Pledge of Allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. All right, welcome to the city of St.
Paul Park regular council meeting for October 20th, 2025. This meeting is being recorded by True Lens Community Media. You can view city meetings live and replayed on cable channel 799. Meetings are also streamed live and archived on the city of St.
Paul Parks YouTube channel. Um, first item on the agenda is approval of the minutes for the September 15th regular uh council meeting 2025 and wave the reading of the same. >> So moved. >> Second. >> I have a motion a second. Any further
discussion? >> All those in favor say I. >> I. Motion carries 5-0. All right. We're going to move on to a couple of different items here. Um, first I'll go to item number two and then I have something else to um adjust
the agenda. Um, or actually I'll just go to that. Um, we have a guest tonight. Representative Rick Hansen has shown up to give us a brief presentation on um, what he's got going on at the cap and um, for us to
recognize him and thank him for all the work that he's been doing for our city. Um, Rick, if you want to come on up. Um, for those of you that do not know, um, I worked with Rick for years up at the Capitol and we've done a lot of good work together and and Rick's done a great job for our city and our area. Um,
Rick also helped get across the line the funding for our third street project and further down in our new business. We have uh we got some funding coming to redo the bridge down at Lions Levy Park. Rick was able and gracious to work very
hard on to get for us. And that's going to be a nice amenity that's really going to help us to um maintain and groom and take better care of that park, especially the island area um so that we can get better things. And we have some other things we've been working on coming down the pipe um that we're
trying to get. I think one thing that I'll mention right now, Rick, if you don't mind, um Rick put me in contact with uh House Research this week and I know we got a lot going on in our city and and development is abound. Um and one of the things that I've been talking
about with our local elected officials at the capital and at the federal level is how undersized the 70th Street exit is. Um, and that goes all the way back to the Wakakota Bridge project and how we kind of got left out of the planning in that purpose and nobody really had a
vision in my eyes at what potential growth was not only going to happen in Cottage Grove but Newport and the city of St. Paul Park um down the road. So, we're going to try and get some funding to um do a little pre-esign on what we can possibly do to alleviate some of
that problem. So, that's one of the big things that I think we're going to be working on together. So, um, I appreciate Rick's help on that and his hard work up at the capital for us here in St. Paul Park. So, Representative Hansen, the floor is yours. >> Well, thank you, Mayor and counselors
and people at St. Paul Park. I'm pleased to be here tonight. Uh, the legislature will go back into session on February 17th, 2026. It's kind of hard to say 2026, but it it will be coming very soon. And so, what we've been doing at
the Capitol is actually touring the state. I'm on the capital investment committee that goes and looks at infrastructure projects. So every two weeks we're spending about three days on a bus and touring around the state looking at projects that are capital in
nature. Uh and those we bond for uh either general obligation bonds or trunk highway bonds and sometimes with cash uh general funds. So, we've been in northwestern Minnesota, uh, northeastern Minnesota and tomorrow, uh, they go to
southwestern Minnesota. Um, we'll be going to southeastern Minnesota two weeks after that and then metro tours after that. But part of the first step in this is, uh, looking at projects is to get projects submitted, get bills drafted. Uh and generally what uh we
work on with the cities is the city comes forward with their ideas and uh we get a draft and so uh now is actually a very good time to get bills drafted. We're not in session. Uh the staff are ready, the lawyers uh who the nonpartisan staff who draft the bills
for us are very ready and eager right now to be working uh on bill drafts for next year because it's a lot easier to do it now and have it reviewed uh than it is in the rush of things next year. So uh the mayor and I did contact
nonpartisan staff and we have a draft for the 70th Street interchange. And generally what I like doing is, you know, we get a draft, get it back to the to the council and the staff so you can look over it. We keep tweaking it so it's your bill and then uh hopefully
that the city would do a resolution in support of the bill. So when I introduce the bill and we get a hearing, then the city can come forward and say this is a resolution in support of the bill. the council and the mayor are in support of it, speaking on behalf of the city uh to
try to show that support. And sometimes u uh you know, you'll see cities come forward that don't have that support and you have that division within a city and sometimes that makes it a lot harder to pass a bill and the mayor has seen that happen up there before. So, uh we've got
some time right now. this or any other bills uh that are ideas that you'd like, I can work on those even when we're traveling around with uh with our phones. We can be connecting with the staff and trying to make sure we get the bills drafted and make them available
for folks. So, uh I work for you. uh this is kind of the way it it works and it's a lot better to work as a team presenting the bills come forward. We can have that strong support when we testify and then hopefully we can get them across the finish line. It's no
guarantee. Uh sometimes it it takes a little magic to actually get the bills drafted but and bills uh passed and bills signed into law. Uh so but um I'm hopeful I always view that the more preparation we do the stronger it is the
more eyes that have looked on it uh before we introduce it and as we're going through the process uh then when somebody asks well is St. ballpark really for this. Yes, you've got a resolution in support. Uh and then if you've got two or three things prioritize, some may be in other
committees, some may be a capital project, others might be policy things you're looking for. Um you know, there's a variety of of tracks that we can go. the 70th Street interchange is probably a transportation track uh at first um
rather than a bonding track, but sometimes, you know, you'd try two tracks to make sure that it works. And I've been there long enough where I know how to pass bills. And uh I usually try multiple tracks to make sure that we have those things available, the
opportunities available when it comes uh to pass them. So uh pleased to help out. um looking forward to working with you in the next few months before we start session and as we go into session. I I can continue to come each month and give an update uh if you'd like and I'll keep
it short. So, any questions? Thank you, Representative Hansen. Any questions from the council? All right. No, thank you again. Thanks for all your hard work. And I know we have a couple other things that we're going to be trying to get done, some policy and some others, but >> Okay. Um, good.
>> We do appreciate your hard work, the city, myself, this council, and I'm sure the citizens for everything that you do for us up there. >> So, thank you and thanks for coming. >> Yep. >> Thank you. >> All right. Now, we're going to move on to item number two. Um, let me see if
this is on. Hello. There we go. Um, we have a presentation from the brothers at the Masonic Lodge, Newport Masonic Lodge. If you guys want to meet me over here at the end and and bring the sign, >> right, I'll give you the microphone. You
can just introduce yourself all the way down. Ladies first. >> I'm Jane Conroy here on on behalf of Queen Esther chapter of Order of the Eastern Star. Uh, my name is Hunter Pettit and I am the current sitting junior warden at
Newport Lodge right down the street here in St. Paul Park. And I'm Al Reer. I am the master of the lodge. >> All right. Thank you everybody. And full disclosure, I am also a Mason.
Um, so the Masonic Lodge and the Sisters of the Eastern Star do so much for our community. um we had been contacted by them about potentially putting up a sign recognizing the organization and all the great work that they do coming into the
city. So now as you come into the city at two different points or is it three three different points you will see these right by all the Lions Club and other organizational um entities in our city that do good works in our city. and we just wanted to recognize all the
great work that the Masons and um the Order of the Eastern Star do here in our community and give back. If for those that don't know, I mean, one of the big things is movies in the park and all the things up at the fire hall here. Any community event, free popcorn, hot dogs,
water, treats, things like that, all provided by the Masons. Um you can give a donation if you want and other things like that. the pancake breakfast. Make sure you attend those when you see that they're happening. Um, and other things. Um, so we just wanted to say thank you
and to let the community know that if you see these signs, it's because we are very appreciative in the city and recognizing what a great organization and partnership we have developed with the Masons over the years. And yes, it is a little confusing when you see that
it says the Newport Masonic Lodge, but 100 years ago or whenever it initially started in Newport and and moved here to St. Paul Park because, you know, >> building need to move just the city limits moved
>> right when the lines were redrawn. So, personally as mayor, council, and I'm sure all the citizens, thank you for everything that you guys do and thank you for all that your organization does for our city. And remember, when you see these when you're coming into our city, that that's why they are there. It's
just a form of saying thank you. All right. [Applause] See a trunk or treat. >> You'll get your turn. >> Oh, nice to meet you.
>> No, I did not grab the sheet. >> You want to grab that? >> Yeah, right. Yeah. email. >> All right. Well, once again, thank you to the Masons. Great organization, great partnership with the city. Um, item number three, items from the public. If anybody has anything that they are not
speak or is not on the agenda this evening that they wish to speak about, >> Mr. Mayor, I see no names on the sheet. >> All right. No names on the sheet this evening. We'll move on to item number four, the consent agenda. This evening on the consent agenda, we are going to approve to pay the bills a
lawful gambling permit for Ducks Unlimited November 2nd. Um, probably down at Willington Harbor would be my guess. >> Um, approve a lawful gambling permit for St. Thomas Aquinus Church December 29th for their function. um a resolution
appointing election judges for the November 4th general election and approve resolution 1757 authorizing the assessment of unpaid water and sewer bills for collection. Um and we will also be
um approving a pay voucher for Gryinger and Suns, Inc. for the part of the Third Street reconstruction project. And I believe that's it for the consent agenda this evening. >> Thank you, Mayor Frankie. Uh I move that
we approve tonight's consent agenda. >> Second. I have a motion and a second to approve the consent agenda. Any further discussion? >> I have a question if I may on the um the resolution for the unpaid water and
sewer bills. Is that a um is that a process that would last for the currently for the winter? How long would that uh potentially >> It would all be in a rear a so not moving forward. >> Not moving forward. >> Right. >> Okay.
>> This is for ones that have hit that certain point up till now. Okay. >> Not moving forward. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> All right. Any other questions? All those in favor say I. >> I. I motion carries 5-0.
All right. On item number five, new business, adopt resolution 17 56, expressing acceptance and appreciation for donations to the city in the third quarter. Um, looks like we have some donations from the St. Paul Park
firefighters fund in the tune of $3,4001.70 for some AEDs which is very nice and from Mary Gutman for the memorial bench at Bets Park. Thank you Mary for that generous donation and those are our donations
this evening. Mayor. Yes, council member. I move that we approve or adopt resolution number 1756 which is expressing acceptance appreciation for the donations to the city in the third quarter of 2025.
