. Have how to make Saint Paul a place to live and work and raise family children. Grateful to your point she? You're listening? You'll in, you know, real nice. To stand it own come it. To bail as strong. Good. And healthy ad more a closely
city for every one. Thank you again for your in That all that you do for the more people. And for everyone is the city of a simple. Thank you so much. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign in. Anyone else here to testify on this item. My name is Jalen Hussein and executor care. Minnesota. But I want to tell my experience and first and foremost, it brought a lot of emotions to me. I came here in 1993, in Minneapolis and Minneapolis was very white in the 90's. Most of you probably know. But as a Somali American immigrant, our story is really a reflection of who made it home for us here. And it was among population. I'll share with you 2 stories first and
foremost, my first friend that I ever visited their home and played video games with them. My parents ever allowed was one in South Minneapolis and my childhood friend Bancroft. This bll meant to school some side. I don't know. I don't know where he's at now, but and I remember him just sharing and feeling a sense of welcome. And I believe most of our immigrants who came after them population, we are indebted to yu for your. Grace for what you had to endure to create an environment that is welcoming to other immigrants and people of color. You took a lot. You dealt with a lot and you pave the way for all of us. I remember as a child looking and my parents looking for things that we remembered in
our communities and we found them in the grocery stores with is the Chinese medicines are the things that we knew. And finally, remember. My father and I had been asked to. It explores farming and so we can to Rosemont. And we started to farm and it was among farmer who fund me and my dad sitting on the floor trying to plant a petite tomatoes, the old way. And he looked at us and he said, what are you doing? So we're planting tomatoes that that's and I remember him coaching and helping us. And so I will say that Minnesota and the city of Saint Paul is greatly indebted to them and population their sacrifice, their incredible gift to this city to our community truly is a Somali Americans, especially
in this unique moment. I want to thank you and celebrate 50 years and many more years. Thank you so much. Your view, as we say, we are family. Thank you so much. To sign it. Anyone else testify on this item? Otherwise, was a motion from his incursion we argued okay. So motion for missing for approval. Any discussion of the Motion Council vice PRESIDENT? Yeah, I just want to just radar in a some of the things that were mentioned, but the largest delegation of our current posse delegation the state legislature's month. And that is not without investment in leadership of these communities. I was very honored to attend the 50th anniversary celebration with Councilmember combing cuts, one customer now see was the inventor. And of Councilmember Johnson. And it was an
incredible evening dancing and food and celebration. Also one the through line was crease. There's a lot of loss in our communities to come here. I want also bring in 2 names to space. You know, our current county commissioner, my charge on my challenge on who is our first person on county board in the state of Minnesota is right here. Ramsey County and also want to bring in the name of relatives. Councilmember what an idol and mentor of mine as well. Our former school board member Mary who breathed fire in to justice and breathes life into liberation. And I MISS Her a lot. I also have a story similar to Giuliani's my neighborhood, auntie. Took me
under her She spoke to me and I'm Karin speak money. I think I a song and that's about it. She spoke to me on his if I understood every things that she said that ended my clothing. She passed on her culture through through food. She murdered me an elephant's foot that I have in my home and of learned the correct way to roll egg rolls from her. But I just want lift out. The last thought is there are so many communities that are here Minnesota. Now and have it a little bit better and easier because they're among community arrived here and fought for better processes. Better services, stronger laws. And so they're our communities and especially in the north and Crandon Burmese anchor any folks. That have landed here and had a little bit easier in spite of all the loss and hardship on the way to get here. But it's because the way because folks
lead the way on bettering everything that we are systems needed to welcome you, folks to Minnesota. So we and vry honored and very happy that you brought this forward. And thank you so much for your leadership on this council meeting. Thank you. Vice PRESIDENT This comment. Thank you. I just I want to echo the thanks to Councilmember Yang, the Having the space having this resolution, it is a real privilege to have a conversation in the space in this room and we've been able to have over the last little bit of time I think it is a reminder of everything that we are working for here in the city of Saint Paul on the type of city that we want to be, which is one that great opportunity and welcomes people and celebrates people for exactly who they are. And opens door to those who experienced incredible grief, incredible strife. That brings people into a city where they
can be hope at home. So and a couple to everybody who spoke thank you so much. Thanks for reading. And I fully think you got present. I also just want to say thank you for well done. But now I know I think about really the power representation how you allow for communities voice to be present and even and all of testimony that was given today, I learned so much. I also just want to say thank you for also being a invitation providing invitation and to your community understanding that word. One also has such a linesman population. I just think about just like my my upbringing and being born in the early 90's, like Meng community was the cost fabric was the foundation of like what I know of community in a strong pillar and it's just a honor to serve alongside that representation now and the council even now on a
transition with them a year. Mayor-elect Cooley, her, I just want to also just highlight because we talked about it, John, who I've met as the l a and also I want to recognize a former council member, Dai Thao. You know, House hear you might be still in Florida. Hoping to see a surprise. But and his his public service and his commitment and being the first purse and I believe in entire state to serve on the council. Also to recognize him. Also on the immortal spirit, who like my on stories teller. I met in school to due to juror on job and like his enormous beautiful spirit and how he told a story and how he just I just think it just transcended, particularly
around the love and the passion in the history and also want to highlight the first author who ever heard and that made me cry like when I think about the story of Saint Paul, you know, cool. Luckily, her gives weekly call Kalia Yang. And and I just remember like in my upbringing, especially being a creative writer and finding my voice right and find my story how viable she sharing her story about. Being being in a giving back. I believe at a homeless shelter, something service, shelter, welfare lie and seeing her mom, you know, being at line, getting Christmas toys and like seeing how like the sacrifices her mom had to go through,
particularly to make sure that her kids had something for it during the holidays and how. Is a very similar story. So many communities of color, so many communities that experienced poverty, right. And I just want to say, I commend you. I know sometimes especially and the settings and public farms, you we don't get enough of this historical context. We don't get enough time to really, truly are in generally honor the people in the leaders that coming. So thank you so much. Chapel done. Thank you, MISS Billy. Will just add my thanks to you. Ms Yang. I want to thank everyone who spoke here today. I want to recognize that often what was being shared very personal and in some cases, very painful stories. And and I'm really grateful to those who took time. And we're willing to share those with us. In addition to
everything that's been said, I think what is truly remarkable about the Hmong community has been the way that they have come embraced. Saint Paul embraced Minnesota, embrace United States contributed so much to the community defined and shaped the community and still hld on 2 among culture and language and traditions. And that is extremely difficult balance to strike. And it is it's inspiring, I think to everyone who has come from somewhere else to make this place So thank you for leadership in bringing this for allowing us to commemorate this important year to many, many, many more, 50 years is to come all right with that. I think we'll take a all in favor say Aye. Aye. All post 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted. Item number, 38 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash 2.83. Approving the establishment of the Grand and Victoria Redevelopment Project area and
the grand in Victoria tax, increment financing, district and approving the adoption of a redevelopment plan and a tax increment financing plan. Therefore, and the use of a project labor agreements. This is a public hearing. If there's anyone here to speak on this item, please again, come on up. You can line up on both sides of the microphones and you'll have 2 minutes coming up. Make sure to start with your name where you're coming from. He shouldn't have to adjust the microphones and make sure to sign. And when you're done. PRESIDENT Neck or city council members, thank you fr the opportunity to speak this afternoon. My name is Bob Laszewski and I'm a member of the Insight Steering Committee. Insight. Members have conducted exhaustive analysis of the use of Tiffin the city of Saint Paul. And we have come to the conclusion
that it has been overused, that it is not accomplished objectives and that it has been very costly to taxpayers. Now, documents detailing our analysis are in the public record and we hope you've had a chance to review They reflect our opposition to the use of tips on this particular project. Now, I should add that I shouldn't make make it clear. We're not opposed to this project. It very likely will be a net benefit to the neighborhood. We are opposed to the use of tooth out. 2 million, 2.9, 5 million dollars, 4 to 5 this project. Insight has noted tat 8% of the property taxes of each
individual in the city of Saint Paul go to support the cost of tif projects. One of the requirements in the tif policy per se Pul, is that a tip project? A clear and compelling public need. Call public purpose. I ask you, as you think about approving this project, does this project meet the high standard of having a clear and compelling public purpose. Making a judgment that you're going to give a substantial Blick subsidy to a very successful developer and add to the cost of that are all very, very high forces say Paul taxpayers. Vote on project is going to be very closely observed and will have an impact on a whole other developers present themselves for future projects. Thank you this consideration. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign
come on up. Welcome. greetings, council, president council members. My name is Barbra Sibley. I'm from Ward 4 ad I'm also a member of the insight Up program and I'm a veteran of 45 years of product manufacturing in variety of interest industries from computed supercomputers to medical devices. Therefore, I'm very experienced plowing through thousands requirements certifications. Tess and proof of of compliance. Therefore, when I was reading the packet last week at the hra meeting, I expected. A detailed even in the preview, a detailed report of the but for test. This feels conversational rather detailed proof. And I really hope that you received that in all of your deliberations
about this. I can understand the use of 2 for this project other than that guy needs financing for that vote. It I I would have expected to see something about asbestos in here would have expected to see something. Other than small infill project in an already improved land. That's that's not beefy in have to me for meeting the but for test. And comparing it to the Hillcrest Golf Course. Now that's not using to of the Port Authority decided not to use tif there. And I think that first from what I understand, it's part of their relationship and project in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. No, that's a property with all the contamination that was there from golf course, practices. What could understand that
being a prime. Prime target for tiff this one. I'm not buying it. I can be positive the project and queasy about use of tif, please. I hope you looked at the public comments. There were extensive both to the city council into the hra. Please consider that the city that's taxpayers have a lower and lower at the tape for Tiff. Thank you. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign unwelcome up. All right. Good Evening Council PRESIDENT Council members, thank you for your time here. I'm a taxpayer. If your name and where you're coming from, Susan Johnson and I have lived. And here it up 2 points on Proposal just to say that. I just don't feel that
taxpayers should be. To play paying subsidy. For someone to come in and develop this area. Where we are going to be paying the taxes and for the services in the area. And it's really more of a private funding that the developer should be coming in to talk to banks and taxpayers should not be. Shouldering this burden I really feel like it's it's not our role that it's a banking thing. This petite a second point is that this particular area. Is I have shopped and dined know, in this area for decades. I've lived in various areas of work for I love Grand Avenue and it's always been kind of a shifting.
