St. Paul meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

St. Paul Weekly Roundup: Tax Assessment Recommendations, Encampment Plan Hearing Filed

This week, St. Paul's Legislative Hearings body issued recommendations on several property tax assessments and abatement appeals, while the City Council received and filed a public hearing on the Mayor's Encampment Plan. Several other boards and committees met to consider items ranging from library grants to a tenant repair ballot question, though most decisions await final council action.

Legislative Hearings (July 28)

The Legislative Hearings body processed multiple appeals on July 28, making recommendations to the City Council. Among the actions:

• **Approved** a special tax assessment for 565 Aldine Street.
• **Recommended deletion** of a special tax assessment for 2012 Como Avenue.
• **Granted compliance extensions** to August 14, 2026 for 1312 Scheffer Avenue, and to August 14 and September 4, 2026 for 1597 Charles Avenue.
• An appeal for 2098 Pinehurst Avenue was **withdrawn**.
• **Granted** an appeal of a Fire Inspection Notice of Condemnation for 1875 Nebraska Avenue East.
• **Laid over** appeals for 1518 Selby Avenue and 1875 Nebraska Avenue East (Justin Rasmussen) to August 4, 2026.

These recommendations are not final; the City Council will take them up in future meetings.

City Council (August 4)

The City Council held a special meeting to continue the public hearing on the Mayor's Encampment Plan (PH 26-14). The item was received and filed, meaning no further action was taken at that time.

Other Meetings and Agenda Items

Several other bodies met during the week, though their minutes have not yet been published. Key items on their agendas include:

• **Licensing Hearing (July 30):** Considered the license application for Asian Flame LLC (License ID# DSIBLLIQ-000682-2026) by owner May Vang, with three objections listed. No decision has been published.
• **Housing & Redevelopment Authority (August 5):** Discussed Resolution 26-1263 for additional funding for a rehabilitation project at 47 Douglas Street.
• **Budget Committee (August 5):** Heard updates on the Evie Carshare program and District Councils; no formal decisions were listed.
• **Library Board (August 5):** Considered Resolution 26-178 to amend the financing and spending plan by $920,000.00 for a Mellon Foundation grant, along with staff reports on newcomer services and the Strengthening Libraries as Spaces of Belonging Project.
• **City Council (August 5):** Agendas included a ballot question on Tenant Right to Repair (RES 26-1253), a proposal to eliminate the provisional 90-day minimum wage for workers ages 14-17 (Ord 26-31), acceptance of a $1,250,000 federal grant for Fire Department Burn Building Restoration (RES 26-1180), a collective bargaining agreement for Fire Fighters Local 21 (RES 26-1177), and allocations of $200,000 from the Downtown Vitality Fund and $880,000 from the Supportive Housing Fund for emergency shelter operations (AO 26-50).
• **Rent Stabilization Appeal Hearings (August 6):** Scheduled to review an appeal by Corey Johnson regarding a rent increase at 200 Winthrop St. S., Apt. 216, including assessment of changes in space or services and determination of Maximum Net Operating Income.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days. Residents should check the city's official meeting calendar for future agendas and minutes.

St. Paul council denies two supportive housing variances; approves shelter agreement and Xcel franchise amendments

The St. Paul City Council voted 7-0 on July 22 to signal intent to deny variance appeals for supportive housing facilities at 418 Sherburne Avenue (24 residents) and 519 Farrington Street (11 residents). The council also approved several infrastructure and licensing items at the same meeting.

City Council — July 22

The council's intent-to-deny votes on both housing variances were unanimous (7-0). Also approved 7-0 were amendments to the Xcel Energy electric and gas franchise, a Joint Powers Agreement with Ramsey County for emergency shelter facilities, a lease renewal with Metropolitan State University for Dayton's Bluff Library, and funding transfers for the Wabasha Bridge and University Avenue projects.

The council approved an auto repair license for Discount Tire at 1350 University Ave W and a liquor license ownership change for The Victorian at 859 Thomas Ave.

Later that day, the council held a special meeting for a public hearing on the Mayor's Encampment Plan (PH 26-14). The item was received and filed.

Legislative Hearings — July 28

The committee issued recommendations on several property-related appeals. It recommended approval of a special tax assessment for 565 Aldine Street and deletion of a special tax assessment for 2012 Como Avenue. Compliance extensions were recommended for 1312 Scheffer Avenue (to August 14, 2026) and 1597 Charles Avenue (to August 14 and September 4, 2026). An appeal for 2098 Pinehurst Avenue was withdrawn. The committee recommended granting an appeal of a Fire Inspection Notice of Condemnation for 1875 Nebraska Avenue East. Two items — appeals for 1518 Selby Avenue and 1875 Nebraska Avenue East (Justin Rasmussen) — were laid over to August 4, 2026.

