We got to sandwich in the middle. There's perfectly protected many, many coming from U.S.. Yeah, thanks. that is. All the going to live report have an sent to council organization Policy Committee to order. Good morning, everybody. Welcome. One of the things that I have bragging about about our council is that we dive right in and tackle the hard issues and don't wait to get started. And MR. Provides key. I think you have to have been a council member for about. 61 minutes and you're already at your first council meeting. So I think that that is just emblematic of the way that this council works. Welcome. We're excited to have you. Today's meeting is Has 2 items on the agenda. The first one is an
opportunity for councilmembers to share what's going on in different Ford's committees, commissions. As we know, we all do a lot of work outside of official council meetings. We represent the council, the a lot of advisory bodies and committees that are making lots of different decisions about issues that are community. And I think it's helpful every so oten to take this time to update each other on anything that might be going on any of those boards, committees or commissions that we feel is relevant to the It doesn't have to be of exhaustive update on everything that those bodies are doing. But if there's anything that you feel other should know about, I think this is a good opportunity. To share that. And if it's something that is an update, maybe it's not a formal board or committee or commission, but it's a process that you're
aware of or involved in. For example, the 7th process that Councilmember Justin ayer involved in that might also be something we're sharing just because it's it's worth knowing. So w're gonna start with that. And then transition a topic that I know has been many of our minds for several years now, which is the issue of events and festival security costs. Count number. Has been doing really humans work. I've been partnering with her on this to try to address this problem. And we have a proposal that we want discuss with you all today. Get your thoughts on one of the things I want to start doing is using this policy committee more as a policy committee. So a chance to really talk about policy before we ever get to the point of introducing it into Legistar, making it a more formal legislation to hear people's thoughts. And also to
have that conversation here publicly. So we're gonna try that today. But I think will say that first for second. So we give a little bit more on some will be here shortly. So to start with just open I up, we don't go any particular order, but any updates that anyone wants to share for many boards, committees, commissions or general processes. It's just I thank as I can go. First all talk about the Transportation Advisory board council meeting. If you want to talk about water, word for what works for you. But so I on the transportation advisory board and one of the big things that that the Transportation Advisory Board does is the reason all solicitation funding, which is several 100 million dollars
and it gets divided up amongst, you know, all of the municipalities and counties that are represented on this board and something that we started late last year was kind of a big review like how the scoring works. And we did a big policy making workshop. And that's something that we're continuing into this year. But it's really key for, you know, municipalities that are represented on the board like Saint Paul in Minneapolis to Bill to make sure that we can we can get funding and support for the projects that we care about because we are in a room full of lots I mean, there's like 30 elected officials in this talking about this, this funding and what matters to us. And sometimes, you know, it doesn't our values don't always align with their values. And so that's that's
really important discussions and some looking forward to continuing that work early this Thank thanks so much. MRS. And that decision is going to put the decision about the. Funding cut areas that are the main leaders of something that discussed. Now, it's like it's it's ongoing it's a it's something we'll started kind of late last year and still being so the more extreme right now. Thanks for going first, too. Was it things kind PRESIDENT? I'll share an exciting update from the part regional or that a lot of board that I survived along with customer bully and toast. Which I be launched? Our new pavement. Part of it's a website where folks can opt into pay and they can use their bank account routing
number. It wouldn't be a fee for that. If you choose to pay your credit card, their other fees associated with. It's been a overhaul for staff water services. And we really want to try and make nt only the process easier, really to reduce fees so raw for customers. Also looked better for us budget wise to do so. I will be making in asking everybody to promote the new payment portal on to news letters or social media platforms. And I'll be sure to get the information from the same party. Janell Water services and for Authority which I serve on Wisconsin member Johnson be we'll be having Xcel Energy coming in front of us to share with us
about their work at the looking forward to that. So if you have any questions about it, let all Thanks staying in. Questions are also folks as they're talking afraid, tenant. Thanks. I think you cuts PRESIDENT Really appreciate this consistency and also engagement. I know we're always doing so much in our in our communities and across the city. So I really appreciate like have this time to. Keep these updates. I serve on the mend that has a policy advisory council out similar to the Transportation Advisory board. But council is is I particularly to get engagement from elected officials from across the region particularly the rethinking I-94 So this is also getting a report back from men that around their community engagement process, how they're receiving and put
it. And how they are studying on issues where weather is like air pollution, environmental assessment. So some of the goals as that I've been advocating for is to ensure that we have more representation from our city leaders, not just at the local level, but also the county and read engaging our our state leaders to be present on that board. Just cause 90% of I-94 runs through the city Saint Paul. I'm but yet we don't have that representation in that that council. So that's one of my goals. You know what my colleagues and also part of that, there is a conversation, a contentious conversation
around the council members are on there that the members elected officials that are on advisory council having the ability take a vote. So because we could give input. But we don't have like where it will have the ability to vote and actually make our recommendations and law in writing. So that is a conversation that, you know, a consideration that man that we'll have decide on how they want to move forward and how they re engage their advisory council on it. Still present you know, making sure that we're getting the Roland, I think they already completed phase winds now going to phase 2 with determining the
criteria but the proposals. So yeah. work that council. And also, I myself and council, PRESIDENT Maker and also council member Jalal, all served on a visit. Saint Paul. I really love it. Actually the fun board that I'm on probably because they actually serve you food and I could the don't serve your socks, but you can Yeah. You get all the snow that also ag. Some it has its perks under Yes, that is true. But as you For the record. But no updates currently specifically around visit Saint Paul. But I do want to share it is a great resource. If you have events are businesses that are looking to
promote t a wide audience visit. Saint Paul is growing in their social media presence. They also like their commission to ensure that we're visits here in Saint and having pa be the place where people now visit, but they also choose to live. It's a resource for all of us. And but, yeah, I don't have ay updates, but they do have like, yu know, Expos of like different event organizers. They do a lot of attractions and partner with large events that are hosting here. As we I appreciate you bringing that up and I'll piggyback on that. Not only the fun s of the board meetings, but to your point about because it's a public resource because I think sometimes we like that. Assume that organizations are open to our asks for help or suggestions. I found that Jamie Lucky Hendrix and the ceo of Visit Saint Paul is
extremely open to collaboration and ideas. So as an example, the lower town social hour that I've helped start when I was thinking about how can we get people to come out to lower town, to support businesses and how can we spread the word much more broadly? You know that my own social media channels. Reached out to Jamie visit Saint Paul and she ws she even though, you know. Funding had been figured out. It would be additional work for her staff like she she was able to say yes to it. And that's been going really well. So just wanted to kind of piggyback on that. And that point, it's believed that I think he possibly cnsidered a really great resource in all of our words. They're not just I think sometimes they spent a lot of time talking events are happening in downtown Saint Paul, but they are citywide. Thank you. I have one more
update. I'd like to add about the water poured. We are having serious conversations about what, Ted, 2 with see part regional water services properties whether we're going to sell them or hold onto them. And I'm bringing it up because we're having very similar conversations within the Hre board to add a few of us on the board when we met yesterday. We did it uplift that we want to prioritize selling land to appellate government entities I wonder I'm just thinking out loud, I think that maybe there's room for a partnership between know that entities like a jury and the partition of water services like it. There's a land swap. You wanted to your, you know, how do you want to make sure that we are keping these
properties here for for the public benefit. And the reason why me we're having these conversations within the water board is because you want to figure out do we necessarily need this landers or should we hold on to it for future use case we need more storage for like facilities, land for facilities ad expansions of our facilities. So I'm I think it really good for us to engage conversations about that with cherries staff to to see if we want to partner with them on these conversations. That on the same. That's really interesting is and that those properties mostly in Saint Paul It's some me it's a bit everywhere. And the parcel size also a defer to light. Yesterday we saw maps of properties that the water board owned in Centerville. Is that right? Yes, the city Centerville we also have properties frankly to get. So
