City Council - April 16, 2025   4/16/2025

ROLL CALL

CONSENT AGENDA Items listed under the Consent Agenda will be enacted by one motion with no separate discussion. If discussion on an item is desired, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration.

Approval of the Consent Agenda

1. Directing the Department of Safety and Inspections to proceed with the Denial of the Tobacco Products Shop License and adverse action against MSP Tobacco and Vapor INC d/b/a MSP Tobacco and Vapor (License ID #20240000984) for the premises located at 2419 7th Street West.

• Exhibit #1
• Exhibit # 2
• Exhibit #3

• Failed 6-0-0 Adopted

2. Authorizing the City, on behalf of the Department of Parks and Recreation, to apply for grant funds of $100,000 from the Minnesota Twins.

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

3. Directing the Department of Safety and Inspections to proceed with the $500 matrix penalty and license suspension adverse action against Ayako Nakandakari d/b/a Ayako Nakandakari (License ID #20170000614) for the premises located at 762 Cleveland Ave S.

• Exhibit 1
• Exhibit 2

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

4. Directing the Department of Safety and Inspections to proceed with the Denial of the Tree Trimmer & 1 Vehicle & Tree Trimmer - Each Add’l Vehicle License application and adverse action against Carr’s Tree Service INC d/b/a Carr’s Tree Service INC (License ID #20240001440) for the premises located at 307 State Highway 78 North.

• Exhibit # 1

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

5. Authorizing the acceptance of up to $100,000 in total grant funding (with indemnification obligations) from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, which will be matched with 10% in City funds specifically allocated for grant matching, for a comprehensive analysis of the City’s storm sewer system within the Beltline subwatershed; authorizing the execution of a grant agreement; and amending the 2025 Grant Budget.

• Beltline Resiliency Grant Agreement.pdf
• Financial Analysis.pdf

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

6. Authorizing the City to enter an amendment to lease agreement 15905 with National Cooperative Leasing to expand the fleet size of the Evie carshare program by 45 vehicles. (Title to be amended to: Authorizing the City to amend the lease agreement with National Cooperative Leasing to continue leasing 80 Chevy Bolts fit to remain in the Evie Carshare fleet for another 3 years. )

• NCL Lease Amendment 5.pdf

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

7. Approving the appointment of Councilmember Matt Privratsky as a member of the Audit Committee.

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

8. Approving the Mayor’s appointment of Denise Wickiser to a two-year term on the Advisory Committee on Aging.

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

9. Approving the reappointments of Stephanie D. Dilworth and James T. Farnsworth as community advisors to the Audit Committee as non-voting members for an additional term of three years.

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

10. Accepting the?gift?of lodging expenses from Mayors for a Guaranteed Income for Mayor Carter to attend the African American Mayors Association Annual Conference from April 16-17, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

FOR DISCUSSION

11. Approving the Memorandums of Agreement between the City of Saint Paul and AFSCME Clerical, Local 2508; AFSCME Technical, Local 1842 and the Professional Employees Association, Inc. creating a pilot program for the purpose of establishing an equitable language compensation premium for the Saint Paul Public Libraries.

• MOA Professional Employees Assn Library Equitable Language Premium
• MOA AFSCME Tech Library Equitable Language Premium
• MOA AFSCME Clerical Library Equitable Language Premium
• Background on Agenda Item

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

SUSPENSION ITEMS

Recognizing the 20th Annual Hmong National Development Conference, themed “We Rise, United”, and Celebrating 50 years of Hmong resilience, leadership, and impact in the United States.

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

Approving the partial loan forgiveness of up to $238,949.88 in combined principal and interest on a City mortgage to the Commerce Building Phase I and Commerce Building Phase II projects, 10 4th Street East (District 17, Ward 2).

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

FOR DISCUSSION

12. Considering the appeal by the University of Saint Thomas to a decision of the Planning Commission to uphold a condition of their 2004 conditional use permit regarding drive access from Goodrich Avenue. (Public hearing closed and laid over from March 12, 2025)

• ZC staff report packet UST review of CUP
• PC Resolution 24-38 upholding condition of 2004 CUP
• PC minutes 2024-12-13
• ZC minutes- 2024-12-05 UST review of CUP
• ZC minutes- 2024-11-24 UST review of CUP
• ZC public hearing written testimony
• ZC public hearing- additional written testimony
• Moss letter
• Brombach letter
• UST supplemental letter
• Feb 24 public comment
• Feb 27 public comments
• Feb 28 public comments
• Mar 3 public comments
• J. Brummer Affidavit
• Mar 4 public comments
• Mar 5 public comments
• City Council Presentation

• Passed 5-1-0 Granted

ORDINANCES An ordinance is a city law enacted by the City Council. It is read at three separate council meetings and becomes effective after passage by the Council and 30 days after publication in the Saint Paul Pioneer Press. Public hearings on ordinances are generally held at the second reading.

