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Economic development strategy and Council rules are the big items on the agenda for Monday’s meeting, as well as swearing in two new police officers, an Xcel franchise agreement, No Mow May, and a closed session for labor negotiation strategy.
Economic Development Update
As part of a continued effort to tackle strategic planning during the Open Council Work Sessions (OCWS), staff will give an update on economic development, including:
- An update on the 150 Thompson project (former YMCA/Hy-Vee), including where things are at and what’s next.
- Progress on creating an active business networking group, including conversations with South Robert Street Business Association and survey results.
- Map of targeted redevelopment sites.
Council Rules
Usually approved in January, this item was delayed for discussion and then overlooked by staff. The Rules of Council and Code of Ethics will be updated slightly to clarify abstention rules and add guidelines around citizen comments (allowing for time limits, if equally applied to all commenters). Additional changes around phone-in comments and moving OCWS back to the conference room were discussed earlier but did not have consensus among members.
Other Items on the Agenda:
- Closed session: The OCWS will include a closed session to discuss labor negotiation strategy.
- New officers: The mayor will swear in two new police officers, John Belfanz and Aidan McMaster.
- Xcel agreement: Council will consider a franchise agreement with Xcel Energy, which was last adopted in 2004 and updated in 2019.
- No Mow May: Council will declare May to be No Mow May again, a practice to protect pollinators first started in 2021.
Engage
- Watch: 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: Guide to West St. Paul City Council.
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