Summary

City Council meeting summary

Saint PaulJun 17, 20264 min read

At a glance

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The Council adopted a broad consent agenda that included CDBG budget reallocations, agreements with MnDOT, multiple grant applications for bridge, stormwater, and library solar projects, Fire Department grant applications to fund equipment and hire firefighters, many property assessment ratifications or deletions, zoning and plat approvals, and formal recognition of Juneteenth.

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Grand/Snelling Intersection Improvement Project Latino Economic Development AuMer Development

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City Council

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LaborTransportationBudget & TaxPublic SafetyCommerceEnvironmentalHousingUtilities

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What this means

The meeting approved budget adjustments for community development projects and authorized agreements and grant applications that can fund bridges, street sweeping, stormwater work, and a library solar installation. The Fire Department sought federal grants to buy equipment and to hire 21 firefighters. Council ratified or removed a series of property-specific assessments (these are charges placed on individual properties to cover city services like demolition, sewer repairs, or delinquent garbage collection). Zoning changes and event permits were also approved; most actions enable future projects rather than causing immediate changes to day-to-day services.

Key decisions

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Adopted amendment to CDBG project budgets allocating $700,000 for 259 University Ave, $200,000 for the 2025 Window Replacement and Low Impact Stabilization Lead Hazard Control program, and $34,820 for 230 Front Ave (Shwe Karen Market & Deli).
Approved a Driveway Access Easement and Maintenance Agreement with Rail Transfer, Inc. for city-owned land at 677 and 689 Pierce Butler Route.
Authorized agreements with the Minnesota Department of Transportation for the Trunk Highway 5 project and the Grand/Snelling Intersection Improvement Project.
Authorized Public Works to apply for a $100,000 Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District Stewardship Grant and to apply for the USDOT Bridge Investment Program grant to replace the Eastbound Kellogg RiverCentre Bridge No. 90378; approved cooperative watershed agreements and adopted the 2025 Stormwater Permit Annual Report.
Authorized the City to apply for $111,650 from the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Solar on Public Buildings Grant Program for Hayden Heights Library.
Authorized the Fire Department to apply for FEMA grants: AFG ($2,000,000), SAFER ($8,449,689.78) to hire 21 firefighters, and Fire Prevention and Safety ($600,000).
Approved numerous assessments actions: ratified, reduced, or deleted special tax and service assessments related to demolition, securing/emergency boarding, delinquent garbage and yard waste collection, and sanitary sewer repairs.
Adopted rezoning ordinance for 213 Bates Avenue (H2 to T1) and approved subdivision and final plat actions for Highland Bridge properties including Highland Bridge Rowhomes 8th Addition.
Approved sound variances for events at Harriet Island Park and multiple liquor license ownership or change-of-ownership approvals for local businesses.
Adopted a resolution honoring and recognizing Juneteenth 2026 as an annual city celebration.