it's it's quite interesting in how the properties are identify to in terms who owns that, whether it's the city or the water rk me there's like so many different names are likely, it's attached to so it can get get quite tough in terms of lake just how identify what land is ours. It isn't. That's a thank you for sharing just get ot of And one more Thanks for bringing that. We spent a lot of time talking about the yesterday and there's also land that we that simple regional water. Has offered to like the Tampa Police Department. And 2 of you. I'm gonna break on the names. But the the the gardens caring for the Cup street by street the And so which is really which is really great. I think some of the challenges
they face are then like, well, if we then decide we actually needed this land for something, then what do we do? So that's kind of what they're working through right now is what do we do with the land that we have? No do we want to keep it? And some of it is in Saint Paul, but they also have challenges around. They do need to find land for for a lot of the things that they're planning to do in the next, you know, in the next 5 to 10, you're so I do Yeah, appreciate considering ideas because I think that there could be an opportunity to partner with the with the Really interesting. Thank you. I have a couple things to share. One of them, Israeli border Commission, but assertive for the group's knowledge. We organized a tour of listening house last week several officers were able to attend. I know not all that. I just highly highly
recommended. If you have a chance, State House's new location 7th Street just outside of downtown. And they just added on. I think they MAY be. Doubled at least their size with a new English hours with sleeping space with amenities room with places for credit counseling. It's just incredible the work that they're doing. And Molly, John of the executive director is happy to get flks a tour, their work now program, which are the folks in the purple that's going around cleaning trash is cming up on a bit of a funding cliff. And so I know they're looking for and private partners who might be interested in contracting with them for those services because they're often helping private parties with the cleaning anyway. So just a really efficient, wonderful organization that I think folks should know about. If
you have a chance and the 2 commissions slash processes I wanted to update on. One is the 7th, which is the and new name for the Riverview Corridor process. So as you might remember, the Riverview Corridor planning process was ended by the county somewhat abruptly last year. And since then, city staff have been working with the county council, then to talk about what could come next at this point. There's a very preliminary proposal for bus rapid transit, sometimes dedicated, sometimes and shared lanes through the corridor, going from downtown, too. The airport in the mall sometimes using the cp rail's for and sometimes using West 7th. It's a really it's a it's a it's a preliminary draft. But I think it's really promising. And it also does not require the use of federal funds, which it's critical right now when we can't count on any federal funds. So we're this is the first week of
believe, the first week of engagement, So there there have been events. There will be events all both virtual and in-person and a different spaces and more to him or 3. So just wanted folks to know that's happening. I think at incomes just feel free to chime in here. But I still have questions of bit about. We don't have a formal policy advisory committee and Technical Advisory Committee and station area plans. The kind of framework that we had for Riverview. So it's a little bit tbd. How decisions will be made about this corridor. But I'm I feel like everyone shares the sense of urgency to get something done and to have a coincide with planned reconstruction of West 7th Street, which is coming up in the next few years. So I just wanted to make sure people were tracking that. And that's just entered a few I'm
glad that you made that updates, you know, technically have a pet can But when it is something that we've been we've been talking about in meeting about quite frequently. And now the city is really taking the lead on this on this project, which I think is an opportunity to really center. The project are residents, even though it goes beyond the city of Saint Paul just add to it because PRESIDENT Said is that we are still trying to figure out or moving as quickly as we can and trying to figure out the process that makes sense around how we're going to going to make decisions. But we are in a very fast time line because we do want to we do want to get this. Get this construction started during the year prior to big mill and overlay
project West 7th Street for 2028, 2029 because you know that funding, if we can combine it with this project would be the most efficient use for what we're hoping long-term, 4 for West 7th. So more to come on that. I'm sure from both of us. But and must give us. A question. Is this a so I'm trying understand because you mentioned like freshly was I'm led by men that. And now the city is transitioning leading it because of we mill and overlay. But then mentioned that it reaches be on. Saint Paul's Is this like including Bloomington as well? Are? Yeah. So it was the Riverview Quarter process was previously led by the We're just kind of the timeline that
we're focused on is it is, in that schedule. S we're trying to kind of get it in time for them in debt, you know, technically they no plans him. But the project basically originally Riverview Corridor was going to go from from them all the way up into downtown. So it it the Riverview Pack included folks from Bloomington and having a county. But and folks simple. And as part of this project, there will be discussions about a turn back of. It's, you know, it's a 7th, but its also highway 5, which is why that's been a turn back up. At least a portion of the street to the city of Saint Paul from end at so we would on the road. But obviously the city being adamant about the fact that we would only accept a turn back such that if there's worked out on the road
to bring it up to pristine condition before we take it that road. One of the reasons I think there's such a sense of urgency about this project is that as you all know, from your words when there's eminence public works, going to happen on the road. Nothing else happens in the meantime. So there have been no investments and sidewalk Infrastructure, Inc tree replanting these vacant, you know, those tree holes all the way up and down West 7th that haven't been replanted because we're about to Riverview. And we're about to do you know this overlay or reconstruction, depending and and Riverview has continued to get pushed out. None of that other work has happened, including that the militant like that's been pushed out because Riverview was about to happen. So I think sometimes communities that are about to have work happened. That doesn't happen are much more disadvantaged cause and they
don't see any other work MR. Prescott. Yeah, thanks, council. PRESIDENT Maker, I think. I'm really excited to see the city trying to take some leadership here. I think all these projects like the county lead versus the Metro Transit led. End up getting I think a little bit messier than people would appreciate just all the interagency interaction, the Mendota City Cunty alone, let alone the metro transit time and all the other pieces. So I particularly appreciate the fact that dedicated right of way is an upfront discussion about this project I think even I vivid memories of like 10 years ago when you were an early councilmember back a ban on the policy advisory committee. And that was such a huge point of discussion of is that streetcar is that light
rail? Is it over 50% dedicated right of ways that less than that, particularly think once you get close to Xcel Energy Center or close to the airport in the mall, you really have to have that right of way to make sre the services like Abba adequate level. And so I'm I'm really particularly excited that that's a key point of the. Proposal, but also the possibility of that off street trail along the spur is just such a unique opportunity. And we've seen even though, you know, doing the trail and these places where you can create a rally valuable connection for folks to be able to, you know, walk their kids in a stroller, go on a bike or whatever is just such a huge chain. That's when you have that dedicated ready for that. That rail right away. So I'm particularly excited about those 2 pieces, even though it's not in Ward
4. I actually think everyone in the city would benefit from a project like this. So glad that both of you are so intently yet. No. Thank you. And thank you for reminding me just how I've been working question both be able to speak to what the community response has been the changes in the plan. So I will just start by saying, I don't know yet because well, I think people are anecdotally I've heard folks are. Happy that something is happening because as soon as the process was shut down again, extremely abruptly. Like. Councilmember just had me a screenshot of a Facebook post about it. And I said, I think this is a joke because
it's not possible because with ended this way and it turns out that was how it was ending. So like that's how that's how we found out that this process was that anyway, people have been very eager to see things move forward. And I think happy that we're doing it. I am not that any of the community engagement sessions. Yeah. I mean, go tomorrow night to palace and expects. So we'll start to hear more from Ali there. But I you've heard know my legislative aide was one last night. So going to talk to me about how that went of. What I've been hearing so far is very similar to what comes PRESIDENT Maker. Just mention, folks were very confused and frustrated. This process has been going on for decades and they were expecting to get something at the end of it and then ended and we're exactly starting over, but we do have a lot of work to do what I've been hearing from, at least, you
