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Discussions about a proposed housing bill at the state legislature, a new community grant, and financial targets took up the majority of the West St. Paul City Council meeting on Monday. Also, a new West St. Paul police officer was sworn in.
The “Missing Middle” Housing Bill
Council members discussed the potential state “Missing Middle” housing bill.
- Explained: This bill’s aim is to open more opportunities for affordable housing throughout Minnesota by overriding local zoning for residential properties. In the current iteration of the bill, a prospective development would only need to pass an administrative review to be approved with no public hearing or City Council approval needed.
- Opposition: Most council members discourage the passing of this bill. They fear it will limit the city’s oversight and control of residential property development and, by extension, aesthetic appeal. Council Member John Justen believes this bill undermines local efforts to address these issues: “We’re being punished for doing the right thing.”
- What’s next: City staff will monitor the bill’s progress and draft a letter to legislators if necessary.
Community/Neighborhood Grant Program
The city budget includes $25,000 for a Community/Neighborhood Grant Program to help spur community-led events and involvement.
- Parameters: Council discussed program parameters but were reluctant to put too many restrictions in place and wanted to keep it open ended.
- Night to Unite funds: A hot topic left undecided was whether the funds should be used to support the community’s various Night to Unite celebrations. Justen was against this while Council Member Robyn Gulley supported it.
- What’s next: Staff will flesh out guidelines and bring it back for further review.
Other Items on the Agenda
- New police officer:Mayor Dave Napier officially swore in Officer Isabelle “Izzy” Marie Lalor. She has been serving as a community service officer since 2021.
- Financial discussion: City Manager Nate Burkett reviewed financial fundamentals, emphasizing how redevelopment can reduce property taxes. The broad discussion ultimately focused on more specific financial indicators, including redevelopment, changes in actual property taxes, and redefining fund balances.
- Consent agenda: A few items of interest on the consent agenda included a new operating agreement for the pool with the YMCA and opioid funding from Dakota County.
- Postponed: Due to time constraints, the Council pushed the discussion of a strategic planning topic, routine service delivery, to a future meeting.
Engage
- Watch: City Council and OCWS meetings are archived online. You can also watch the video recap by Council Members Robyn Gulley and John Justen.
- Learn more: Guide to West St. Paul City Council.
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