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Meeting information

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City Council

Jun 17, 2026, 8:30 PMCouncil Chambers - 3rd Floorcompleted

Agenda

ROLL CALL
COMMUNICATIONS & RECEIVE/FILE
Amending CDBG Project Budgets: To allocate $700,000 in funding for 259 University Ave, $200,000 for the 2025 Window Replacement and Low Impact Stabilization Lead Hazard Control program, and $34,820 for 230 Front Ave (Shwe Karen Market & Deli)
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.
Requesting approval of a Driveway Access Easement and Maintenance Agreement between the City and Rail Transfer, Inc. pertaining to city-owned land at 677 and 689 Pierce Butler Route.
Authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for their Trunk Highway 5 Project.
Approving the City’s cost of providing Securing and/or Emergency Boarding services during March 2026, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for July 14, 2026 and City Council public hearing for August 19, 2026 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2611B, Assessment No. 268116)
Approving the City’s cost of providing Securing and/or Emergency Boarding services during November 2025, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for July 14, 2026 and City Council public hearing for August 29, 2026 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2607B2, Assessment No. 268117)
Approving the City’s cost of providing Securing and/or Emergency Boarding services during April 2026, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for July 14, 2026 and City Council public hearing for August 19, 2026 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2612B, Assessment No. 2681118)
Authorizing the Department of Public Works to apply for up to $100,000 from the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District Stewardship Grant Program, which does not have a match requirement, to perform additional street sweeping within the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District boundaries.
Authorizing the Department of Public Works to apply for the Bridge Investment Program - Bridge Project Grant from the United States Department of Transportation to replace the Eastbound Kellogg RiverCentre Bridge No. 90378.
Authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for the Grand/Snelling Intersection Improvement Project.
Approving the City’s cost for Demolition of Vacant, Nuisance and/or Hazardous Structure from the month of May 2026 and setting date of Legislative Hearing for July 28, 2026 and City Council public hearing for September 2, 2026 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2607C, Assessment No. 262006)
Authorizing the Department of Public Works to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Capitol Region Watershed District to perform enhanced street sweeping activities within the Capitol Region Watershed District boundaries.
Adopting the 2025 Stormwater Permit Annual Report.
Authorizing the City to apply for $111,650 from the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Solar on Public Buildings Grant Program for solar installation at Hayden Heights Library.
Approving the application for change of ownership to the Tobacco Products Shop license (License ID #DSIBLTOBAC-000985-2026) now held by Up Top Corner LLC d/b/a Up Top Corner for the premises located at 626 Larpenteur Ave W, Unit A.
Approving the vision plan for Merriam Park, to release DEED funds for construction of a new, larger skate park.
Approving the Mayor’s appointment of Brian Jastram to a two-year term on the Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization.
Approving the application for change of ownership for the Liquor On Sale, Liquor On Sale - Sunday, Liquor On Sale - 2 AM Closing, Liquor Outdoor Service Area - Patio, Entertainment (A) and Gambling Location licenses now held by Headquarters LLC d/b/a Headquarters (License ID #DSIBLLIQ-000647-2026) for the premises located at 899 Rice St.
Initiating zoning text amendments for Highland National Golf Course driving range lighting and golf course (Sec. 65.230).
Authorizing the Fire Department to apply for the 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in the amount of $2,000,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide paramedic training, enhanced physicals for firefighters, turnout gear, EMS equipment, and firefighter equipment.
Authorizing the Fire Department to apply for the 2025 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant in the amount of $8,449,689.78 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to hire 21 additional firefighters.
Authorizing the Fire Department to apply for the 2025 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant in the amount of $600,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to purchase supplies for the community risk reduction program Project Safe Haven, equipment for the fire investigation unit, public education support, CPR training equipment, and media equipment.
Authorizing the city to shift unused budget authority between ARP projects in alignment with federal guidance.
Approving the application for Liquor On Sale, Liquor On Sale - Sunday, and Liquor Outdoor Service Area (Patio) licenses (License ID #DSIBLLIQ-000762-2026) now held by Snelling-Midway Management Company LLC d/b/a Midway Diner for the premises located at 445 Simpson St.
Approving the application for Liquor On Sale, Liquor On Sale - Sunday, and Liquor Outdoor Service Area (Patio) licenses (License ID #DSIBLLIQ-000764-2026) now held by Snelling Midway Management Company LLC d/b/a Piccoli Piatti for the premises located at 455 Simpson St.
