Summary

City Council approves housing, utility, and street actions

Saint PaulJul 22, 20262 min read

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The City Council adopted several housing, public works, licensing, and utility-related measures, including emergency shelter support with Ramsey County, a lease renewal for Dayton's Bluff Library, and multiple vacant-building and abatement appeals. It also approved street reconstruction funding changes, a Green Line signal agreement, and two new franchise ordinance changes for Northern States Power.

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TransportationPublic SafetyHousingUtilities

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What this means

The council moved ahead with a mix of resident-facing actions. It approved support for emergency shelter operations, renewed the Dayton's Bluff Library lease, and signed off on street, bridge, and traffic-signal work. The council also denied two appeals for proposed supportive housing facilities and adopted several property, nuisance, and vacant-building decisions.

Key decisions

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Adopted a joint powers agreement with Ramsey County to support emergency shelter facilities.
Renewed the lease with Metropolitan State University for the Dayton's Bluff Library.
Adopted funding changes for the Wabasha Bridge Rehabilitation Project and the University Avenue Street Reconstruction Project.
Approved an agreement for replacement of traffic signal controllers and related work on the Metro Green Line along University Avenue.
Denied appeals related to proposed supportive housing facilities at 418 Sherburne Avenue and 519 Farrington Street.
Adopted two ordinance amendments for Northern States Power electric and gas franchises.
Approved several property-related appeals and abatements, including vacant building and nuisance orders.

Timeline & follow-ups

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Meeting information

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City Council

Jul 22, 2026, 8:30 PMCouncil Chambers - 3rd Floorcompleted

Agenda

ROLL CALL
COMMUNICATIONS & RECEIVE/FILE
Establishing one (1) new project through the Neighborhood STAR Year-Round Program as adopted via City Council Resolution #- RES 26-1052.
Amending ESG project budgets: funding for 2025-26 Emergency Solutions Grant activities administered by Ramsey County per the Joint Powers Agreement approved via RES 19-2110.
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.
Approving the City’s cost for Demolition of Vacant, Nuisance and/or Hazardous Structure from the month of June 2026, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for August 25, 2026 and City Council public hearing for September 23, 2026 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2608C, Assessment No. 262007)
Establishing the rate of pay for the classification of Accounting Director, Grade 028, EG 09, SPSO. (To be laid over one week for adoption)
Establishing the rate of pay for Public Works Supervisor II, Solid Waste, Manual and Maintenance Supervisors - Employee Group 10, Grade 038. (To be laid over one week for adoption)
Authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with the Metropolitan Council and Ramsey County for replacement of traffic signal controllers and related work on the Metro Green Line along University Avenue.
Authorizing the Department of Public Works to enter into a grant agreement with the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District for the enhanced street sweeping stewardship grant to perform additional street sweeping within the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District boundaries.
Approving an Auto Repair Garage New Location license application (License ID #DSIBLAUTO- 000615-2026) for Discount Tire Company of MN Inc d/b/a Discount Tire for the premises located at 1350 University Ave W.
Approving the application for change of ownership to the Liquor On Sale, Liquor On Sale - Sunday, Liquor On Sale - 2 AM Closing, Entertainment (A), and Gambling Location licenses (License ID #DSIBLLIQ-000644-2026) now held by Bear Down Holdings LLC d/b/a The Victorian for the premises located at 859 Thomas Ave.
Amending Council File RES 26-890 to add the MnDOT agreement number and update the grant amount.
