City Council - January 07, 2026   1/7/2026

ROLL CALL

COMMUNICATIONS & RECEIVE/FILE

1. Amending ONS project budget: Funding for a Fellowship from Harvard University approved by the City Council via RES PH 24-141.

• Harvard Fellowship Project Budget

2. Establishing two (2) new projects through the Neighborhood STAR Year-Round Program as adopted via City Council Resolutions 25-1894 and 25-1905, and returning the balance of one (1) project to the Year-Round STAR Program.

• 2025 NSTAR YR Financial Analysis 12.5.25 AO 25-81 W2 and W6.pdf

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

3. Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to expend an amount not to exceed $25,000 for the purpose of providing refreshments, marketing materials, recognition items, and other incentives for various activities, programs, volunteers, and events throughout 2026.

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

4. Approving the City’s cost of providing Removal of Diseased and/or Dangerous Tree at 837 PEDERSEN STREET, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for February 3, 2026 and City Council public hearing for March 18, 2026 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. 2602T, Assessment No. 269001)

• Report of Completion 2602T_269001
• Assessment Roll 2602T_269001

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

5. Approving the City’s cost of providing Removal of Diseased and/or Dangerous Tree(s) during July - October 2025, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for February 3, 2026 and City Council public hearing for March 18, 2026 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. 2601T, Assessment No. 269000)

• Report of Completion 2601T_269000
• Assessment Roll 2601T_269000

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

6. Approving an Auto Repair Garage and Auto Body Repair/Painting Shop new location license for Eagle Auto Body LLC d/b/a Eagle Auto Body LLC (License ID # 20250001040) for the premises located at 440 Minnehaha Ave W.

• Class N License Application
• License Application Notification

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

7. Renaming Webster Park to Barack and Michelle Obama Park.

8. Authorizing stipends for Audit Committee Community Advisors to engage with District Councils and community organizations to strengthen relationships at the community level and to solicit performance audit topic ideas.

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

9. Amending the 2026 City Council meeting schedule to cancel a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 8.

• 1-7-26 update

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

10. Authorizing the Fire Department to accept the donation of one sauna valued at $6,500 from the Saint Paul Fire Foundation.

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

11. Approving and authorizing an agreement between the Metropolitan Council and the City to clarify redeployment of Livable Communities Act program funds, citywide.

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

12. Authorizing the Fire Department to accept the donation of 15 LUCAS devices valued at $303,538.80 from Dr. Demetris Yannopoulos, MD and the ECMO Team with the University of Minnesota.

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

13. Approving the Collective Bargaining Agreement (January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2027) between the City of Saint Paul and the International Union of Elevator Constructors, Local 9.

• 2027 Labor Agreement
• 2026-2027 Summary Agreement

14. Approving the Memorandum of Agreement for 2026 January Wage and Fringe Adjustment between the City and the Sprinkler Fitters Local Union No. 417.

• Sprinkler Fitters 2026 MOA January Wage & Fringe Adjustment

15. Authorizing the City to enter into a cooperative agreement with Ramsey County for sidewalk construction on Marshall and Cleveland Avenues.

• Agreement PW2025-19-Marshall-Cleveland 12.5.25.pdf

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

16. Approving the City’s cost of providing Replacement of Lead Water Service Line on Private Properties and setting date of City Council public hearing for February 4, 2026, to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. 2502LDSRP, Assessment No. 254001)

• Report of Completion 2502LDSRP.254001
• Assessment Roll 2502LDSRP.254001

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

17. Approving the City’s cost of providing Repair of Sanitary Sewer Service Line on Private Properties and setting date of City Council public hearing for February 4, 2026 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. SWRP2503, Assessment No. 253002)

• Report of Completion SWRP2503.253002
• Assessment Roll SWRP2503.253002

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

18. Designating the City's official newspaper for 2026.

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

19. Updating the Transportation Committee in accordance with Planning Commission organizational changes and established practice.

• Planning Commission Memo_FINAL

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

20. Amending Chapter A-11 of the Appendices to the Administrative Code to update the Early Notification System Policy and Procedures regarding Subdivisions.

• Planning Commission Memo_FINAL

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

21. Authorizing the Department of Public Works-Sewer Utility to enter into a Cooperative Maintenance Agreement with the Capitol Region Watershed District for maintenance of the City-owned Arlington Business Park, Arlington-Arkwright, Atwater-Western, and Beacon Bluff Ponds.