know, like Highland District Council and some of the community members around there is they they just they want to see investment in West 7th. And I think that, you know, whether that they kind of have accepted that that's not likely to be a street car at this point. And so I a woman look like we need brt. We need something. They also really want to see pedestrian improvements and a lot of beautification of just the street more opportunities for just you know, community being able to gather in in along the street and, you know, being supportive of our businesses. So I I we have gotten a lot of positive feedback. I think that that folks really appreciate like the urgency the care that we put into into moving this forward. But I'm looking forward to seeing kind
of what the feedback was from from from this ensure that to once we get thank you push the infant. Just want to say thank you, Paul, for working on this. And then just the last board commission I wanted to share about, as I said on the Downtown Alliance board. Yes, there's a lot going on downtown, obviously. And I think the it's the good news is that the downtown Alliance created its downtown investment strategy over a year ago in MARCH. So we've had this sort of playbook. I think one of frustrations I hear most from constituents is what's the plan? What's the plan for downtown revitalization? The good news is there is a plan. The bad news is it's hard to see that plan action because a lot of the steps of the plan. Are not really visible. They take time. So, for example, the 3 pillars of the plan are the office residential conversions and and kind of just getting
office space in general back under good hands. That will make the best use of it to the maps. Equities portfolio, for example, getting that I'm into new ownership that will maintain it. And that will make active again and vibrant. The public right of way, making our streets and sidewalks more inviting. So we know we have gems in downtown. We can actually use the phone placer data to see where most people come in. They come downtown and probably not. Surprisingly, it's Excel Energy Center. They all come there. They come from all over. They go a little bit down West 7th into that entertainment district, but they don't go. Down 5th down, calling into the rest of downtown where we desperately need them to becoming part of. The reason for that is, you know, is that. You get to write sparking look beyond that and you don't really see
anything inviting you to come further. We have that Central business district, the donut hole that some of us lovingly refer to it as that just doesn't call out for pedestrian walkability. Anything attractive. So making 5th and 6th in particular, more inviting pedestrian thoroughfare says the second part of the plan and the last part to focus on key redevelopment opportunities. Arena at Central Station and River's which is the county's being the 3. So that's the strategy. And one of the key developments recently as the creation of the Downtown Development Corporation, which is a an entity that can bring together private and public and philanthropic capital to try to get some more of these buildings under state control or just to incentivize other developers to 2 redevelop
them. That's the same model that worked in lower town in the 70's and lower time Redevelopment Corporation. And it quintupled the amount investment town. Could the farmers market by 10's of artists and artist housing down in lower town. So it's a model that's been proven to work at our next board committee. We're actually going to have Dave Higgins says the new ad of the downturn developing corporation talking to us about the plan and Joe Spencer from the Downtown More to come. But I mostly just wanted folks to know that's there is a plan working the plan, obviously with Nolan's 9 spanking the skyway closures recently. It's really been a tough time. I think we're getting have been w haven't turned the corner. I think approaching the corner. That
we're going to turn and and we have a lot of things to look forward to. Coming up the summer, brand-new Peter Park Golden opening downtown new. We do have new restaurants coming in and opening actually been hearing. Maybe you have to from others who are interested in coming in to fill up some of the vacant spaces. One of the things that I'm going to be talking to you about out after this. A is about possibly sme more financial incentives to help business owners who are trying to open because what they're not getting right now is a lot of help from their landlords, especially if they're ging into property is not being well maintained. But, you know, enterprising business owners who have a good plan and who can help us renovate downtown. But MAY be some additional help. So. Happy to answer questions about that.
But I just wanted share that update from Italian side. But think you've got to why I'm really happy to hear about the update, because think I mean, all of us, you know, whenever if announcement related to downtown, you know, we hear it in. I know couple of my residents who are actually. Own some of this is over this place. You know, from the eviction I know we voted on those to carry that separate. We voted on emergency assistance and could be some funds. I'm definitely and support of you know, ensuring that we provide more financial assistance for for those businesses. I'm also interested and I really appreciate last time Joe
Spencer came and presented and we had a chance and Tori and I actually like get out the chamber and get downtown and actually like see the buildings, seed infrastructure. See where this areas of need time. I you know, I encourage us do that this year, especially I would like to hear from the new executive director knowing that. Now he has his plate really full. Whenever it they get close to the corner, turning that corner, it will be nice to police come and present in front of us so we can just get a lay of the land of that plan. And yeah, it's it's it's really challenging. But I think also it is fair to say that like. At least as a board
line now downtown is red wine, but I definitely see what happens in downtown is going impact worldwide. You even with the business of lines in valleys, hey, cut Salute. Council chair, Chair I think we'll come back I was gonna share You know what lines of leaving, you know, that that it's really, you nerve wrecking in terms of I'm thinking about, like with the midway with Cup foods like similar challenges that are grocery stores and our businesses are facing across the city. And now this new leadership coming up with this new plan I think is gonna be really for all of us know, as considering these challenges that's happening across the city. appreciate you're saying that really a love. The idea of a 2 it might be interesting
even when Dave does come in 2 weeks to ask, where would be good? Location for that whether he'd be willing to host us? It might be helpful even to just walk walk. The Skyway is a little bit to personally understand which ones are closed and with the Pats are because I know we get lot of questions about that. I also just want to thank you and all of you. I mean, I I get questions off and, you know, where's the council at on downtown? And one of the things I'm always proud to say is every single councilmember understands that downtown is not the responsibility of one council member that all of us are are dependent on an interdependent with the success of our economic engine downtown. So I am grateful to that'll able to say that, but to have that be true of all of So thank you. Think PRESIDENT First, I really like to commend you for your resilience and your
determination and commitment to. Not only revive revitalized for reviving downtown Saint We are cares much about and we're invested in downtown. I know that this is right in your on a center like now, I can only imagine the amount of concerns emails and calls are getting about it. And it just really wanted to to share that we see the work that you're doing and it is you're showing up really strong. So I'm very supportive of having from the cty be boosting financial assistance into businesses into downtown. Maybe have been doing that already. And I know that there's more than that we can and that we should do. And I also really commend the staff just, you know, being so creative on coming up with
those solutions to. I think that there's a lot of really great teamwork, partnership coordination happening there 100%. Thank a any comments or questions on this. And it Stenson. We have been doing updates from boards, committees, commissions and also just general processes that were involved in that MAY not have a formal board or committee or commission, but other should know that. So I want to take chance if you have anything to share. Yes, well, thank you so much. and foremost, girls taking action Tyson's. The regards very, very exciting get a chance to talk with them and you're still starting in Yes, I'm still a visitor at home. Think is there to deter the reason just knowing where it was but a very excited about some of the work that we've
been able to do specially throughout the first year, you know, saw. What I will say, I'm very thankful to my colleagues for your support encouragement to be our council Morrison heading home Ramsey. I I'm really excited about that. I think in our community we've had a lot of questions continuing to srround. Going to do and 4 and with our community who currently isn't sheltered and for me, that's been really relevant, especially with I represent encampment closing earlier this year and the Fatah tree trail. That's also in my ward now. And so it's something that's at the forefront of my mind to get questions about it quite often. You know, just what goes into all the services that we provide at are throughout our city and
have enjoyed working with our team and sdpd and the deputy mayor and Department of Safety inspections on jst really can have grasp of how we handle are encampments and so helps us response here in our city. So I'm looking forward to diving into that. Just went to I have an upcoming orientation. But I just want to the first meeting to get a chance to meet with all of the different cultures there. And it's just a phenomenal group of people on the other side of that. You know, I've served now for you're in some change at the Saint Paul Port Authority and along side Councilmember Yang and also briefly council PRESIDENT Maker last year into this year. I'm really excited to be the treasure this just far as like being able to have what I'm going to looking at the this week, bt genuinely excited,