I'll second that motion. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Motion carries 5-0. All right. On to item number B in new business resolution 1758 comp plan amendment.
Nate, Nate, Nate, >> Mr. Mayor, >> Mr. Nate Sparks, WSB. >> Honorable Mr. Mayor, honorable members of the council. It is a honor to be here
tonight with you. Uh we have before you a comprehensive plan amendment uh related to the Geneva Meadows subdivision. Uh the property was guided in the comp plan for a minimum of three units per
acre. When we did the math on the deductions from gross to net acreage, we deducted some property that the Met Council said was improperly deducted from the total. And so the remedy is
that we would have to reclassify it at two units per acre um in the comprehensive plan instead of three because it has 60 units. It's 30 gross acres. And the land that we deducted was an
existing railroad rightway, an existing road rightway that serves property in Cottage Grove, a pipeline easement, and then the uh unbuildable buffer land to the railroad. And they said that not all
of those properties may be deducted from the net acreage total. And so therefore, we would need to do this process. And then if you would approve this, then we can go back to the Met Council and discuss this further with them on the
next steps. So you'd be authorizing us to do what's necessary to put this into effect. So, from what I understand, Nate, um, what by passing this comprehensive plan
amendment, we are the Met Council, let me see if I can get this correct. The Met Council wanted us or said since we calculated improperly by using land that can't be developed on anyways is saying that that
property and acreage we should have allowed 90 homes. Correct. >> That's right. So the Met Council in essence is trying to almost force us to build 90 homes or allow let's say the
developer to put 90 homes there versus 60. But by doing this we are staying at the 61. >> Yes, that's the amendment. if we make the amendment. >> So therefore, trying to do what I think
would be the best decision in the interest of the city. >> Right. Yeah. I mean, that's it wouldn't make the development be the same as what it is. Alternative the alternative is to put more units on the property, which
isn't what the isn't desired by the policy actions taken by the city council related to this project. >> Right. Thank you, Nate. Um, I guess I'll start by saying, you know, this is some of the things that we deal with as a city, not
only as a council, but our planning commission and others of, you know, how other governmental entities um kind of have the say in our ability to do or not do certain things. Um, so
the Met Council comes in and says, "Well, you should have allowed N 90 homes, but we're trying to, you know, keep the scope of the development down, trying to not use undevelopable land and the calculations and not cram as many
houses into a property as they say is allowable. So now we have to make a shift and a change to our policy just in order to even be able to negotiate with the Met Council on what they are trying
to force us to do. So um anybody else have any questions discussion? >> Mayor if I can ask. >> Yes. Council member Swanson. >> Did uh the plan amendment go in front of the planning commission? >> Yes it did. >> And what was their response?
>> Council member Hagerty. Yeah, it was uh >> or council member, you're the leazison. >> Yeah, >> it was voted um I believe it was 3-1, >> correct? >> In favor of u moving forward with the the wording amendment. >> Okay. >> Okay.
All right. Any further discussion? >> Mayor Frankie, >> Council Member Swinson. >> Uh with that, uh I believe that we should adopt resolution 1758. Is that correct? >> Correct. which is a comprehensive plan amendment.
>> Second. >> All right, I have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed? >> Motion carries. 5-0. [Applause] All right. I don't even know why you sat
down, Mr. Nate Sparks. Your legs tired? >> Well, I don't know. If I plug this in, will it show up on the screen? There's the the TVs. Uh, >> so now we're going to be in new business. We're going to be hearing
about a concept plan for the from on the BNSF property um with this developer Tamarak. >> Nice screen saver. >> Yeah, it's showing my um All right.
>> Well, that's Bert Reynolds. Um Yeah, it is. And it's supposed to be showing um >> not burning. >> Yeah. See here. Let's try this again. >> All right. It should There we go. Um
>> so I guess uh on the screen here you see a concept plan. This is the area that was the eastern half of the river's edge development. If uh if you take a trip back in time with
me to 2005 2006 in that era, there was a development proposal on land annex from Greycloud Island Township to which included land on the river and then this property together and it was supposed to
be developed. It was a concept plan called River's Edge. There was an AUR done which is an alternative form of a EAW and there the whole plan was master planned on both sides of the of the road
Greycloud Island Trail and then the housing market crash happened and the project didn't go and then this portion of the property was bought by BNSF
and then as many of you probably realized as we saw several iterations of uh concepts from BNSF where they were attempting to put some sort of like railard project in here of various forms, various sizes and nothing was ever fully
fleshed out or developed. It was always ideas. But at this point in time there is an opportunity where uh a developer development company by the name of Tamarak is discussing uh with Able Land
Holdings who's attempting to purchase the property to develop this concept which would essentially be something similar to what was proposed for the eastern half of the River's Edge development but this would be on its
own. You saw a concept plan last year for the Riverside which was uh proposed on property owned by a private property owner who had a development company but that has not gone forward yet. And so
the two sides are not together anymore. They're owned separately. So this would be the BNSF property which this company Tamarak is talking about developing into something as what you see here on the screen uh here in the room which would
be a mix of housing types. There's a single family proposed at lots at 45 foot wide, 55 and 65, like three different types, and then some town homes and some apartments. You may be
asking yourself, well, why are all these different housing types when the comp plan calls for it for being single family residential and our zoning has 75 foot wide lots? Well, this property is guided for three to five units per acre
right now in the comprehensive plan and in these areas where the roads aren't already in like in most of St. Paul Park there's roads rights of way already platted even undeveloped portions of the city and those are what the density standards are kind of built around and
that's what would fit with the zoning. This would have to be a planned unit development. And what they're doing is is they're proposing those different lot sizes in order to hit that minimum threshold of around three units per acre and have different housing types where
uh builders can build uh different types of housing. So that's not just one monolithic uh similar layout, right? And then the town home and apartment portions are designed to raise the density up to hit
the minimum required density. So we are required to have some apartments in the city which is why there are some properties in the city guided for that by met council policy. That's how we meet our affordable housing minimums and
it's also how we um hit our minimum density requirements. when you balance all the densities. So in this area though there's a small area that's identified in the comp plan as being commercial and the larger area is just low density
residential. And we did send this to the metropolitan council to get their comments on it to see if they were going to have issues with providing this much sewer. They stated that they believe that this area could be sewards to this capacity
and that though that they would want the city when this is preliminary platted to do comprehensive plan amendments to state like the different areas. So like the area that's apartments would be guided high density and the area that's town homes would be guided medium
density and the area that's single family would be guided single family. So that would be locked in at those things. So that if you guarantee this number of units over this acreage that then when it gets divided up into phases and developed over time that you wouldn't
have an area that would just develop on the low end and then the rest of the higher parts not come in and then you'd end up being too low. So that way you'd guarantee that the higher parts come in. Now one thing you need to be aware of is that the Met Council has issued new
policies and St. Paul Park was supposed to develop at a minimum of three units per acre. Uh, under the 2040 comprehensive plan. Under the 2050 comprehensive plan, you're going to be asked to come in at seven units per acre. Now, we can send a comment to the
Met Council saying that, you know, we would like that policy to be thought about a little deeper and that perhaps we think that the city should be developing at a lower density and we can take care of that for you. But what you should be aware of is if that does
happen and this large of a property comes in, you may want to think about two things. one, should this have more density on it than what's being proposed currently? Because what they're doing is meeting the current comprehensive plan. So, the future comprehensive plan, maybe
you want to look at that. And then secondarily, because of the density requirements of the existing comprehensive plan, we placed, like I mentioned, areas of higher density around the marina along the river and in some other places scattered throughout
the city. and maybe you want to look at putting some more of that into this area. So, like when you look at this, they've got um areas identified for units that can be higher density
and but you could ask for that same area to be perhaps increased in density, but then keep the rest of the plan the same. And these are things that we could look at when they proceed to preliminary plat. But there's a lot that has to happen
before this development can go forward. But one of the things is is that this will require either an EAW, which is where you do an environmental assessment worksheet. It's a process you go through where you identify environmental risk and possible issues.
And then also it could be done where the AUR that was previously done is just refreshed for today. So they would need to do that. And part of that would determine like uh the sewer, the water and the transportation would all be
looked at at a closer level and government agencies higher than us would get a chance to comment on that. Uh we did receive a comment letter last week from Washington County as well where they made some comments about access points and rightaway dedication and we
we'll send a copy of that to the developer. But a lot of these comments will come in through the through the process of that EAW or refreshing of the AUAR. But when you look at it in totality,
the idea when the comprehensive plan was last done was that yeah, 3 to five units per acre, that's what we target for these low density areas. But by PUD, you can put different types of housing in an area as long as it evens out. But
knowing that the Met Council is going to be looking for us doing those comp plan amendments, that's something that we're going to have to do at the stage of the preliminary plat. Uh the developer has put together a very thoughtful design. Uh, one of the comments at the planning
commission meeting was just that we need to identify like the routes like we have the, you know, gaycloud island trail, third street as the main corridor where the main access would be to this, but it'll also need to connect in other
areas to the city as well for circulatory reasons and also for getting like the utilities to connect through other areas. So, another corridor perhaps like Fifth Street or Sixth Street will need to connect to this as well in that area. And that won't that
won't be an issue the way that they've got this laid out. It would be a minor adjustment, but they show uh the single family connecting to the single family areas. They show the apartments and town homes kind of buffering the single
family to the railroad tracks and to an industrial area that's undeveloped but zone an area that's zoned for industrial in the existing portion of the city. It's just not developed. And so they're using the density areas to kind of
shield the single family areas from that type of use which is a thoughtful approach to the land use planning. But I mean generally speaking it's about 950 units over 250 acres which is a a large
area but it would come in over time like um the time frame is largely determined by the market forces but you know it could be 10 to 20 years for the full buildout of all of this. And when they
come in and do the development like the next stage would be going and doing all these environmental studies and then the tra traffic study. So this is a lot of traffic but what they would do is when they do the analysis of that they look
at like up and down all the spots where this traffic would disperse to. what improvements are needed in those areas related to this development and then how how does that come to be and then there'll be like a full feasibility
study on what utility improvements are necessary and all of that would happen then between this stage and before the preliminary plat comes in. But it's a large area for development of an area
that is currently owned by a railroad company who has supremacy and doesn't have to follow our zoning rules. Exactly. So this is more in line with the thinking that's in the comprehensive plan. The site area is identified as residential and has been always the city
annex this property to do residential development in this area and this would be then bringing this back into what we had anticipated it being originally and why this was brought into the city in the first place. So there are some
representatives from the development team here who uh have a few words for you if you have some questions for them. they're very uh well-versed in what they need to do on this and I'm available to answer any questions that you may have at this point. But that's just the general
overview of what we're looking at and how how it came to be. Now again, the single family lots are a variety of sizes that are all a little bit smaller than what we typically have in the R1 zoning district, right? But
the reason for that is because of these density minimums that we're required to provide for. And you can do that and hit the density minimums in the existing portion of the city because the roads are already there. But when you're in
this area, you have to kind of do a little bit of flexibility to hit those minimums because the road rights of way count towards that. So it makes the lot smaller in the density calculations. All right. Thanks, Nate.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. Why don't we bring somebody up from Tamarak and get a few words and good evening, council members, honorable mayor, Reed Schultz with Tamarak Land Development. I want to just thank uh Mr.
