Saint Paul City Council — Meeting Minutes (Action Only), December 17, 2025

ROLL CALL

COMMUNICATIONS & RECEIVE/FILE

Letter from the Department of Safety and Inspections declaring 118 Manitoba Avenue a nuisance property. (For notification purposes only; public hearings will be scheduled at a later date if necessary.)

Amending the HOME Project Budgets: To align the spending and financing of the 2025 activities to reflect the program income and admin appropriately.

Updating Office of Financial Empowerment Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation grant project codes.

Authorizing the Police Department to reallocate budget to more accurately record expenditures for the department grant fund for 2025.

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.

Authorizing the City to enter into a subgrantee reimbursement agreement with the Saint Paul Port Authority.

Preliminary Order setting the date of Public Hearing for January 28, 2026, to consider approval of the 2026 Earl Street: Maryland to Minnehaha Street Paving and Lighting Project (Project 19276, Asmt 265201).

Preliminary Order setting the date of Public Hearing for January 28, 2026, to consider approval of the 2026 Pelham: Franklin to Mississippi River Blvd. Street Paving and Lighting Project (Project 19275, Asmt 265202).

Requesting a variance from Minnesota Department of Transportation Municipal State Aid Rules to implement 10 foot wide travel lanes during the reconstruction of Wabasha Street from W 7th Street to 11th Street, 10th Street from Wabasha Street to Saint Peter Street, and Saint Peter Street from 10th Street to 11th Street,which includes an indemnification guarantee (State Aid Operation for Project No. S.P. 164-235-026 and SP 164-236-010).

Requesting a variance from Minnesota Department of Transportation Municipal State Aid Rules for the modification of the Saint Peter Street Bridge (Bridge 62897), which includes an indemnification guarantee (State Aid Operation for Project No. S.P. 164-236-010).

Requesting a variance from Minnesota Department of Transportation Municipal State Aid Rules for a reduced clear zone requirement during the reconstruction of Saint Peter Street from 10th Street to 11th Street, which includes an indemnification guarantee (State Aid Operation for Project No. S.P. 164-236-010).

Electing the City Council Secretary effective January 1, 2026.

Approving the addition of the Gambling Location license to the existing Liquor On-Sale 181-290 seats, Liquor On-Sale Sunday, Liquor On-Sale 2 AM Closing, Liquor Outdoor Service Area (Patio), Entertainment (B) license for Palace Pizza LLC d/b/a Palace Pub (License ID #20230000953) for the premises located at 33 7th Place W.

Amending Council File RES 25-1491 to change setting date of Legislative Hearing to January 6, 2026 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2602TW, Assessment No. 268702)

Amending Council File RES 25-1547 to change setting date of Legislative Hearing to January 6, 2026 and City Council public hearing for February 18, 2025 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2602E, Assessment No. 268301)

Amending Council File RES 25-1548 to change setting date of Legislative Hearing to January 13, 2026 and City Council public hearing for February 18, 2025 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. VB2602, Assessment No. 268901)

Amending Council File RES 25-1549 to change setting date of Legislative Hearing to January 13, 2026 and City Council public hearing for February 18, 2025 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2602B, Assessment No. 268101)

Approving the application for change of ownership to the Second Hand Dealer-Motor Vehicle (DSIBLAUTO-000321-2025), Auto Repair Garage (DSIBLAUTO-000322-2025), and Second Hand Dealer-Motor Vehicle Parts (DSIBLAUTO-000333-2025) licenses now held by Garage Car Group LLC d/b/a Light Auto Sales (License ID # DSIBLAUTO-000321-2025, DSIBLAUTO-000322-2025, DSIBLAUTO-000333-2025) for the premises located at 803 Earl St.

Approving the City’s cost of providing Securing and/or Emergency Boarding services during July 2025, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for January 27, 2026 and City Council public hearing for March 4, 2026 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2603B, Assessment No. 268102)

Approving the City’s cost of providing Securing and/or Emergency Boarding services during September 2025, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for January 27, 2026 and City Council public hearing for March 4, 2026 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2605B, Assessment No. 268104)

Authorizing the Department of Planning and Economic Development to apply for the Local Climate Action Implementation Grant Program from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which has a match requirement, to improve energy efficiency for low-income, single-family homes through the Power of Home.

Authorizing the Fire Department to apply for a grant of $100,000 for Labor Education Advancement Program (LEAP) from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for the joint apprenticeship training program for firefighters.

Authorizing Mayor Her Inauguration Committee to coordinate planning of Mayor-Elect Her's Inauguration and Related Events.

Approving the Mayor's reappointment of Bethany Gladhill, Georgina Chincilla Gonzalez, and Jon Jee to the Cultural STAR Board.

Approving the Mayor’s appointments of Shena Matrious, Sierra Wolfe, and Annie Rose as members of the Visit Saint Paul Board of Directors.

Accepting a $100,000 donation from the Unity Church-Unitarian to support the work of the Saint Paul Recovery Act Community Reparations Commission.