just to have been a part of some of the major conversations we've had surrounding the Port Authority. So, you know, the heights is a pretty big topic for discussion continue to continue to be. Was really excited last year to have route to secure major environmental and climate investment. But, you know, they're almost system and so. I will be continuing to support councilor Yang and members of the East side in their advocacy surrounding ensuring that heights practical something. And I know at the 3, there's been recent property acquisitions that we have embarked on the Kmart site has long been a site that the single port authority has wanted to not be. They get some development there. So I'm looking forward to embark on that journey. If you haven't necessarily look into that, encourage our colleagues and our people
watching home to do so because I'm excited about whenever we have an opportunity to sites that have been truly not necessarily for better or worse, an eyesore for some of our community members as they go to places that are completely vacant, not utilize underdeveloped to see what we can potentially do there. And so I am excited that I have been really enjoying learning more about what the Port Authority corrupt. Not necessarily understanding, bt they are present and multiple counties and many, many counties, the and so the wrk has it stretches statewide. So I've enjoyed just actually being able to be at that table. And he those discussions recently transitioned not the that sent boarding time. I'm I'm looking at must provide because I'm looking forward to your PRESIDENT Kim space, because it was truly an immaculate time. They've talked a lot about workforce development
here in our county and lot of the partners that are joining our think event innovative ways to continue to employ e I n folks that really looking to have a Dobson, basic like wages that can help families. And so it's really important work. I was sad to but I knew that it ws going to hands. I think the main thing for me so far in our war, 2 being the chair of the House and Redevelopment Authority last month has been really, truly great opportunity that we have launched in that month's time. You know, we pass guidelines from emergency rental assistance to our commercial corridor. Find too being able to vote next week on are healthy homes apart, homes program. And I think that there are a lot of things that are launching that we put in
place as a council and as a body on the jury last year during the budget cycle that I'm looking forward to actually having pieces reflect on, including things like you stark investment and commercial corridors. That's going to be really important and imperative. So I've appreciated the time you guys have spent just viewing those guidelines giving that feedback. It's just made those programs better and actually think that will be able to serve community committee members or residents. In words. But I that you said a thing called like you all know that. I've said it multiple times. We have a high amount of evictions and 5, 5 0, 6, and you know, it's at the top of mind for me. And I know that emergency rental assistance isn't going to be
the end. All ketchell. I've heard nothing but positive reviews from just talking to committee members about These funding sources being available. And so just to put into place like, you know, we do anticipate continuing to have those conversations with a fest to try and streamline the payment methods. As you guys know, we have check systems here in Saint Paul we're looking into electronic payments and what that process could look like. So I'll be working on just kind of providing those updates for you because the home is ensure that people are able to get access to the resources in timely matter because emergency response really should be emergency response. And so I'm a few different things other things. But the last thing I'll say is the goal line opened and being a part of the go Line Corridor committee has you know, continue the work of my
predecessor, but also being able to he and space to discuss the future of transit transit specifically. Listen, the side has seen a bunch of construction over past several years. And so being able have community members finally understand and see the bus that we have all seen. The construction has been really huge deal and so shout out to our federal and state and local elected officials that worked on the goal line expansion and was happy to support earlier this the end MARCH, the potential production expansion plans for him to Minneapolis to so just some things to watch. But the gold line so far is open. There hasn't been a gold mine bus that I've seen. That's been and the side. And that's a good sign. People actually continuing to use because I know that was a concern for for some of our folks have just like were doing all work
and a part going safe. They're not going to ride the And the reality is like, that's the goal. Keep it safe, but also ensure that people actually taking advantage of it because that took downtown downtown to word Woodbury transit time down significantly. You can get you can get there pretty fast and where we have back construction on it for you might be able to get their better by a bus rapid transit and you could park so really excited about that. And those are just some of the updates that I have. Thank you for the opportunity. Thanks so much sense. Appreciate it. And you know, I just want to echo what others have said. There's so much work that is going on like. And this behind the scenes. But for millions of viewers at home right now, we're not tracking us around all of these different bodies. It's
hard to know how much is happening. So I'm grateful to all of you for the time and attention you're putting into these different issues that are affecting our community in so many ways. So thank out of Curiosity and thank you so much. That's John. So for those updates, but you touched on the emergency assistance, which I know like we have already heard And we also pour in. Want to make sure like it is tree like emergency response. You mention transitioning from a check system to electronic system is that okay if don't know yet, but is that would that require policy change are is that like a budget item to like ensure that like our procurement can, you know, have the proper
software to actually transition electronic. Yeah, it's really just right now. The Office of Financial Services are even starting to transition into what it could look like for a payment system. Update standpoint. And so it's really just like a it's a do we have the software capacity to actually issue electronic payments. And so we've been in the process for that. And it's something that is productive for JUNE of this And so right now we do a lot of our payments check like a lot of local governments to. But that takes some time to actually get the check issued and out the door from the city. And so we're just working on scene what we can do around that to see if we the but the crease time innings. Take for that process in this case since they would be going to the property owners against and that the individual. But the property
owners that would need the payment and a timely it got as what just clarification. So this is for the emergency response. But I'm I'm I guess I'm asking terms of like if it's going to be a policy change because imagine that, you know, all our other systems probably has to be a check. And we could probably, you know, do entire like transition of electronic payments, not just for emergency use bots, but just 4 how we process payments as a whole. Yeah, I'm happy look into that, too. With you COUNCILMAN When it comes to just like the stunts basis, I don't want speak and have that Director Clark in the at a shot out. So going But I think all that led to their screens right now, the
U.S.. But I think that work being able to. I think it's an update system. So we should I think a general have the ability to do like electronic payments. But right now, even when you're you know what we're doing, even our own. Any sort of reimbursements for any reason business purposes. My understanding is we've use checks and in that space, it can take some time. But between the time that you request the check and from the time that the check is actually process and So and that's So. Thanks pay for the question. And just remind everyone if there's ever a topic like that that we want to dig more into from sort of systemic basis. We can do it here. We can do it at council meetings depending on the subject
budget at a tray. Public safety hopefully very soon. So if your freedom, you know, sure, those I guess is you have them. I do want to transition our at exactly halfway point so well done to our second topic and I'm just going to the separate then turn it over to MISS Billy, who again, has really been leading on this issue. And thank you as we for doing that. This is an issue that has been really I could say for anyone, it is something that is I believe weighing us down when it comes to vibrancy in our communities. We know how valuable our community events and festivals are neighborhood organizations that put on these really wonderful community building types of opportunities and because of security costs rising, it's just been more and more difficult to do that. We are trying to come up with a solution to that problem. That is easy to administer and
easy for organizations to apply for. So as not to. Add further burden to what they're already experiencing takes a lot to plan the event. We should be the least of that. And we are looking at and amount of $155,000 that allocated in this year's budget. To this purpose. The question now is how do we actually get those dollars out the door? So I'll turn things over to MISS Billy to share the proposal that she and I've been working on. And the goal here today is is to hear your thoughts. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT. So as we know last year, we voted on $155,000 t go towards events and festivals and this funding came out of the mayor's office transition to our office to pretty create
a program of how we want to support our event. Organizers in council PRESIDENT Maker shared no one of the issues and challenges that we've been hearing as we've been convening conversations. What event organizers is the cost of police and tere's a lot of factors that goes into that. And I also anticipate inviting staff into those conversations. I've already had those conversations, particularly with our chief and also the management Stormy done, who works and has ppd. I'll have a special operations. So she's like the main point of contact. If someone is hosting the event, they go to stormy done and she pretty provides like a checklist of like all the things they need to consider.