Sparks for great introduction and uh into our neighborhood. uh in our proposal. Um I won't get into too much detail. Um but I'm certainly willing to stand up here and answer any questions you guys have. I think Mr. Sparks got into uh a great overview of it. But a
little bit about Tamarack Land Development. We are a national builder uh but we are locally uh headquartered here in Minnesota. Founded and still located here in Minnesota. So our primary uh market here is Minneapolis. Um we are a a residential single family
um developer. That's our our bread and butter. Uh we do develop here in the Twin Cities as well as nation. Uh and we are driven by the market conditions and where our national builders want us to go. Um so we are primarily a national builder uh or developer for the national
builders. Um the four big national builders are Dear Horton, Lenar Homes, Bolti and Mi Homes. Um we do work with some other smaller uh builders but our our main focus is uh especially on a project of this magnitude would be would be those national builders. Um uh again
we are located here in Wakonia is our headquarter. Um we do have projects around this area. We do are currently developing in Woodbury and Cottage Grove as well as Lakeville, Chaza, uh Wakonia uh primarily here on the south metro. Um
we do wrap all the way up to the north metro, but uh to kind of give you guys some reference points of where we develop. Um as Mr. Sparks indicated, uh we are proposing uh just shy of about a thousand units here, a mixture of uh single family, traditional single
family, smaller lot single family, as well as attached town homes and the apartment buildings. Um as Mr. Sparks has indicated our goal here is to provide a a wonderful development uh that uh provides some amenities uh commercial as well as parks um and a
variety of uh single family homes uh and product types that would appeal to this type of market. Um, we are not a builder or a developer for the builders that go out and try and venture into new areas that are un untested or or market. These
lot sizes and these product types are being proposed here in this development are are products that are being currently sold in this market. Uh, these lot sizes, if you do some research on those four national builders, you'll find lot sizes and product types that are fit those um lot sizes. So, we're
not going into an an area that's uh unproven in this market. We certainly uh believe that this uh product types would be supported and wellreceived for this wonderful community. Um we also believe that these product types would provide a
variety of home and housing types for a variety of different people that want to be uh here in um St. Paul Park. So whether you're looking for something different and you're an existing resident, want to stay in this community, um these product types would be for you. Uh we also have product
types that would be for uh the maybe the first-time home builder or is uh you know somebody looking to maybe move up into a single family traditional home um and yet have some of those same amenities and proximity to the Twin Cities that this community offers. Um so
a little bit uh further into this uh development um we are providing uh at least conceptually at this point um about 12 acres of park both community as well as pocket park which I think is a great amenity for this. Uh certainly want to hear your feedback on areas like
that as well as a trail network that connects these areas um throughout. So it's a more of a kind of walking community so you could leave your home and get to these community parks. Um we are proposing a commercial um lot area.
Um what that ends up shaping out uh we don't know that at this point. Uh but we're kind of honing in on about a 5 acre commercial component. And that commercial component really is uh neighborhood targeted. So, uh, looking at a commercial use that would be supported, uh, for this area, whether
that's a daycare, convenience store, or or some sort of small market, um, that people can can walk to and utilize that. Uh, to kind of put it in perspective, um, like a a Walgreens, for instance, can go on about an acre and a quarter,
just a little bit more than an acre size. A daycare is about an acre and a half size, just cuz they have outdoor playgrounds and those type of areas. Uh so a 5 acre would would definitely give a variety of maybe a couple different buildings or or connected type use in there. So u we think that that entrance
would be a great location for it. Um this project um will certainly have its challenges and we're up to the task uh to work and navigate that through with city staff. Um we know presence of bedrock. We know the challenges of utilities. Um we need to go through a
comprehensive traffic plan. um traffic study to identify um some improvements that need to be made for this neighborhood as well as just making sure that this uh these mini units are supported um throughout the intersections and that sort of stuff. As
Mr. Sparks has indicated, uh we potentially would need to either update the existing uh AU or at least do the EAW. Um both of those processes are very uh traditionally done on neighborhoods of this size that Tamarak is currently
developing in in this. So that's that's nothing new to us. We're very well uh well versed on those type of studies and stuff from a timing standpoint and timeline standpoint because I think this is important. um you know with that uh EAW is at least a 90day if not 120day
process to start and finish with that traffic study is usually about that same time frame. They have to go out and do traffic counts uh and analyze the intersections and prepare their findings, recommendations and all of that stuff as well as we got to go through the preliminary plat and all of
that. So we anticipate that full process is is probably a 9-month to a 12-month process for us from start to finish. Um and then um we have indicated I think on that last sheet uh just kind of a rough
phasing plan. Um not a lot of thought went into that other than just from a unit standpoint what we believe would be taken down yearbyear. um a rough estimate obviously market driven um sales driven uh but generally
speaking with the different unit types uh most of these uh national builders are looking to develop about 40 lots of each product type each year. That's kind of their sales goals on that. So if you do the math at uh with these amount of
units, this is probably um about a 5 to six year phase fully built out phase um with some of those kind of trickling in. So um to say that from a start to finish about a 10year or so until this is finally complete is is reasonable to to
think that. Um obviously market driven uh things move faster and more people want to move in and sales go good. uh we'll speed up that process or or vice versa, slow it down if if need be. So, um I think this is a great community. Uh certainly looking for your guys'
feedback tonight really on the lot sizes, the density, the overall feel of what this is, community um type amenities, what would you like to see, what don't you like about the plan, those type of big big picture items. Um
we obviously will have uh detailed um reports that were prepared by the consultants and you know Woodbury and and uh your guys' consultants and all that kind of feedback to kind of work out the engineering stuff. But but what we're looking for for from you guys is the feel of it. Uh lot sizes. Are you
looking for something a little more dense, a little less dense? How do you feel about the lot sizes and that sort of stuff? So uh happy to stand up here and answer any questions you guys have. Uh, I certainly could sit down if you guys have more questions. Happy to stand up here and answer. >> Well, why don't you just stay right
there and we'll get some answers out of you and then we'll go back to Mr. Sparks. >> Council member Swenson, >> if I may ask, I know this is a concept. This is a preliminary of the preliminary. We're nowhere near, you know, some of the discussions we would be having in the near future, but I'd
kind of like to know more about your company with regards to the high density. Do you uh do you build and then sell to another management firm for that or does your company have relations with another management firm or do you do the management of >> high density properties? >> Yeah. No, that's a great question. Yeah.
So, we are not a builder in any any form or fashion. We are a developer. So, we build um finish lots and sell them off to both the single family builder, which would be the you know the big the big nationals. Um similarly with with
apartments, we would finish the pad off. So get utilities stubbed there, maybe do some grading and from there look for a multifamily builder that would be suitable for this type. Uh we certainly have um neighborhoods that that have components like this. Um we have a lot
of uh connections and engagements and and partners in these type of things. Generally we we would work with them early on in the the stage of it to try and and find a a suitable builder that wants to be a partner in this. Right. Um similarly like when we get to the
plenary plat we'll be able to provide you who that builder for the single family is and provide you some renderings floor plans lot prices. We would hope to do the same with the apartments um with that. So uh yeah we would not build them nor would we manage that process. We would build the lot
finish the pad and find a suitable builder for that. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Absolutely. >> All right. Anybody else? Right off, >> I've got a few questions. >> Council member Conrad, >> one we talked about in the planning commission, so I just would I'd mention it here because of a different audience,
but um basement versus on grade. >> Yeah, >> I believe you said at the planning commission there probably would be some of each. >> Yeah, generally um speaking these lot lot um would generally u support either
one. Um depends on the product type. Some some of these uh smaller lots are are looked at as more of a um onele living I guess would be the best way to put it. Um so somebody that's looking to uh maybe go into an association
maintained home or lowmaintenance home that that wouldn't have a basement, wouldn't have a second story. It's one level, two bedrooms, all your amenities on that one. Um those ones offer product types that are slab on grade. Um they
also offer products with that would have storage for a basement or a future expansion for finishing off that that basement level. Uh those are generally called age targeted, not necessarily age restricted. Um they're targeted to a certain buyer, but open to to anybody
that would want that. In fact, we've had a lot of young professionals that like that type that don't have kids at this point in their life. um want to focus on their career uh be close to the Twin Cities um and not have to worry about all the maintenance and stuff. So we do see that a lot. So um obviously the
bedrock will be a challenge. Um we know that um if we encounter certain ground waters in those type of conditions that usually warrants us to look at slab on grades to get those elevations up. Um and in those cases you have to start weighing out the cost of of construction to try and get through that bedrock or
raise the site up with with dirt and all of that. So sometimes um those slab on grades are are are great choice in certain areas that have those challenges. So >> Okay. Um your apartments, how many stories do you see that being?