Final Adoption

13. Granting the application of Central Internal Medicine Associates PA to rezone property at 635 Cleveland Avenue South (southwest corner at Bayard Avenue) from OS office-service to T2 traditional neighborhood and amending Chapter 60 of the Legislative Code pertaining to the zoning map.

• Planning Commission Resolution 25-11
• Planning Commission Action Minutes March 7, 2025
• Zoning Committee Minutes February 27, 2025
• Staff Report Packet
• Highland District Council Resolution Supporting Rezoning
• 60 Day Extension Letter for Rezoning

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

PUBLIC HEARINGS Live testimony is limited to two minutes for each person. See below for optional ways to testify.

14. Amending Chapter 310.04 of the Legislative Code to regulate a more efficient method of cancellation when licensee is not in compliance with providing materials to be engaged in licensed activity.

• Passed 6-0-0 Laid Over to Final Adoption

15. Approving the application of Breakaway Music Festival for a sound level variance in order to present amplified sound on June 6 through June 7, 2025 at 400 Snelling Avenue North - Allianz Field Grounds. (Public hearing continued from April 23, 2025)

• Application
• ENS#1
• Map
• Owner Notification
• Owners List
• Letter to Applicant
• Packet from applicant
• Union Park District Council public comment
• 4.24 public comments
• 4.25 public comments
• 4.30 public comment
• 5.8 public comment
• 5.12 public comment
• Applicant letter 5.13.25
• 5.13 public comments
• 5.14 public comments

• Passed 4-2-0 Adopted As Amended

16. Approving the applications of White Squirrel Bar for two sound level variances in order to present amplified sound for a Saturday Patio Music Series and a Sunday Patio Music Series, June 1 - August 31, 2025, at 974 7th St W - the White Squirrel Bar patio.

• Application
• ENS
• Map
• Notice to Owners
• Owners List
• Letter to Applicant

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

17. Approving the application of El Burrito Mercado for two sound level variances in order to present live music on certain Fridays for Fiesta Mexicana Fridays, Fridays, May 2 through September 12, 2025 and, Saturdays for a Musica en mi Barrio Summer Music Series beginning Saturdays, May 3 through August 16, 2025 at the El Burrito LaPlacita Patio space at 175 Cesar Chavez Street.

• Application
• ENS
• Map
• OwnerNotification
• Owners List
• Letter to Applicant

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

18. Accepting grant funds, authorizing execution of a grant agreement (with indemnity obligations and related documents) and amending the operating budget for the Metropolitan Council’s Livable Communities Demonstration Account Affordable Homeownership Grant Program for Rondo Community Land Trust (RCLT) at 1036 Marshall Avenue (District 8, Ward 1).

• Attachment A 1036Marshall AH RES PH 25-69 2.12.25

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

LEGISLATIVE HEARING DISCUSSION ITEMS

19. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 120 LYTON PLACE. (File No. VB2507B, Assessment No. 258827) (Public hearing closed and laid over from April 9, 2025)

• 120 Lyton Pl.Reg Notice 3-15-24.pdf
• 120 Lyton Pl.Warning Ltr 10-2-24.pdf
• 120 Lyton Pl.Code Compliance Report 10-25-24.pdf
• 120 Lyton Pl. aerial
• 120 Lyton Pl.Born Ltr.2-28-25
• 120 Lyton Place.Bower Zimny email chain.4-11-25

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

20. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1141 UNIVERSITY AVENUE WEST. (File No. VB2506B, Assessment No. 258823) (Public hearing closed and laid over from April 9, 2025)

• 1141 University Ave W.Renewal Ltr 7-31-24.pdf
• 1141 University Ave W.Warning Ltr 8-30-24.pdf
• 1141 University Ave W.Revocation Letter 8-16-22.pdf
• 1141 University Ave W.W1 Ezirike email chain.3-20-25
• 1141 University Ave W.Building Permit 2-1-23
• 1141 University Ave W.Building Permit Invoice 2-1-23
• 1141 University Ave W.Ezirike email + text messages 4-2-25
• 1141 University Ave W.photo 4-2-25
• Google Street View August 2024
• Aerial Map 2024

