City Council Preview: Oct. 12, 2020

We provide these West St. Paul City Council previews with your support.

Routine business for Monday’s West St. Paul City Council meeting, including a presentation on South Metro’s new mental health program, some incoming/outgoing grants, and an interesting rental license issue.

Standard COVID-19 disclaimer: Limited audience, wear a mask, overflow crowd can watch in the lobby. All meetings are broadcast online and on cable TV. Public comments will be in-person and via call-in.

What’s on the Agenda?

• First responder mental health: First responders attempt suicide at a rate six to 10 times the general population. South Metro Fire is implementing a new program to address this, and will give a presentation during the City Council meeting.
• Public hearing: A zoning ordinance change to allow more density, bringing our code in line with the Comprehensive Plan, will come up for a public hearing.
• CARES Act grants: Sola Salon will be added to last month’s small business grant recipients.
• More grants: The Town Center One development project is applying for a $250,000 county grant that, if awarded, will decrease the length of the TIF.
• Extension: More Space LLC wants a 12-month extension for their development plans for a storage facility at 1665 Oakdale.
• Rental license: A single-family home at 180 Oakview Road has too many unrelated tenants and is potentially in danger of not getting their rental license. Staff is considering allowing a conditional license with the understanding that the property would reduce the tenants to meet code when the lease is up next year. This is an interesting and kind of weird case—1) We have an ordinance that limits rentals to three unrelated people? 2) They thought they could sell this home for $650,000 to $700,000 (looks like it was purchased for $370,000 last year)?
• Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: A resolution will officially recognize the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee as a single group representing Northern Dakota County.
• Strategic initiatives: The Open Council Work Session (OCWS) will be especially brief with just one item on the agenda—reviewing strategic initiatives.

The public can watch the meeting live on Town Square TV or cable channel 18 starting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday (6 p.m. for the OCWS meeting).

If you’re not able to attend the meeting in person, you can always use our coloring pages to imagine you’re there.

Keep City Council previews and recaps coming by supporting West St. Paul Reader.