• CRWD-Public Works Pond Maintenance Agreement.pdf

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

22. Directing the Department of Safety and Inspections to proceed with the 10-day license suspension adverse action against DDDSALYA LLC d/b/a East Market Grocery & Tobacco, (License ID # 20220001990) for the premises located at 913 Payne Avenue.

• Exhibit 1

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

23. Authorizing the third renewal of a license between the City and Twin City Refuse & Recycling Station, Inc. for the use of City park property and City levee property for a refuse and recycling business.

• Executed License Agreement
• License Renewal No 3

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

FOR DISCUSSION

24. Celebrating St. Paul Family Medical Center’s 25+ Years of Service and Milestones in the East Side Saint Paul Community & Declaring Saturday, January 10, 2026 as Dr. Phua Xiong Day in the City of Saint Paul.

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted As Amended

25. Approving the appointment of the City Attorney. (to be amended)

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted As Amended

26. Approving the Mayor's appointments of Senior Assistant Mayor - Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Assistant Mayors - Assistant to the Mayor VI, and Executive Director of Public Affairs & Communications - Assistant to the Mayor VI, effective January 2, 2026. (to be amended)

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted As Amended

27. Approving the Mayor's appointments to serve as Acting Mayor in the absence of Mayor Kaohly Her. (to be amended)

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted As Amended

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

28. Amending Chapter 107 of the Administrative Code pertaining to improvements to the Planning Commission process.

• Planning Commission Memo_FINAL
• DRAFT RES 25-1906 Early Notification System Revisions
• DRAFT RES 25-1907 Transportation Committee
• Council Presentation
• Simon Taghioff public comment
• Jake Reilly public comment

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

First Reading

29. Modifying and establishing certain City Council staff positions in Chapter 16 of the Administrative Code.

• Staff Report

• Passed 6-0-0 Laid Over to Second Reading

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

31. Approving the petition of the Department of Parks and Recreation, on behalf of the City, to vacate public right-of-way in and around Merriam Park.

• Depiction and Description of vacation area
• Aerial view..ROW to Vacate..RE 05-2025

• Passed 6-0-0 Adopted

30. Public hearing on grievances about federal immigration operations.

• Colin Anderson public comment
• Betsy Wehrwein public comment (submitted during public hearing)

ROLL CALL

LEGISLATIVE HEARING DISCUSSION ITEM

44. Ordering the rehabilitation or razing and removal of the structures at 810 MARYLAND AVENUE EAST within fifteen (15) days after the January 7, 2026, City Council Public Hearing. (Amend to remove by March 1, 2026)

• 810 Maryland Ave E.OTA 9-25-25
• 810 Maryland Ave E.PH 10-27-25
• 810 Maryland Ave E.Historic Review-PED 9-30-25
• 810 Maryland Ave E.Photos 9-3-25
• 810 Maryland Ave E.email chain 11-19-25.pdf
• 810 Maryland Ave E.Police Calls Log 11-13-25.pdf
• 810 Maryland Ave E.Summary.pdf
• 810 Maryland Ave E.Listing Service 11-24-25.pdf
• 810 Maryland Ave. E.Niblick email chain.11-21-25
• 810 Maryland Ave E.Hoffman email & photo 11-25-25.pdf
• 910 Maryland Ave E.Maryland-Arcade Feasibility Study sent 11-25-25.pdf
• 810 Maryland Ave E.CVS Huegel R-R Ltr.11-26-25
• 810 Maryland Ave E.Affidavit of Attempted Service 11-24-25.pdf
• 810 Maryland Ave E.Payne-Phalen Recommendation 12-3-25.pdf
• 810 Maryland Ave E.CVS Huegel R-R Ltr.12-12-25
• 810 Maryland Ave.1.2.26 CVS letter to Council & LHO
• 810 Maryland Ave E Aerial Map
• 810 Maryland Ave E Google Street View
• Nuisance Property
• 810 Maryland Ave E.Zimny maint. email.1-9-26