So one of the challenges at we're hearing is after a streamlined, their permitting. Event organizer is looking to, you know, know what the costs is that cost of security is actually inflated. You know, we've seen that, you know, after the pandemic, now only what inflation, but just we had transition out of the off-duty contracting service and now I duty service. So event organizers have to pay for a law enforcement at the salary rate. So we no longer they no longer the flexibility and autonomy to set that rate. So just to give some overview cause, I think it's really important. So we need to some
of the challenges. The cost per officer and I can get update of this cause on the website is says the cost per officer is lane $108 and $0.38 per hour. And so, for example, if event requires 25 officers, they have to pay $16,000 $16,257 for them just just having offices. That's not even including staging. That's not including like the event space. That's not even including barricades at all the other things. So you know, I want to acknowledge I don't think that security should be a barrier like security is a priority, but should definitely not be a barrier for to be able to have these events hosted in Saint Paul also want share with you. Printed out a copy avowed to Chapter 366, which is the
events and festivals policy just so we can see like in terms of how our policy is set. And now, you know, there's some oportunities either in this conversation are even and future winds. If we want look at changing this policy. So on Chapter 3.66, 0, 3, it's actually the permit fees. And if I could take your attention to line, see where it says over here, I think it's the 3rd sentence of this paragraph. Reese says the cost of police officers services will be determined at this tablets formula rates. So this rate is actually on determined base of our police chief and the rate is the formula is based off of how much the cost per hour. And this farm ws also determined by, you know,
how long the event is, how many people are going to be there. So event is expecting, you know, say, like over 10,000 people, the are looking at a ballpark of like nearly like $50,000. You know, I know a Cinco de Mayo and Rondo days in little Africa, we're looking at tens of thousands of dllars and applying for Costco start grant funds, which we know are just like one time funds. We try not to have like Ma Tei years of investments. So part of this. Part of this program. As you know, we've been thinking about how can we actually saw the issue other than just like having start time or start tram. You know, I'm fixes so
this 155,000 is ongoing, finds we came to the cnclusion that instead of the council being a grant allocation are being in the business of allocating grants and deciding who will, you know, receive this. How about we actually l? Actually transition these funds directly to the office and the the staff that are actually working directly with the event organizers to credit. So it is not grant. It would be pretty much a security credit to subsidize the financial burden of for what not policing of safety and security for events. So I want to directly from you all because like your input is like essential to this process and as council PRESIDENT Maker was just thinking about what is the criteria, you know, out here in the spreadsheet that
you have is a possible criteria. What really mattered to us was that this organization is based in Saint Paul that we're investing in Saint Paul organizers read vesting events that is highlighting specific neighborhood. Also, we are supporting legacy organizations and legacy festivals. So you know, have they been here for 10 years are, you know, are at they like host it for more than 5 to 10 years in. Also just looking at is this event acessible in free. We want to be really clear that these are we want to have public investments for events that are public. And one of the last criteria that we had is is deceiving geared towards families in the youth. You know, having a conversation with Chief Henry when it things that we saw that will
be beneficial for this process is gearing towards events that actually are like youth violence, community violence, intervention that plays that role, that if we have more events that we will also have like increase and community pri increase communi visibility in increase in no more things for young people that the Cajuns so just open it up for discussion of these possible criteria is that we have and then also what's listed here is all the special events that applied for and predicted to come. This is just could be a growing So this list, right and councilmember they give you want to chime in about this list. But this list given to
us by as pd and also the park's director has this running list event organizer there that applying for a Thanks for could said it better. And again, I want to be clear about that. We want to get this right. And I also want to put this in context. We're not talking about whether or not events can happen in Saint Paul. We're not talking about whether or not events, you know, we're not even really talking about fully covering anybody. Security, Casas cast member police said we're talking about in some cases, really significant cost that with $55,000. And the number that you see here, there's no way we could get close to really covering. So this is really, you know. And attempt to give something to organizations and festivals that we recognize our key pillars of our community. And we're trying with the criteria to identify what that means
because it can be very subjective. And I think that's the hardest part of this. But it's it's it's a gesture of appreciation. It's a bit of help. It's not and going to go all of the way. And we budget significantly more. And that's part of the reason why we wanted to show you the events that have just been predicted or applied for for 2025. To give you a sense the scale that talking about. Just I think 2 first, just really appreciate all the work on this night. really support us making sure that we can. We can help with some of the barriers to these events really all across our city. I think really glad that we allocated this funding. I think also long-term wanting to be thinking about, you know, kind
of the root of the issue. It seems like it's that the security costs have increased over time. I would expect is what I've been hearing in. I'm sure there are a lot of factors that go into that. But what what is the long-term solution for maybe, you know, any ability to to reduce any of the security security costs or if we even have the ability to do that because that, you know, I I've heard like a ballpark for Grandal. They for examples like $9200,000 for for security. And I don't know that it was that expensive previously. I do understand that costs increase, but I want to make sure we're focused on that on that to an separate from this conversation. But, you know, in the years ahead, like I would expect the 155 to go up.
If we continue to to provide the support and think we should do that tandem kind of figure out what. What else we can do about the issue. The second thing I want to say was I was looking at the event names and I so the question about a runner and I see a lot of races on And I know that those are not typically free. They're looking opportunities for kids to sometimes around the knees. But it I just wanted to flag that because that's quite a few of these these events. And you know, those aren't necessarily like the public can come and watch them, but they cannot participate in them. And they're actually very costly slow. I just wanted to flag that for for all of us because I think that would cut this list down pretty significantly. If think we're done here. And I wasn't sure if we were planning to
provide that type of support, too, to these organizations They are based in Saint Paul. And I do think they're great events. But there there was a very different events then like the some of the festival's that everyone can just go to prevent. Just semester progresses. Temperatures quickly to that point. Currently the possible criteria which are all draft criteria for our consideration. The attendant slash participation is free was intended to apply to race participants. So if arace participants have to pay to be in that then that would not meet the criteria its first mission free. And I will say, I think again, this is it's a very difficult. It's difficult to parse events that are sort of been kind of saying by and for our community versus in
our community right. And I think obviously they're all of, you know, we want all of the but some of that's I think, are more. Rooted in neighborhoods and communities and some are more. We have great stretches along summit, Shepard. That can bcome the location for rather than. Another tie to our community. To the extent that that's helpful, MR. Progress Yeah, thank you. Council PRESIDENT Maker. I think I would echo a lot of the points tat are made in both yourself. And councilmember apologies for all the races thrown by podium supporters as a proud word for business. Happy to have them in North port. The I do think it's important to have both the conversation. You mentioned council
PRESIDENT Of we have a lot of small businesses in Ward 4 that have spent a long time trying to advocate for themselves to be the priority. But I think we all really vocally want them to be. But I think doing that in every single individual program and project takes a lot of time and it is a lot of work. We have folks like, you know, the local breweries and word for that. Do a lot of festivals like this, like dual citizen, urban growlers, such a great staple in the neighborhood. But finding ways to make sure truly locally rid of - businesses have some advantage or have some prioritization, I guess is the more appropriate way to say it. Very strongly in favor. And I also one other piece I want to make sure I raise it probably is actually best for me to even as some of these things directly recipe pd. But spending so much time has an ad in the run-up to the
