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West St. Paul City Council approved a property purchase for potential housing development, received an update on bus rapid transit, and voted down a potential charter amendment.
Bus Rapid Transit Update
During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), Metro Transit gave an update on the G Line, the new bus rapid transit (BRT) coming to Robert Street in late 2028.
- Where: Eight stops have been identified in West St. Paul along Robert Street.
- Construction: The project has been broken into two phases, with the northern section from downtown St. Paul to Little Canada happening in 2026-2027. Construction for the downtown to West St. Paul segment will happen in 2027-2028 to better align with Robert Street construction on the West Side.
- Public opinion: In a survey of 320 respondents, 78% said they like the G Line project and 71% said they would use it.
- Public comment: There’s a survey open through October 25 for the public to give additional input.
Potential Housing Redevelopment
During a closed session, the Economic Development Authority (EDA) discussed a purchase offer of an existing single-family property at 424 Butler Avenue East (initially considered in a closed session last month). After the closed session, they unanimously approved a purchase offer of $600,000.
- Park: A small section of the property will be sold to Dakota County for $30,000 to be added to Thompson County Park (likely to add a buffer to existing trails).
- Why: If the city didn’t buy the property it would likely have been bought by developers for a large multi-family apartment building based on current zoning.
- Plan: The city plans to downgrade the zoning and market to a developer for smaller scale development or explore affordable housing credits and develop it themselves for owner-occupied housing. Potential options include a smaller scale building or one-level townhouses.
Failed Charter Amendment
The final reading of a Charter Amendment to allow Council members or the mayor to serve as election judges and be compensated failed on a 6-1 vote with Mayor Dave Napier the lone ‘no’ vote.
- Context: This was previously allowed until an employee vs. independent contractor classification change muddied the waters. This charter amendment would have created an exception to allow it again. The Charter Commission approved it unanimously (current City Council candidate Doug Fromm abstained).
- Why no: Napier explained his no vote saying it had “the perception of conflict.” Charter amendments have to pass unanimously with all seven members. Other than Napier’s explanation, Council had no discussion on the amendment.
- Process: City Attorney Pam Whitmore noted that if the amendment fails, it would go back to the Charter Commission and they would have the option of putting it to the voters.
Other Items on the Agenda
- Shopping carts: During OCWS, Council discussed the ongoing problem of abandoned shopping carts. Currently, two city volunteers gather and return carts every two weeks, collecting about 600 per year. Staff will explore a few options and bring forward a potential program or ordinance.
- Rental engagement: Thanks to a VISTA grant, the city hired Savannah Mans-Vail to build engagement with renters. Mans-Vail introduced herself, gave an overview of her work, talked about progress so far, current data, and what she hopes to accomplish.
- Annapolis assessment: The Council approved assessments of $6,093 per single-family lot for the $11.9 million Annapolis Street reconstruction project. Deferred assessments on several undeveloped lots were continued to a future meeting to give staff and the property owner time to pursue a solution.
- Citation assessments: The Council approved over $30,000 in unpaid citations and miscellaneous charges for things like unsheltered storage, graffiti, lawn and weed control, nuisance calls, etc. No one spoke during the public hearing and these charges will be added to the property tax rolls.
- Awards: The city recognized four residents with the outstanding property award.
- Presentation: The Optimist Club of West St. Paul had a presentation about Global Hand Washing Day and had Mayor Napier demonstrate proper hand washing procedure.
Engage
- Watch: City Council, OCWS, and EDA meetings are archived online. You can also watch the video recap with Council Members Robyn Gulley and John Justen.
- Learn more: Guide to West St. Paul City Council.
We believe in government transparency and provide these West St. Paul City Council recaps with the support of our members.