Licensing Hearings — July 23

The board received and filed license applications for Raider Liquor LLC, doing business as Dabbler Depot, and Hoodie's Coffee Den LLC, doing business as Catzen Coffee. No other substantive actions were taken.

Committees and HRA — agendas only (minutes not yet published)

Several bodies met during the week with agendas posted but minutes not yet available:

• **Audit Committee (July 21):** Discussed audit topic recommendations (SR 26-146) and received a community engagement update from Community Advisor Noah McVay (SR 26-147).
• **Legislative Hearings (July 21):** Scheduled to ratify a special tax assessment for emergency sewer repair at 777 Ohio Street (Assessment No. 268503) and hear multiple abatement and fire certificate appeals.
• **Public Safety Committee (July 22):** Discussed the Mayor's Encampment Release Plan (SR 26-145).
• **Budget Committee (July 22):** Reviewed updates on street light repairs (SR 26-148) and road mill and overlay projects (SR 26-149). No votes or funding decisions were listed.
• **HRA (July 22):** Discussed a CDBG loan amendment for TWV Limited Partnership (RES 26-1173), Business Assistance Fund guideline updates (RES 26-1174), a three-year license agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for 43 East Water Street (RES 26-1175), a redevelopment project at 47 Douglas Street (SR 26-143), and a second quarter budget-to-actual report (SR 26-144).
• **Licensing Hearing (July 30):** Considered the license application for Asian Flame LLC (License ID# DSIBLLIQ-000682-2026), owned by May Vang. Three objections were listed as attachments.

Coming up

• **Aug. 4 — City Council (special):** Continued public hearing on the Mayor's Encampment Plan (PH 26-14). Residents may provide live testimony or submit written comments.
• **Aug. 4 — Legislative Hearings:** Ratification of appealed special tax assessments for 1654 Bush Avenue and 777 Ohio Street; tree removal assessments from May 2026; appeals of condemnation and vacate orders at 1083 Bradley Street, 1103 Chatsworth Street North, and 1875 Nebraska Avenue East.
• **Aug. 5 — Library Board:** Resolution 26-178 would amend the library agency's financing and spending plan by $920,000.00 for a Mellon Foundation grant. Also on the agenda: newcomer services (SR 26-154) and the Strengthening Libraries as Spaces of Belonging Project (SR 26-156).
• **Aug. 5 — HRA:** Resolution 26-1263 on additional funding for the rehabilitation project at 47 Douglas Street.
• **Aug. 5 — City Council:** Vote on placing a Tenant Right to Repair ballot question on the November 3, 2026 ballot (RES 26-1253); proposal to eliminate the provisional 90-day minimum wage for workers ages 14–17 (Ord 26-31); acceptance of a $1,250,000 federal grant for Fire Department Burn Building Restoration (RES 26-1180); collective bargaining agreement for Fire Fighters Local 21, 2026–2028 (RES 26-1177); and allocation of $200,000 from the Downtown Vitality Fund and $880,000 from the Supportive Housing Fund for emergency shelter operations (AO 26-50).
• **Aug. 5 — Budget Committee:** Updates on the Evie Carshare program and District Councils. No formal decisions listed.
• **Aug. 6 — Rent Stabilization Appeal Hearings:** Appeal by Corey Johnson regarding a rent increase at 200 Winthrop St. S., Apt. 216.

St. Paul Council approves STAR grants, Ford Site permits; renames Phalen Picnic Island to Tou Ger Xiong Island

The St. Paul City Council unanimously approved 2026 Cultural STAR and Neighborhood STAR grant awards, roadway infrastructure permits for Project Paul LLC at the Ford Site, and renamed Phalen Picnic Island to Tou Ger Xiong Island in a 7-0 vote on July 8, 2026.

City Council — July 8

The council adopted its consent agenda and multiple resolutions. Roadway infrastructure permits for Project Paul LLC at the Ford Site were approved, along with a solar interconnection agreement with Xcel Energy at Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center. Liquor license changes were approved for Mounds Park Lounge and Bewick Café. The council tabled two collective bargaining agreements — for the Saint Paul Supervisors' Organization and the Professional Employees Association — and a tree preservation ordinance (Ord 25-4) until July 15, 2026. Several legislative hearing appeals regarding nuisance abatement and fire certificates received compliance deadlines or continuances.