Approving the application for Liquor On Sale, Liquor On Sale - Sunday, Liquor Outdoor Service Area (Sidewalk), Entertainment (B), and Gambling Location licenses (License ID #DSIBLLIQ-000621-2026) now held by Latino Economic Development Center d/b/a Plaza del Sol for the premises located at 990 Payne Ave.
Authorizing the City to enter into Asset Disposal Sale Agreements with SOO Line Railroad Company (which include an indemnification clause) to procure shipping containers for use by the Saint Paul Fire Department.
Establishing the rate of pay for the classification of Production Operations Manager, Grade 020 in EG 09, Saint Paul Supervisors Organization.
FOR DISCUSSION
Honoring and recognizing the national holiday Juneteenth 2026 as an annual celebration of Black Freedom, Liberation, and Resilience in the City of Saint Paul
SUSPENSION ITEMS
Approving the use of Neighborhood Star Grant funds for a change in scope of work for Cook St. Paul, LLC.
Commemorating the Historic 30th Annual Community Peace Celebration and Declaring a Day of Peace and Unity
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
Granting the application of AuMer Development Group to rezone property at 213 Bates Avenue from H2 Residential to T1 Traditional Neighborhood and amending Chapter 60 of the Legislative Code pertaining to the zoning map.
PUBLIC HEARINGS Live testimony is limited to two minutes for each person. See below for optional ways to testify.
Ratifying the assessment for Repair of Sanitary Sewer Line on Private Properties. (File No. SWRP2602, Assessment No. 263001)
Approving a Subdivision by Registered Land Survey for Highland Bridge Property Owner, LLC, at 2200 Ford Parkway to create four (4) F5 Ford Business Mixed District tracts.
Approving the Highland Bridge Rowhomes 8th Addition Final (Combined) Plat.
Approving the application of Minny Festivals LLC for a sound level variance in order to present amplified sound for Minnesota Country Club event on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd - Harriet Island Park.
Approving the application of Minny Festivals LLC for a sound level variance in order to present amplified sound for Minnesota Yacht Club event on Friday, July 17, Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd - Harriet Island Park.
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.
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 877 ALBEMARLE STREET. (File No. CG25Q4B4, Assessment No. 260144)
Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 318 BAKER STREET EAST. (File No. CG25Q4B1, Assessment No. 260141)
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1231 BARCLAY STREET (File No. CG25Q4B3, Assessment No. 260143)
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 317 DALY STREET. (File No. CG25Q4B2, Assessment No. 260142)
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1164 EDGEWATER BOULEVARD. (File No. CG25Q4B2, Assessment No. 260142)
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1158 HAWTHORNE AVENUE EAST. (File No. CG25Q4B3, Assessment No. 260143)
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1397 HEWITT AVENUE. (File No. CG25Q4B4, Assessment No. 260144)
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 679 HOYT AVENUE WEST. (File No. CG25Q4B3, Assessment No. 260143)
Appeal of Pamela Anderson to a Summary Abatement Order at 948 IDAHO AVENUE WEST.
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 924 IGLEHART AVENUE. (File No. CG25Q4B5, Assessment No. 260145)
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 39 MAGNOLIA AVENUE EAST. (File No. CG25Q4B4, Assessment No. 260144)
Amending Council File No. RLH AR 26-1 to delete the assessment for Tall Grass and Weed Removal services during June 27 to July 8, 2025 at 601 ROSE AVENUE EAST. (File No. J2602TW, Assessment No. 268702)
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 700 STRYKER AVENUE (File No. CG25Q4B1, Assessment No. 260141)
Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 258 WYOMING STREET WEST. (File No. CG25Q4B1, Assessment No. 260141)
Ratifying the assessment for Demolition 2026. (File No. J2605C, Assessment No. 262004)
Ratifying the assessment for Securing and/or Emergency Boarding January 2026. (File No. J2609B, Assessment No. 268114)
Ratifying the assessment for Securing and/or Emergency Boarding February 2026. (File No. J2610B, Assessment No. 268115)
Ratifying the assessment for the City’s cost of providing Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during October to December 2025. (File No. CG25Q4B1, Assessment No. 260141)
Ratifying the assessment for the City’s cost of providing Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during October to December 2025. (File No. CG25Q4B2, Assessment No. 260142)
Ratifying the assessment for the City’s cost of providing Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during October to December 2025. (File No. CG25Q4B3, Assessment No. 260143)
Ratifying the assessment for the City’s cost of providing Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during October to December 2025. (File No. CG25Q4B4, Assessment No. 260144)
Ratifying the assessment for the City’s cost of providing Collection of Delinquent Garbage Bills for services during October to December 2025. (File No. CG25Q4B5, Assessment No. 260145)
Ratifying the assessment for the City’s cost of providing Collection of Delinquent Yard Waste Bills for services during October to December 2025. (File No. YW25Q4B1, Assessment No. 260500)
ADJOURNMENT
City Council meetings are open for in person attendance, but the public may also comment on public hearing items in writing. 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 or CouncilHearing@ci.stpaul.mn.us. 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 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
LEGISLATIVE HEARING DISCUSSION ITEMS
Approval of the Consent Agenda

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