Businesses come and go. But it's a you know, it's a neighborhood that embraces all of the businesses whatever developer comes in. Ad gets that spot and gets the funding which should be private funding is going to make a good profit. And I don't see it's not meeting the criteria for a blighted area. It's a vibrant area. And so I just don't think that it's appropriate. And thank you for your time and listening. And I'm just asking you to please vote no. Thank you. Thank you very much. To make sure to sign in. Well, come up. Thank you. Present Necker. And council members. My name is Lee at a Hue and I'm a concerned citizen of Saint Paul. The 8.45 Grand Avenue project. Is located at the intersection Grand Avenue in
Victoria. It's one of the most desirable commercial areas. Saint Paul. You're being asked to support. The developer. With tips funding at the expense of your constituents. During this past mayoral election. I not done dozens and dozens of doors. And many of the people I talked to expressed deep concern about their property. Taxes are going up and there very high. Some of them even said they were struggling to pay these taxes and that they were thinking seriously mving out of Saint Paul because they couldn't afford to maintain. Their home. You're now considering an almost
3 million dollar gift to a developer. You're asking your constituents to bear costs. Your constituents deserve. As much consideration as the developer. Please show your humanity, do your constituents and vote no. The tif tiff aspect of this funding request. Thank you. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign it. Council PRESIDENT And council members. I'm John Manilow. PRESIDENT Of the Lowdown future find and member of insight as well. I believe already pirates. The developer is a fine developer. And he's correct to say Saint Paul is dead last in major U.S. Cities for new housing development. But the main reason for our concern because over use of tif subsidies deplete our tax
base to pay for the operation of our basic needs. To think Reese's property taxes to all same poll tax payers, both residential and business. In the late 1990's. 3 major downtown office projects were developed using Oce these projects were built. Our commercial vacancy rate jumped from the healthy 5%. Quickly to a 30% problem. Has incentivized extensive development in our downtown without having adequate demand to absorb all the new vacancies. Competed with existing tax paying buildings. All of downtown experienced a major reduction in valuation. And we have never recovered. The struggling commercial
market vanish track. Did Madison equities? To board up everything at rock-bottom prices say Paul couldn't support its basic needs that healthy downtown's usually have to survive recession or a pandemic. Alise, most unlike most cities, we have not. Been able even to begin to recover. The city claims. That it is a myth to say, too, if it's a gift to a developer. The truth every year using pay as you go tariff. Should I say to funding developers, receive a check back, no strings attached from the city. Thanks. That is the time I need you to wrap up. Thanks so much. Art. Could I? That's 2 minutes. Thank you. Thanks for the Senate. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT And council members.
My name repair its 10. 26 Portland Avenue. I'm the founder and PRESIDENT Of Afton Park Development and leading the redevelopment project at the northeast corner of Grand a Victoria. First wives want to appreciate the members from inside Saint Paul who are I think the research and analysis that that they've done is important. I think it is. It misses the mark in a few important ways as it relates to this specific project. But I do want to publicly acknowledge how much I appreciate there care attention and effort into the fiscal future of our city. Something that I also care very much about, as I'm sure you all do, too. One thing important data point that I want to share make sure that the record is clear. The property today currently generates around $200,000 in
revenue to the various taxing districts. If this just plan is approved, nothing happens to that $200,000 a year that goes into the taxing districts to pay for city services. I just want to make sure that everybody understands that number because it hasn't been publicly stated before. Over the past few years. There's been no shortage of hand wringing and frustration about the challenges that Grand Avenue has had the revitalization of its commercial storefronts in the production of new housing have been widely acknowledged as important public goods that Grand Avenue in the city as a whole neds in order to remedy some of the challenges that it's adding to enable important growth patterns for the next couple of years. Lights as it's been talked about for this specific
project has been misinterpreted. This intersection has not played. This intersection is a fantastic intersection in the city. These properties, the specific physical buildings on our personal our personal only have been found. There are third-party analysis to be blighted, right? So that's been a part of the public discourse for asked number of days. I just want to make sure that everyone is clear these specific buildings have either already falling apart or are in dramatic need of substantial renovations. That qualifies plate. That's why this project qualifies. And I very much appreciate your support and attention. Thank you very much. To make sure sign in. anyone else here to speak on this item? All right, seeing none. I will move to close public hearing on the caisson discussion all in favor closing the public
hearing say Aye. I'll post. 6 in favor. None opposed. Public hearing is closed. a grateful I a want to say thank you to everyone who came out to testify in this matter and not only testify today, but also to send copious public comments a referenced. Both to us and to housing and redevelopment Authority. Just a quick point of order. We will actually vote as a council and then we will do some magic in a moment and we will gavel out the council. We will become the inch we will take a vote nature. And then we will come back to being the council for the rest of our agenda because this does need to be voted on by both bodies. I will start by saying a couple things that I fully agree with that have been expressed here tonight. And in the testimony, one of them is that tif is a tool. That needs to be used
judiciously and it needs to be used sparingly. Like any, well, we have we need to be careful that we're using it only when we need it and that we are following the policies we've set out to determine whether or not it's needed. None of us wants to be center a minute and anything that doesn't need it. All of us here are concerned about growing our tax base and concerned about the tax burden. And that is why I'm I'm glad that we have a policy that limits the amount of tips in our city to no more than 10% of taxable market value. There's always a a ceiling on how much of any of our market value can be captured in And I am also grateful inside Saint Paul. I think they've raised excellent points. I know many of the folks who are here tonight, we've actually sat down around my table in my office. We've had extensive conversation. We can we can and will continue to do that. I think especially good points about the need to decertifying
close districts after they've paid themselves off. And I'm really looking forward to the year ahead. We plan a public conversation probably at our Budget committee about half about the myths about the truth and about policy changes that we might want to make to how we we used half. And then finally, also agree with I think everyone who commented on this issue that we want to expand our tax base and that is the ultimately the best way in a fully built city to lower the property tax burden. We have to develop so that we can make the most of the land we have and we can bring taxes down for everyone. In this kid is reviewing the record and reviewing the third-party analysis, which was again, not done by city done by outside consultants. I do think that the blade testers met. I think there's compelling evidence that this project would not happen. But for the the 2 million dollars of tips that
we're talking about, I think people can question that. So far I haven't seen evidence the questioning being accurate. We have not seen development happening. In Saint Paul without subsidy in the last few years. And I think that is a problem. That's something all of us want to do something about. But I do think it takes some catalytic investments to try to get those developments happening in the naked. S that we get through this inflationary period. We get through this tariff period and we get to a point where development can happen again on its own. But in the meantime, we have the option to not grow or we have the option to grout. So for me, the evidence is clear that tip is justified in this project. And so I will be voting in support. Look into my colleagues to see I'll make that motion. If there is
discussion on that motion. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Wanted to say appreciate everyone came to testify and I do appreciate you. Opening up, particularly with intentionality for next year to learn more about what it is and what's not. I think all of us appreciate going to a crash course around test. I unfortunately not able to be present during the hra meeting, but I do want to acknowledge on record. I did get a chance to get brief by the pd director and I also have shared with you to you know, understanding that there has been examples of projects and my that have utilized tiff and one of the things that I in principle and was is the value of minds is make sure that these financing tools are going towards building affordable housing. So for
that, I do support the project and I do have a relationship, particularly with the developer and wanted to and, you know, ensure support them that they have what they need, particularly revitalizing that, whether it's grand avenues, commercial corridor, other development aross the city. But it is really important for me that we use these tools, particularly for party of affordability and making sure that people have not only affordable housing but sustainable housing. So I will not be in support of this, but I do believe I had a chance to talk with some of my colleagues who will be a support of it. But that is a value of mines moving forward into the future. And I just want says, make that very clear. So if people in question particularly of how I vote, that is a principle for me that I'm standing on. Thank you, Is there any other
discussion of the motion? Seeing none. We'll move. Looks like 2 of roll call vote. Coleman. Yes, just yes. Council PRESIDENT A Kurd. I 5 in favor want to pose that being councilmember bully? The resolution is adopted. All right. We're going to the councilmember fully. The resolution is adopted. With nothing else to come before chair is adjourned. Meeting of the safest city Council to order Roll call. Please thank here. Coleman Johnson toast. Here comes PRESIDENT Maker here, 6 present one absent being Councilmember Johnson and she's excuse item number. 39 is resolution public hearing. 25 Dash 10 public hearing on federal immigration operations. Insane and Saint Help Police Department conduct
in Saint Paul. All right. This is the to do making comments. But okay. This is a public hearing. Anyone who's here to speak on this item as we've been doing before a lineup on both sides. Coming up, you'll have 2 minutes. Start with your name where you're coming fom. Make sure to sign him in your Good evening. I am independent journalist, Georgia for I was live streaming on 11. 25 I own 2 commercial properties in that district. My children go to school nearby is the neighborhood where I grew up. And standing today for the 3 journalists who are attacked by the Saint Paul Police Department on NOVEMBER. 25th. One who had to be taken by ambulance and for myself, who was repressed from being able to do my job because of the reckless decision by sppd to throw smoke and should not the people they claim were breaking the law but
recklessly at anybody standing on the other side of smoke. This week, I publish over 2 dozen videos on my Web site that serve as evidence that Sppd used excessive force. Excessive ue of chemical agents and violated our separation ordinance by coordinating with federal agents. Today, I also published evidence that coordination as ppd not only held the line for agents but gave no clear commands or warnings while allegedly doing crowd control. Last week, I asked the chief with the officers who attacked journalists be held accountable. And he said I was pre assuming it happens. For the record. I do not need to assume what I witnessed. A I close it simple. We want
answers. How long will the investigation Tate? When will my request for body camera footage be approved and be aware there will be fotage missing because there were cops who are not wearing their body cameras, which is a violation of their own policy, which I have proof of that to in the article. And lastly, will this council take a stand for the constitutional rights of the 3 journalists injured by Sppd. It would make clear to me in JUNE when a federal arrest occurred at my office 2 blocks from here. But I cannot count on city leadership to stand up against the feds. But when the offense is at the hands of Sppd, the lack of action is extremely disappointing. Yes, last week's resolution was a small step forward, but it is a far cry from accountability. Thank
you very much. The council vice PRESIDENT At how vice PRESIDENT Reminded me that there is also at time or that you can see in front of us? Well, I think yes. All right. Well, coming up. Hello, my name is my good buddy. Thumb. A first generation Mexican American West Sider. I do want to think City Council for providing the space on NOVEMBER. 25th for us to tell our stories what happened that day and allowing us this opportunity today to do the same. My family close friends that were inside the home on Rose Avenue. We were in direct communications with them as this unfolded. And at no point and was there an active warrant presented for the individual who was taken despite that the same police department assisted federal agents in arresting a man who had not been proven guilty. I want to be very clear the presence of the Saint Paul Police Department escalated the situation. I was on the front lines attempting to
communicate wth officers. I believe that they were there to protect public safety and a First Amendment rights. But instead, eyewitness peaceful protesters pushed back ppper spray and tear gas while exercising their right to protest. Saint Paul police were more aggressive and more violent than the federal agents on site. Contrary to what the police chief has stated, I did not witness any protesters arming themselves with sticks and rocks, ice routinely operates in ways that disregard due pocess. Asked federal agents detain people without warrants refuse identify themselves and take people from public spaces. That is an unconstitutional seizure. For the people experiencing. It's indistinguishable from being abducted. This is not hypothetical U.S. Citizens and lawful residents have been detained under these