>> And that and that's kind of what we we're kind of looking for some feedback. Um generally, you know, I think we're proposing 200 and some units in there. um with that amount of acreage um you could get like a twostory um multi-unit
aplex 12plex kind of units that are a little bit smaller heightwise and and width uh to support that. We could also provide um a more units by increasing it to like a threetory woodframe
structure underground parking that provides some buffering to um to the the railroad yard. Um, you can also then increase uh the amount of units or or uh maybe provide some more green space in those areas or something with going more
vertical with that. So, um, >> and the reason I asked is I had a discussion with the fire chief today and he I asked him what would be the situation with an abundance of some form of buildings down there. Currently, I think Pullman is three stories. Is that
correct? and um he said our neighboring city has some four stories and they had to consciously contract with um for acknowledgement for situation there because it's four stories. Um and he insinuated that our
equipment is um capable of threetory situation or less but not over. So that might be >> No, Cutters Grove had to go buy the big ladder once they got into the fivetory and the larger units >> and they would probably be called
anyway. It's just I don't know how how our fire insurance in the city works or whatever the case is. But >> I thought I'd mention that because I just became aware of that. >> Yeah, absolutely. That that's some good feedback. >> Stories probably be the maximum that I'd even be willing to look at, especially
Donald on there. I mean you if this does happen everybody I mean you're already the sightelines that you're used to looking at this >> right >> nice thing then all of a sudden you're just going to see apartments you'd still like to be able to see >> yes
>> and then we want to keep it as low a density as possible. >> Yes. >> Go ahead council member Conan. I had one other um thing is um and I know that there's uh was a brief discussion on like 95th or 100th from Cottage Grove coming down to help alleviate some of
the traffic flow to the south end rather than sending everybody up I think that's 110th under the trestle there. Um, does Met Council and maybe I'll deflect some of you guys if you have any, would they have any input on that to try and get
a major thoroughare through Cottage Grove and eventual development down that way to have some thought proactively about at some point having a joining of roads on that south end, whether it be 95th or 100th or something like that. >> Just I don't think the Met Council
necessarily weighs in on correct the roads or how they're connected. They just tell you what you can and cannot build. Um, I will let you know that, um, I did meet with Myron last week and one of the things we talked about was the extension should this happen of working
with the county and maybe others and and then we would have to um, uh, approach the railroad about, but we did discuss continuation of 95th through two because also Cottage Grove
has all kinds of other development that is coming eventually. planned down all through these other areas. So I said, "Yes, we would be open to that discussion." I mean, majority of that is in their on their property anyways. So once it wouldn't hit St. Paul Park till
it crossed the railroad tracks, but um I have started into some preliminary discussions with them. >> Mostly being mindful of if there was a connection, if we could do this instead of this, >> right? just just to help minimize the impacts,
>> right? >> But I understand this is fully conceptual and um you know, very as much ahead of the game as you can be, but these are questions that popped up in my head and a couple others since last week, so I just thought I'd mention it. >> Yeah. No, appreciate that. >> Thank you for your input.
>> Anybody else? Council member Council member. >> All right. Well, Reed, I'll just say, you know, um for me personally, uh I would much rather have some nice homes, trails, parks, and
roads than a railard. >> Oh, yes. >> Um we've been down that road and when and it was by accident years ago that we actually found out that the land had been sold to the railroad. And then we
found out what kind of power that the railroad actually has um to what they could potentially do with the land and we have no say over it whatsoever. And then the amount of truck traffic on top
of that going right past our schools and and down our brand new road. I know there's a lot of concern around a project this size. I have a lot of concern. um that does not mean that I am personally not open to this um project or something similar to this and yeah
the fight with the Met Council um I would rather see something go in at a potential lower density than what the Met Council is trying to force upon us in the 20 is it the 2050 plan now Nate versus uh our 2040 plan and if we could
get in under that radar then actually we could end up with less houses than potentially the Met Council wants to force upon us in the future. Um so um what I'm personally looking for is a willing partner um to understand that
we're a small city. This will increase our size by like 40%. We also are under some you know like any city and any household budget under financial constraints. Um, so there's going to be no financial assistance. I I would think
honestly it would be the reciprocal um for the city of this size growing in at that scope. Um, and would there be that willingness once we get there? Um, because that would be very much
appreciated. Um, I will say that, you know, and I know things are different from where they used to be before, but um, the Dr. Horton project, which actually laid some of the groundwork, you guys will have to pick up some of that, whether it's AU, the, you know,
um, any of that. Uh, I actually did um, a paper on that in, uh, I went to Hamlin University for economic development. When I first became mayor, I felt really stupid. So, I put myself through college to get a degree in economic development.
And I did my final paper on that and how the things that are and were then versus now, you know, and we see it all the time. And we just, you know, um did not move forward with the TIFF project because one, the city doesn't have the money. We couldn't absolve that kind of
money and I don't believe there's any of that being asked for here. um which is great, but the scope of what Dr. Horton was willing to do for the city, basically what we're having to pay $7 million for right now,
water and sewer from Broadway all the way down to put that interconnect down at 14th and then um other things like that. They were going to build a satellite fire station. Um, not that they were going to provide us with a truck, I don't think, but um, you know, things like that to to help offset some
of the city's costs and responsibilities, but also um, bring forward some, you know, reduce well, for one, something like that would reduce insurance costs for the people who live there and things like that. and understanding that to grow at this
capacity for this city there's going to be a lot of heartburn but it doesn't mean that it's not doable because at some point it's coming and I would rather have development than a railard or a data center or something to
that effect and right now the railroad still owns this property so if we don't get a willing partner to develop it into something that becomes community, >> we could potentially end up with something that is going to be even more detrimental not only to our city but to
the environment and everything else around us and one that we do not have control over. Um especially when it comes to rail the railroad or other entities. So um I'm with you. I I and and I uh just know
that it's going to be a lot of work and not only are we going to do the work, we are going to ask for input from the citizens and and and from our other partners. Like I was saying with Representative Rick Hansen, we know that whether it's your company or others,
this is coming. So, how can we all partner together to make this >> as beneficial as possible, >> right? not only beneficial as possible but as you know um to lessen that heartburn you know for one traffic like you know over and over again. Um but
anyways I mean some of your my questions that I had you have already answered in there um and uh yeah so I mean there'll still be a lot of work to do so I look forward to talking to you further down the road
Reed. So thank you. Thank you for coming and and being available and answering questions. Yeah, thanks for your feedback. >> Mr. Sparks, if you want to get back up and wrap it up and see if anybody has any questions for Mr. Sparks.
>> Um, so as eloquently summarized by the mayor, um it appears that the consensus of the council is for the uh developer to move forward and continue on this path. Uh just noting
that your preference is to have the density as low as possible, that the proper road connections be made to the adjoining areas um and things of that nature. And those would be the main comments that you're passing on to the developer. Do I understand that
correctly? >> Correct. >> Let's ask. >> So far, yes. >> Correct. >> Because uh it is a you know a large property. It'll be a big undertaking to take this to the next step. And uh the developer
uh is looking for affirmation that they're on the right path. And so with that, um that's that's the message that you're passing on at this time. Um there'll be plenty of opportunities for you to have more input as this goes
forward, but uh generally speaking, um the consensus is that the we should continue on this path and um we will work with the developer on that and then we will also you know with the density
issue as low as possible but realizing the the needs that we have and how to balance balance that if having more density in here is what we end up needing, it would be like as the developer representative is saying, it could just be a third story on the
buildings instead of two, but just occupying the limited amount of space possible to keep make it fit within the character of the existing city is the objective it appears and uh infrastructure needs that this
can we'll have to identify all those and work those out. But uh some of the things like uh the road connection over the railroad track, some of that may be out of our control in the end, but we'll we will look at it comprehensively as we
go forward. And if something like that ends up working out, that could be something we we work towards. But if it's something that we can't, you know, then we would look at it within the situation of what we can control going forward.
there's anything else for me I would be more than honored to discuss further. >> I guess I would just say maybe this would be to Tamarak um moving forward if we if we do move
forward and they they're in negotiations with the railroad over this property because they have not purchased it yet. um have some discussions about that right of way on 95th Street in Cottage Grove
about what their willingness would be to allow that right of way because they do not like to allow I remember once when I first became mayor and we were working on Broadway and I I fought them forever
to get these intersections redone and the one guy said you people are just lucky I verbatim that we allow you to cross our railroad tracks or you would get nowhere and he was serious and I was like okay all right yes nice to meet you
too but anyways um include that in your discussions because if I can somehow if this does come to fruition and I can somehow work with our neighbors and our partners within the cities and the state level and come up with some funding we would need that right of way
>> to be allowed we We can get all the approvals from Cottage Grove, Greycloud, Newport gets some money from the state or the feds, you know, but if we can't get across those railroad tracks with the easement, it all means nothing. So maybe include that in your discussions
if we move forward. All right. Thank you, Mr. Sparks. We will move on. No, no motion on that one. There's no decision to be made. >> Okay. >> Um,
next item number D, Lions Levy Pedestrian bridge replacement plans and specifications. Morgan Dolly, WSB. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, members of the council. Uh this next item before you is
uh uh identifying the completion of final design preparation of construction documents for the Lion's Levy Bridge uh and requesting council authorization to advertise for bids. So the action item just to start things off in your
packet is a resolution that is authorizing staff to uh advertise for uh bids. And I'll provide a little bit of background here. So, in the 2024 Minnesota legislative session, the city was awarded, as you heard earlier tonight, uh funding for engineering and
the construction for the replacement of the Lion's Levy Park pedestrian bridge in the amount of $437,000. Uh so that is state funding that u allows the city to move forward with this important uh recreational park
amenity. Uh the existing bridge there now is about 40 years old. It's lived its life. Uh it is not sufficient to allow for maintenance equipment like a skid steer or a lawnmower to go across it for public works to be able to maintain the island portion of the park.
