West St. Paul City Council chambers

West St. Paul City Council Preview: March 24, 2025

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West St. Paul moves forward with public art, discussing the creation of an independent arts commission. Other items on the agenda include missing middle housing, 424 Butler redevelopment, low income rental classification, and a closed session for the former Burger King lot.

Independent Arts Commission

As part of an effort to encourage more public art but insulate the city from any first amendment concerns, the Council will discuss establishing an independent arts commission during the Open Council Work Session (OCWS).

  • This quasi-independent group would function like other city committees but with minimal city support.
  • Duties would include reviewing and recommending art proposals, creating policy and guidelines, preparing call for artists, and more.

Other Items on the Agenda

  • Legislative direction: The OCWS will include discussion on local zoning preemption proposed at the state legislature (known as “Missing Middle” housing bills) and potentially sending a letter opposing it.
  • 424 Butler: During the OCWS, Council will discuss hiring a construction manager to prepare the 424 Butler property for redevelopment.
  • LIRC declaration: The Council will consider multiple properties for 4D1 tax classification, a state program that diverts property tax funds to building maintenance.
  • Closed session: Council will have a closed session to discuss a nuisance property case with 1650 South Robert Street, the former Burger King site.

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