City Council Recap: June 8, 2020

Thanks to Pace’s Tire and Service Center for their support. You can check their website for the latest oil change and other specials.

The biggest highlight from tonight’s West St. Paul City Council meeting is that the Council initiated a review of the police department’s Use of Force policy. There was no business on the agenda and the night consisted of citizen comments, council comments, and approving the consent agenda.

All Council Members and the mayor spoke to the issues in the past week and their desire to listen to residents and move forward addressing racism and policing challenges.

“We need to make change in our community,” said Mayor Dave Napier.

Notes:

• Use of Force: The police department did release an update about their Use of Force policy, a duty to intercede requirement, and officer trainings earlier today. The public safety committee will be reviewing the Use of Force policy.
• Softball: The City Council will allow the 52nd Annual West St. Paul Fastpitch Tournament to move forward with tentative dates of July 17-19. They’re trying to proactively plan the event within COVID-19 restrictions.
• Cub Foods outlot: Construction is beginning in the outlot of Cub Foods. Back in February plans included Starbucks, Xfinity, and Chase.
• Trails & sidewalks: The Council accepted a study on trails and sidewalks for Thompson and Oakdale. The proposed plans will cost around $4.5 million. The study will allow the city to apply for funding sources to make these projects more feasible.
• Conversion therapy ban: Several citizens called in to again urge the city to move forward with a conversion therapy ban. The issue is on a list for future Open Council Work Sessions, whenever those are scheduled again.

City Council meetings are currently held virtually on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6:30 p.m. You can also watch this meeting online.

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