Thanks to Zak’s Auto Service for their support.
One week out from the election, legislative priorities and housing dominated the West St. Paul City Council meeting.
Legislative Priorities
The city’s government relations consultant discussed legislative priorities with the Council during the Open Council Work Session (OCWS). Potential priorities include:
- Sewer: Lining approximately eight miles of sewer and addressing some of the worst issues in the city.
- Outdoor gathering space: Public amenities in the 150 Thompson project.
- City pool: The city is currently conducting a study about needed maintenance and potential improvements to the pool.
- Recreation center: The city has explored a community center and is landing on the idea of a smaller recreation center that might double as a resource center.
- Fire station: South Metro Fire’s West St. Paul fire station needs an upgrade.
- Sales tax extension: On the policy front, the city wants to extend the sales tax, which requires legislative and then voter approval. Currently the state has a moratorium on local sales tax, so this is in preparation of the moratorium expiring or being lifted.
More Thrift Stores?
With CRAFT Thrift Store hoping to move into 1253 Robert Street (former Mattress Liquidators), staff is proposing an ordinance amendment to allow a used merchandise store in the B-3 zoning district.
- It’s currently only allowed in B-2 and B-4 with a conditional user permit (CUP). The proposal would still require a CUP for the B-3 district.
- Planning Commission did not meet last week due to lack of quorum, and is scheduled to meet and hold a public hearing on Wednesday, October 30. To accommodate the applicant, the city held the first reading with City Council before the Planning Commission meets, though there will still be time to incorporate any Planning Commission feedback before the final reading.
- While Council approved the first reading unanimously, Council Member Pat Armon hinted that he’s undecided on the issue and wants to hear from residents. Mayor Dave Napier also seemed to have reservations but said he would hold his comments for now.
Other Items on the Agenda:
- Housing: During OCWS, Council discussed the Missing Middle Housing bill proposed at the legislature earlier this year that did not pass, but is likely to come up again. While the Council broadly supports measures to increase housing, the proposed bill took away too much local control. They reviewed options that might qualify the city for an exemption to the bill, but at this point it’s early in the discussion and there’s a lot to consider. Much of it will depend on what the legislature does.
- Annapolis assessments: The Council unanimously passed deferred assessments on the Annapolis Street project that were tabled at the last meeting. The deferred assessments impact a few properties in a unique situation and will expire after 15 years.
- Smith/Dodd: As part of the Smith/Dodd intersection realignment, the city plans to bury utilities. Council and Economic Development Authority (EDA) unanimously approved an interfund loan to cover the costs. This allows the city to pay itself back if redevelopment happens and tax increment financing (TIF) is used.
- Condemnation resolution: Also related to the Smith/Dodd intersection realignment, Council unanimously approved a supplemental resolution to the condemnation passed at a previous meeting. This clarifies that in addition to the temporary easements, the city is acquiring access control for a driveway to be closed. The city is still negotiating with the property owners and hopes to come to an agreement, but starting the condemnation process now is necessary to ensure the project can go forward and not jeopardize federal funding.
Engage
- Watch: City Council, OCWS, and EDA meetings are archived online.
- 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.