And so uh a new bridge is certainly needed and warranted and uh the grant funding will go a long way towards that. Uh final plans are completed now. So and there's copy included in the packet and the bidding it's we're ready for bidding on the project. The construction
timeline would be if bidding is authorized once uh a bidder is uh awarded a contract would be to they would be fabricating the bridge at the at a shop probably uh remote not on site uh through the winter months and then at
the first ice out probably March or April of 2026 they would float the parts and pieces down and start construction. The goal would be, you know, maybe not might not be the beginning of the summer, but the goal would be to have that bridge complete so that maybe for the second half of the summer that uh
residents could use that and access the the uh uh the island and, you know, the picnic area on the other side. Certainly allow for public works to be able to access uh the other side of the bridge uh bridge with their maintenance equipment to freshen up that area there
as well, too. So, uh, I don't have an exact date, but we're hoping that, um, you know, maybe sometime after mid July, uh, if we're lucky, maybe by July 4th, but I don't want to really kind of put anything, uh, out there to make any promises I can't follow through on, but we're hopeful that the during at some
point in the summer that the bridge will be done and the the island will be accessible. Uh, the type of bridge is going to be similar to what you see out there. Uh, it's a floating bridge. It's kind of like a dock right now. Uh it's certainly going to be wider. It's going to be more
robust. We'll have better railings, safety railing facilities. Uh there will be um similar poles to what are out there, but certainly much more robust. So, if you're familiar with the area, you've got the uh existing bridge and then just upstream there's the log boom,
which kind of prevents debris or logs from floating into that that little area there. The log boom uh has uh 6 to 8 in uh iron poles and that's going to be similar to what this bridge will have. So not the real skinny like 2 to 3 in
aluminum poles. So it's going to be much more robust. Hopefully it'll last more longer than 40 years. Uh but similar setup with the uh uh the with the decking uh I think it's actually aluminum decking and then uh floats
underneath. So, as the the river level goes up and down seasonally, it will go up and down. Um, there's still going to be times where especially in the spring months where we do have uh extreme flooding where currently the Lions Levy Park does need to be closed by public
works. So, just because we're putting in a a new bridge and it will have the ability to fluctuate up and down with the river, uh there still will be some times, I think, where seasonally we will have to close the park and close access to the bridge. However, the new design is going to be much more flexible. I
think it'll be um easier for public works to maintain. There will be poured concrete um ramps, I guess, if you will, on either side that will be ad accessible to get across. Uh and as the river comes up, you're still going to be
able to uh get up and over. Um so, just because the river might be high, even though it's not flooding into the parking lot, we still should be able to use that bridge. Um, so, uh, we also have, uh, taken care of all of the permitting. So, there is an existing DNR
permit for the, uh, current bridge. Uh, and the DNR has stated to staff that it's okay to just amend that. We don't have to go through a whole new permitting process. So, uh, that's already been applied for. We don't have the permit in hand yet, but um, it should just be a matter of weeks. So,
it's already been in process, and we passed kind of their requirement. uh there's a no rise requirement where you have to prove to the DNR that you're not raising the elevation of the river with what you're building out there. And we've already passed that uh test. So, uh everything's teed up. We just need to
go out for bids. Uh take those bids. The CA on the calendar that we're proposing here, uh the ad if if passed by resolution here tonight by the council, the ad for bid would run in October, uh late October, uh we'd have a a a mandatory pre-bid meeting. So any
contractor that wants to be on the project. We want them to come out on site and meet with public works and meet with staff so that they're familiar with the site, this is not a standard project. This is a very customized kind of a thing and we want the contractors to understand what they're getting into
so that that validates their bids to us. Uh we expect bids to be open in November and I would be uh presumably in front of you at the first meeting in December if everything goes according to plan to present those bids to you and potentially award a contract. Uh as I
mentioned before uh there would be fabricating happening through the winter months but construction we would see out there. Uh I'm saying in the my memo April through September, but again we would like to see the bridge open by midsummer. If there is uh cleanup or restoration or minor, you know, grading
work that goes till September, I don't think that's going to affect the usability of brid the bridge, but that's what we would put in the contract so it doesn't get too late in the season. Um so again, next steps would be you consider this resolution that's in your packet to authorize staff to advertise
for bids and we will move forward after that and you'll see us again in December uh hopefully with the favorable bids to consider awarding a contract. Uh with that I'll stand for any questions the council might have. >> I got no questions. >> I have one >> question. >> Yes.
>> Um the bridge seems to get used a lot for fishing. Was there any consideration to make like little jet outs where people could stand so they're not in the main path path of traffic whether maintenance was coming across or whatever that they would be off to their own little niche there?
>> Sure. It's a a fair question, Council Member Conrad, Mr. Mayor. So the um in order to stick within the budget of the grant, uh we did stick within the uh I guess the scope as described as a bridge. Um I with that being said
though, the new bridge is going to be much wider. The railings are going to be much more um sturdy. Uh and so I think that fishing as a onbridge recreational activity can continue and probably be
enhanced even without like some kind of bumpouts there. Um I think that uh you know structurally I guess I would say once you start moving away from a linear bridge it does get a little more complicated and I think the costs would
go up substantially if we were going to start adding those things. It wouldn't be impossible. Um but the original estimates I guess when going to the state and requesting the potential funding didn't kind of include that type of an amenity. So it wasn't that would
be a scope change. Um, however, like I said, I do think that as a recreational activity, I think that certainly can continue and it probably be better and you can, you know, have more people out there um, uh, at the same time compared to what's, you know, what might occur right now. So, certainly what we're
proposing here and what would be the finished product uh, does not preclude that from happening. We just don't have any kind of special >> offshoots or peers or anything like that. >> Next one. >> The next bridge. >> Yeah. Right. That might be if we get a a
third bridge funded or a third uh floater out there funded, we can do that. >> All right. Um I don't believe I don't see a resolution number. So I'll just make a motion to approve that we go out for bids. >> I'll second it.
>> Um >> it's 1758 if you wanted to. That >> would be the seventh. >> No, that was for the comprehensive plan amendment. >> Oh, that's what's in my packet. I apologize. Then maybe it's 1759. 1759.
I make a motion to approve 1759. >> I'll second it again. >> Mhm. >> Motion and second. Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Motion carries. 5 Z. >> Cindy's going to be excited about this. >> All right. >> Cindy's been work wanting to work on this for years.
>> It's been a cool project to work on. >> Are you up for the next one? >> I absolutely am, Mr. Mayor. >> Go ahead. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Mr. Mayor, members of the council. So, this next item before you is a part of the third street reconstruction project. Uh we have heard
uh one change order prior to this. This is change order number two seeking council approval on change order number two, which is a contract change. Uh this is a net negative change. So, it's a net decrease in project cost of uh less than
$7,000. So, uh it's not a major significant change. Um, some of the two things that were uh added or included in the contract include uh changes to one sanitary sewer manhole for some outside drops that were uh discovered during
construction that needed to be it's just a different type of manhole. So that was an augmentation to the existing design. uh some additional rip wrap that was uh added uh upon dis uh discussions with public works and then a reduction in uh
edge drain tile contract quantity based on public works's review and they thought that um we had a little bit too much in there in terms of what was needed on the edges of the road and some of the low spots. So rectifying all that, all of these changes, even though we're looking at a a net negative, but
they're all grant funded, they're all state funding eligible. So, uh it's a negative and it doesn't affect any city funding components. Uh so again, if uh council approves this, then we will uh authorize this with the contractor and
it'll just become a part of the construction contract. So uh again, there's no resolution. This would just be a motion and a second to approve change order number two for the third street reconstruction project. And with that, I'll stand for any questions.
>> Thank you, Morgan. >> Mayor Frankie. >> Yes, Council Member Swinson. >> I move that we approve change order number two for the Third Street Reconstruction Project. No resolution number applied. >> A second. >> A motion and second. Any further discussion? All those in favor say I.
>> I. Motion carries. 5-0. All right. Thank you guys. >> Thank you. That's it for new business. Um, tonight, um, I just noticed we have an esteemed guest that I'm going to give a few minutes to, going to amend the agenda. Um, Washington County Attorney
Kevin Magnus has joined us. Um, and Kevin, if he would like to come up and address the council and I apologize that, uh, I'm not on the agenda. my um assistant I know has been communicating with your staff and then
she's been out for about a week with a a health issue and so maybe the gap didn't get quite closed but that's all right. We'll give you a couple minutes. >> Yeah. Well, okay. Well, she told me uh 45. >> Council member Swanson is we're going to
have to call EMS pretty quick. The Wild are playing right now. >> Believe me. Well, I am aware of that. And um >> well I the Wild are at a game. I don't know if they're playing right now. >> Well, it sounded like they were playing. Somebody was playing, you know. >> Um, >> go ahead.
>> Let's see. Am I Am I in here now? Let's see here. Um, hello, McFly. I have the right one hooked up. Ch. The other guy did it.
>> Let me try. Let me go out and go back in. >> See, this is what happens when I'm too late to test this ahead of time. So, again, I apologize. Um, >> change the uh >> There it is. >> There you got it. You got it.