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted As Amended

26. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 685 MINNEHAHA AVENUE EAST. (File No. VB2505C, Assessment No. 258818) (Public hearing closed and laid over from May 7, 2025)

• 685 Minnehaha Ave E.Reg Notice 7-12-24.pdf
• 685 Minnehaha Ave E.Warning Ltr 8-12-24.pdf
• 685 Minnehaha Ave.Zimny email.2-10-25
• 685 Minnehaha Ave E.Imbertson email 2-14-25.pdf
• 685 MInnehaha Ave E.Site Map.pdf
• g685 Minnehaha Ave E.Photos 2-14-25.pdf
• 685 Minnehaha AveE.Revocation Notice 8-6-10.pdf
• 685 Minnehaha AveE.Zane email 4-3-25.pdf
• 685 Minnehaha Ave E.email chain 5-6-25.pdf
• 685 Minnehaha Ave E.Email Chain 5-7-25

• Passed 6-0-0 Laid Over

LEGISLATIVE HEARING CONSENT AGENDA Items listed under the Consent Agenda will receive a combined public hearing and be enacted by one motion with no separate discussion. Items may be removed from the Consent Agenda for a separate public hearing and discussion if desired.

Approval of the Consent Agenda

21. Second Making finding on the appealed substantial abatement ordered for 594 BRUNSON AVENUE in Council File RLH RR 24-31. (Amend to grant additional 5 months and forfeit $2,500 of $10,000)

• 594 Brunson St.2nd MF Notice of Public Hearing 2-26-25.pdf
• 594 Brunson St.Sibet R-R Ltr.3-28-25
• 594 Brunson Ave.po docs.4-9-25
• 594 Brunson St.Sibet R-R Ltr.4-11-25
• 594 Brunson St.Zimny email.4-16-25
• 594 Brunson Ave.Ruoho Revival Renovations 4-22-25.pdf
• 594 Brunson Ave.Bank Account 4-23-25.pdf
• 594 Brunson Ave.Affidavit 4-22-25.pdf
• 594 Brunson Ave.email chain 4-22-25.pdf

22. Appeal of Ana Silva to a Summary Abatement Order at 1016 DESOTO STREET.

• 1016 Desoto St.appeal.4-1-25.pdf
• 1016 Desoto St.Photo 3-26-25.pdf
• 1016 Desoto Aerial
• 1016 Desoto St.Silva Ltr.4-17-25
• 1016 Desoto St.Silva Ltr.4-17-25_Span

23. Amending Council File RLH AR 25-21 to ratify and spread payments the assessment for Rubbish and Garbage Clean Up services during October 28 to November 8, 2024 at 1131 FARRINGTON STREET. (File No. J2512R Assessment No. 258522)

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

24. Appeal of Maher Safi, Downtown Smoke Shop, to a Notice of Condemnation-Unfit for Human Habitation-Order to Vacate at 55 FIFTH STREET EAST (381 MINNESOTA STREET).

• 55 Fifth St E.appeal.4-3-25.pdf
• 55 Fifth St E.def list 12-3-24.pdf
• Google Maps
• 55 5th St E.Safi Ltr.4-11-25

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

25. Appeal of Navid Amini to a Fire Certificate of Occupancy Correction Notice at 342 KELLOGG BOULEVARD WEST.

• 342 Kellogg Blvd W.appeal 2-11-25
• 342 Kellogg Blvd W.photos 2-7-25
• 342 Kellogg Blvd W.Amini Ltr.2-21-25
• 342 Kellogg Blvd W.Amini Ltr.3-7-25
• 340-42 Kellogg Blvd W.Vue email.3-7-25
• 342 Kellogg Blvd W.ZImny email.3-10-25
• 342 Kellogg Bvd W.Vue email 3-13-25.pdf
• 342 Kellogg Bvd W.Photos 3-13-25.pdf
• 342 Kellogg Blvd W.Zimny CPH email.3-26-25
• 342 Kellogg Blvd W.Amini Ltr.3-31-25

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

27. Appeal of Scott Fergus to a Vacant Building Registration Renewal Notice at 922 MINNEHAHA AVENUE EAST.

• 922 Minnehaha Ave E.appeal.3-24-25.pdf
• 922 Minnehaha Ave E.photos 3-12-25.pdf
• 922 Minnehaha Ave E VB Reg Form 4-8-24.pdf
• 922 Minnehaha Ave E.Fergus Ltr.4-4-25

