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Shopping carts, assessment hearings, a bus rapid transit update, and rental engagement are all on the agenda for the West St. Paul City Council. The meeting is on Tuesday instead of Monday due to Indigenous People’s Day.
Bus Rapid Transit Update
During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), Council will get an update on the G Line, the new bus rapid transit (BRT) coming to Robert Street in 2029. Eight stations have been identified in West St. Paul and there’s a survey for the public to give additional input.
Shopping Carts
Also during OCWS, Council will tackle the problem of abandoned shopping carts. Currently city volunteers collect shopping carts every two weeks and return them the business. In the past, the city stored carts in a central location, charged businesses for storage, and asked businesses to collect the carts, which often didn’t happen. Council will consider whether an ordinance is appropriate, and if any effort is worth the expense.
Assessment Hearings
The Council will hold a series of public hearings for assessments:
- Annapolis: The $11.9 million project will work out to an assessment of $6,093 per single family home, a significant increase over the estimate of $4,587 due to COVID-related shortages, delays, and cost increases. Several undeveloped lots will have deferred assessments that can be delayed until the lots are developed.
- Citations and other charges: Over $30,000 in unpaid citations and miscellaneous charges for things like unsheltered storage, graffiti, lawn and weed control, nuisance calls, etc., will be added to property tax rolls if approved.
Other Items on the Agenda
- Rental engagement: The city was awarded a VISTA grant to hire someone to increase engagement with renters. During the OCWS, Council will meet this new hire, hear about their work plan and progress so far.
- Closed session: The Economic Development Authority (EDA) will hold a closed session to consider a purchase offer for 424 Butler Avenue East, a proposal initially considered in a closed session last month.
- Awards: The city will give the outstanding property awards to four residents.
- Lift station: With $1.7 million in state money to update a sewer lift station, the city needs to approve a property agreement with the state.
Engage
Watch: The public can watch the meeting live on Town Square TV or cable TV starting at 6:30 p.m. (5 p.m. for the OCWS) on Tuesday.
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.