Approving the minutes of the Saint Paul City Council meetings of September 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2025.

Approving the Memorandums of Agreement between the City of Saint Paul and AFSCME Clerical, Local 2508; AFSCME Technical, Local 1842; Classified Confidential Employees Association (CCEA); Operating Engineers, Local 70; Professional Employees Association (PEA) and Saint Paul Supervisors' Organization (SPSO) for the purpose of implementing the regrading of classifications per the recommendations of the Talent and Equity Resources/Human Resources Office.

Authorizing the Public Library to enter into grant agreements with the Minnesota Department of Education (which include indemnification language).

FOR DISCUSSION

Celebrating the public service career of Mayor Melvin Carter III and declaring December 18, 2025 as Melvin Carter III Day in the City of Saint Paul.

Celebrating the public service of Russ Stark and declaring December 17, 2025 as Russ Stark Day in the City of Saint Paul.

SUSPENSION ITEM

Celebrating the public service career of Chief Barton "Butch" Inks and declaring December 30, 2025, as "Butch" Inks Day in Saint Paul.

Recognizing Human Rights Day and International Migrants Day.

Outlining the City's 2026 Legislative Agenda. (Laid over from January 21, 2026)

Graduate Intern Final Presentation

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

Amending Title IV of the Administrative Code to add Chapter 92, titled Tree Preservation for City Sponsored Projects. (Laid over from February 26, 2025)

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

Amending the financing and spending plan in the Department of Parks and Recreation, in the amount of $230,000, for the Baker Park Improvement project, and entering into an agreement with the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy for the project.

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

Celebrating the 50th Year anniversary of the Hmong Resettlement to the United States.

Approving the Establishment of the Grand and Victoria Redevelopment Project Area and the Grand and Victoria Tax Increment Financing District (a Redevelopment District) and Approving the Adoption of a Redevelopment Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan Therefor and the use of a Project Labor Agreement.

RECESS The City Council will recess and then convene as the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) to take up RES 25-1960, Grand & Victoria Redevelopment Plan, TIF District, TIF Financing Plan and Budget Amendment. HRA will then adjourn and the City Council will reconvene.

ROLL CALL

Public hearing on federal immigration operations and Saint Paul Police Department conduct in Saint Paul.

Accepting grant funds, authorizing execution of a grant agreement (with indemnity obligations and other documents related thereto), and amending the operating budget with respect to the City's sponsorship of a Metropolitan Council LCDA-TOD Grant Application for the benefit of Face to Face at 1170 N. Arcade Street (District 5, Ward 6).

Accepting grant funds, authorizing execution of a grant agreement (with indemnity obligations), and amending the operating budget for City sponsorship of a Metropolitan Council LCDA-TOD Grant Program for the benefit of Hamm’s Brewery West End at 680-694 Minnehaha Avenue E. (District 4, Ward 7).

Authorizing the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) to accept the 2025 American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Northern Tier Shelter Initiative Quality of Life Improvement grant program funds and to amend the financing and spending plan in the amount of $25,000 for the new Animal Shelter Project.

Approving the Hilltop Twin Homes Final (Combined) Plat.

Amending capital fund budgets to provide additional funding for the Police Impound Lot Capital Maintenance Project.

Authorizing the Police Department (SPPD) to amend the General Fund budget to more accurately reflect revenue and expenditures for the police security at the City’s special events.

Authorizing the Office of Financial Empowerment to accept a $1,000 gift from the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation to support community engagement efforts and amending the 2025 budget for the Office of Financial Empowerment.

Authorizing the Office of Financial Empowerment to apply for and accept a $100,000 grant from the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation to support program operation costs for CollegeBound Saint Paul and CollegeBound Boost and amending the 2025 budget for the Office of Financial Empowerment.

Authorizing the Office of Financial Empowerment to apply for and accept a $40,000 grant from the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation to support program operation costs for CollegeBound Saint Paul and CollegeBound Boost, and amending the 2025 budget for the Office of Financial Empowerment.

LEGISLATIVE HEARING DISCUSSION ITEM

Ordering the rehabilitation or razing and removal of the structures at 430 DALE STREET NORTH within fifteen (15) days after the October 22, 2025, City Council Public Hearing. (Amend to remove within 15 days)

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.

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 263 COLBORNE STREET. (File No. CG25Q2B2, Assessment No. 250119)

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 11 COMO AVENUE, UNIT 1. (File No. CG25Q2B4, Assessment No. 250121)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 11 COMO AVENUE, UNIT 3. (File No. CG25Q2B4, Assessment No. 250121)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 545 COMO AVENUE. (File No. YW25Q2B1, Assessment No. 250500)

Appeal of Lita Fierro to a Revised Correction Order and Summary Abatement Order at 927 DESOTO STREET.