unconstitutional practices. The chief has said police were present for public safety. My question remains, why is this that all when federal immigration enforcement repeatedly violates constitutional protections? If we are truly a sanctuary city are police should not be legitimizing these actions. We saw a different approach in Chanhassen. People oppressed. Police were present and did not engage with protesters. If that can happen in Chanhassen has to happen here in Saint Paul. City Council members. I urge you to direct immigration assistance funding to dstrict planning councils and entrusted hyper local organizations and affected communities. These resources must be close to home where trust exists and response is immediate not lost in Metro
wide statewide or national systems. Thank you. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign Council PRESIDENT. Distinguished City Council and distinguished guests. a reparation U.S. And community member versus to forest the forest. Arrival of enslaved Africans in the Americas, policing in penal policies and practices were an act to discipline control. Acclimate, acclimate, black people to systems of exploitation. The criminal injustice system, which evolved as a direct extension and protector of the interests of the poor plate and political interest o the corporate and political elites in the U.S. For one of runaway slave patrols. Vagrancy last
chain games. The convict lease system to relentless police violence killings and mass incarcerations races, policies and practices have decimated black families in communities. The pc or civilian review board up till NOVEMBER. I think up until NOVEMBER has a 80 complaints. More than half of them will not be heard this year on. 42 of them won't be her. And then 20 of them are still open civilian criminal cases. So we think this needs to be addressed. Also during the George Floyd that were not very many. Changes from 2020. 25 to 2025 around the Saint. Paul police departments, policies and procedures. So we are strongly encouraged to Saint Paul City Council to
take these mtters up Expedition. Thank. Thank you very much. Hi, City Council peeps unnerving here. Before I respect your position have properly. My name is Rebecca I moved here a year ago with my family and I live on the east side of Saint Saint Paul. We are excepted immediately by the community. My daughter's sold Girl Scout cookies. Here. We've been helped love. We love our neighbors are my daughter loves to walk down Rose Street to go to the Arlington Hills Library, their stray cats and dogs that she interacts with. This is our neighborhood. It's a diverse neighborhood. It's filled with all different immigrants from all different communities. So when I heard that there was a disturbance on roads with ice, I headed over
peacefully observed and I wasn't going to come to speak today until I read read. Read article yesterday, the head multiple misstatements and flat out lies from the police chief. It was stated that Sppd didn't use chemical weapons until the end. And I know from personal experience that this is a lie. I was pepper sprayed by s p psy with peacefully observing long before they misused pepper tear gas on the crowd. They use that literally. They use I without bias. I felt bug spray as if I meant nothing to these people. As if I was not a person. I was something to be controlled. To realize from a police department that supposed to protect us is horrifying. So my questions are why were they in riot gear at 11:00am. Heard of any any event, anything that they needed to
be in right here that they had come from. Why didn't they communicate to the crowd? Right? And they say where we need to move back. You need to spray. Why did they get out of their cars to hurt others? I personally believe that a show of force from Sppd was purposeful in a neighborhood already on edge from the actions of ice. They protected ice allowed community member to be kidnapped and did measurable damage to the delicate trust of the marginalized community. Thank you. Thank you very much. A sign council members, my name I Kane to beaches, panels independent journalist photographer. Also one of the journalist that was out there when the rate was going on my ankle guys from doing this posh his re. Not only that, I just wanted to have quick reef assignments just a moment of prayer for my system. Only colors, Dodi. And I just want to put it on the record. I
asked that the mayor that's leaving the office in the mayor. That's coming in. Please look into Markus Golden case in clear his name because he does have family members that's troubled about what happened to health. Also witnessing what happened during that particular time of the re. I pepper sprayed our shot at and things of that nature what they do was totally preposterous. They basically gas light at the committee and I do not feel safe around Saint Paul police officers do not trust and what make it so bad. Ice basically all walked away, investing. You know, it seemed like they just wanted to Saint Paul police oficers just want us a leash. A lot chemical gas. That's what we witness. And it was totally preposterous. I
still have nightmares. I still have shortness of breath. And also I still have trauma and this is unacceptable. And i hope and pray that you all understand and also take this very serious. Basically what we're going through. And I says here we know they're here to stay. And this is just not the beginning. This is just a start. A tip of the iceberg dealing with the administration that what we have an Appreciate Thank you. All. Good evening, everyone. And council members and council PRESIDENT. My name is Angela Jerome Tech. There. And I am a resident of Saint Paul North and NOVEMBER 25th. I was on my way to the East side Wi-Fi, on Maryland Avenue. When someone was standing
on Maryland blowing whistle and pointing out the residents on Rice Street where the ice parade was taking place. I drove around the block, picked up. Park the car and joined the people there to observe ice's actions. About one hour later, maybe less. Began to see groups of Saint Paul police walking to the raid each with a spray canister of chemical agent. When I saw the Saint Paul Police Department joining ice in such large numbers and geared up it frightened me. At that point. I went to the back of the house because I didn't care to inhale pepper spray like the previous week at the borough tax rate. The chemical agents affected me for about a day and a half afterwards. The difference was that at the pro tax rate, it was only federal agents at the Rose Street raid. It was alarming to see the large number Saint Paul police officers seeming to join. In and protect the federal agents.
Thank you very much. Just a reminder to folks to make sure to sign an either before or after you testify. Well, come up. My name is to share my heart hurts for the way that I seen human beings get What we saw was what a lot of our families. Are living with every day of our life after having encounters with the Saint Paul Police Department. I want to say that this is not about us being against police. This is about if anybody hurt another human being or mistreat another human being for any reason at all. That they should be held accountable. And it said. That last week. That you walked out on
our community. We have families that are out here that are hurting. We have children that are living without their fathers after recounting the Saint Paul Police Department. And then the community got a chance to see the station that could come from the Saint Paul Police Department. And when we came here to express that to you. You Shine dose, you walked away and that hurts deeply. Do you know how hard it is to come and stand in? Be next to the people. That hurt your family. And to stand up and to be shot like that is a pain that I can't describe. But I forgive you. And I forgive the Saint Paul Plice Department. But this still doesn't mean that the Saint Paul Police Department is not need to be held accountable.
But the pain for the correction. And for everything that has been done to our community and most of all human beings. I would tree your family the same way. That I want you to treat my family and that's dignity and respect. I thank you for being here for listening. I thank you for my community for standing up. Against evil. And collapsing. Thank you. Thank you very much. It's sure to find him. Hi, good evening, MADAM. PRESIDENT Council members, my name is the West Side. Yeah, I'm really resonating with a lot of what I'm hearing. People say and You know, like the the creation of police departments and what they represent. It just feels like we're still really dealing
with. The branches of the what of those through through line about money and about power. It's about money and power decisions that are happening here today. It's we have to start signing with people instead of the structures that are in place that will always inherently benefit. Whites, white folks and white supremacy patriarchy. Folks have been terrorized for for generations. Some of our have been terrorized by the police for generations, whether it's black, indigenous brown bodies. We're from folks, anyone who's been marginalized by the police. I want to invite us because my ability to be here tonight comes to with my privilege and want to sit with that. And know that it also takes people confront
overcome Of the barriers for them to speak up. So there's a lot of people here who aren't here tonight. Well, there's a bunch of federal thugs in our neighborhoods. We have our dogs. And bad cops make all caps the bat and they're just people. Right? So they get they can feel that power in the moment. But I want to invite us all to come back together and think about how we can get these dogs out here and how we can start making decisions that Senator people and not power, not money, because that's not what we're about. That's what all of Arc's are about. That's what America's about. But that's not what we the people are about. If we take that police departments have too much power in every city in this country, get their money, put it in communities because we
got us. Thank Thank you very much. Come on up. Welcome. Good afternoon. My name is Rudy. I am resident and the Saint Paul, you cited on NOVEMBER 25th. We were called any side community show up to be legal observers, peaceful protesters and ensure the safety of the family who is private property was being invaded by federal agents. One make that very clear in light of all the things that coming about as more, more more of us gathered to again, legally observed to peacefully protest and to make sure that the family is safe. We were alarmed by the amount of sppd officers arriving at the scene and being the ones to agitate
and break our peaceful chains of human chains that we had in place I like to say that on that day, I did not realize that I was going to get pepper sprayed and tear gas for asking as officer for their badge number because we were asking who are you wish? Are you representing? And you can see in their badge clearly or their littles signatures. It said as ppd. But instead I was met with tear gas and pepper spray. Not only that. I was also met with rubber bullets. It's only 3 weeks for my the rubber bullet that hit me as I was retrieving away and other residents know that there's tear gas in the area being
held in there. Place of residence. It took me 3 weeks to heal from that and I'm sure others experienced a similar thing. So I am here to really asked the council 2 reassure and make sure that the separation ordinance is clear and it is met and that is followed by Sppd. And they also held accountable for their actions and aggression that they thank Thank you very much. But it is to Maureen 0, 7, 6 street East last night I was at the Eastern District, please community meeting the district commander told us we don't want to pick sides. The actions that Rose showed us picket signs. They said they're here to protect the community. We don't feel protected. Words mean little in actions me
more. These actions show Saint Paul Police more concerned about false claims or rocks being thrown? Well, you know, in the violence they did against and ice was doing our neighbors. The police chief didn't have the courage to come to that meeting and face the people. She order to brutalize. Axel Henry has publicly said he wants more communication with ice and not less. That statement disqualifying and police acso Henry needs to go. Our community is in lockdown, not from covid but from the virus of ice. People feel safe in our parks. Our schools, community centers, grocery stores. The doors are locked in our business and cultural institutions are losing money. And that's in advance of the construction. That will happen this year on the 7th Street. That will also affect the space. People are peaking out of their windows in fear of ice. Do you think they feel protected by the police
department feel like they are feeling like, oh, you're not taking science. Our journalists, our elders are people on crutches are being pepper sprayed point blank range. Actions of Saint Paul police have told us all eyes needs to do to make up a story. And we're at the beck and us. We need to strengthen the separation ordinance to close these loopholes. So this does not happen again. We don't got time. This happens now not months from now, not years from now. We are out of time. Our neighbors are out of time. A close with this yesterday. Somebody asked. If ice with threatened to shoot one of Saint Paul citizens at point Blank range, would you step up and stop that? And there was silence. Thank you very much. Hello, my name is Marina was born and raised on the east side of Saint Paul. I was there on NOVEMBER. 25th I
showed up after my opening shift at the Eastside ymca. So if you all go swimming in the morning, I am there making sure you can swim. I showed up around noon o'clock noon. My committee members had asked me to come and support as a legal observer. When I showed up, there was an abundance of Saint Paul Police Department are already there. This was at the point where they had already arrested 2 of the folks from Rose Avenue. Without a warrant. And and Saint Paul Police Department has courted ice agents out from the Rose House out of the Rose Avenue onto pain of unusually can leave. Not only did they escort a ice agents, they protected ice When asked for the badge number, they answered in pepper spray and
tear gas. So I am asking that the council members here hold the Saint Paul Police Department accountable for protecting ice agents for using tear gas and not and for violating the separation ordinance. Thank you very much. Thank you. Council members, house present. My name is Michelle Gross. I'm PRESIDENT Of the organization Communities United Against Police Brutality. On DECEMBER first we organization. Council members and the full council. A letter expressing our grave concerns about the conduct of the Saint Paul police NOVEMBER. 25th in that letter, I outlined the fact that I was on the committee that wrote the Post Board model policy on police engagement with First Amendment protected activities. So I know this policy intimately because I helped write it. And I am here to tell you that the Saint