opening of all the field. I spent a tremendous amount of time with the special events unit because essentially all of the neighborhood lead-up was anxiety and excitement and their business and and happiness and uncertainty around what the heck are these game he's going to look like. And actually the spp special Vincent was is a gigantic part of even help people walk to the games. How parking is forcing game. So that events like that or j 6 or these huge, huge, tremendously substantial events. One thing and then on this list, you get down to some of these that are so much smaller. So I'm also curious how they think about. At what point is there make possibly comfortability of it, not having to be an spv the outlying. It could be a
private security that's trusted or better some curious about those as well. But I think obviously asking those direct follow-ups with bpd is more appropriate that particularly just because some of these events are so substantial and so like j 6 is the one that always think of witches. And, you know, just north of where I live and you just see the out of turnout and the tremendous amount of people and then some of these are, you know, a few dozen people 50 people or 200 people. So the scale is so dramatically different That's another thing I'm curious to ask. I'm about as well, but I really appreciate the efforts to prioritize in particular the council's work to get some of these funds dedicated. Thanks, MISTER And by the way, to that point, police were able to join us today. Mentioned, she's been working
really closely with them we can follow up with any questions that folks have are you can asleep yourself too. If we need more information from them to make these decisions, the shots. Thank you so much. And thank you guys for being able to present this councilmember billion or offices expressed some interest in being involved in this process. I just wanted to reiterate that to you, but I also really do appreciate seen back it. And that's listed here. I think it would be important to also ensure not just the host organization is based here, but that the event actually takes place in the city. I think that goes without saying, but I just want to be clear that that probably should be added to stuff like it's based ie complete support, the host organization being based here. And I also completely supported being in
our city limits. And the only thing I would say about the events that are hosted for at least 5 years a lot to get events festival. Space up and running. And so I me just encourage us to maybe think about it like or a bonus point. If it's the first time our return and just how some of the festivals lately have had to kind of fight too, bring themselves back. And so if it is something in that case that maybe it's not cumulative maybe it's not consecutive, but it's. 5 years overall. But like if a festival has taken a break because of the pandemic or because of a lack of funding one year. I hate for that to be them coming back and potentially being a barrier to continuing on to a first or second 3rd year. So maybe that can be something for at events and festivals. Like I look at
a lot of these some of most, quite a few of them happen every year. But there were some that are some on this list that was like the first time that they had, you street live. It was a journey to bring I know, counselor, but he's really familiar with, but are the journey of Rondo days and around the block party. And so I'm just highlighting that some of these organizations MAY have had to take a minute comeback and I'd love to encourage that and somewhere have a captured, maybe potentially as one of the. If you've been in there for 5 years. But you are returning are part of it. To your point, I think that security not being a barrier in that example or actually being able to get some funding to offset resources that you have to allocate towards security to maybe allocating that back towards the vendors
are towards the artists are towards whomever could actually be really beneficial and helpful. To committee members that are like, maybe this isn't their full time new job. They don't have a full-time planning committee. But really want to just have this event back in their community. That could be great. And then support, you know, the participation be free and they're being food for folks collecting. That's that's really great. I would say I I I guess my question really is a follow-up is like how you landed on the 7,000 half of the security price and just kind of wondering for Mullins of just like, was that what we were seeing on average was about half. Was around that 7,000 or kind of like where that number came Thanks. I can
speak to that this belief practice so well, first of all, I really appreciate the point about the 5 years not being consecutive. I think that's that's a. Really important catch. And I certainly would support them not being consecutive because I think as you're pointing out, a lot of our festivals events have not come back because of security cost. Last thing we want to do actually have heard of some events recently that used to be legacy events and no other way. And they're now considering coming back. And I think we want to encourage them to do that. So and the reason we have any years at all just in case it needs saying is that we don't have endless dollars. And the thought was we really want to target these at those events that like when you think of Saint Paul, you think of facts straight and and frankly, if a new event starts up. Giving it a couple of years to show that
the community supports it and that it's a going concern before we jump in with dollars. So that was the reason for any timing. And the reason for the 7,000 just wasn't it was a math calculation. We use these criteria. We applied them to the list that we have in using those criteria. We got about 20 organizations, 20 festivals and events and divided 155 20 the 7,000 or half. Whichever is less. I at again, this is up to I thought I'm proposing that part was that well, first of all, if an organization doesn't have up to $7,000 worth o cost, we obviously don't want do 7,000. And I do think that there's a certain amount of security cost which should be on the organization. I don't think we're trying to complete the subsidized. We could talk about and change. You know what that percentages
are with? That number is but that also helps our dollars gove farther. If we're only doing up to half some organizations have much lower security I guess the follow-up and this is really just me being like. Whatever will happen if we have a situation where maybe as an event or festival that doesn't align. With the maybe the vision of our city or the values base of our council and they're coming in for funding for this program. It's more of like I don't know if we have the answer to that him. But I'm just thinking about the times that we're in and what I want. Really hate to see is very very non values based on mission makes the event that's held here, put together and utilizing these funds resources that are not helping are serving there caring towards family community, but maybe ever did
in place. That's not That's not helpful at during this time. Either that way, way of like in their political viewpoint whatever. But like at what point what happens if someone what happens if there's an event that maybe isn't? That's certainly you, sir. Mission way I could take I think, you know, that all things to be fair. You know, that's why we have like the 4th bullet point as a criteria cause like we want to make sure that we're promoting safety Ripper. Molding community. we that can be pio by criteria like it could be like not it has. It can't be a political event and it can't be a political rally. It it is
in a. You know, I guess we can have like parameters around like if it's like some type of social justice. Happy event that this is mainly to promote our small businesses and promote our neighborhoods and also enhance our kasia corridors. So I think those are things where at least with visit Saint Paw, I know they're always looking at events that are supporting their goes right. And that's like to bring more people. Into the city. So and that was another thing to like we did consider like, do we want to have a criteria that says if this is like a religious organization, you know, I will they be eligible and that's,
you know, up for us, too, to debate. But I like cut snake or PRESIDENT Maker Munch. This is a really, really small scale like very, very small. You know, even us having discussion, I think I came a long way cause we were just like, well, how about we just like select, you know, just like it ourselves. But we want just have objective process of how we get there. So we, you know, you just like making that decision and choosing losers choosing winners. But really like I'm watching a pilot and in a scene how this year goes in and also like being able to, you know, look at those changes for next year. Appreciate that. As we also saying Johnson to earlier
question, that is the advantage of having the 5 years. Somebody yes, up tomorrow, right? We've got 5 years to figure out. A change or crazy or just, you know, like wouldn't be something that you could media coming up live the. Not for any political candidate or political party might be worthwhile ad. We we're trying to keep it as again and subjective as possible. And I think the more you kind of get into like, what's it for the harder it might be to par some of those things because to your point, political in nature could be a lot of things. I think we ended up not going into religious institution or not in part because their religious institutions, that host community events well. Rely on look forward to so, you know, kind of having that be the barometer didn't seem
Anderson. But I take the point just just to to customer Johnson's point like there, maybe there's some language in like the comprehensive plan or somewhere in that. It's just a few sentences about our city values that, you know, the event. Some of the event, you know, geared towards families and youth, but also like, you know, needs to be welcoming, inclusive, something something we can copy that we bring in for for for that because, you know, we do want these, you know, the whole idea is that these are free this open, everyone, everyone feels comfortable And I think that, you that's going to be important some some type language in there. Mrs Kay thanks. Council PRESIDENT Make the. The other thing I would note and I might just be saying out loud so that I better remember it for one.