>> It's recording. And it's There we go. We don't want that. Okay. Well, good. First measure hurdle is over. Second, I guess hurdle after getting up here. Um, well, Mr. Mayor, uh, city council members, thank you so
much for having me. It is a, it's a pleasure to come out and give a, you know, get a chance to talk to you and have, uh, I've met all of you. I know most of you, but um a little chance to to try to get, you know, that dialogue going in the kind of community so we
don't feel like strangers. Um because it's important that you feel and your constituents feel like they can call our office, call me anytime. Um you know, it's a service industry. I keep reminding some of my government employees that work there. It's I was in private practice for 20 years, so I
bring a little bit of that with me. Hey, it looks like we're still There we go. Um but um so I am currently so I live in Lake Elmo uh in the house that I grew up in. Actually it's from 1889. And um I
live there with my my wife and my 5-year-old son and my 14-year-old daughter. And uh it's a challenge um for a whole bunch of reasons you might imagine, but one of them is this 1889 house is basically held together by spackle and wallpaper. And so it's the
project of our lives. You want to see what's your hobby? That is our hobby. And I have not seen the movie Money Pit. I'm told that if I do, I will just give up in sheer, you know, dismay, abandon the whole project. Um, so I'm trying to
>> do that. But so you're saving me right now from painting the bathroom, which I try to save for Zoom conferences, you know, that sort of thing. But um so I went to uh Lake Elmo. Oh, I bought the house for my dad. So I grew up in the house and it was a you know it's a it's
on the lake which was the only way I would ever have any lake properties if I got it from my my old man. But he left his stuff in my house. He's in Woodbury now, but his stuff still lives with me. >> Um but I grew up there. Went to Lake Elmo Elementary. Um you know then went to Minihaha
Academy for junior high in high school on Weaten College outside of Chicago where I was in ROC. And so when I graduated from there, uh I was stationed in Germany um shortly like as the first Gulf War was ending. But we didn't my unit was there but I didn't they didn't
actually send me which is probably a strategic decision on the part of the army but um um I was there and and uh when I got out of the the army uh as a lieutenant there um I enrolled in a PhD program in a German university in
philosophy believe it or not and then went ended up going to a um uh a university in in Belgium in the Flemish the Dutch speakaking part of of Germany or of Belgium and I was there for about three years. Um, and I got what's called
the Lencia. I don't want to say I got a PhD cuz I didn't, but it's kind of close. Um, but before sh before the PhD work kicked in, I realized that, you know, my main sort of tool of the trade was going to be a
Santa suit when I got out with a PhD in philosophy. I mean, I wasn't going to be able to earn any money. I was going to have to be, you know, selling fries and McDonald, whatever, you know. So it didn't. So I did what everybody else does when they don't know what to do and that's that they go to law school, right? Because you get three years to think about it. U so I went to the
University of Minnesota Law School and I actually went back to Belgium and took some European law classes and my first job out of law school was at the European Commission as in their um directorate of competition. So it's like um it's kind of like the it's at the
European Commission. It's the part of it's sort of like DOJ um antitrust enforcement uh they have like an honors program there so you go and kind of clerk for for a year there and that was a good experience. It really but you know like so many of us I followed the
umbilical express home to uh Minnesota and eventually back to my old house. I mean that's pretty ironic. Uh but I was in private practice in Minneapolis for 20 years doing complex business litigation, antitrust, securities fraud,
that kind of stuff. Um and uh um I did some white collar criminal defense. I did some panel work where you're um like a um essentially our volunteer slash aid a little bit to handle public defender type cases in in the federal court
system. Um but um I don't know um who of you might remember Pete Orput. You may know Pete. Pete was a good friend for a long time and he was the only one who could talk me into leaving private practice and
coming work from the government as assistant county attorney. Um but uh he's phenomenal time and you know I guess his plan was that when he retired I would he would hope I would run for the county attorney and uh and I
was reluctant. Um but he and his wife came over to my house to convince my wife why being widowed for seven months with an infant was a good idea while he ran for office, you know. And but uh she when Pete told
her this is the best you this is probably one of the most profound impacts you can have on your local community for the sake of of doing the right thing of doing good in the community. And she was a legal aid attorney for a long time. Now she works for the state as an attorney. It's
always been in the kind of service of um underserved people. And so she's got a big heart. She saw that that was something worth doing. So, we're very much a team in our commitment to that kind of public service and I'm very grateful to her. Um, a little bit about
our our office. Um, we have 61 and a half employees. Um, that's a part-time employee, not not a short employee, but 60 61 and a half employees and then five law clerks. Two
of those law clerks are are um 20 hours a week over the summer and they get a ton of trial experience. It's a really good program and a lot of kids want to get into it. Uh partly because I think the office has got a pretty good reputation and uh it's a good place to work. I mean that's something that Pete
established and I've worked hard to to build on that. Uh, but it's a destination place and and having the lock cls around is really fun and they don't always come back to work for us, but they hopefully learn a little bit um about public service. So, our criminal division um 12
attorneys and uh five victim witness coordinators. We've got seven attorneys in juvenile um and uh nine and a half attorneys in in civil. Um, >> protecting the community,
public safety is the most important factor that we're that we look at as we handle these cases. And you know, it seems like that should be pretty obvious, but I'm I I say that because I feel like in some jurisdictions to our
west perhaps, um there is a a tendency to value the rights of the defendant perhaps in in a way that sometimes overshadows the rights of the neighbors who have to bear the risk of the things that are going on. And so when I say
that that public safety is the we start with that I what's going to be the effect of what we do on public safety um there you know I believe that all kinds of things to happen to the most unlikely people you know and my faith anyone can be saved right but someone have to be saved in jail because that's
just the way it works you know it's just the nature of of being you know of taking responsibility being accountable for the for the crimes that you committed. there are a lot of others that you know that we can work with. Um but as we do that we're very aware of
the effect that it can have on public safety. Um so we charge about 1,200 cases a year. Um and we get about 1,400 referrals just generally speaking. That's um so that's you know it's about
an 85% rate which is really pretty good. Um, now we have to rely on referrals from law enforcement because we don't do any investigating ourselves. You know, you hear sometimes on in the movies and you know that those those lawyers, they can't keep them themselves out of the
crime scene, but you know, that's not we're not really welcome to come stomping around law enforcement crime scene. Um, so they do the investigation and then they refer it to us for certain charges and they specify what charges they think should be charged. you know,
sometimes we'll look at it, we'll ask for some more information, you know, we may charge it differently. Um, but there are times when we decide not to charge, and there's a number of reasons for it. I mean, part of the job of the of the of the county attorney is to exercise prosecuto
prosecutorial discretion wisely. Um, and you have to have it. I mean, sometimes there's just plain insufficient evidence. it comes up and even, you know, sometimes the referring law enforcement are saying, "Yeah, I don't, you know, I just I'm going to give this to you and see if you can find anything in there." Um, you know, and sometimes
they're procedural errors by law enforcement. Sometimes, you know, very rarely, but sometimes procedural errors by us, but that kind of comes later down the down the road. Um, you know, often we in these kind of cases that don't go, we have some, you know, particularly in
domestic, you know, violence and criminal sexual conduct cases where you have, you know, some really tragic circumstances. And often, you know, those victims who've been through so much that asking them to go through this process for a year, perhaps longer, and relive this whole experience multiple
times can be pretty difficult. And then sometimes you can't find the victims because they might be in jail themselves for other things or or um or just not, you know, able to testify. And sometimes when they get ready to testify, they decide that they're going to say something different typically because they've been in touch with the with the
defendant or someone from the defendant. Um so that happens in those situations though if you know we try to respect the victim's um desires but sometimes if we have good evidence and it's really clear that the victim is under the thumb of
someone um who's you know exercising um you know pretty heavy influence. we'll take the 911 calls and the other witnesses and we'll go ahead and charge it even if the victim sits sits up there and said it didn't happen because often the police you know the initial police statement describes what happens and
then there's kind of a of a recanting that goes on I think the thing that you can see as that I mean that you know 15% 15 to 20% gap um of the cases that are referred in the case we charge I think that's
relatively low largely because we have such, you know, good law enforcement in Washington County. I mean, we really do. We're blessed with really capable law enforcement and and I've had a good relationship with the St. Paul Park Police, you know, for a while since I since I started in 2019 and then as
county attorney um and I, you know, we haven't worked directly closely, but you know, I think um your your interim chief um um Sergeant Elgen, right, certain is um I've talked to him on the phone, but he's I know a number of people in my office have worked closely with him and
he's very well respected. So, you know, good for you all and I hope that works out well. And I also get along really well with Sheriff Dar and that's important that the prosecutor and the sheriff, you know, are hand and glove. And I had no idea it was as rare as it as it is until I became the county attorney and started seeing how other
county attorneys in their sheriffs got along. And it may have something to do with uh couple alpha males trying to push each other, you know, a little bit. Little ego, you can't prove it. Well, you can't investigate it kind of thing going back and forth. Um but you know, Dan's got to catch him. I got to put him
in jail. something screws up and they go back out, he's got to catch him again. If he screws up, then you know, it's kind of go. So, we pretty much have each other's back and work really closely and he's been great and I'm going to miss him in his retirement. But a little editorial, I'm a huge fan of Brian Mueller when he was the deputy sheriff and then the St. Paul police chief. I
think he's great. He's going to be a great sheriff. I think there's someone else running. Um, but I'm strongly, you know, that's the only person I'll endorse because we work I won't endorse anybody else. I expect them to endorse me, but that's how it goes, right? But but but I see myself more like a
judge. So I don't weigh into a lot of these things. But the sheriff is so important. We need to be on the same page that I think it's appropriate that I endorse him and I hasn't come out yet. I guess that's up to him. But but I will be. Um so I'll talk just a little bit. I'm going to skip over a lot of the
stuff that I that I have because I know we're it's late. Um but um I'm going to talk about some crime trends in particular. You know, the CO effect was real. It is real. still with us. And vehicle thefts, you can see vehicle
thefts as one area where you you really see the effect of of COVID and other social pressures at that time. Um, and and by vehicle theft, I mean all the related. So that means theft, that means
carjacking, that means receiving stolen property where somebody is in a stolen car and we can't prove that they stole it, but we can prove that they're in it. and and the and the the penalties are about the same for receiving stolen property as an automobile and for the theft of it. Um,
but if you look at the crime trends here a little bit, you can see and uh I'll just say 2018 was sort of an interesting if you go further back it's lower, but you know, we took that steady climb up to to 93 for adults. Um and the juvenile
rate kind of is much, you know, smaller, but it mirrors the same um um graph uh here. But I mean, you got you got a 93 that's and right around that 20 21 going into 22 time and then it's
leveled out to where it normally is um you know at 46 47 and that's still too high. I mean it still is too high but at least you can see that there is some recovery from that co
