Thanks to Clover Montessori School for their support.
Cannabis regulation and a new thrift store were the big items on the West St. Paul City Council agenda, though Emmys won by Town Square TV also made a surprise appearance.
Town Square TV’s Emmys
City Council recognized Town Square TV for winning two Upper Midwest Regional Emmy Awards for their stories on the 50th anniversary of the Bellows Court explosion and the Dakota County Emergency Preparedness exercise. Town Square TV staff were honored and passed around the Emmy awards.
Council also recognized Town Square TV’s Executive Director Jodie Miller, who retires this week after 30 years on the job.
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Cannabis Regulation
With the state legalization of marijuana sales coming Jan. 1, 2025, the City Council approved several ordinances and zoning changes in line with state law. Planning Commission held a public hearing last week (no one spoke) and recommended unanimous approval of the zoning changes.
- Among the various rules are a limit of two cannabis retailer stores and a buffer of 1,000 feet from any school.
Thrift Stores Approved
City Council unanimously approved a zoning change and conditional use permit (CUP) to allow CRAFT Thrift Store to move into 1253 Robert Street (former Mattress Liquidators). The zoning change allows used merchandise stores in the B-3 zoning district.
- These stores were previously only allowed in B-2 and B-4 with a CUP. A CUP is still required for the B-3 district, and stores are limited to a maximum of 5,000 feet.
- Planning Commission held a public hearing last week (no one spoke). They approved both measures unanimously.
- CRAFT Thrift Store hopes to emphasize repurpose and reuse, with a special focus on supporting local teachers.
Other Items on the Agenda
- Rental action: Due to a rodent infestation and fire alarms that don’t work, Council approved emergency action for a rental property at 126 Logan Avenue East. The owner has not responded, though is still collecting rent. This action will seek court approval for the city to remedy the issues and assess the owner. Council also set a rental license hearing for Dec. 9, 2024 to further address the problems.
- Organic waste collection: During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), Council discussed a new organic waste collection requirement. There are two potential options—requiring all existing trash haulers to offer organic waste collection or consider a city-wide organized collection of organics. The latter option might work better if organized trash collection is included as well, a topic that had weak support last year among Council members. They were still reluctant to embrace organized collection, though some members seemed willing to have the difficult and unpopular conversation.
- Budget: During OCWS, Council also reviewed the sewer and storm water budget and future capital projects.
- Election: Council also canvassed the results of the 2024 election and multiple members thanked city officials and election judges for managing another successful election.
Engage
- Watch: City Council and OCWS meetings are archived online.
- Learn more: Guide to West St. Paul City Council.
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