Legislative Hearings — July 7 and July 14

On July 7, the hearing officer granted a tenant's appeal by extending the compliance deadline to August 7, 2026 for fire and safety correction orders at 683 Kansas Avenue. Property owner TWV Limited Partnership must complete repairs identified during Department of Safety and Inspections visits. Tenants requested additional city intervention and repair authority, but the hearing officer said those requests fall outside her jurisdiction.

On July 14, the committee continued a public hearing on the rehabilitation or razing of structures at 594–596 Reaney Avenue to August 5, 2026 and granted a 180-day rehabilitation period, contingent on posting a $5,000 performance deposit and completing the Code Compliance Inspection Report. The matter was referred to the City Council with a return date of July 15, 2026. Contractor Jay Mitchell said the performance deposit would be posted that day.

Housing & Redevelopment Authority — July 8

The HRA Board approved June 2026 meeting minutes unanimously, 6-0. Staff reports on a TWV Limited Partnership loan amendment and a proposed three-year lease with Union Pacific Railroad were presented and filed, but no actions were taken. The July 15 HRA meeting was canceled; the next regular meeting is scheduled for July 22, 2026.

Other Boards and Committees

The Library Board reviewed a staff report on equity, inclusion, and anti-racism coordination at Saint Paul Public Libraries and approved June minutes. No public hearings, budget actions, or policy votes were scheduled.

The Policy Committee received and filed two items: SR 26-137 (Downtown Sound Limit Proposal) and SR 26-138 (Data Centers Discussion). No other substantive actions were taken.

The Budget Committee received and filed the Minnesota State Demography Presentation (SR 26-139) and the Downtown Revitalization report (SR 26-140). No decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

The Board of Water Commissioners met July 14 to discuss a Data Diode Security Solution and consider Amendment No. 1 to Contract 4889 with Waterfall Security Solutions Ltd., which would create a five-year term and add support for the OPC-UA connector module. A public hearing on the contract was also scheduled. Minutes were not yet published.

Coming up

• **July 21 — Audit Committee:** Discussion of audit topic recommendations (SR 26-146) and a community engagement update from Community Advisor Noah McVay (SR 26-147).
• **July 21 — Legislative Hearings:** Vote on ratifying the special tax assessment for emergency sewer repair at 777 Ohio Street (Assessment No. 268503), plus appeals on summary abatement orders, vacant building registration, and fire certificate corrections at multiple addresses.
• **July 22 — Public Safety Committee:** Discussion of the Mayor's Encampment Release Plan (SR 26-145).
• **July 22 — City Council (regular):** Vote on demolition cost assessments and scheduling of hearings for vacant structures (RES 26-1021), a traffic-signal controller agreement for the Metro Green Line (RES 26-1094), pay-rate resolutions, and several business licenses.
• **July 22 — City Council (special):** Public hearing on the Mayor's Encampment Plan (PH 26-14), sponsored by Council members Kim, Noecker, Johnson, Yang, Bowie, Coleman, and Jost. Written comments due by noon the day before; live testimony limited to two minutes.
• **July 22 — HRA:** CDBG loan amendment for TWV Limited Partnership (RES 26-1173), Business Assistance Fund guideline updates (RES 26-1174), a three-year license agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for 43 East Water Street (RES 26-1175), and a redevelopment project introduction at 47 Douglas Street.
• **July 22 — Budget Committee:** Street light repair and replacement update (SR 26-148) and mill and overlay update (SR 26-149).
• **July 23 — Licensing Hearings:** Catzen Coffee (Hoodie's Coffee Den LLC) at 15 West Kellogg Boulevard, License ID DSIBLLIQ-000958-2026, owner Vanessa Beardsley; and Dabbler Depot (Raider Liquor LLC), License ID DSIBLLOFS-000922-2026.

St. Paul Council Approves STAR Grants, Ford Site Permits, and Renames Phalen Picnic Island

The St. Paul City Council's July 8 meeting produced the week's most consequential decisions, including roadway infrastructure permits for the Ford Site, 2026 STAR grant awards, and a unanimous vote to rename Phalen Picnic Island to Tou Ger Xiong Island.

City Council — July 8

The council adopted its consent agenda and multiple resolutions on a 7-0 vote to rename Phalen Picnic Island to Tou Ger Xiong Island. It approved roadway infrastructure permits for Project Paul LLC at the Ford Site and adopted the 2026 Cultural STAR and Neighborhood STAR grant program awards.

The council also authorized a solar interconnection agreement with Xcel Energy at Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center and approved liquor license changes for Mounds Park Lounge and Bewick Café.