um bubble that that we suffered. Um I think that marked our lives in so many ways. the um you know the carjackings. Um we haven't had a um a carjacking since 2023 when
the carjacking became an its own crime >> until a couple months ago um in Woodbury where a guy at a health club called uh an Uber at 3:24 in the morning in the A.M. and
the guy picked him up and got him kind of close to his house and then he u kind of showed a knife and wanted to take the guy's phone. Well, the guy the Uber driver got out of the car and ran. So now he's sitting in an Uber with no phone, nothing, but you know, police are
going to come pretty soon. So, he takes off in the car and then leads police on a high-speed chase and eventually is is arrested is arrested um and has been charged and and we'll u we'll prosecute that vigorously. Um but but I do want to
say and in the juvenile side too, we haven't had any, you know, um carjackings for a long, you know, we used to have a dedicated autotheft juvenile prosecutor because the numbers were were high. Um and also because we really needed to keep tabs on what was going on to try to understand the
trends. Um but um I will say too that the the flock cameras in Woodbury have been very instrumental in recovering the stolen vehicles. And it's an interesting setup because you know there are a lot of limits on the product that you get and particularly that law enforcement
gets because it has to fall under you has to meet the restrictions under the statute that governs automatic license plate readers. And so there's a whole bunch of things that you can't do that protect our civil rights. But, you know, there's a database of cars that are connected with a crime or of some sort
um or you know, the person has a warrant or whatever. And when that license plate is caught, you know, then that alert occurs and all they know is that there's a license plate that is at this location that corresponds to reason X for it
being in the on the list. But that gives law enforcement the ability to go to Home Depot or wherever it's parked, bring a couple squads in at the corners, wait for the guy to get out of the store, as soon as he gets in his car and starts to pull out, then they come in and block him. So, there's, you know,
there's no people around, there's no high-speed chase. He's isolated in his car, which is often the ways you probably know the way law enforcement likes to make those interdictions. And um um and I you know they're coming to Cottage Grove here, coming to a theater near you, you know, pretty soon and they'll be in the county right away
and other places. Um and I anticipate them um being effective. I know some people um find them somewhat controversial, but I'll let you know in in these cases there are no face recognition technology that's being used. If somebody if a police officer
wants to use this technology to follow someone, they have to get a warrant to do it. So, they're really limited without a warrant to responding to a ping, you know, in investigating. There's one case um that you may um know
of a of a um of a stolen car in um from this area that wound up in Wisconsin and uh we had we took a look at it um and uh I was I I understand someone may have called the office but even before that happened I had looked at uh heard about
that and I said no we don't we don't decide to charge one case based on the uh on something that's going on another jurisdiction you know that comes later. But, you know, there's a crime and so we uh we and it really should we we did a
blind I I can't give you the results because I don't know exactly, but we had um our our special the specialist in autotheft do a blind review of the charging decision. He's been out for the last 3 days. I think NBA weekend or whatever, but um I anticipate that we'll
have an answer soon on and I can't say what it is, but um I think we'll have an answer pretty soon on that case. And uh yeah, I'm not going to say anymore. Um
so we'll talk this is uh this is the juvenile trend in motor vehicles. I'm just going to go really fast. you can see, you know, the the numbers follow the the um the adult. >> It's just a lot. You know, 33 uh is a lot. >> But I do want to mention just right
really briefly. So, you know, back in the old days, you know, the kids that kind of committed crimes say the gateway crime was sort of smoking dope and shoplifting, you know, something like that, maybe steal some underage drinking. You know, joy riditing is a
gateway crime. Um, and a lot of these kids that we're seeing, you know, at 15 who have had multiple car jacking or car theft, you know, with and they've got guns and that sort of thing. Starts with with the joy riding when they're, you
know, 10, 11, 12. And that's it. Somebody steals a car, they get the kids in the neighborhood, their friends, and they go around doing what people do in stolen cars and committing crimes. Um, and that gets, you know, Johnny involved in that initial level of of um, you
know, some crimes are being committed and then pretty soon that, you know, that Johnny wants to do the Kia challenge and see if he can steal a car and then that thing just starts. And so by the time, you know, we're encountering them at the autotheft or um you know, in the in a few cases,
carjacking cases we have with kids, um they're they're down that road pretty far. And you know, and it's it's it's a problem because um you know, these things typically involve guns. and with, you know, kids that don't have a ton of
maturity to um to be handling cars, drugs, or uh guns or anything else. Um so, um you know, with car theft frequently, um comes um you know, the pursuit part of it. And
uh so this is um um August 6th of 2022. Uh law enforcement responded to uh a a call of disturbance at Cabelas. Everybody knows where Cabelas I think is. Um and um and there there was some
juveniles causing a disturbance and there was um some shoplifting that they didn't weren't successful. a couple of the kids, but there were seven kids, two cars, both stolen, >> you know, ages ranging from 12 to 15. And, uh, my the parties I had with my
friends were a little different, you know, um, in the day. But this photo is after the chase down Ideal Avenue, uh, you know, that reached 110 mph at one point. And you know, ideal avenue is you're heading north um over 94 dead
ends into Still Water Boulevard there. And so they had a big big issue when they're going 100 miles an hour and all of a sudden there's a tea intersection, right? There's a little culdeac there. So they bailed there and one of the officers was able to do a pit maneuver and pin the car against that tree. And
then the kid takes off running and in his um in his right hand he has a phone I think and in his left hand he's got a gun and you know he's running and there's some brave people that are going to chase him and they caught him.
There's another guy that was hiding under a bridge next to a garden gnome in somebody's backyard. I think that was probably less of a probably didn't get quite quite as much street credit for that. Um I am going to show this under the same theme. This is dash cam video by
Oak Park Police. Um you know and it's uh I mean these are dangerous. It's dangerous to the cops. It's dangerous to the I the person driving the car. Um these are big you know weapons essentially. I'll show you another one
here. Let me I'm sorry that played twice. Let me go to this next one. Here we go. >> Stop the vehicle now. >> This is at LA Fitness on Still Water Boulevard and and uh 694. >> Get on the ground.
>> Get down. >> Get down. She was really drugged up and had stolen some stuff out of the locker rooms and that was her boyfriend um >> who was laying down trying to manipulate the pedals and she got behind the car
>> and she she wants to get away. We got multiple cars getting hit by this vehicle. [Music] >> Get out of the way. when uh she was interviewed by the police after she was arrested and they were talking about the theft, she said,
you know, you wouldn't believe how many people don't lock their lockers? I was like, "What's wrong with you, lady?" I mean, she felt like, gosh, I mean, if you're going to leave your locker open, I'm going to steal your stuff. And that just seemed to make a ton of sense to her. Um,
so I'm going to talk just a little bit because I know I'm taking more of your time than than you probably um intended for me, but I'm going to talk briefly about the East Metro Human Trafficking Task Force. Um, because I think it's a really important thing that my predecessor started, but I'm I'm I'm a
big proponent of it, even though it's been going through a lot of budget cuts recently. Um the um it's comprised of local law enforcement, you know, and then um some members from my office. We have a criminal analyst and a um and then an attorney who's on it. And um
it's important because that is a local presence. I mean, the BCA does their human trafficking stuff, but it's really focused on Minneapolis St. Paul, but the Washington County Task Force has been around. It's it's it's well known as one of the best and uh it's been really
effective. Um you know, de now detective Jeff Ryden with the um with Cottage Grove uh PD, he's on this on the trafficking task force. Now, we do both sting operations where you're going to, you know, um arrest the traffickers and
then we do recovery operations um to um try to reach the victims. So, uh, you know, these are people from Washington County. It's a bit of an older picture. I had to blur out the the faces because they're real faces. And somebody told me that after a presentation that that was her
ex-husband. So, I decided I should probably blur out the Yeah. >> And uh I mean, she didn't have a lot of good things to say about him as as you might imagine. >> But um but you know, there and there were we have a mark. So, usually a woman
in uh digitally um altered um photographs interacting with um with people are interested in in purchasing sex on the internet. And you know, I'm just going to say when the when the ad goes live, you would not believe the
response to this ad. We've got special software that was actually developed by an Oakdale um retired police officer that takes all the chats and puts it into one program. And so when you're looking at the monitor, there's like four or five chats going at the same time and any one person can pick it up
and interact, you know, with the with the John would be John, you know, and then we'll do we'll do the deal. We'll get them to, you know, promise the money and um and you know, during the conversation, she will say, "Is it okay if I'm 15 years old?" And, you know,
yeah, it's okay with me if it is with you kind of response. Um, and so then they'll when they come to uh we do it in parks, we do it in apartments, we do it in hotels, private house. I mean, we just kind of try to switch it up when they come to door to the door, you know, with um, you know, six-pack of White
Claw. And, uh, they can they they get tackled from the inside and from outside by guys who like to dress up in in in military gear. And it's uh, it's I think it makes an impression on them. Um, now I'm also going to talk about the recovery side real quick here. And now
this is not a Washington County photo. This is actually from some literature that's a while old, you know, several years old. But this is the same woman. Uh, and these are mug shots at each time she came in. And I have to say a lot. I mean, it just shows you just the devastating
effect of this lifestyle. And these I mean, and the victims in it are really in it. It's hard to to to recover. when we have the recovery, we'll have some opposing as a buyer and they'll come in and we're not interested in them. I
mean, we are in in terms of a criminal for a crime, charge them with a crime. Now, we will um charge them and and take their phone because we want to find out who was running them. I mean, how who they're talking to. Uh but we have a bunch of social workers and and others
that are trying to work with the with the women. The hardest part in the area when people ask what can I do to help? The area I think that needs the most attention is the recovery options. I mean, how do you live your life after you've there's been an intervention and you want to go in a different direction,
breaking away from that life? Usually there's chemical dependency. A lot of times there's just been severe mental trauma and often there's still somebody there who um you know who wants to um uh you know keep their foot on this on the person. There's a new charity that's
about to open up and it's just a couple of couple of people um I think they're real estate types. They bought a a house in Oakdale and it's in a really nice part. It's an upscale neighborhood. You would never know. I'm not sure the neighbors knew what was going in there,
wouldn't it? But everything's copacetic with the neighbors now. But it is this beautiful house with round the, you know, clock care for, you know, I think maybe five or six residents, you know, boys, girls, um, underage, you know, young adults. Fact is the the majority
are underage girls in there. And but I think this is a place if you get in there, you could see maybe what your life would be like. You get a feel for it's because in the past they go to a an like a shelter for women in St. call that is half a notch above what you
would get on the street. I mean, it's not a real pleasant place and it's hard to tell somebody like, "Hey, congratulations. You're on you're on your road to to recovery." Um, and and a better life. So, um, I think that that's an important um, you know, if folks are
interested, it's corey's house.org. C rouse.org. Um, the last thing I'll say about this is that since I've um been a part of this, I've really encouraged and developed with the with the team a focus on runaways. I mean, we can help.
