Thanks to Mike’s Butcher Shop for their support. Hosting a dinner party? Simply looking for something quick and easy? From fresh cuts to grill-ready kabobs, you’ll find everything you need at Mike’s.
A busy final City Council meeting of the year for West St. Paul with the final budget and property tax levy, proposed apartment at 212 Thompson, addressing issues at two different apartments buildings, and more.
2025 Budget & Property Tax Levy
The city is proposing a 2025 budget of $47.3 million and a property tax levy increase of 6.65%.
- That amounts to $24 for the average home (valued at $290,000). Due to commercial property valuations set by the Dakota County assessor’s office, commercial properties will see a much larger increase.
- The property tax increase is down from the 6.84% increase adopted in September and mailed to property owners (cities are required to set a maximum increase in September—they can lower it, but can’t increase it).
Proposed Apartment at 212 Thompson
The four-story, 65-unit affordable apartment complex proposed for 212 Thompson Avenue East will come before Council for final approval.
- The project has four items for approval: rezoning, conditional user permit (CUP), site plan, and final plat.
- The city initially recommended denying this project, but the developer made changes and the city grudgingly recommeded approval. Planning Commission approved all measures, 6-2 for the CUP and 7-1 for all others.
- The rezoning fits the city’s long-term planning documents, making it difficult to deny.
- However, there might be room to deny the CUP and site plan based on a traffic study that came up at Planning Commission.
- The project relies on tax credits from the Dakota County Community Development Agency which have not yet been approved.
Problems at 126 Logan Avenue East
In November, Council approved emergency action for a nine-unit apartment building at 126 Logan Avenue East for a rodent infestation and fire alarms that don’t work.
- Subsequent inspections revealed a host of further issues, including a leaking roof, broken windows, expired fire extinguishers, and faulty heating.
- The property owner has not responded.
- The city is seeking a court order to remedy the immediate safety concerns.
- The rental license also expired in January 2023 and the building has been operating without a rental license.
Rental License Hearing for Hilltop at Signal Hills
Council will hold a rental license hearing for the 146-unit Hilltop at Signal Hills apartment located at 15 Butler Avenue East.
- As part of approving the rental license, city staff reviews service calls and code violations. While there are no code violations, there were a high number of police calls—72 valid calls concerning disorderly conduct, theft, assault, threats, weapons, and more.
- Staff proposes approving a provisional license, which allows a mitigation plan to correct the issues.
Other Items on the Agenda
- Kennedy Park: During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), Council will review the preferred concept plan for Kennedy Park improvements and likely approve it during the consent agenda of the regular meeting.
- Parking: Council will consider the final reading of changes to parking requirements that simplify and clean up the code, as well as reducing requirements for some restaurants in the hopes of making it easier for new restaurants to come to town.
- Road work: Council will hold a public hearing for the 2025 street maintenance project that will include a series of roads bounded by Bernard, Butler, Charlton, and Robert.
- Committee appointments: During the OCWS, Council will discuss the appointment process for upcoming committee vacancies.
Engage
- Watch: The public can watch the meeting live on Town Square TV or cable TV starting at 6:30 p.m. (6 p.m. for the OCWS) 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.