Chatting with sdpd as well. Is having recently been at a very substantial event, a rally a the Capitol and seeing the sheer amount of participation. But to be honest with you, not an incredible amount of like visible police presence. I mean, I'm sure it was very, very well managed. There's actually a lot of events stewards from the hosting entities as well. Invisible Bess. And so non police staffing that I'm sure was very intentional. And when 10's of thousands of people are at an event, I mean, I can't even imagine trying situation like that. But I'm curious see how even events at the Capitol get manage Differently. Ix, I know the state Patrol technically oversees the security versus
local food. So I'm curious if some sort of cross communication that typically occurs there anyway, because I haven't in my previous, you know, work with the events seem I don't think I've ever asked about the capital events which I think gets handled by different law enforcement. But I'm wondering if there's learning from their again, mostly saying to myself. So remember to ask Spp do that. But I especially the sheer amount of times you get notified end of the capital word to insurance. Just another opportunity. That's a great point. We that. Because even last year, like one of my main goals was to subsidize and how we can lower security costs. So like I had, I think Mike, my first
department meeting was with Chief Henry and talking about special unit. You know, my big goal last year was how do we break days? And I security cost was one of the barriers. One things that I learned through the process is that the budget that we use for special units, the same budget that we use to send officers protests are rally at the Capitol or wherever there is a public and protests in Saint Paul is the same budget that we use in officers to events festivals. So that was one of things that was considering like, well, can we hve a separate budget? Is there a way we can just think, you know, have a distinct
difference between like what is just response a public rally versus a festival. And, you know, mean, it's still a large gathering and another all that they want to bring this up as well last year, how we got The security costs days was. No, represent have some have who's the vice chair of the Legacy Committee and at in the House was able to appropriate $100,000 directly to that organization for them to pay for security and subsidize like the csts for the event. But that, but that's not sustainable. You know, that's not sustainable. But even this year currently represents a McKay also brought forth a bill have appropriations to 7 organizations. And I believe
it's think it's 1.3 million dollars. But that those funds will be going through the Minnesota Humanity Center. So it's still another grant. You know, it's still I will require this organizer to go after those on those dollars and on last year, he voted on 2 million dollars to go to te grand. And unfortunately, you many of our event organizers did not actually go after those dollars that we yeah advocated strongly so think which is really rich is the reason why I think this method of having the security credit to where we have the funding we just lnded. Officer is a better system because it eliminates another step for them to apply for these
dollars. And that just takes a lot of time that these organizations do have. Right to the point we've talking about, you know, on the application for a permit. Having these be checked boxes, essentially you MAY be eligible for security credit. Tell us these things. If that's not already, some are also the application and then it just automatically determined again trying to take out. As as we said, the subjectivity at any. Any burden on us or anybody, frankly, from picking winners and losers because I think that's not at that's a losing proposition. Other discussions council PRESIDENT. Well, first, I'd like to say thank you to you encounter before your work on leading. Does I? Just want to acknowledge for staff that I know that, you know, is Kuz members. We all have own preferences but communication
with each other. Looks like when engagement looks like as well. And I want to be really explicit about my preference, which is that for things that are Imean, you know, council lead. I would most likely pertaining to the budget were things that we all have voted on to get that they want. We want to move forward with. I would really like for they're to initial outreach on. Hey, this is something that we're working on. We get and put first and then we'll put to get their chaff just because I think if you to do that for the U.S. Mint, many of suggestions here probably would have been incorporated into at are ready and then we could even more polished chat to look at that was inclusive of all counts numbers and put first and so just wanted share
that. Preference. I would say overall that this looks like a very great first draft are ready. Iea to really like that. You all were peppered like to listen, you know, gives us an idea of what of like, really the interest that we have when we talk about why we're even having this funding the first place like, you know, what are the criteria is that we want to create around it? The things that I will name is that when I think about criteria, I'm always thinking about like, how can we how can we make sure that equity is always at the foundation of what we do so that it's not in after that, but it's really, you know, we're proactive about can be really the foundation of the work that we are working on that we keep building on. So we already have a lot of data around areas of concentrated poverty, especially in. So what I'm interested in seeing is how we can ensure well, how
we can incentivize organizations that to host events to become a legacy organization. And I'm not sure how exactly we all are defining what a legacy organization or legacy event is. But it kind of sounds like from the conversation here. It means that you are you have been hosting your event for quite some time. And, you know, maybe like over 5 years, 10 years or so. I do think that to that point, am interested in making sure that our dollars to support new evidence because and sometimes it is really hard to not be the one putting yourself out there host event fr the first time or maybe for the second or 3rd year and to gain that report. But eventually when you keep doing that thing, you build report, build that reputation in the committee
and then hopefully you become that organization or that. And so I'm just putting myself in the shoes of what I often hear people talk about when the sea. I'm starting this up and here's my vision and I know that this is a council that's really invested in in supporting really innovative folks, folks who want bring more engagement and more fun overall to our city. And so I'm really interested in including them into that that point system to form. The number of years you've been hosting event and and then also to the thing I said earlier about areas of constant concentrated poverty, which I'll just say ecp for short. I I think it's really
important that we figure out ways to bring more foot traffic into those aeas. The mean, if you have host event there and there's businesses nearby, it's a really great way for people to be able to not only get introduced to new businesses, but to be bringing their dollars into a certain area and to boost to revitalize that those certain neighborhoods. And also, we also see to our star data to that. Typically it's area it's a cps. Where have we have less applicants? United speaks to the the the difficulty and just doing engagement and outreach about these funding source is available on through the city and also like folks are in survival mode. And so
you know, really, I think really intentional ways in which we can make sure that ecp there's points grand to 2 events that are hosted within the ec pieces on we see here had a few other things. The other thing mention, too, is I'm not really sure what the points add up to. So lake, if you they have this many a number of points. Is it that you get certain dollar amount? You know, and so that would be something want to share back to that that you all can take that feedback work on that. There's been questions from organizations in my or that ask, well, do we have to have as ppd be our security? What if you want to go with an alternative so that there's
cost savings there? Will they be eligible for the security credit? I would be very supportive of that. I think what a huge bonus and going with Sdpd is that these are union workers and very supportive of that. I also non mean there's just so many things for organizations to consider when the they decide who to go with and cost a huge part of that. Me obviously that's why we're having this conversation in the first place. And so just want to put out there and are you supportive of when it comes to hoops, opting to choose an alternative choice for security for event see here. I think I covered Johnson your question about like, how do we determine they are there certain like restrictions on who we decided not to get money to me, that's a really good question for Cao. So I would encourage both of you to
reach out to about that. And that pretty much wraps everything you're for me. Thanks so much, MR. Prescott. Thanks. Council. PRESIDENT Maker the just in addition Councilmember Yang spoke to. When you mentioned the location of the events that really like penned in my head, a lot of these events happened in the same places just because of the nature of either the event space itself. The fact that the location is like transit, accessible or bikeable or or near certain things. And so there in addition to weather, the event taking place in acp 50. I guess it's possible the language could also be about it similar to the 4th bullet of who who is being served, who's being meant to be uplifted because, for example,
I know when we did the new entertainment district I that Raymond University area, the creative enterprise on background a aide, a big part of that was unlocking the sort - of open streets type events that could then take place there. And that means that now new events are taking place in that area. I believe to Saint Paul Pride recently announced that they're moving from downtown to the other location. But it's because that policy change made it a more desirable location for any event just in general. So I think I actually do love the idea of, you know, sending these events to, you know, North Snelling and and places on pain fail all these places where our cultural quarters really could use foot traffic
and jst acknowledging the fact that certain events mean, you know, we MAY never do an open streets knowing because he be shutting down the state highway. And so acknowledging also who they might be serving in addition to the location could be. But I think, again, I think bullet for is speaking to elements of that. But it's possible. It drips into territory Council speaking to. Yeah, thanks. Arrest gives us a great conversation Johnson. Yeah, I would appreciate Kind of like Some of one counselor worrying was Also thought about how cultural stormy to change to incorporate security costs and please pass as an eligible expense that individuals could apply for her. I know what cultural All-Star and then told the cultural district changed at the state. We still have and majority of the
cultural district being mostly district or more to downtown. And so I am just think my curiosity is more so from a lens of just like. How do we feel about potentially getting a couple star grants awarded and the area and then in turn also being able to receive this allocation and does that does that matter I would maybe say that that could be an area where and especially if the state. State legislature doesn't change the. A cultural boundary lines that you MAY want to consider if an individual organizations trust our grant for the same thing, that there MAY be an opportunity to fund another organization that was not successful. I know some of these festivals and events get partially funded versus full funding to the cultural start
process because they're in other words are outside of the cultural and so they don't receive often that their full requested amount. They MAY get a difference, but they do score really high and the cultural start process. And so just wanted to fly that as we probably should also well, I'm not sure how much ppv special events communicates and partners with the the city staff that work on the cultural star through pd or the mayor's office. But I think it would be really great, too. C. Especially the state doesn't change lines of the culture district. But that's not successful. The session that MAY be culture star's actually one of those things that people are able to access, especially some of the events on this list that are based downtown that have been successful, like I recognize several of them from being on the cultural starboard and
reviewing the applications and often those organizations were actually funded fully from the request that they gave. And just knowing that they can actually apply for police cars and offsetting the cost of cultural star. It might be a space where we could not to say that just because you're not based on time, you're going to automatically be in acp. But it might be of room for just talking about like you probably shouldn't fully applied to cultural start for this and that make the potential double dipping situation that could be avoided by being able to just be like and the couple to secure political story received funding just aren't on the same event this year. We're not going to be able to.