There's two things we've been doing more of. We still do the stings, but we've got investigators that are actually on the dark web trying to find the people who are spending their time trying to find, you know, kids to pray on instead of having it sort of be something that
happens. People are really plotting to do this, but also we ha we have the skills, the knowledge base and the technology to really do something with runaways and it seems such a hopeless situation. But if you can intervene early and we know how to get the warrants and we know how to track the
phones and we know how to get in, we have the software to break the phones and and download the stuff. And so like for example in 2024 there was a case of a Cottage Grove grandmother who reported her 14-year-old granddaughter missing you know after about seven days and uh
we were able to get the the phone details from grandmother and then we're able to get a warrant and get the location. Um, and I think I Oh, you know, I didn't I didn't include that cuz I knew we were going to be on in some time, but um, we, you know, we were able
to get her location and we thought, well, it turned out it was likely at Boyd's Motel in Newport and they went there. Law enforcement went there and uh, and they found the girl and she was dressed in, you know, with almost nothing, no other clothes or
anything in the room. He was not there, but she had been there for, you know, um, about six days, you know, having been sexually assaulted the whole time. And they were already doing the drugs and everything, everything that, you know, you know, goes into this like. But fortunately,
um, she was they were able to use her phone to lure him back to the, uh, to the motel where, um, he got the same military style, you know, SWAT welcome. And um we charged him with you know first-degree civil sexual conduct and he
got 100 months in prison which is the maximum and will register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. So that's what the trafficking task force does. And I'll just conclude on that part with saying that, you know, as as the needs seem to shift to the city,
he's or to the streets and the the the the mo the vehicle theft and some of these other things that breakins and I understand that and we really wanted to protect the task force because, you know, it doesn't it's all happening under the surface. It's a little bit like spraying your lawn. You know, the moment you stop, all the dandelions come
back and the moment this task force stops working, all the massage pars come back. all the um you know all these things pop up because there people who just travel around the country with one or two uh victims and they just set up here for you know six seven weeks and they'll go down to Chicago or they'll go
duth or you know and they're just moving. Um and that's why you got to be ever digent. Um I'll talk just brief because I know what's tell me to shut up if we're out of time here, but I'll just do this last thing and then I'll shut up. How's that? All right. and the mayor mayor gave me
the can I say you gave me the finger. Can I say that? Um so I'll talk about uh just briefly again public safety when we're looking at this really is the top priority and you know and most of the stuff that we
get with kids is where it's youth making bad decisions and also bad decisions that happen to you know be an offense that one has to hold them accountable for. uh their life's just immaturity, impulsivity, whatever. In the mo the
majority of those cases that are not real serious, their kids screwing up, crossing the line, they'll go through a diversion program where they'll get chemical um help, help, chemical substance abuse help, mental health help, um you know,
uh co coaching and on anger management and organization and all the kind of things that they need to to be uh start to be successful. And the great thing is is that after they've gone through this, we rarely see them again. You know, I mean, the receticism rate for kids going
through juvenile is less than 10%. Which is, you know, I was surprised at those stats because I you would think it'd be much worse. Now, there about 10 kids that keep us busy all the time. for the rest of the time are 10 kids that are those 15-year-olds with guns and and
and that and doing the serious crimes and you know um I think that sometimes certification is appropriate uh where they're tried as adult and serious crimes and also there's extended juvenile jurisdiction where they go to a locked facility for a period of time and
they try to get that intensive programming and a lot of these guys are bound and determined you know to do u you know lifetime in prison on the installment plan. I mean, that's just the road that they're on. And um you know, you do the best you can. In some cases, at that level, you're successful.
A lot of times it's really I mean, you tend to see higher recidivism there. So, about 70% is is diversion and about 15% are the more serious stuff that we're dealing with. So, almost done. I'm just going to mention the civil division just because
I don't want to leave them out because they're the junk drawer of the county attorney's office. I mean, everything that kind of doesn't fall there falls in the But this is the area. These are the folks that probably affect you and your constituents. >> They look like they get to do all the fun stuff. >> Don't they look fun?
>> Yeah, it's Well, I came from that. You know, I was I did some criminal stuff, but I was in the civil division and, you know, um we're advising our commissioners. Uh we're advising the the administration. We're reviewing all the contracts and um we're doing the the
child support. um recovery stuff. We're doing the um guardianships and the civil commitments for mental illness and you can just go down the down the list. Um with that um I know that you squeezed me in and I I
actually abbreviated the presentation, believe it or not, but I hope it was worth it. I don't know. Um >> no, actually it was really really very good. >> Really? >> Yes, it was a great presentation. >> Yeah. Lot of information. No, I think you do a good job, Kevin. I appreciate you. I appreciate your staff.
>> I appreciate the work that you guys do up there, not only for our city and our citizens. Um, I really think that um you've done a service to uh filling Pete's shoes. >> I appreciate that. That's a high compliment. >> So, a high compliment. Thank you. >> And the main thing is like you already
alluded to uh making sure you take care of the victims and prosecute the bad people. >> Yeah. to the best extent that is is possible. If there's the ability to rehabilitate the individuals, I think everybody's always for that. But when
you find those criminals that don't learn, >> they're just dangerous. >> Yeah. Something needs to happen. >> Mhm. >> All right. Do we have any other questions for our county attorney? >> I have just one. >> I'd like to know if I could ask you some questions later.
>> Yeah, absolutely. And I was hoping to get here a little earlier so we'd have a chance to talk. >> Um, but we certainly can. I can't tell you the, you know, obviously, but u, we can talk about that case that I referenced. Um, that is of public interest, I'm sure.
>> All right. Thank you very much. >> All right. On to reports from the council. Council member Hagerty. All right. Thank you, Council Member Hagerty. Council member Swanson. Thank you, Council Member Swanson. >> You want to get out of here? >> Council member Conrad. Next meeting 11:10 at 7 p.m.
>> There you go. >> Council member Whitmson, I know you have a few issues. >> Yes. Not issues. >> No, you got >> So, this Friday is our trunk or treat from 5:00 to 7:00. >> Um, >> where's it going to be at? >> It's at Heritage Heritage Park from 5:00 to 7:00. The Masons will be there with
hot dogs, popcorn, stuff like that, treats for a free will donation. I think we have 15 trunks. So, we're looking for more trunks. or sponsors. So, if you know anybody, CAP, send them our way. Our next bunko is
Friday, November 7th. We roll at 7 and it's very fun. And we've met a new friend. Mary has now come to Bunko. Um, and our next park and wreck meeting is November 10th at 6 p.m. >> Thank you, Council Member Bington. Council member Swanson, when is your
meeting? >> Uh, December 4th. >> All right. Council member Hagerty. >> Oh, uh, December second. >> December 2nd. All right. Um, as for myself, um, I had a lot going on as some of it you've heard. Um, I will say that,
uh, the council members and I have all received these disclosure forms. I just wanted to bring this up briefly. I know some of you had some questions. We did had somebody um, requested a foyer. We have never had to fill these out before, but somebody dug it up in our um, our
statutes. I have filled these out for other offices, but never at the city level. But I guess it is a requirement. So, um we need to um it's a public disclosure statement about what you own within the city. Um properties or
businesses you may benefit from. They also I will just say they also came along with some questions about the development. So, I'm not going to try to read too much into that. Um just so the public knows and everybody else that doesn't know, I own the Park Cafe in St.
Paul Park. I own the property. I own the Frankie's Corner Bar. I own the property. I own the lot next to it. Um I also have a home which I am not disclosed for, but it also says I need to require um to disclose uh information
about my children. Um so that will become public information. And for those of you that do not know, my oldest daughter is the manager of the Speedway. So she has an interest in receiving money from a business within the city. Um, one more thing that I will be adding on to here, just in full disclosure to
the citizens and the person that wants to know all my personal information, which I have no problem providing to everybody and anybody. I've had to fill these out at the state level even more extensively, which I'm sure they could foyer. Um, and I've had to fill them out at the county level with that are even
more extensive than the requirement here. I own a few shares in a company called Marathon Petroleum Logistics that has nothing to do with Marathon Petroleum within our city, but they are a subsidiary located out of the East Coast. So, um I will go back even
further and find out any way that I may have potentially benefited other than caring for the citizens and my family in this city. And I will get you that information. And council members, I hope that you do the same. And with that, this meeting's adjourned.