Two collective bargaining agreements — for the Saint Paul Supervisors' Organization and the Professional Employees Association — were laid over to July 15, 2026. A tree preservation ordinance (Ord 25-4) was tabled until the same date. Several legislative hearing appeals regarding nuisance abatement and fire certificates received compliance deadlines or continuances.

Legislative Hearings — July 7

A hearing officer granted a tenant's appeal by extending the compliance deadline to August 7, 2026 for current fire and safety correction orders at 683 Kansas Avenue. The decision requires property owner TWV Limited Partnership to complete repairs identified during Department of Safety and Inspections visits. Tenants requested additional city intervention and repair authority, but the hearing officer noted those requests fall outside her jurisdiction.

Housing & Redevelopment Authority — July 8

The HRA Board approved the June 2026 meeting minutes unanimously, 6-0. Staff reports on a TWV Limited Partnership loan amendment and a proposed three-year lease with Union Pacific Railroad were presented and filed, but no actions were taken on either item.

Library Board — July 8

The Library Board agenda was primarily procedural. The board reviewed a staff report on equity, inclusion, and anti-racism coordination at Saint Paul Public Libraries. No public hearings, budget actions, or policy votes were scheduled. Minutes were not yet published.

Policy Committee — July 8

The committee received and filed two items for the record: SR 26-137, a Downtown Sound Limit Proposal, and SR 26-138, a Data Centers Discussion. No other substantive actions were taken.

Coming Up

• **July 14 — Board of Water Commissioners:** Commissioners will consider Amendment No. 1 to Contract 4889 with Waterfall Security Solutions Ltd., creating a five-year term and adding OPC-UA connector support. A public hearing on the contract is scheduled. The board will also approve June 16 minutes and May 2026 financial statements.
• **July 14 — Legislative Hearings:** Hearings on property orders and tax assessments, including rehabilitation or razing orders at 594-596 Reaney Avenue and 914 Central Avenue West, and appeals of nuisance and correction orders at multiple addresses.
• **July 15 — City Council:** The council will consider a tree preservation ordinance for city-sponsored construction projects, a $41,961 CDBG allocation for 1133 Rice Street (Kwe Ka Baung Grocery LLC), a $69,300 Solar on Public Buildings grant application, and the two laid-over collective bargaining agreements. A closed session on threatened litigation in Jodi Carroll v. City of Saint Paul is also scheduled.
• **July 15 — Budget Committee:** Presentations on Minnesota state demographics and downtown revitalization.
• **July 15 — HRA:** Meeting canceled. Next regular meeting is July 22, 2026.

St. Paul HRA approves $2.1M affordable housing incentive release; Council to weigh University Ave budget shift

The St. Paul Housing & Redevelopment Authority approved the release of a $2.1 million affordable housing incentive covenant for a property at 556 Gotzian St., the largest dollar action among recent city meetings. The vote was 6-0, with Commissioner Bowie excused and Commissioners Kim and Coleman arriving late.

Housing & Redevelopment Authority (June 24)

The HRA took three recorded votes:

• Approved the $2.1 million 4(d) Affordable Housing Incentive Program covenant release for 556 Gotzian St. (6-0).
• Reserved funds for five Saint Paul neighborhood profiles (4-0).
• Authorized the sale of an HRA-owned parcel at 1087 Ross Avenue (6-0).

Legislative Hearings (June 23)

The Legislative Hearing Officer granted an additional 180 days for the owner of 947 Fremont Avenue to complete substantial abatement repairs. The owner must forfeit $5,000 of the $15,000 performance deposit and pay an additional $2,500 per month beginning in August until completion. The matter was referred to the City Council for a July 8 hearing.

Other actions:

• Nuisance abatement appeal for 399 Blair Avenue laid over to July 7.
• Extension to October 1 granted for a condemnation at 855 Third Street East.
• Fire certificate appeal for 74 Congress Street West laid over to July 21.

City Council (June 24)

The Council's June 24 agenda included a proposed tree preservation ordinance for city-sponsored construction projects and several budget items: a $70,000 allocation for 202 Cesar Chavez St. (La Oficina), a $120,677 budget amendment for Solid Waste Fleet expansion, and a $50,000 grant for energy efficiency at the Solid Waste & Recycling Facility. Public hearings were listed for sound variance requests at 125 Shepard Road and for the Rondo Days Festival. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published, so these items reflect the agenda, not confirmed outcomes.

Policy Committee (June 24)

The committee received and filed three items with no votes taken: a Full-Time Councilmember presentation, an Office of Arts and Culture proposal, and a Cultural Destination Area Study Executive Summary.

