City of West St. Paul Council Chambers

West St. Paul City Council Preview: July 8, 2024

Thanks to Mississippi Valley Montessori School for their support. Located in West St. Paul since 1967, they’re an AMI-accredited Montessori school serving children up to age 6. Email us for more info.

A Council pay raise, the 150 Thompson project, and affordable housing are the major items on the agenda for the West St. Paul City Council.

150 Thompson Update

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) work session will include an update on the 150 Thompson project (former Hy-Vee/YMCA). There are no specific details in the agenda packet, though the regular EDA meeting will include a third amendment to the development agreement, extending it to from the end of this month to March 31, 2025.

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Presumably there’s not much progress. The project is currently undergoing environmental review and in the planning stages before an official proposal comes forward for public review.

Council Pay Raise

After being tabled at the last meeting due to Council Member Robyn Gulley’s absence, the final vote on a pay raise for City Council and the mayor will be considered. The measure has to pass unanimously (including the mayor) to be approved. Council unanimously approved the first reading of the measure on May 28.

  • How much: If approved, pay would go from $8,165 to $10,400 for Council and $10,480 to $12,500 for the mayor in 2025. That amounts to a 26% increase.
  • Why: Rationale focused on bringing pay in line with comparable cities, better reflecting the amount of work Council members put in, and improving the pay to make elected positions more accessible.
  • More: We explored the pay raise in more detail in previous reporting.

Other Items on the Agenda

  • Affordable housing: During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), Council will consider a draft report on affordable housing and recommendations to address the issue.
  • Wendy’s: The proposed Wendy’s will come before Council for a final reading on a zoning change, allowing for three drive thrus in the Cub Foods outlot as opposed to the two originally approved back in 2010.

Engage

Watch: The public can watch the meeting live on Town Square TV or cable TV starting at 6:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. for the EDA work session) on Monday.

Learn more: Guide to West St. Paul City Council.

We believe in government transparency and provide these West St. Paul City Council previews with the support of our members.

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