• Passed 5-0-0 Adopted As Amended

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

32. Appeal of Deborah Ruberto to a Summary Abatement Order and Vehicle Abatement Order at 235 BATES AVENUE.

• 235 Bates Ave.appeal.10-21-25.pdf
• 235 Bates Ave.photos from inspector sent 10-21-25.pdf
• 235 Bates Ave.Ruberto Ltr.10-30-25
• 235 Bates Ave.Ruberto Ltr.12-12-25
• 235 Bates Ave.photos 12-16-25.pdf
• 235 Bates Ave.Ruberto Ltr.12-19-25

33. Appeal of Emmett J. Owens, Jr. to a Summary Abatement Order and Vehicle Abatement Order at 239 BATES AVENUE.

• 239 Bates Ave.appeal.10-15-25.pdf
• 239 Bates Ave.Photos 10-21-25.pdf
• 239 Bates Ave.Owens Ltr.10-24-25
• 239 Bates Ave.photos 12-16-25.pdf
• 239 Bates Ave.Owens Ltr.12-19-25
• 239 Bates Ave.photos 1-6-26.pdf
• 239 Bates Ave.photos #2 1-6-26.pdf

34. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 511 BAY STREET. (File No. J2601R, Assessment No. 268601) (Refer to April 21, 2026 Legislative Hearing)

• 511 Bay St.chain email 9-23-25.pdf
• 511 Bay St.Vang email 11-13-25.pdf

35. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 862 CLEAR AVENUE. (File No. J2601TW1, Assessment No. 268703) (Amend to delete)

• 862 Clear Ave.Vang email 10-20-25.pdf

36. Making finding on the appealed nuisance abatement ordered for 927 DESOTO STREET in Council File RLH CO 25-15.

• 927 Desoto St.Summary Abatement Order 11-19-25.pdf
• 927 Desoto St.Williams email RE SAO & Photo 11-25-25.pdf
• 927 Desoto St.Fierro Ltr.11-26-25
• 927 Desoto St.Fierro Ltr.12-5-25
• 927 Desoto St.Williams email & photos 12-9-25.pdf
• 927 Desoto St.Fierro Ltr.12-12-25
• 927 Desoto St.photos 1-6-26.pdf

37. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 913 EARL STREET. (File No. J2601TW2, Assessment No. 268704) (Amend to delete)

• 913 Earl St.Vang email chain 10-20-25.pdf

38. Appeal of Aychoeun Tea to a Fire Inspection Report at 318 EDMUND AVENUE.

• 318 Edmund Ave.appeal.11-26-25
• 318 Edmund Ave.Inspector photos 11-25-25.pdf
• 318 Edmund Ave.Tea Ltr.12-12-25
• 318 Edmund Ave.Tea Ltr.12-19-25

• Passed 5-0-0 Adopted

39. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1762 ENGLEWOOD AVENUE. (File No. VB2510A, Assessment No. 258833)

• 1762 Englewood Ave.Reg Notice 11-27-24.pdf
• 1762 Englewood Ave.Warning Ltr 12-27-24.pdf
• 1762 Englewood Ave.Mortimer Ltr.6-12-25
• 1762 Englewood WP 7-11-25
• 1762 Englewood Ave.Zimny Eggen email chain.7-14-25
• 1762 Englewood Ave.Vang email 1-21-26.pdf

40. Making finding on the appealed nuisance abatement ordered for 2016 FREMONT AVENUE in Council File RLH SAO 25-55.

• 2016 Fremont Ave.Puchala Ltr.10-3-25.pdf
• 2016 Fremont Ave.email chain 10-8-25.pdf
• Native Landscapes MN 412.925
• 2016 Fremont Ave.Puchala Zimny email.10-20-25
• 2016 Fremont Ave.Site Plan Email Chain.11-18-25
• 2016 Fremont Ave.Puchala Ltr.11-21-25
• 2016 Fremont Ave.Vang email 12-15-25.pdf
• 2016 Fremont Ave.Photos.12-16-25.pdf

41. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 692 HAMLINE AVENUE NORTH AKA 1339 VAN BUREN AVENUE. (File No. VB2512B, Assessment No. 258835) (Amend and public hearing continued to March 4, 2026)

• 692 Hamline Ave N.Vang email 10-27-25.pdf

42. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1814 JAMES AVENUE. (File No. J2521R, Assessment No. 258549) (Public hearing continued to January 7, 2026)