Public Safety Committee (June 24)

The committee received and filed two presentations with no policy votes: a Saint Paul Police Department presentation on technology and camera capabilities, and an ACLU-MN presentation on automated license plate reader regulations.

Coming up

• **July 7 — Legislative Hearings:** Appeals on delinquent garbage tax assessments for 2195 Benson Ave, 865 Dealton St, 790 Rose Ave E, and 847 York Ave; nuisance abatement appeals for six properties including 399 Blair Ave; vacant building registration appeals for 838 Third St E and 2051 Third St E; and fire-related appeals at 1655 McAfee St and 683 Kansas Ave.
• **July 8 — City Council:** Budget amendments for the University Avenue Reconstruction Project and $150,000 for demolition at 648-656 Bush Avenue; 2026 Neighborhood and Cultural STAR Grant Program awards; first reading of Ordinance 25-4 on tree preservation; right-of-way permits for Bohland, Ranger, and Finn streets for the Ford/Highland Bridge site; and public hearings on sound variance requests.
• **July 8 — Housing & Redevelopment Authority:** A loan amendment for TWV Limited Partnership and a proposed three-year lease with Union Pacific Railroad for 43 Water Street to support Mississippi River Lift Bridge reconstruction.
• **July 8 — Policy Committee:** Discussion of downtown noise ordinance updates (SR 26-137) and data center development policy (SR 26-138). No votes scheduled.
• **July 8 — Library Board:** Approval of June minutes and a staff report on equity, inclusion, and anti-racism coordination at Saint Paul Public Libraries. No public hearings or budget actions listed.

Housing and Redevelopment Authority approves $2.1 million affordable housing incentive release

The St. Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority voted 6-0 last week to release a $2.1 million affordable housing incentive covenant tied to a property at 556 Gotzian Street, freeing the funds for the project. The board also authorized the sale of an HRA-owned parcel at 1087 Ross Avenue.

HRA actions

The HRA board acted on June 24 with Commissioner Bowie excused and Commissioners Kim and Coleman arriving late. The board approved the release of a 4(d) Affordable Housing Incentive Program covenant for the Gotzian Street property in a 6-0 vote. A separate 6-0 vote authorized the sale of the Ross Avenue parcel. Details of the sale or the specific use of the incentive release were not detailed in the minutes. The board also reserved funds for five Saint Paul neighborhood profiles, a measure that passed 4-0.

Property extension and fines

At a June 23 legislative hearing, the hearing officer granted a conditional 180-day extension for substantial abatement repairs at 947 Fremont Avenue. The owner must forfeit $5,000 of a $15,000 performance deposit and pay an additional $2,500 per month starting in August until the work is finished. The matter was referred to the City Council for a July 8 hearing.

Other items decided at that hearing included:

• A nuisance abatement appeal for 399 Blair Avenue was laid over to July 7.
• A condemnation at 855 Third Street East was extended to October 1.
• A fire certificate appeal for 74 Congress Street West was laid over to July 21.

Committees receive presentations, take no action

The Policy Committee on June 24 received and filed three presentations: a proposal for full-time city councilmembers, an Office of Arts and Culture proposal, and an executive summary of the Cultural Destination Area Study. No votes were taken. The Public Safety Committee the same day received and filed presentations from the St. Paul Police Department on camera and technology capabilities and from the ACLU-MN on automated license plate reader regulations.

Coming up

The City Council meets on July 8 with a full agenda. Items include amending the University Avenue Reconstruction Project budget, allocating $150,000 for demolition at 648-656 Bush Avenue, approving 2026 Neighborhood and Cultural STAR Grant awards, and holding a first reading of Ordinance 25-4, which would require tree preservation for city-sponsored construction projects. The council will also consider right-of-way permits for the Ford/Highland Bridge development, set 2026 permit fee rates, and vote on collective bargaining agreements for the Saint Paul Supervisors’ Organization and Professional Employees Association. A public hearing related to the Fremont Avenue extension will be part of the session.

The Housing and Redevelopment Authority meets July 8 to consider a loan amendment for TWV Limited Partnership and a three-year lease with Union Pacific Railroad for 43 Water Street to support Mississippi River Lift Bridge reconstruction.

Legislative Hearings on July 7 will review appeals for delinquent garbage tax assessments at four addresses, nuisance abatement orders at six properties, vacant building registrations at two addresses, and fire inspection or certificate of occupancy appeals at two properties.

The Library Board on July 8 will approve June minutes and receive a staff report on equity, inclusion and anti-racism coordination. The Policy Committee that day will discuss downtown noise ordinance updates and the city’s data center development policy.