Approving the Mayor’s appointments of Caitlyn Brady, Sam Adams, Esmae Heveron, Tou Fang, Trever Harwell, and reappointment of Nate Nins to the Neighborhood STAR Board.
Approving the use of grant funds through the Ward 3 Neighborhood STAR Year-Round Program for Presbyterian Homes Foundation.
Recognizing Community Health Workers Day in the City of Saint Paul.
FOR DISCUSSION
Considering the appeal of Dominic Carchedi to a decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals denying a variance request to establish a 24-resident supportive housing facility on the property at 418 Sherburne Avenue. (Public hearing closed. Laid over from August 6, 2025)
Considering the appeal of Stronger Sober House to a decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals denying a variance request to establish a 11-resident supportive housing facility on the property at 519 Farrington Street. (Public hearing closed. Laid over from August 6, 2025)
SUSPENSION ITEMS
Authorizing the City to renew its lease with Metropolitan State University for the Dayton's Bluff Library.
Authorizing the proper City officials to enter into a Joint Powers Agreement with Ramsey County to exercise their common and cooperative powers to support the operation of emergency shelter facilities.
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 Appendix C of the Legislative Code relating to Northern States Power, D/B/A Xcel Energy, Electric Franchise.
Amending Appendix B of the Legislative Code relating to Northern States Power, D/B/A Xcel Energy, Gas Franchise.
First Reading
Administrative Ordinance placing the classification titled Deputy City Clerk in the unclassified service pursuant to Section 12.03.2(H) of the City of Saint Paul Charter (must be approved by Civil Service Commission after adoption by City Council but prior to Mayor signature).
Amending Section 224.05(c) of the Legislative Code to eliminate the City’s provisional 90-day minimum wage rate in the City of Saint Paul for workers between the ages of 14 and 17.
PUBLIC HEARINGS Live testimony is limited to two minutes for each person. See below for optional ways to testify.
Amending Chapter 65 of the Legislative Code pertaining to golf courses.
Adding Chapter 86.13 to the Administrative Code to require City Council approval of Mixed Municipal Solid Waste contracts.
Amending the financing and spending plans in the Department of Public Works Capital Budget to transfer Municipal State Aid (MSA) funding into the Wabasha Bridge Rehabilitation Project.
Amending the financing and spending plans in the Department of Public Works Capital Budget for the University Avenue Street Reconstruction Project.
Approving the application of the Department of Parks and Recreation for a sound level variance in order to present amplified sound for a National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 271 Mackubin Street - Martin Luther King Recreation Center.
Approving the application of Dual Citizen Brewing Company for a sound level variance in order to present amplified sound for a Backyard Blues Fest event on Friday, August 7, and Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 725 Raymond Avenue - Dual Citizen Brewing.
LEGISLATIVE HEARING DISCUSSION ITEMS
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 720 COTTAGE AVENUE EAST. (File No. 2604T, Assessment No. 269003)
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.
Appeal of Lawrence Lee, Occupant, to a Notice of Condemnation and Order to Remain Vacant at 342 BATES AVENUE, UNIT 2.
Appeal of Tami Richardson to a Summary Abatement Order at 1547 CARROLL AVENUE.
Appeal of Katherine Werner to a Tall Grass and Weeds Order at 2177 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE.
Appeal of Jane Foster to a Summary Abatement Order at 1312 SCHEFFER AVENUE. (Public hearing continued to August 5, 2026)
Appeal of Thomas Turbes to a Summary Abatement Order and Vehicle Abatement Order at 2203 SELBY AVENUE.
Appeal of Gomaa Elzamel to a Vacant Building Registration Requirement at 838 THIRD STREET EAST.
Appeal of Jeanne Elizabeth Aura to a Vacant Building Registration Notice and Notice of Condemnation and Order to Remain Vacant at 2051 THIRD STREET EAST.
Making finding on the appealed of Gary Grimes to a nuisance abatement ordered for 314 WYOMING STREET EAST in Council File RLH SAO 26-46.
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
Approval of the Consent Agenda