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1544 EDGCUMBE ROAD. (File No. YW25Q2B1, Assessment No. 250500)

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1142 FARRINGTON STREET. (File No. CG25Q2B4, Assessment No. 250121)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 667 FOURTH STREET EAST. (File No. CG25Q2B5, Assessment No. 250122)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 40 GERANIUM AVENUE WEST. (File No. CG25Q2B4, Assessment No. 250121)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 629 HALL AVENUE. (File No. YW25Q2B1, Assessment No. 250500)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 629 HALL AVENUE. (File No. CG25Q2B1, Assessment No. 250118)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 715 HOPE STREET (File No. CG25Q2B4, Assessment No. 250121)

Amending Council File RLH AR 25-62 to delete the assessment for Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during January to March 2025 at 715 HOPE STREET. (File No. CG2503A2, Assessment No. 250117)

Amending Council File RLH AR 25-2 to delete the assessment for Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during July to September 2024 at 715 HOPE STREET. (File No. CG2501A2, Assessment No. 250112)

Amending Council File RLH AR 25-40 to delete the assessment for Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during October to December 2024 at 715 HOPE STREET. (File No.CG2502A2, Assessment No. 250114)

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 113 MANITOBA AVENUE. (File No. CG25Q2B4, Assessment No. 250121)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1112 MARION STREET. (File No. YW25Q2B1, Assessment No. 250500)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1174 MARION STREET. (File No. YW25Q2B1, Assessment No. 250500)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 815 MARSHALL AVENUE. (File No. CG25Q2B5, Assessment No. 250122)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 233 MARYLAND AVENUE WEST. (File No. CG25Q2B3, Assessment No. 250120)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1883 NORFOLK AVENUE. (File No. CG25Q2B3, Assessment No. 250120)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 848 ORANGE AVENUE EAST. (File No. CG25Q2B5, Assessment No. 250122)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1538 PACIFIC STREET. (File No. CG25Q2B5, Assessment No. 250122)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 539 PAYNE AVENUE. (File No. CG25Q2B5, Assessment No. 250122)

Appeal of Jaswant A. Teekasingh to a Fire Inspection Report at 159 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE WEST.

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 2030 PINEHURST AVENUE. (File No. CG25Q2B2, Assessment No. 250119)

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1042 REANEY AVENUE. (File No. CG25Q2B4, Assessment No. 250121)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 2129 REANEY AVENUE. (File No. CG25Q2B4, Assessment No. 250121)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 645 SARATOGA STREET SOUTH. (File No. YW25Q2B1, Assessment No. 250500)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 770 SHERBURNE AVENUE. (File No. CG25Q2B5, Assessment No. 250122)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 211 STEVENS STREET WEST. (File No. CG25Q2B1, Assessment No. 250118)

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1039 STINSON STREET. (File No. CG25Q2B4, Assessment No. 250121)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 60 SYCAMORE STREET WEST. (File No. CG25Q2B4, Assessment No. 250121)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1387 THOMAS AVENUE. (File No. CG25Q2B5, Assessment No. 250122)

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1912 UPPER AFTON ROAD. (File No. YW25Q2B1, Assessment No. 250500)

Amending Council File RLH AR 25-62 approving the Ratifying of the assessment adopted by Council on August 13, 2025 at 1517 VAN BUREN AVENUE. (File No. CG2503A2, Assessment No. 250117)

Appeal of Negil Neely to a Summary Abatement Order at 1079 WESTERN AVENUE NORTH.

Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1139 WHITE BEAR AVENUE NORTH. (File No. YW25Q2B1, Assessment No. 250500)

Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 12 WINTHROP STREET NORTH. (File No. CG25Q2B1, Assessment No. 250118)

Ratifying the assessment for the City’s cost of providing Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during April to June 2025. (File No. CG25Q2B1, Assessment No. 250118)

Ratifying the assessment for the City’s cost of providing Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during April to June 2025. (File No. CG25Q2B2, Assessment No. 250119)

Ratifying the assessment for the City’s cost of providing Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during April to June 2025. (File No. CG25Q2B3, Assessment No. 250120)

Ratifying the assessment for the City’s cost of providing Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during April to June 2025. (File No. CG25Q2B4, Assessment No. 250121)

Ratifying the assessment for the City’s cost of providing Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during April to June 2025. (File No. CG25Q2B5, Assessment No. 250122)

Ratifying the assessment for the City’s cost of providing Collection of Delinquent Yard Waste Bills for services during April to June 2025. (File No. YW25Q2B1, Assessment No. 250500)

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 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 during the meeting. Using a mobile device greatly reduces costs since most agendas, including the documents attached to files, are over 1000 pages when printed. Web Meetings are available on the Council's website. Email notification and web feeds (RSS) of newly released minutes, agendas, and meetings are available by subscription. Visit www.stpaul.gov/council for meeting videos and updated copies of the agendas, minutes, and supporting documents. Cable Meetings are live on St Paul Channel 18 and replayed at various times. Check your local listings.

Approval of the Consent Agenda

ROLL CALL

Approval of the Consent Agenda