Paul police violated that policy. And by the way, should explain that post for model policies are required to be adopted by police departments and those departments are required to have a policy that is at least as stringent as the post for policy. So this is optional. They were required to follow that policy. And I can tell you that at least in 4 important ways they did not. They were deployed pepper spray and large amounts. You know, as a collective punishment to people who were. Not even violating the law any way. They then spread chemical munitions to engage in essentially collective punishment to everybody there as well as the neighbors in the neighborhood who are impacted by this. They then fired through that fog direct fire munitions without knowing
who they were pointing them at what body parts they reporting on that, which is protest violation. By the way. And finally, they attack members of the media, which I explicitly prohibited in that most post formal policy. So there are several areas that are problematic and we did what you know about that on the first I recognize that your that you have said that you're going to engage in a investigation. This investigation needs to happen rather sooner than later. And finally, I want t mention that I did on that very same day, submit a data request for the name and the Material Safety data related to the chemical munitions that were deployed that day. This is something that they are required to provide under the model policy. I have yet to
even receive an acknowledgement of my data request. And I made that request on first. Today is the 17th. I'm still waiting. Thank very much. my name is a and I am recent resident of same pop, but I have been heavily involved organizing for the last 4 years and the city. I'm here to speak on behalf of Chino couldn't join us today. But like their testimony to be heard. On NOVEMBER 25th, we were witness to Sppd doing more than simply crowd control. Under the guise of public safety. We know that Sppd was on the scene of the Rose Avenue operations even before there was a proud to control. We saw them as early as
09:50am. When there was a dozen, the euobserver defending neighbors. We saw ppd claim we needed to move the line. We were holding a gets a warrant. This illegal federal. Operation for an ambulance to come through. No ambulance was ever going to get to because they were and the 8 vehicles parked in the middle of the street. We in tear gas physically divided from each other and moved away from the rated home Hollander. This light that an ambulance was going to park in front of the House. Even after ice agents left the scene with Jeffrey Young, hard working man who had no word for him. Sppd continue to state sppd pushed back on community members, tear gas and shot rubber bullets at people who pose no threat, including journalists. People walking with canes and
civilians to carry no weapons instead of sppd showing such sites in force against a crowd of cncerned residents who are defending their neighborhoods against unlawful random abductions by these federal agents. Sppd should be standing against agents. Who are conducting illegal operations and Sppd community. Thank Thank Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Council members MAY MISS Carter Bell. I am a relatively new resident of Saint Paul's. The West side. One of the things that drew me to the cty is the strong sense of community that we stand with each other as residents, regardless of who we are. I understood the separation organs as part of that part of the community set sense of community protection, keeping federal agents from tearing our communities apart. And so the response of the state police to ice the tax
our community frightens me. It brings into question whether or not people police truly will defend communities and whether or not they care. Police's actions, attacks against peaceful protesters and observers of violates the law endangers our entire community and srong action needs to be taken to ensure this does not happen again. But the most vulnerable among us are not endangered by our own police. Again. Should stand with us against this threat that against us. Shouldn't have been there. They shouldn't have attacked protesters. Council members. I urge you. Protect our community, do whatever you can to ensure separation ordinances, not violated. Jan, it should have never been violated in the first place. Make sure that there is accountability for what
happened. Because without it, there can be no trust. Thank you. Thank you very much. I was there. During the Rose Avenue incident. Second, you just start with your name and where you're coming from. Say thank you. What I had witnessed was our community got together. To protect and to see out of concern what was going on and we are met with was aggression and instigation and nothing less as was mentioned earlier. Then the manifestation and expression of white supremacy and police brutality and it is unfortunate, especially here that we forget about continuity and what happened here 5 years ago within the
Twin Cities that had sparked unprecedented worldwide protests. And to answer the question someone else had asked earlier in regards to wise are constitutional. Civil and citizen rights are being broken. I mean, I'll just pull from. Revolutionary, not comebacks who had pointed out the hypocrisy. Within enacting new and do laws or whatever. Have you. And he had pointed out how if you needed to do that right? Then you are considered a citizen to begin with it. You are considered subhuman right? And so this is just a very long history of We're still continuing to see and this is mostly to us. But it's important to understand that. You cannot change the function of the state. 2 of
them that come to mind, which is well, one that it's either going to be contracting or expanding, right, just as we're seeing play out. The Caribbean in Minnesota or other here right? Exploitation among us. That's something that you can't legislate. Right. You can't legislate freedom. So look at Thank you very much. My name is Sheila Dixon, executive director of care, Minnesota. And first and foremost, I want to just acknowledge and to say that right now, our immigrant population, particularly the Somali American population are seeing are. PRESIDENT In this authoritarian regime target a population that's overwhelmingly citizens back. 6 1% of our population born here. That should give us a
clear indication what ice is doing. It's not doing its job. They're not here to enforce anything. They're here Drive a political narrative and a political scoring points because residents of this great state and city spoke very loudly after the murder of George Fld. And we decided that we're going to have different type of policing in the future. That's literally what we decided to do. And members of a of our entire population in this country and others were inspired to act differently. What we saw with the ice rate and what we will continue to see with ice rate is ice using law enforcement as a cover. But most importantly, in trapping police into a conflict on the streets, they are not doing their best service. In fact, they're
lying to the police and letting them know that there's a riot and always we've seen it in the 9-1-1 calls that they're making. Among other things. And law enforcement are tired put in that position. But there's some law enforcement are not tired. We're also trying to in the middle of this chaos scored political points of themselves to return us back to the moments bfore the murder of George Floyd. So in this moment, I need every city and including this body. To create the opportunity for a public hearing, not when a public hearing is fits within the line of the sitution time. But if there is a moment like this, we need not only an investigation that will take months on bt investigation that will take minutes. Because we need to come to the truth. Accountability is
at the end of it. So I ask you, council members of PRESIDENT In this moment. You are a body elected by your constituents to stand up and protect the Constitution. Will you do that? Thank you very My name is Louis. I live on the east side. I was there on NOVEMBER. 25th. When I arrived on the scene around 10:00am I was responding to be a legal observer. I was there peacefully. I was unarmed. I was immediately met by violence from Saint Paul. Police say published showed up in right here. There was no illusion of safety for us. There. It was very clear that thing Po police are there to attack us and to protect ice. We were lied to. There was no warrant for Jeffrey. I already had detained one person and that they had a warrant for. They should have been gone.
But instead we spent 5 hours, Jeffrey and his family spent 5 being trapped in their house. We spent 5 hours in the streets being pepper sprayed. In defense of them. The actions of this city council. We need more. You know, the east side, so much more than an apology. But you could start there. We need to see some real accountability and we need it fast. You know, we can or for 4 weeks now, almost almost a month, unacceptable. People are being taken off the street every day. Our communities are organizing. We're watching nice. We know where they are. Not only was I attacked by Saint Paul police on the 25th of the tax by ice agents this weekend. Violent. They're out of control. I've seen it firsthand. We need your help.
We need you to hold the police accountable. We can do tis as a community, but we need some help. We need some assistance and we need to not be attacked by the police. City Council City Council PRESIDENT. My name is Paul Sullivan. I am an organizer with the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota and I am here today to just express how in the 70 plus years of our existence as an organization, this certainly stands out as an incident of violation of the people of Saint Paul's civil liberties that we especially want call attention to. To start. I wanted to briefly bring up this document, but I'm hoping everybody is familiar with which to the Constitution of the United States. All the Constitution of Minnesota Constitution except article
one under the Bill of Rights. Section 3, liberty of the press. The liberty of the press shall forever remain in viable. And all persons may freely speak, write and publish their sentiments on all subjects. Of course, we saw the attack on our community on NOVEMBER 25th. We also cites has mentioned by George Ford and others, the attack that happened on our press. 3 members of the press clearly marked as members of the press. Suffered from injuries from the Saint Paul Police Department. This deeply alarming and deeply concerning for the civil liberties of think Paul Best. And I speak not only as somebody who works at the American Civil Liberties Union. I'll speak as a word for resident when they say that we need more from our entire city to keep us safe with ice. Along with the I
know I'm trying to and trying to keep I'm I'm I'm here the point that I'm trying to get at regardless of the actions of ice on the 25th. Actions of Saint Paul Police Department were incredibly alarming. Incredibly dangerous for our residents, including the use of chemical irritants and kinetic projectiles against those clearly marked journalists. This is deeply concerning facilities are and our city and I urge the City Council to axe to the fullness of their power to address this. Thank you. Thank you very much. And maybe at this point, I would just ask if there's anyone else who plans to speak, if you would mind lining up. Just so we have a sense of how many more folks intend to Thanks so much. Welcome. My name is Linda Boy and I'm a resident in Ward one in Saint Paul. And I was aso a witness of the raid on
NOVEMBER. 25th. I'm here to say that the actions and weak excuses of sppd are reprehensible as many other steep hollers. I am horrified by the violence the police inflicted on my community members simply because we're sick of seeing our neighbors become victims of a national black bag operation. The escalation that day was the presence of militarily armed police. Many of whom live across state lines and Wisconsin. The escalation that day was unmarked mass agent point loaded live ammunition, rifle at an unarmed Sppd was busy gassing people on the street shooting people with less than lethal rounds and dehumanizing the unmarked people who pay their checks. We demand accountability. We demand a
real commitment to snctuary city status and we demand a city that cares as much about us as we care about each other. Hi, good evening. My name is Eli Murdoch and I'm live in Saint Paul in Ward 5. I was born and raised in Saint Paul. And graduated from Cole Park, Senior High. I want to acknowledge that we are on native land. Land that was occupied by Native American and indigenous people who are forcibly removed and nearly erased. From 1995. 2, 2020. I've been pulled over by police in Minnesota, 15 times. 15 times. From 2011 to 2020. I was pulled over 11 times by 9 different police agencies. And the state of Minnesota and one outside of the state
of Minnesota. is disgusting and reprehensible. Indicates that I've been targeted relentlessly. The person that I believe or the agency that I believe that is behind that targeting. Is the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department. I hold in my hand, a 27 page report. Generated by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department regarding me. It is one of the most racist hate speech sold. Reports that I've ever seen. It is from my former employer, which was for knees, Hardware and Garden Arden Hills, where I was fired. 2 years ago. All. Native American Heritage Month. A Native American Heritage Day. This report demonstrates and targets me and it aso demonstrates 6 pull overs by The rules Bill
Police Department alone. It also implicates the Arden Hills Police Department. And also I was constantly targeted by the Saint Paul police. They have been part of the pull overs multiple times and my neighbors have called the Saint. Paul police on me as well. Thank you. Enough is enough. I want the city council to convene. Investigation involving City County, state and federal authorities warn associated with the police. And get that investigation underway right now. Thank you very much. Make sure to sign an well come up. Hi, Good Evening. Council Council present. Thank you for letting us speak this evening. My name is Hailey ball. I'm a resident of Ward 5 and I have the privilege of serving the east side of Saint Paul, a nonprofit organization. I came on NOVEMBER 25th. I came to the Rose Avenue. Residents as a legal observer. I was one of the first people to arrive at
8.30, in the morning. Upon my arrival and there was a document. Target camera thing here. And I took some photos and at 9.15 as folks will see, it clearly contradicts that. Saint Paul Police Department ws not that I clearly a Saint Paul police officer. at that time at 09:15am, in the morning, there were only roughly about 5 people standing there. And then they returned again, a gigantic group of that right here. So I'm wondering, where is the accountability and where is what's happening with cooperation? There should be no cooperation at this point. And I encourage you City Council. If you love Saint Paul, just as much as I do that you hold them accountable. Thank you. Thank