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Back home

Summary

City Council approves housing, utility, and street actions

Saint PaulJul 22, 20262 min read

At a glance

Quick context to catch up fast.

Committees mentioned

Open the committee coverage hubs tied to this summary.

City Council

Topics discussed

TransportationPublic SafetyHousingUtilities

View official document

Was this summary helpful?

Your feedback helps us prioritize what to improve next.

What this means

Key decisions

Follow the major takeaways from this briefing.

Adopted a joint powers agreement with Ramsey County to support emergency shelter facilities.
Renewed the lease with Metropolitan State University for the Dayton's Bluff Library.
Adopted funding changes for the Wabasha Bridge Rehabilitation Project and the University Avenue Street Reconstruction Project.
Approved an agreement for replacement of traffic signal controllers and related work on the Metro Green Line along University Avenue.
Denied appeals related to proposed supportive housing facilities at 418 Sherburne Avenue and 519 Farrington Street.
Adopted two ordinance amendments for Northern States Power electric and gas franchises.
Approved several property-related appeals and abatements, including vacant building and nuisance orders.

Timeline & follow-ups

Action items flagged by the community.

No follow-ups have been shared yet. Add one in the community board below.

Meeting information

Details and records from this meeting.

City Council

Jul 22, 2026, 8:30 PMCouncil Chambers - 3rd Floorcompleted

Agenda

ROLL CALL
COMMUNICATIONS & RECEIVE/FILE
Establishing one (1) new project through the Neighborhood STAR Year-Round Program as adopted via City Council Resolution #- RES 26-1052.
Amending ESG project budgets: funding for 2025-26 Emergency Solutions Grant activities administered by Ramsey County per the Joint Powers Agreement approved via RES 19-2110.
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.
Approving the City’s cost for Demolition of Vacant, Nuisance and/or Hazardous Structure from the month of June 2026, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for August 25, 2026 and City Council public hearing for September 23, 2026 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J2608C, Assessment No. 262007)
Establishing the rate of pay for the classification of Accounting Director, Grade 028, EG 09, SPSO. (To be laid over one week for adoption)
Establishing the rate of pay for Public Works Supervisor II, Solid Waste, Manual and Maintenance Supervisors - Employee Group 10, Grade 038. (To be laid over one week for adoption)
Authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with the Metropolitan Council and Ramsey County for replacement of traffic signal controllers and related work on the Metro Green Line along University Avenue.
Authorizing the Department of Public Works to enter into a grant agreement with the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District for the enhanced street sweeping stewardship grant to perform additional street sweeping within the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District boundaries.
Approving an Auto Repair Garage New Location license application (License ID #DSIBLAUTO- 000615-2026) for Discount Tire Company of MN Inc d/b/a Discount Tire for the premises located at 1350 University Ave W.
Approving the application for change of ownership to the Liquor On Sale, Liquor On Sale - Sunday, Liquor On Sale - 2 AM Closing, Entertainment (A), and Gambling Location licenses (License ID #DSIBLLIQ-000644-2026) now held by Bear Down Holdings LLC d/b/a The Victorian for the premises located at 859 Thomas Ave.
Amending Council File RES 26-890 to add the MnDOT agreement number and update the grant amount.
Approving the Mayor’s appointments of Caitlyn Brady, Sam Adams, Esmae Heveron, Tou Fang, Trever Harwell, and reappointment of Nate Nins to the Neighborhood STAR Board.
Approving the use of grant funds through the Ward 3 Neighborhood STAR Year-Round Program for Presbyterian Homes Foundation.
Recognizing Community Health Workers Day in the City of Saint Paul.
FOR DISCUSSION
Considering the appeal of Dominic Carchedi to a decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals denying a variance request to establish a 24-resident supportive housing facility on the property at 418 Sherburne Avenue. (Public hearing closed. Laid over from August 6, 2025)
Considering the appeal of Stronger Sober House to a decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals denying a variance request to establish a 11-resident supportive housing facility on the property at 519 Farrington Street. (Public hearing closed. Laid over from August 6, 2025)
SUSPENSION ITEMS
Authorizing the City to renew its lease with Metropolitan State University for the Dayton's Bluff Library.
Authorizing the proper City officials to enter into a Joint Powers Agreement with Ramsey County to exercise their common and cooperative powers to support the operation of emergency shelter facilities.
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 Appendix C of the Legislative Code relating to Northern States Power, D/B/A Xcel Energy, Electric Franchise.
Amending Appendix B of the Legislative Code relating to Northern States Power, D/B/A Xcel Energy, Gas Franchise.
First Reading
Administrative Ordinance placing the classification titled Deputy City Clerk in the unclassified service pursuant to Section 12.03.2(H) of the City of Saint Paul Charter (must be approved by Civil Service Commission after adoption by City Council but prior to Mayor signature).
Amending Section 224.05(c) of the Legislative Code to eliminate the City’s provisional 90-day minimum wage rate in the City of Saint Paul for workers between the ages of 14 and 17.
PUBLIC HEARINGS Live testimony is limited to two minutes for each person. See below for optional ways to testify.
Amending Chapter 65 of the Legislative Code pertaining to golf courses.
Adding Chapter 86.13 to the Administrative Code to require City Council approval of Mixed Municipal Solid Waste contracts.
Amending the financing and spending plans in the Department of Public Works Capital Budget to transfer Municipal State Aid (MSA) funding into the Wabasha Bridge Rehabilitation Project.
Amending the financing and spending plans in the Department of Public Works Capital Budget for the University Avenue Street Reconstruction Project.
Approving the application of the Department of Parks and Recreation for a sound level variance in order to present amplified sound for a National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 271 Mackubin Street - Martin Luther King Recreation Center.
Approving the application of Dual Citizen Brewing Company for a sound level variance in order to present amplified sound for a Backyard Blues Fest event on Friday, August 7, and Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 725 Raymond Avenue - Dual Citizen Brewing.
LEGISLATIVE HEARING DISCUSSION ITEMS
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 720 COTTAGE AVENUE EAST. (File No. 2604T, Assessment No. 269003)
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.
Appeal of Lawrence Lee, Occupant, to a Notice of Condemnation and Order to Remain Vacant at 342 BATES AVENUE, UNIT 2.
Appeal of Tami Richardson to a Summary Abatement Order at 1547 CARROLL AVENUE.
Appeal of Katherine Werner to a Tall Grass and Weeds Order at 2177 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE.
Appeal of Jane Foster to a Summary Abatement Order at 1312 SCHEFFER AVENUE. (Public hearing continued to August 5, 2026)
Appeal of Thomas Turbes to a Summary Abatement Order and Vehicle Abatement Order at 2203 SELBY AVENUE.
Appeal of Gomaa Elzamel to a Vacant Building Registration Requirement at 838 THIRD STREET EAST.
Appeal of Jeanne Elizabeth Aura to a Vacant Building Registration Notice and Notice of Condemnation and Order to Remain Vacant at 2051 THIRD STREET EAST.
Making finding on the appealed of Gary Grimes to a nuisance abatement ordered for 314 WYOMING STREET EAST in Council File RLH SAO 26-46.
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
Approval of the Consent Agenda