Thanks to Clover Montessori School for their support.
West St. Paul City Council will consider expanding the prevailing wage ordinance with a new fair labor standards ordinance, as well as get updates on the Delaware Avenue reconstruction and trees on Robert Street.
Fair Labor Standards Ordinance
During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), City Council will discuss a new fair labor standards ordinance. This will augment the existing prevailing wage ordinance, which requires a standard wage for construction work for any project that uses city funds.
- Why: The current prevailing wage ordinance lacks compliance and enforcement tools, and has limited flexibility. The approach brings clarity and options, with the goal of making it harder for companies to get away with wage theft. The agenda notes that the city suspects the prevailing wage ordinance has been violated, but lacks the tools to confirm.
Delaware Avenue Reconstruction Update
Staff will give an update on the Delaware Avenue reconstruction project during the OCWS. This project is slated for 2027, but planning is happening now and two open houses have already been held.
- Trail: Current design includes a trail on the west side, which minimizes impacts to driveways, homes, and more.
Trees Along Robert Street
Here’s an unexpected challenge: The trees along Robert Street are growing too well. The trees planted during the reconstruction in 2015-2017 are filling tree grates and buckling sidewalks. Repairs will be expensive and ongoing. Council will discuss the problem during the OCWS.
Other Items on the Agenda:
- Honoring: Council will pass a resolution honoring the lives of Melissa and Mark Hortman who were killed last week in a politically-motivated assassination.
- New officer: The mayor will swear in a new police officer, Lucas Newinski.
- Building materials: Council will consider an ordinance amendment that clarifies rules around building materials, allowing older buildings to be painted and expanding allowed materials to account for new, maintenance free options.
- Partnership: The police department will give a presentation on their social services partnership.
- Snow removal: Council will hold a public hearing for the final assessment of last year’s Robert Street sidewalk snow removal.
Engage
- Watch: The public can watch the meeting live on Town Square TV or cable TV starting at 6:30 p.m. (5 p.m. for the OCWS) on Monday.
- Learn more: Guide to West St. Paul City Council.
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