you very much. Make sure to sign welcome And state this thing. My nme is Rachel. I and a resident of Ward 5 and let me first say thank you to those elected officials who are actually on site day of. Because the reality is when we come here and we can use our voices, nobody leaves us in the way that they believe you. So thank you for showing up. I really appreciate it. I also was one of the first arrive on scene at about 9 o'clock Sppd pulled up behind me at 908. They went and talked to officers on the scene. They determined that it was a different agency and then they left. So I know that they were there before hand after they left. People joined us. We were there to potect our
neighbors to find out what was going on. As we stood there, people arrived. People have attested to the fact that asked ppd arrived in 2 white vans. Later. There were things that happened beforehand, but I'm going to jump ahead a little bit. I want you guys to think about what happens when Sppd jumps out like the jump out. Boys in full helmets and gas masks and wooden batons and rubber bullet guns. And I want you to just just for a second. See if you can feel that in your face. And if you can put your phone down and stay with me from and I've been here for a really long time. So I really want you guys to actually experience what it feels like to go toe to toe with that because the reality is they were there to scare us and Hsi Lai to us. They told us that they had a
warrant. The math is people were there on site. At 8.30, Jeffrey wasn't removed, not location until 12, 30. This is not something that needs an investigation. If they had a valid they would have been in that house and they would have left. But they didn't okay. And people came. After. Thank you. After as tbd arrived, pushes out of the way, I need you guys to know that Jeffrey was told that we were leaving him that when Sppd moved us, hsi and ice told Jeffrey in that family that we no longer cared about him and that we were going to leave him there. That heartbreak, if you can feel that even for second that degrades any trust, any work the spp has done to try to rebuild before Twenty-twenty
back to 2016. Think the reality is I will tell you that he stands told me the reason they were there was because Mayor Carter was no longer the mayor. You have a problem in your department very much sign it And council members. My name is air can stall as I live on Cook Avenue just a block away from Rose Avenue. I was on my way home on the 25th and I was created Saint Paul police looking exactly like soldiers completely cut it out with Kevlar helmets, assault rifles and they were forming a police line, which I believe is in violation of the separation ordinance. Being a protective detail for ice is collaborating with ice. When you looked out over the crowd. You could not tell who was who
from a distance and they were all performing the same role with the same goal, which was to perform illegal arrests. There. I think the skip ahead a little bit and talk about one particular incident that was refresh a last name. I witnessed. A ice agent. Him down the sites of a rifle at an unarmed man. During the protest. We got so close to fire and we'll never really know how close we got to that. I'd like us to take a moment and consider what would have happened next. And the community. I think it would have been a repeat of what we've seen before. And tat tells us something we keep having these issues over and over that are downstream from America's greatest sense for hundreds of years. And we need to do something about it. Thank you. Thank you very much. going to be one final call anyone else. Plans to speak
tonight. Please, please get in line will come up. Hello, my name is Live in Ward. 6. I want to echo the words of all these amazing community members who are here today talking in speaking to the humanity of our neighbors who are being harmed. But I also want to say that I don't feel any urgency from this council that I feel like that should be there. If the humanity of our neighbors is not enough to drive you to move quickly and efficiently than maybe your pockets will be. Because we have extensive data showing us. Interventions like this by the federal government and s d will affect property values. It will drive down local businesses. It will defer future donations and grants communities and it basically
it will depress future economic development in that neighborhood and all this work that we're putting in for trees and all these other wonderful, amazing community things that we need will be for not if our community continues to have disruptions like this, I very much. Hi, I'm Jenny later I live on the West Side and been taking some notes as people were talking and I want to address it. Who said that the Saint Paul Police Department showed up with aggression and I've lived on the West side for 23 years and any time a cop shows up its with aggression. It's with disrespect and rudeness. I have called for help. And I have also then a witness to crimes. And any time I talk to them. They. Are rude and aggressive.
And you can't tell your story because they're busy asking you to how to spell your middle name. You know, this is not. So. So when people talk about this Rose Street situation as being a surprise, it's really kind of not a surprise. They've been working up to this for a long time. They treat us like we're fodder for their games. And we're not there, but they are our employees. You want to talk about tax money going to developers, how about money that's going to these people? We're supposed to be protecting us. Another you know, I have friends and family who are afraid to go to protests and to stand up for people because they're afraid of what's going to happen. And the police did
show everybody why they should be afraid to show up to these things by what they did on Rose Streeter Avenue. That's exactly what they're afraid of. I'm not afraid, but they ok, what else today? Right down here. Those sinkhole police department saying they didn't want to pick sides. They should be picking sides and it's our side. They're protecting us with our tax dollars. So they need to pick us they And that's what makes men Minnesota. So great is that we are one of those states that just lets the cops and ice and everybody do all those things. We. Welcome immigration and we pro tech art immigrants in Saint Paul Police Department at
absolutely the up a set thank you very much. We are a time I need to out there. Thank The last thing I'd like to say is when they come out with these chemical munitions and less lethal. Weapons to the are small underserved communities whose picking up those medical texts. You know, those medical needs in the hospitals and things when they have to go. And they don't have insurance. We do. We're the ones who have to make up for the cops, wounding are set to Que very much. Make sure to sign Hi, my name is Daniel Mathias and I'm the director of policy and advocacy Minnesota Freedom. Fine. I'm here today because public testimony isn't courtesy. It's a cornerstone of our
democracy. And so on the record statements matter and there how residents. Make it to the official history books. Each of you today have taken time to speak on the record to say I want this reflected on the record last week you had community members here who you knew wanted to be on the record before you passed a resolution and each of you took time because, you know, the importance of being on the record. So to hold that power only for yourself, you should feel ashamed. You had community showing up to give public testimony on the harm that was caused to them. And I know members of the council are also harmed or witness harm and they had a chance to speak
on that. So while we're thankful to the resolution and we know are hopeful things will come of that. You should have done this for weeks ago when you had people sending letters to complete. You are protecting your own voice as well. Restricting the voices of the people that are most impacted and that's not transparency. And the people who showed up here tonight, we'll continue to show up until you give us full accountability and transparency. Still ahead. What's up, everybody? Has anybody gone? It's non street and not just want t say Freud often say that right? The opposite of love is not hate its indifference. South Saint Paul Police Department. Please listen. Your indifference is violence, right? So so let's let's hold them accountable
and also want state Michelle growth. Jelani, and many others have demanded that when that that federal review process that happened at mpd, asked for a similar review of Sppd. Right? And it was denied at that time. And it's about time that you all MAY put something in place that we investigating hstory of violence community and he'll off some. Some data, right? A study of 17 law eforcement agencies found that Citizens Review board. We have pci. Are you at sustained police brutality? Complaints at a higher rate. Then plice themselves. So let's stop depending on police to investigate themself. Let's bring in our police and I
would pci our community. Tat we able to investigate them and see how floored that system was. That started couple years ago and it a cold right at that time. And then it's another independent monitor and audit is. And these people that you can invite and appointed by the mayor appointed by the city council who will take it into consideration the policies and practices that they say that they practicing and then to see what we actually doing out in the streets. Right? So we really need to be able to look at that policy and bring light into how that policy is implemented and then day is an independent. Investigate a
will can be high. Right tool, right? I mean, you have 40% of taxes for city, Texas, going Police department's stop and That's that's a lot of money. Thank you. I'm not spring that money and that's how you independent investigator to collect data and information from citizens who have been Thank you. Let's address at home. Let's transform pain. Remember Tense phone will transfer that and game much. And I'm going to take a motion from missing to close the public hearing and make some comments. All in favor say Aye. Aye, all opposed. 6 in favor. Not post a public hearing is closed. I that. My colleagues for comments on the testimony that we just heard missing and then vice PRESIDENT. Thank you, council PRESIDENT. Well, I
first want to say thank you to everybody here who testify. You've been here for so long like it's already 7.30. It's been 4 hours. So thank you for your patients. I want to say thank you for your love for Eastside community, an the incident that took place on the 20 on the 25th of NOVEMBER. That was in the east side and the gunman left that you have for people for our humanity. It is deeply felt. And so I want you to know that that is they see that I stand in solidarity with you, too. I I'm just thinking back to the truth and taxation hearing that we had a many weeks ago. And I remember feeling deeply horrified by what we heard regarding police department's activity and also that the actions that were taken by the
ice agents to and those are the scene emotions that are starting up Even in the hearing today. And I do believe that or Paul police officers in our department overall made a huge mistake by thinking that they were out there policing the community when, in fact, we needed them to police We need them to police. So police hsi, he's federal immigration operations that are happening where they are violating our rights. And to me what is so concerning is that. Without them doing that, who actually is the one policing these federal agents and our communities. I but the isaf you all so much because I have been out in the streets so many times, you know, over the 10 years I've been doing community organizing. And I just think back to what school board member a charter school
board member Shauntel Allen said when she testified at the podium here saying that. So wrong to have the police officers be facing us and not the ice agents. And it felt like we were the ones who are causing the problem that we were the enemy and that really hurts. Its. I'm disturbed by it. And I never want to see anything like that happen again. I share the urgency that you all have for the council here to take action. And I do believe tat the resolution, why was it was really important. The one that we voted on last week just also is not enough. And it's also going to take time for even us to get. And you saw the result. And so because that urgency that I do feel and they want us as a council to be holding ourselves accountable because they know that we care about this be clearly to. We've made
statements about it. We passed a resolution unanimously. What want to share with all of you, including my colleagues to some of you MAY be hearing about this for the first time. Ms every single week. I want to keep I'm going to be entering a public hearing into our agenda so that people can come back and share about their grievances about the ice operations. And it could also include the Paul Police departments operate activity that they witnessed. As you all know, we're still continue to see people get to teens every single day. The first thing I do when I wake up as I look at my phone and I get texts from people that I know what people wo my phone numbers saying, hey, my family member got detained. What do I do? Started my feet. And the
first thing I see is this person just got detained or isis at the house. And like right now is the moment for us to truly take action. I I will keep I will keep entering the public hearing into to our agenda and I want to be really clear that this isn't a burnout. Any of our committee members or leaders and advocates that continue coming back here. It's really to keep the space open for people to come and share about the grievances because it's very important for all of us here at the table to be hearing what is happening out in the community. And I know that so many of us putting our bodies on the line to want to say thank you to those of you who have been doing that. Want to do yet until at least one of the following. I'm sharing
here happens like this first one. I truly want to see happen, which is to see our PRESIDENT. Donald Trump get impeached. The second one is you that yes, last Wednesday, I was very disturbed that they were committee members who out whom were not given the opportunity to speak, even though there there were many pathways for us to actually open up open up the public hearing and because they were in deliberation for so long in the very back in there wasn't consensus open up a public hearing. It meant we took so long that the committee members wanted to speak. They are the loved and that wasn't actually only reason why we're able to come back and finish the meeting. And that is so wrong. I never want Number one to be in the position again. I
was you know, you are in a very similar situation like that during the ceasefire resolution. And and so that's why to me, you know, if if we never want a repeat of that again, then we should be moving toward having an open public hearing section and the kid the at the end, you could be ever reaches for it to be. In our agenda or, you know, the very option. But I want to put on the table is for this council 2, in addition to the resolution that we passed last Wednesday to take literally. Just one action. To address the many issues that we've been hearing. And like I heard so many the list that I have just at the time. Top of my mind is safety on ensuring their safety for our press.