Yet to support it. Just a quick note on that before going to MISS Just first of all, asthma starts And with all your support, I did. Help daft a bill that Senator Pat, this is interesting, too. Eliminate the 80 to 20 split of cultural district because it's frankly racist came to say that downtown is the only place that culture exists. And I say that as the councilmember. So hoping that that will change and that we and and also just in terms of ease of administration for staffing for applicants to not have that 80 20 make it so much easier. Hopeful it does. I think your point is well taken about and we should add would like people's thoughts on this. I mean, are we? Sort of saying, you know, great, go after all the money you can and if cultural, start great, you can also get this or is it
more? And if you've gotten one, you shouldn't get. This other find. The other just quick points. Mustangs point. We've left this sort of have the points hurt purposely open to to get feedback on that. One thing we could consider doing is saying some of these are just required. So, for example, hosting organizations based in Saint Paul that takes place in Saint Paul attendance. Participation is free and then maybe they're sort of a and you can get a bonus point for either event has been hosted for at least 5 years or you're in acp 50 areas. So, for example, we would be encouraging new events in acp, 50 areas right now. Discouraging them, but not necessarily allowing every brand new event. The pops up again to just sort of come
into the upcoming So it just a thought just question and I just don't remember answer to this. In the budget, where did the $150,000 come from? Is it just general fund or to come from PRESIDENT? This was from what assume general fund. But it was it initially hosted in the mayor's office so they can do this process. So they were basically like selecting who gets funding. So they transition that into the City Council's department. So isn't like arpa funds or any type of one time thing. This going spoke about It's just one that you wanted to add. I'm not sure. I mean, we haven't decided basically if this is a rolling basis credit that's given or to have to apply for it. But I think we should figure it out just
because in it MAY be. We MAY see oganizers want to host their events of the beginning of the year. If it's like, hey, it's a first come first serve basis and then that ends that results and events being hosted like towards the end of the year. Just not getting funding and just wanted to put that out there as I I think as police point earlier, part of this is going to be a little bit. Let's try it and see, I I will say you can apply for your vote anytime. So actually, these actually are. After that, a cull order. But the way the police department sent them to us were in order when they're taking place. And so I know that these actually are through the end of 2025, but they've already some cases permanent them now. So I think that is a good flag. And I just also want to be clear
that. You know, many times you're playing far before your event takes Wouldn't necessarily go with you know, force you to have to have your event earlier. That is a really good point. So we are a couple minutes from time. I want to see if there's any sort of rapid comments or questions of other Thank the plan as we correctly from Iran want to thank you for your point about more outreach. First word we're giving this a try. I think this is a really successful conversation and policy-setting and I appreciate everyone's participation and I think we should do more outreach beforehand in the future. So we will we will take that as lesson learned we, I think, are going to need a resolution on this as a way of just formalizing this program. And we have festivals. And in my word that would fit the
criteria that are the first weekend for example, coming up very soon. And so and we've already gone through the year when we can apply these credits retroactively to others that have already taken place. But there's an urgency to get this going. I would suggest that we try to get a resolution in front of us before the end of the month. To to make this official. So I think what we would be doing is taking all this feedback into account coming back out with another draft to you all. And then the resolution obviously would be in front of us. Could be. And amended or discussed at that time as well. Really, what are your please? Please close us out be glad but yet think this. We took all the feedback and we are going so like my office also shop around the resolution just to make sure everyone's able to see it.
But taking feedback. Also, I want to make sure looking back to St pd cause. You know, they're going to actually implement this. So I think that's something that we will be aware of But yet to the urgency, it is event vessel season of So we do want to at least have the criteria decided have and will have to and the form of a resolution by nxt week. So that is kind of But which is why we're having the conversation now about it. So yeah, so we're looking at next week of bringing that and which means that we'll have to incorporate. I mean, we have to maybe I actually the following week that will be the 26 is me at the 26th of APRIL. Phone will be making
that decision. So. Question right there. Just went for I I some things important 26 in my life. That's what have weather. That is well as bp, the special unit, special events unit be presenting the staff report. I definitely reach out to every will be put out and we I'm gonna going to ask for Stormy. who's the management assistant? If she can present? Because she is the point person she will be actually implementing this. And she's been a thought leader and this process. But before was unable to be here today. But as where have I think next week's going to be budget then the following week, we would have committee so that's definitely something that if anyone else
wants to reach out and I put that call out there okay. a cousin that was your request Yeah. I think it would just be nice to hear them because this is great. This proposal is great. Area, the timing piece of the bat on the back. And so just being able to walk us through like a mistake, this isn't an open start happening. Nobody will have to apply. But just so folks, I think people on the list are aware of like okay after plight of it a like my, you My application to St pd. But do I have to do anything else? Probably be the question. And then also just like for those that maybe are being retrofitted or there just might be some questions I have for them us first. Just administrative. Thanks. Just
for safety could make sense to make sure the cultural starts after their 2 just before moving quickly. We want to make sure. Because I know a random question can hang up a whole. So make sure that them too. That also as I'm looking at, the coordinator for the conscious star PRESIDENT's well to talk about that overlap, because that was something that we took into consideration. That could be one of like the check boxes like have you applied for conscious star? I know that process takes. I mean, we last year we vote, I think in SEPTEMBER. So the timing of them actually unos dollars be issue also Councilmember Yang.
I wrote down, you know, having city attorney's office reviewing our eligibility criteria, I think that's really important to make sure no, doing with I are legal thing season after the Just kidding. Awesome. Well, I want to thank everyone, especially his plea again. Thank you for your leadership and partnership and doing this. I'm excited to solve what has been really. a complicated issue that I think we're going to finally. This year. So with that, we have this day ahead of us and with thing else for our capacity. So