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The City of West St. Paul will discuss a potential purchase offer for the Hy-Vee property during a closed meeting on Monday, among other business including a catalytic converter ordinance, No Mow May, alcohol compliance failures, and more.
Potential Purchase of Hy-Vee?
Just last week Hy-Vee announced the end of their plans for a West St. Paul location and that they would be selling their land. During the Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting, council members will discuss a potential purchase offer for the former YMCA property now owned by Hy-Vee. It will be a closed session to discuss details of a potential offer.
The purpose is likely to put the city in control of redevelopment, as opposed to other recent redevelopment projects that were negotiated privately with little input or control from the city (e.g., Perkins and Baker’s Square). This is one of the challenges that often complicates redevelopment.
Other Items on the Agenda
- No Mow May: West St. Paul will again be supporting No Mow May, an initiative to discourage lawn mowing in the month of May to protect pollinators.
- Child care facility: There will be a public hearing for a conditional use permit to allow a child care facility at 1025 Dodd.
- Catalytic converters: West St. Paul saw 177 catalytic converter thefts in 2021, up from 45 in 2020 and none in 2019. During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), Council will consider ordinances related to stemming this recent uptick in theft.
- Street maintenance: During OCWS, Council will consider 2023 mill and overlay projects, plus discuss potential changes to assessments.
- Truck parking: Also during OCWS, Council will consider restricting large vehicle parking in residential areas.
- Compliance hearings: The West St. Paul Police Department did compliance checks on establishments that sell tobacco and alcohol, and five failed the alcohol check: Applebee’s, Cub Liquor, El Nuevo Morelos, MGM Wine and Spirits, R&B Liquor, and Smith Liquors.
- Gift card fraud: During OCWS, Council will discuss a potential ordinance to limit gift card fraud.
- Thompson Oaks: Council and EDA will approve joint powers agreements with Dakota County to finalize details related to the Thompson Oaks watershed restoration project.
- Parental leave: Council will approve a paid parental leave policy for birth/adoption of a child.
- Union contracts: Council will approve union contracts with the police union, police sergeants, and teamsters.
The public can watch the meeting live on Town Square TV or cable TV starting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday (5:30 p.m. for the OCWS).
Learn more about how city council works with our Guide to West St. Paul City Council.
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West St. Paul Reader 
Hopefully there can be a renewed emphasis on street repair. We’ve lived on Betty Lane since 1975 & nearly every visitor from visiting suburbs is appalled at condition of our street especially west end. It appears that taxes continue to ramp up while basics go undone or lacking.
Don, then you’ll be thrilled to know Betty Lane is on the list. Here’s the presentation that includes what streets are coming for mill and overlay (and be clear, it’s not a full reconstruction, it’s a patch to make the pavement last longer; also, be prepared for the assessments): https://www.wspmn.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/12880?fileID=19835