Word out there in the streets. They should not be getting hurt at all. And there should be pro warnings they given out to everybody, including the past, to. There. Need to make sure that our police officers are disclosing their badge numbers and we don't need to be discreet about that at Also for for rec centers on library parking lots to not be used as a staging area at all. I don't want it to be used as a staging area by our police officers. I don't want to be used you from a buy ice or at all as a staging area. And so, you know, these are just some of the many things on the list for us to take action on. And I'm asking, you know, do all of that and I'll stop, you know, I want open up. The public am just saying
literally, we just need to take at least one action. And I know that this is a council that can make that happen. I also believe with Mayor elect her coming into, there's so much opportunity for us to really be passing even more policies about this because that is a a priority that she had in her platform coming in the protecting our immigrant communities and refugee communities. And but those are things I wanted to to all of you. And I welcome you to keep coming back to city hall here or if you have people who want to share their grievances to the city Council. Please take up that space because this base 2 Li belongs to the people. And do have a specific request, which aside for the public hearing to be the first item by we have been it comes to public hearings because I
don't want people to be waiting. So the variants have to share their grievances and their stories and experiences. I know that today. It was a very hectic day with that being our last council day. And so there were so many things that did, you know, that that were just checking on top of each other. But it's really important for us to be hearing. But te committee has to say, like this is literally us. Fighting fascism head-on. Can say that now. We are in a spot where we need to unite and we need to be really clear about what it is that we want to win in the communities. And if we don't have clarity about that, then we're And I know we don't want that. And so I want to say thank you to everybody for your persisten and your determination and just
continue to keep up the fight. And again, I am in solidarity with And as can. Really appreciate that. I'm just gonna respond quickly. I think in addition to those I love it for tem to national can mask center neighborhoods. That should not be a thing that's happening. We also should look at no expenditure of any city resource should be going towards Like that means police should even be showing up just for a stop. My office has been in contact with other cities and their legislators and council members my office is in contact with their Congress. Congressional office in our U.S. Senate offices. To bring forward and work on solutions that really matter. But we also can look to other cities. And so the thing that I don't want to hear personally from our city attorney's office is like with
at Chicago. So garages parking places. I great ideas and and stay at my colleague really intensely ceremony councilmember calling that were. We're working on. We are working together. Offices are working together on all the great ideas that we heard to come forward tonight that it's absolutely councilmember comments. Intention is to sit and listen and fnd legislative solutions. So again, I'm also very grateful for every to be here. MAY billings are here, but just hang with me. But Saint Paul police claims to be trained in de-escalation. But the escalation was them showing up in riot gear. Saint Paul police is that we can trust them and we can ask some simple questions like who are you from and what your badge number is, except what we experience is getting tear gassed and maced in the face. As ppd claims to serve and
protect our residents. But what we are hearing from our residents tonight is there testifying to their violence. Like many folks that you heard tonight. We were there for hours. I I also rolled up, I think just before 9.30. And what I really want to emphasize to my colleagues is that across the board, I know I had the privilege of speaking to what hppened, but across the board, everyone had the same experience, collective punishment of tear gas, mace. Leslie Fields. Let's stop calling it. Our residents were shot. I was shot by a Saint Paul Police Department shooting indiscriminately regardless of who is in the crowd and particularly at our press who's following very closely behind them and was very clearly identifiable. We also witnessed them securing a boundary for ice. That is the first time I was tear gas was because they were pushing
observers back. And ultimately what I know that we witnessed was an aiding an illegal arrest of our community member. Jeffrey. I had the honor to meet with Jeffrey's family and I asked him and their family. What would you like me to share about who Jeffrey was? It was honestly very simple. Jeffrey was a family member, a family person. He showed up to work and he came home. And that was that. He cared deeply about his relationships to his partner and his partners, family and their his partner's family. He didn't go out. He didn't do honestly. I think most things tat a young person should be doing. But Jeffrey was a homebody. That's where felt safe. And we're up 10 from that safety. I want to address also that to the point that was made earlier aout,
yeah, like we get to be on the record and then if you did last tme and that I know that's certainly not the intent, but that's the impact. But like you like many of the people here I I recognize your face is from that day, there were so many people that I locked eyes with to be like a really good. I don't know if er I looked over my partner and I said I'm really scared right now. And it was the moment that we found ourselves surrounded by ice on one side and safe. All police on the hand. So like many of you, I truth in taxation with my hair full of tear gas. My clothes still tainted with pepper spray and what's still stinging my face and I can attest to most folks at that's never happened to, you know, the impact it last long. It's
days that you feel and the laundry days hard, you're washing things out. You're hoping it gets better and sometimes it doesn't. So I I am also with you. I hear strong partnership with my colleague here as well. But I just I really implore this council, which I know we are poised to do have agreement on. But this is the collective experience of everyone that was there. This is not singular to the people that wanted to be in the mix. This is observers that showed up to do their job and not only that, the ones that we are encouraging them to do for our community. So I just I want to take just another sec. And so I received a bunch letters from school and not going to met for their from 4th graders. And they wrote me letters around the things that they care about most in the city. They have lots of ideas like pollution of our lakes and rivers, homelessness in the welfare animals just to name a few. But the class decided that the safety of immigrant families with the
most pressing issue affecting our community. And I'm just going to read vry quickly from a 4th graders. You can see the chicken scratch. Your councilmember Kim. I'm a fourth-grade student. I'm ready, because I believe that the city of Saint Paul's to protect the immigrant community from ice first people are getting kidnapped by ice. I think this is wrong and it's too violent and everyone should be welcome in Saint Paul. Next. The community should feel safe. I believe that people are scared to go to work, to learn and have fun families to be together in conclusion. Please make a plan to stop ice separating families. Thank you for your attention. A 4th grade student. Thank you. Vice PRESIDENT. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT, thank Thank you to my colleagues for for Fruit for their statements. And thank you to
everyone that showed up here today for very long meeting and there. But folks in showing to our trip to the taxation, there are folks that are reaching out to my office. I just want to make it very clear that tis is this is an issue that I take very seriously and that I care a lot about. And also that our council is putting a significant amount of effort in. And I do want to say, too, that this is there is a long list of tasks that we have before us. And it's gonna require every council member to be all hands on deck to be working on the specific items. And so what I would like our council to do is to have a lift the list of items and hearing and from our resolution is that we are looking into our separation ordinance. We're looking into the use of force, an
investigation by her passport. We are looking into can we ban ice from staging in our public spaces like our library parking lots or parks parking lots like they did at know, Park several weeks ago. We're looking into the financial audit of left with with our festive sppd cost. We could also look into having audit committee explore. It's not a financial audit but an audit of operations. That's an option. I think that we have. And the other thing that our council, the majority of our councils cover that we do actually have because they are powers to so many things but are budgeted 30 is one of the biggest powers that we have. And so that's something I brought shared concerns about that every year that I've been
here on the council is the transparency around the police budget there over time and many other things. And that was before something like this happened. But it's especially important now. And the last thing that I want to say is that it's my understanding the post board in order to build to do their investigations. That round use of force have to have a complaint about a specific officer about a specific incident. And I know that received some complaints, but those complaints have to come through for them to build the do their investigation. We can't just have them investigate something that doesn't have complaint assigned to it. So I just want to make sure that people know that they can reach out to our offices or questions about
this process. But those are several the steps in front of us. And so I really want folks know that we we do have a letter. We we share the urgency around this issue. We are working every day on this issue and we are working as quickly as we can. And I know that it won't seem like it's enough. It won't seem like working fast enough, but I just want folks know just for me personally, like we're doing the best that we can and we will can to work on those items and of community members. And folks that came today, other things that they would like for us to look at, please reach out or offices. I do appreciate the public able to listen to people, but I also want to be able to connect to people directly to work on these things together. So thank you so much to everyone for saying wait for this meeting just appreciate
all the work we've done so Thanks. Thanks. Was thank Are there any other comments from my colleagues, any other discussion? This thank you. And I I just wanted to say, I do appreciate everything that you know, my colleagues have shared. And really just been sitting quiet and I think this is a very pivotal as Syria's moment that are. And I also want to just like recognize this year that when I'm on my phone, I'm literally typing notes like literally preserving all of this. I know its record it but as someone who takes this moment very seriously and process in a very different way. I just want to just make sure that
no, I'm recognizing were all recognizing that in spite of the limitations in spite of the carriers, in spite of the existing structures of the city of same pod, even arced existing structure of the City of Council. That is so important that your voice is heard and I'm so thankful I want to recognize that you all had to sacrifice some level of day. Some level of what your role is, whether it's to your families, whether it's your job, whether your community to be here. And I want to acknowledge not only that deep resiliency, but I also want to acknowledge deep courage many of you all I have stood in solidarity long before I was in this role as City Council. And I'm just so thankful that
you're utilizing your voice. I mean, you're utilizing your platform and you are also in spite of that relationship that you all have an understanding commitments that I have me. Particularly response to holding the plice accountable that you're still actively holding us accountable. So I want to just thank you for that. One of things that I have heard I just want to just just being very transparent on. It was heartbreaking. To hear. It was said that you can't we can't legislate freedom. Like I did. What like that? There's a belief that we can't legislate freedom. When we know that this country. Has legislated slavery. This country has successfully legislate it This
country has successfully legislate it surveillance mass deportation and bans on people. And we also have acknowledged where our policies and our practices, particularly in the city of Saint Paul, has built short in all of the tremendous work that had took place to get our police department into the 21st century of policing. But that is still not enough. I was remembering a time when lke body cameras was like the most like radical thing that we can do ensure transparency. But here we are right now. We're even having seen we're seeing terror happened on camera. This. What is the degree and the action that we need to take. And work together,
particularly the make sure that we're not having a miso and to transparency. But were actually working to make sure people truly feel the protection not only from law enforcement alone, but the protection from our actions through policy and through our investments. Also want to just share that I'm committed. And I and I stand very confident, particularly ill amongst my colleagues that we are all committed to creating policies and practices and making sure that our budget is transformative. I do. I want to just say, particularly from my experience being in this role City council, there is a lot of forces that tells you to not be transformative. There's a lot of reasons. A lot of ice, a lot of counsel that tells you to just nt do anything differently. So I'm calling on you not also be
allies before to put a pound ability for us to be co conspirators all-round transforming this system because we cannot do it alone. And I know everybody is committed to it, but it does come a time in history where we have to move beyond rhetoric and we really have to come. We have to collaborate and we can't use immigrants. We can't use ice raids. You can't use these as political tricks. We can't use incidents as political isolated situations. This is all part of what not only this regime that this this this. Very racist and history shun the federal administration is is that dealing with right now. I also want to just say it's important for us to call a spade a spade. We're live in
right now in real life. A current day of a Trump administration that has waged political warfare against cities that believe in humanity and freedom of everyone. This is a and I want to also commend the Exective director JULY who are saying that. This isn't about a real this isn't a real law enforcement processor plantation, a law enforcement. This is like political agencies. This is like a political stunt of trying to put fear into cities. They're standing up and supporting and protecting and saying that we're a city that welcomes immigrants we have went through time and time again as a council supporting now only lawsuits, but supporting
litigation to a Trump administration that has not just only like supported ice raids in our city, but has have withdraw major funding sources, tourist cities to be able to provide housing who has penalizes, particularly in took funding away from our ability to be able to find our law enforcement who has literally punish us and he's trying to literally destabilize our cities. This this ice agent, these ice brains seeing is not it's more than just a human rights violation. This is a literal attempt to destabilize our city. So we need to govern accordingly. And we need to ensure that we have a budget and how we legislate how actually advocate is that is