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

28. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1540 MINNEHAHA AVENUE EAST. (File No. VB2506A, Assessment No. 258822) (Public hearing continued to April 2, 2025)

• 1540 Minnehaha Ave E.Reg Notice 5-9-24.pdf
• 1540 Minnehaha Ave E.Warning Ltr 9-9-24.pdf
• 1540 Minnehaha Ave E.Condemnation 4-15-22.pdf
• 1540 Minnehaha Ave E.Zimny email.2-11-25
• 1540 Minnehaha Ave E.Vang email 3-19-25.pdf
• 1540 Minnehaha Ave E.Cert of Code Compliance 4-3-25.pdf

29. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 918 PARK STREET. (File No. J2504T4, Assessment No. 258546)

• 918 Park St.TG&W Letter 6-28-24.pdf
• 918 Park St.SA Letter 7-9-24.pdf
• 918 Park St.Photo 7-9-24.pdf
• 918 Park St.Photos 7-16-24.pdf
• 918 Park St.Contractor Photos 7-29-24.pdf
• TGW 7-22-2024 Invoice.pdf

30. Appeal of Mary Hood to a Summary Abatement Order at 1311 SIXTH STREET EAST.

• 1311 Sixth Street East.appeal 4-2-25
• 1311 6th St E.Hood Ltr.4-11-25
• 1311 6th St E.Hood Ltr.4-11-25
• 1311 Sixth St E.Bagster Receipt 4-10-25.pdf

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

31. Appeal of Mario Lee to a Summary Abatement Order at 419 THOMAS AVENUE.

• 419 Thomase Ave.appeal 3-24-25
• 419 Thomase Ave.photos 3-19-25
• 419 Thomas Ave.Lee Ltr.4-11-25

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

32. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 435 VAN BUREN AVENUE. (File No. J2504E2, Assessment No. 258314)

• 435 Thomas Ave.VAO 2-29-24.pdf
• 435 Van Buren Ave.Photos 2-29-24.pdf
• 435 Van Buren Ave.EC Ltr & Bill #1855870 6-12-24.pdf
• 435 Van Buren Ave.Photos 6-12-24.pdf
• 435 Van Buren Ave.EC Ltr & Bill #1849298 5-28-24.pdf
• 435 Van Buren Ave.Photos 5-28-24.pdf

33. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 435 VAN BUREN AVENUE. (File No. J2505E1, Assessment No. 258316)

• 435 Thomas Ave.VAO 2-29-24.pdf
• 435 Van Buren Ave.Photos 2-29-24.pdf
• 435 Van Buren Ave.Photos 6-26-24.pdf
• 435 Van Buren Ave.EC Ltr & Bill #1861101 6-26-24.pdf
• 435 Van Buren Ave.EC Ltr & Bill #1873504 7-10-24.pdf
• 435 Van Buren Ave.Photos 7-10-24.pdf

34. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 435 VAN BUREN AVENUE. (File No. J2506E, Assessment No. 258305)

• 435 Thomas Ave.VAO 2-29-24.pdf
• 435 Van Buren Ave.Photos 2-29-24.pdf
• 435 Van Buren Ave.EC Ltr & Bill #1873504 7-25-24.pdf
• 435 Van Buren Ave.Photos 7-25-24.pdf

35. Amending Council File AR 24-108 to delete the assessment for Collection of Vacant Building Registration fees billed during July 25, 2023 to June 19, 2024 at 840 VAN BUREN AVENUE. (File No. VB2504, Assessment No. 258803)

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

ADJOURNMENT

City Council meetings are open for in person attendance, but the public may also comment on public hearing items in writing or via voicemail. Any comments and materials submitted by 12:00 pm of the day before the meeting will be attached to the public record and available for review by the City Council. Comments may be submitted as follows: The public may comment on public hearing items in writing or via voicemail. Any comments and materials submitted by 12:00 pm of the day before the meeting will be attached to the public record and available for review by the City Council. Comments may be submitted as follows: Written public comment on public hearing items can be submitted to Contact-Council@ci.stpaul.mn.us, CouncilHearing@ci.stpaul.mn.us, or by voicemail at 651-266-6805. Live testimony will be taken in person in the Council Chambers, and by telephone by registering to speak by noon on the day before the meeting. The registration link is located on the City Council website at www.stpaul.gov/council or https://forms.office.com/g/TD3xN7WHy5. Council Meeting Information