• 1814 James Ave. Summary Abatement Order 3-12-25.pdf
• 1814 James Ave.Photo from SAO 3-12-25.pdf
• 1814 James Ave.Rechecked photo on reinspection 3-20-25.pdf
• 1814 James Ave.John Ewen voicemail 7-22-25

43. Appeal of Eng Tat Ng to a Registered Vacant Building placard plus Notice of Condemnation-Unfit for Human Habitation-Order to Vacate at 1032 MAGNOLIA AVENUE EAST. (January 6, 2026 Legislative Hearing)

• 1032 Magnolia Ave E.appeal.12-1-25
• 1032 Magnolia Ave E.Photos 11-19-25.pdf
• 1032 Magnolia Ave E.Photos 11-20-25.pdf
• 1032 Magnolia Ave E.Ng Ltr.12-12-25
• 1032 Magnolia E Dwelling Summary Incendiary 12-27-25.pdf
• 1032 Magnolia E Dwelling Incendiary photos 12-27-25 v2.pdf
• 1032 Magnolia Ave E.Zimny email 12-29-25.pdf
• 1032 Magnolia Ave E.Ng Ltr.1-9-26

45. Appeal of Rashad Turner to a Vehicle Abatement Order at 805 MINNEHAHA AVENUE WEST.

• 805 Minnehaha Ave W.appeal.12-5-25
• 805 Minnehaha Ave W.photos 12-5-25.pdf
• 805 Minnehaha Ave W.Aerial View 2020. 12-15-25.pdf
• 805 Minnehaha Ave W.VAO Ltr 11-24-25.pdf
• 805 W. Minnehaha.Zimny email.12-16-25
• 805 W. Minnehaha Ave.Turner Ltr.12-19-25

• Passed 5-0-0 Adopted

46. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1624 SEVENTH STREET EAST. (File No. J2518R, Assessment No. 258534)

• 1624 7th St E.Mabamba email 4-14-25.pdf
• 1624 7th St E.SA Ltr+photo 1-9-25.pdf
• 1624 7th St E.Photo 1-9-25.pdf
• 1624 7th St E.Photo 1-16-25.pdf
• 1624 7th St E.Photos 1-29-25 (loaded 1-30-25).pdf
• 1-29-2025 cleanup invoice.pdf
• 1624 7th St E.Fire C of O Ltr.5-20-25

47. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 476 SHERBURNE AVENUE. (File No. J2601R, Assessment No. 268601) (Refer to April 21, 2026 Legislative Hearing)

• 476 Sherburne Ave.Vang email 11-13-25.pdf
• 476 Sherburne Ave.email chain with photos 11-14-25.pdf

48. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 554 STRYKER AVENUE. (File No. VB2512C, Assessment No. 258836)

• 554 Stryker Ave.Vang email 10-27-25.pdf

49. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1240 VIRGINIA STREET. (File No. J2522R2, Assessment No. 258580)

• 1240 Virginia St.SA Ltr & Photo 3-4-25.pdf
• 1240 Virginia St.Photos 3-4-25.pdf
• 1240 Virginia St.Photo- Recheck 3-11-25.pdf

50. Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 101 WINNIPEG AVENUE. (File No. J2513TW2, Assessment No. 258595)

• 101 Winnipeg Ave.Vang email 10-6-25.pdf
• 101 Winnipeg Ave.Street View Printed 12-15-25.pdf
• 101 Winnipeg Ave.Aerial View 2020.pdf
• 101 Winnipeg Ave.Parcel Lines.pdf

• Passed 5-0-0 Adopted

51. Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 933 WOODBRIDGE STREET. (File No. J2601R4, Assessment No. 268605) (Amend to delete)

• 933 Woodbridge.PO trash pickup email chain.7-23-25
• 933 Woodbridge st.Vang email 10-15-25.pdf

52. Ratifying the assessment for Rubbish and Garbage Clean Up services during June 11 to July 11, 2025. (File No. J2601R, Assessment No. 268601)

• Notice Assessment Roll J2601R.268601

53. Ratifying the assessment for Tall Grass and Weed Removal services during June 12 to 24, 2025. (File No. J2601TW, Assessment No. 268701)

• Notice Assessment Roll J2601TW.268701

• Passed 5-0-0 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. Council Meeting Information The City Council is paperless which saves the environment and reduces expenses. The agendas and Council files are all available on the Web (see below). Council members use mobile devices to review the files du