all connected here and we need to swiftly to change our systems to make sure that the people who vote us in in the people who support us and people who live here are heard. And I'm committed to that. I'm here to be a colleague. I'm here to make sure that we're governing. What humanity. When I came into the office, I saw that bust of the first African-American City Council member Bill Wilson and under is says governed with humility. And I think about what was that council members experience to wear for him to make a difference he had govern with so much humility. Think about. What are residents in our immigrants had to face and
deal with here. Humiliation. But they didn't just stop the air with humiliation and just say, hey. Saint Paul's no longer a safe place for me, I'm going flee and look for somewhere else. They're coming here and saying council is time to do something. That I don't like that's the greatest type of love. And I think that's the greatest type of value that we have. So I think as we're going into next year and understanding that we are going to a new administration, I think it's really important that council, you know, has the opportunity to demonstrate what it looks like to legislate with love. How can we legislate freedom for everyone? How do we legislate what our values at every single instance, not just because this is the item that's on the agenda. But
every other item that's on the agenda, disconnected 2 when it comes to our communities and our immigrant families. And I'll just close with this. My as someone who is a former commissioner for the pr Act, I actually got my interests and being a policymaker from my time serving on a on the commission also want to just highlight. That's when I first time I met you Councilmember Tim, where you are at la I am committed, particularly as the chair of the public safety and Community Wellness Committee to reviewing our pc 8 pc ordinance. But looking at ways that we can't adopt certain policies from the state, particularly around whether we want to move from a recommendation, body to effects and fighting body. I think it's really important that the authority and the powers that are pcr, our
office of Billion. Review Commission. No pass because it's important in this moment. We need civilians to be empowered to make the right decisions. And we for so long have seen government structure itself, too. But the decisions and other people's hands. And we have seen we have seen a culture o of political leaders playing hot potatoes when things get when things get dicey and I'm tired of it. Exhausting. It's really exhausting. I'm not saying I know dancers msa. Any of us have to know the Magic won, but we can't continues to continue tossing around the problem. And we have a beautiful opportunity with people who are change. Agents Corbyn who've been in this in
this fight for Decades. I remember 10 years ago I was here with sheriff. She was literally he like many of you on now. Advocating for the same thing. Police accountability. And as we go on to 2026, is going to be a hard time. All we all of us understand, especially as women and women of color who been in a state where there has been real assassination. Against a woman like. On the on the on the U.S. And the spectrum of things we would call her radical. What does that mean for someone who actually standing up for justice? So I was want to say, I commend everyone who's here. I commend the conversation my my commitments commitment minutes. Everything else. And that resolution. Thank you so
much Councilmember Coleman and also Councilmember Vice PRESIDENT Kim. For working on that, I want to thank everyone for your commitment, particularly around making sure we when we talk about public safety that we also center community wellness in our wellness should always be at the center when we are thinking about hw we're legislating and how we're making transformational change here in the council. Thank you. Thank you so much. Disbelief. The motion is common. Thank you. And I would just do a bad job of tackling so many of the sentiment shared by my colleagues. Not even going to try it will just simply say thank you to everybody who say thank you to everybody here tonight or who is here at our to the taxation meeting to speak about the events of NOVEMBER. 25th,
thank you to everybody who's taking the time to reach out, to share footage, to write, to show your personal accounts to tell us what happened that day. I just want to name a couple of the things that are at in the works so that everybody is leaving here, knowing that we are were not just saying that we're going to take action. This is not something where we are sitting here and saying the right words and nodding along and then like to forget about this tomorrow or after the New year. If that's okay, I just want name a couple of our a couple of the things that are in work in the works already. And I want to be very clear that part of the value of having the space tonight in the ongoing community conversations that we're having is because we want to hear from you all about what is needed and what is desired so that we can make sure that that is implemented. So this
is not the entire road map. It's just what we have worked on up until now. So the 3 investigations that folks have referenced, the first is the investigation that that was already started. The internal affairs investigation within the police department. One of the things that I want to say very explicitly is that we as a body as a council, are committed to not just looking at recommendations or findings that come out of that investigation. But you actually look at the record that has compiled throughout the course of that investigation, ensuring that it aligns with the information, the data that we have been shared that has been shared with us tonight and throughout the last several weeks, making sure that we have a true account of what happened that day and that accountability and decision-making can stem from from the facts of what happened on the 25th. We also several people have discussed already the passport
investigation. That was an issue. We are working as a result of resolution last week to instigate that investigation, ensuring that individual decision make that doesn't look at everything. That is a look at the entirety of an incident that doesn't look at everything that happened on the 25th. We have other investigative methods for doing that. But that will look at the actions of individual officers as Councilmember Joe shared based on individual reports about use of force potential violations of the separation ordinance and other allegations of wrongdoing. So that will go through the passport. And that's something that we're committed to working with them on the 3rd, again has already been mentioned. But just to reiterate the financial audit of what happened that day through the Office of Financial Services. Because
this is something that that we expected, a significant amount of taxpayer dollars. And so having a full accounting of that. And as my colleagues have mentioned, being able to make future budgetary decisions based on the results of that audit is something that I know is a shared priority on this council. Others have mentioned potential additional testing, a Tory paths. And I think that that is something that we are very committed to continuing to discuss. The other thing I know for some of us, our first meeting on the calendar tomorrow is a chance to sit down and take the feedback that's been provided tonight and again in other spaces to build out our policy plan for early JANUARY. This is a think I speak for all of us when I say this is at the top policy priority for us going into 2026. Ensuring that we have a chance to thoroughly review
our separation ordinance. Looking as comes, Vice PRESIDENT Kim said too, what other cities have done near and far looking at Minneapolis, looking at Chicago, looking at cities across the country, have recognized that their separation ordinances didn't do what they thought they did, didn't do what the community needed them to do. So we all I think share a commitment to taking into that very early in the new year Commiting to making sure that that is a strong as possible, but also recognizing that a separation ordinance is just one of many tools that we have to ensure that our community is protected. So we are and things that have been named tonight. Things like face coverings I know is the top priority for the mayor elect and something that she has sure our council that you would like to see move on. So that will be included staging locations where ice is where
they are permitted to be using parity of our legal power to prevent ice from staging in public spaces. I met certainly for getting a number of things that but so a number of another healthy priorities related to ice. They're also policy priorities related to our use of force policies within the Saint Paul Police Department also has has come out in numerous remarks tonight, the use of chemical irritants, the use of rubber bullets. That's a policy choice that we make to allow the police department to use that type of crowd control mechanism. Other cities have shown us that it is an unnecessary choice. Ad so these are the things tat we have already discussed moving on it that I think Arkansas very committed to moving on. So again, this is not like the rousing rusing speech that I
wish I was giving right now. But I just I want to lay all that out to be very clear that this is there's there's an immense amount of work of work ahead. It is work that our council as a whole is deeply, deeply committed to a deeply committed to cutting. Right, because what happened on NOVEMBER, 25th, he's fundamentally unacceptable. And we don't ever want to see that inner city again. Thank you. Ms Coleman and thank thanks to all of my colleagues. I we. Finished speaking. We're going to move on to the next agenda item. I want to recognize that a lot of folks waited a long time to testify on this item and I thank you for your patients and there are other folks still waiting to testify on items to come. And I thank you for your patients. But I want to say that as we move on from this item, we are not moving on from this conversation. I want to thank
everyone for being here tonight. I want to echo my colleagues, words about our commitment to action as common. I don't think you should apologize for not giving a rousing speech. I think what we need is action and that's what we're hearing from folks and laying out the specific steps that we have already committed to take. And our openness to hearing additional steps like the ones we've heard tonight is what this is all about. And hearing the urgency in this room. And I'm also hearing the unity in this room. And I just want to say that the thing that has been bothering me the most about everything we've been seeing is that they are trying to divide us. They're trying to pit us versus you. They're trying to put neighbors versus neighbors and we aren't going to allow that to happen. This council is united with the
people in this room. I want to I want to acknowledge that and I want to ask all of us for that moving forward. Not just when we're here talking, but when we're here early in the morning tomorrow, following up in the next days in the next days showing up to do the work, not just talking about the work at this table. And I know we're all committed to that. So thank you again to all of you for being here for your honesty. And for taking the time to show up. And now we will move on to our next and means JANUARY 7th. Item number 40 is resolution public hearing. 25 Dash 2.60, accepting grant funds authorizing execution of a grant agreement and amending the operating budget. With respect to the city sponsorship of the Metropolitan Council lcd 8 Dash dod grant application for the benefit of face-to-face 11, 70 North Arcade Street. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? Seeing none. I'll take motion from Vice PRESIDENT Ken to close the public hearing and approve all
in favor say Aye. Aye, all opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 41 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash to 61 accepting grant funds authorizing execution of a grant agreement and amending the operating budget for city sponsorship of the Metropolitan Council lcd a dash t of the Grant for the benefit of a hands free West. And at 6.80, to 6.94 Minnehaha Avenue East. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from just to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. Resolution is adopted item number. 42 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash to 62 authorizing the Department of Safety inspections to accept the 225 American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Northern Tier Shelter
Initiative, quality of Life Improvement Grant program funds and to amend the financing in spending plan in the amount of $25,000 for the new Animal Shelter Project. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? Seeing none. I'll take motion from his Bowie to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 43 resolution public hearing. 25 dash 2.67 proving the hilltop Twin Homes. Final plan. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? Seeing none. We'll take a motion from his chose to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. I almost 6 in favor. None opposed the resolution is 6 in favor not pass. The resolution is adopted number, 44 is resolution public hearing. 25
dash 2.75 mending capital fund budgets to provide additional funding for the police impound lot. Capital maintenance project. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? Seeing none. We'll take a motion from is common to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 45 its resolution public hearing? 25 dash to 84 authorizing the police department to amend the General Fund budget to more accurately reflect revenue and expenditures for the police security at the city's special events. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? Welcome thanks for your patience. Thank you. Council. PRESIDENT Council John Purdy from Saint Paul, Minnesota,
being as brief as possible and try to get some information on this topic that you're covering now a million $545,000. Appears to me as I understand it to be money. That's going to pay for overtime. Police overtime for special events that are being held outside private event. So to speak. Like Cinco De Mile. What's going on across the at the Christmas hot that market. So. I asked for some information. It's not here yet. I hope it comes, but it just seemed to be kind of odd because you take a million 5.45? I understand these people pay $126 an hour for the police potection. If you divide 1 million 45 by one. 26
to get $12,000 12,261 hours of police time. You divide that by 8 hours in a day, assuming that the is tat goes for 8 hours, you got a 1500, the number 1500. If you divide that by 6 officers, you've got 255 events just seems odd to me. I don't contact me. So I don't know if that number is right or not. If if there's information that comes through from ofs that bill that sooner or later give I appreciate still appreciative to be able to look at it more. It just seems odd to me. I do know that. For example, over here at the train station, you know, union station. That's a that's a Ramsey county business. That's Ramsey County property. The jurisdiction
should really a lot. Ramsey County sheriff. But we hire with a higher police because Ramsey County says higher the Saint Paul Police Department for that f that job. So there's other places like that. But it just seems to me that it limits your opportunity to have the special Thank Thank you so much. And make sure to sign in. Anyone else here to testify on this item. All right. I want to close the public hearing that have a couple comments all in favor of closing the public hearing. Please say Aye. Aye opposed 6 in favor and opposed the public hearing is closed. Just a pretty thank you as always, for your attention to detail and these matters. And actually, as I think that discussion we just had shows, I think there's a lot of agreement around this table
that there's a need for closer inspection of oversight of an understanding of special event costs and security We've talked about that multiple times at this table. How we want to make sure we're 100% covering the costs of our work and that that never be born out of that taxpayer dollars and that we want a better understanding of police overtime. We it did pass an ordinance last week that requires that over time reporting that we should be able to hopefully get better information going forward. I did follow up on your day to request with police officer financial services to serve. Add my voice to your saying we need tis information. We don't have it yet. But this is actually not new spending.
It's not authorizing anything to change. It is simply reflecting more of at housekeeping action, kind of doing an end of your budget adjustment reflecting where the dollars are spent and where they weren't. So with no authorizing additional spending or no increase, too, what taxpayers are contributing. So it can't be laid over next on later because this is our last meeting 2025. And after that, we can't amend the 2025 budget. The only outcome of not voting on this now would be that we would have our financial house less an order which would not a positive impact on the city finances. Are the city in general. So I am gonna move approval of this item that that is not to say that I don't support the questions that you're asking I'm going to push for answers
to them. But those are not directly related to the action that we're taking here since this is, again, more of a have keeping budget item. So with that, I would move approval discussion. The motion is Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Outside one say thank you for sharing that. I did get a chance to hear that. I guess you were initially going to pull this item are have a staff report for this item. And I do appreciate you following up the plice department particularly around clarity on this. I also echo that sentiment that particularly that these this is not additional spending. I do want to say part of the reason why we needed create the budget ordinance artist gives me te overtime to report on overtime with the with the budget ordinance is to make sure that
we can disaggregate some of that information because I do think, you know, is fair to, you know, question like is this 1.5 million special events, iteasy festivals. Are these like contracting at work businesses? I think the information will be really helpful to ensure that we kow of whole transparency. So I saw someone commit to that going and suspect this will probably be a discussion at Public Safety Committee. Thank you for that. Any further discussion, the motion seeing none all in favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed to 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 46 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash 2.85. Authorizing the Office of Financial Empowerment to accept $1000 gift from the
Saint Paul Minnesota Foundation. A poor community engagement efforts and amending the 2025 budget, the Office of Financial Empowerment. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to this item? Seeing none. We'll take a motion from close public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. Aye opposed to 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item. Number 47 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash 2.86 authorizing the Office of Financial Epowerment to apply for an except the $100,000 Grant from the Saint Paul Minnesota Foundation to support program operation costs for the college town. Saint Paul College bound boost and amending the 2025 Budget for the Office of Financial Empowerment. This is a public hearing. Is anyone here to
speak to this item? Seeing none. We'll take a motion vice PRESIDENT Came to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. Aye, all opposed 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 48 is resolution public hearing. 25 dash 2.87 authorizing the Office of Financial Empowerment to apply for accept a $40,000 grant from the Saint Paul Minnesota Foundation to support a program for program. Operation costs for college bound Saint Paul College bound boost the meeting. The 2025 budget for the Office of Financial Empowerment. And we could just apply for $140,000 grants just the agenda. Okay. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak to the side? Seeing none. We'll take a motion from is
just to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say All 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted item number. 49 is our elites are 25 dash 28. Ordering the rehabilitation or raising in removal of the structures at Four-thirty Dale Street North within 15 days after the OCTOBER 22nd 2025. City Council Public hearing welcome apartment. Good evening. Councilmembers side. But I have an update on Four-thirty Dale Street North. You at the last council meeting when this was discussed had asked for 3 things to be done by the owners in order to be considered for additional time. The first thing that you asked was to apply for Code Compliance Inspection report that was done. The increment correct amount of money was
charged by the Department of Safety and inspections. That debate some things. I understand that that situation has been resolved so they did item one item. 2 is post a $5,000 performance deposit that has been taken care of item 3 was to develop a nuisance abatement plan that is still under way and being worked on. I can say that there was work order that was issued to do some. Snow removal. But in reviewing the photos and knowing this is University Avenue, I'm not at all convinced that this is a case where they weren't taking care of rather. But the snow plows which aren't running in the side, the sidewalk through additional snow on to that
area. Best news that I have to share is that. The center got their insurance settlement quite recently. They will hve more than sufficient funds to do the rehabilitation. So the next things we would look for at this point, our work plan with timelines attached to it and evidence of the money to be able to pay for executing that work plan. We do know that the money's there. We'll look forward to being an account given these changes in the they have the land so to speak. I'm asking the city council to refer the matter back to legislative hearing on JANUARY 27th to City Council and the following week on FEBRUARY 4th, thanks so much and I would look to MISS Billy comments your recognition. Yes. Well, first, I just want to say thank you can bang on that and working with the
community, particularly making sure that they, you know, are having all their ducks in a row and also wanted to say, I want to recognize that the people who've tested testified skews me. a couple weeks ago are still here, although we did close the public hearing. I appreciate you still being here. You'll have to be here. But this is the demonstration of how important this is. And I'm also congratulations, particularly around getting settlement finalized. So I looked to my colleagues to support the the recommendation from our legislative hearing officer too, bring it back to the likes hearing office are excuse me, legislative hearing to conduct a work plan. I it's important that we utilize these tools to hold folks
accountable to make sre that our state are places are safe and you have done that. You have demonstrated that. Thank you for committing to those steps. And I guess if anyone else want to bring any other discussion to the matter, I open take motion for less hearing officer's recommendation. I will hardly support that is Billy. And I'm just so happy that we did give that. Additional time. It's wonderful to hear about the and coming through. Would have been a real shame if we had not given that time. So got to where this is landing. Thank you for your work on this. Any further discussion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. Post 6 in favor. None opposed. The resolution is adopted as amended. And thing. Legislative hearing, consent agenda items.
53 94 before you for your consideration. Anything for separate consideration this moment. I don't believe so. One quick comment on the items of the vast majority of items that you're about to adopt and my motion have to do with a bunch of account work that was left. When the hauling consortium. Turned over their books for te city to begin the billing process. There has been so much cleanup work done on the part of public works staff to get this organized and together lots of things needed to be fixed that were forwarded. These are the final fixes for this particular quarter. And so I just wanted to call up the good work. And yet we're still. Running clean up on it. Thanks for moment.
All right. So items 5 through 94 for us. If you are here to speak on any of those items now is your public hearings coming up? You're not here for 15 to 94, right? Just wanna make sure. Okay. Shame to wait all this time. That that we will take a motion from getting too close. The public hearings and approve all items with the recommendations of legislating officer and any amendment thereof. All in favor say Aye. All opposed 6 in favor. None opposed the legislative hearing. Consent agenda is adopted as amended. That brings us to the end of a very long agenda and the end of our I thought maybe would be making these comments several hours ago. And I know now we're all really tired. But I did just want to take a moment thank everyone for an amazing year together. I know we've had. Lots of intensity
and we're an unbelievably intense moment. But I'm grateful to have all of you as colleagues and really proud of the work we've done together this year. And I hope you are too. And I would open it up for. Any other thoughts are good news around the table. As Yang and then vice PRESIDENT Can. Thanks, council PRESIDENT, what I call on what you shared and just really wanted to take some time thank you for being a council PRESIDENT And also council vice PRESIDENT. Can you for being our vice PRESIDENT? It really aheavy lift to take those roles. And I really appreciate that. When you put into it and I know you make many sacrifices. So thanks for keeping the council going and thanks to all of our incredible staff who keep us going every day, too. Thank 10
as PRESIDENT Can. actually was Yah, but I really appreciate the year that we in in earnest. I think you all I think of some understanding of personally heard this year is for me as well. So I feel little broken open. Been a good way. So I really just appreciate kind of the continued kind kindness of my colleagues. But yeah, this year's been really hard in. We continue to see attacks that directly impact my family like theirs attack on trans rights that's happening right now. So it's really hard. But I think the silver linings that I get to come to work with all of you. Like in our communities and fighting for all the good stuff. So it's it's an honor and privilege to be here with all of you. Good news is that we have a nice out of
Minnesota Martin rally happening on DECEMBER 20 11:30am, Lake and Bloomington, Lake Street in Bloomington. Please comment hosted by million great organizations and one involves left a few is the Flc Ayoka policy tool at Minnesota Invisible in a city. Invisible twin cities and a bunch of other that if you find the flare in line, please show up 11:30am. Lake Stream. Bloomington will see in Minneapolis. Thanks. PRESIDENT. Thank you. Comes I'll just say there's something called my colleagues for all their work this year and thank all of our staff and I want to think folks that are that are not here anymore, we had a lot of changes here in the council. So I I probably will revert anyone. Also thank you, Sherri, who was here, we or forehead. 3 council members this year want to thank council presidential I meant
provides key we what we didn't start the rich, do it. Do getting many She still hoped she came in for like a few weeks. At one point there. So many people that are sitting at this table that help us operate throughout the entire year. We had, you know, folks, the intern with some folks and, you know, different lives this year. And I just really appreciate everyone and all of our work for this thank you. MRS. And the other good news or comments this Yes, one of the you know, it definitely been a turbulent year and like, you know, what was mentioned earlier today, a lot of changes and I just want to just say, and he's really proud of how we have been so resilient through it all. And we really like found ways to collaborate support each other, particularly with our work and making sure you know, we're
like serving our communities and the best of our abilities. So I do appreciate that. This Very And we we hold each other up in it. So. I I do think it's important for us to acknowledge that I my good is that taking place this Friday, DECEMBER 19. I want to invite you all 2 out. How Brown is hosting a happy Holly holidays. Where they're going to be doing card, making in a movie party. Our watch party of a movie where you could create holiday cards. Bring your kills and you can also create holiday gifts. So they're going to creating gifts and you can bring your your blanket, your pills and watch a movie and how to Brown. Also, I Councilmember chair, I'm jealous and I had a chance to talk with Director Maureen. there is lot state, a community watch state taking place.
The ribbon cutting at how to Brown for the transition from the rhino. Liberia, believe that JANUARY night, that's going to take place before our library board meeting. So I will filing a Yeah, we'll get it. Will there be more details to come. But I just want to acknowledge that because that's going to take place prior to our library board meeting. Thank Thanks. that's anyone else. So with that, thank all so much for a wonderful year. Find some time for rest. Joy. Alot of good food over the holidays. We all deserve it. And we'll see everybody probably before 2026. But for now, we're just.