Thanks to West St. Paul Chiropractic and Minnesota Locks for their support.
Updating a prevailing wage standard that’s nearly a quarter of a century old was the main topic of discussion for the West St. Paul City Council. They also covered Robert Street trees, a building materials ordinance, and a exterior improvement grant for Clean ‘n Press.
Fair Labor Standards Ordinance
- Background: The city’s current prevailing wage ordinance for city and subsidized projects is outdated (25 years old) and lacks effective enforcement tools.
- Key change: A new fair labor standards ordinance would replace the existing one, strengthening worker protections, adding accountability, and addressing non-compliance issues. “This is not a change in our values, it’s a step forward to make our values real,” City Manager Nate Burkett said.
- Potential issue: In the public hearing, Deputy Political Director at North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters Kim Nelson criticized the ordinance, particularly the wage structure and the ambiguity of the “skilled vs. unskilled labor” language.
- Council’s take: Council members were hesitant about some measures in the proposed ordinance, especially the public benefit waiver. Council Members Robyn Gulley and Doug Fromm specifically said they would not support the ordinance. Ultimately, Council voted 5-1 to move the ordinance to a second reading. Council Member Gulley was the lone no vote. Several members noted they supported moving the ordinance forward for more discussion, though were not necessarily in favor of it.
- Next steps: Council will consider the ordinance again at a final reading, giving more time to get public input and allowing Mayor Dave Napier, who was absent, a chance to weigh in.
Food Truck Ordinance
- Proposal: During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), Council considered a proposed ordinance that restricts food trucks to a minimum of 300 feet away from restaurants. This sparked debate due to the density of restaurants along Robert Street.
- Council’s take: Some members expressed concerns that the 300 feet rule might limit food truck viability, while others worried about direct competition with restaurants. The idea of designating specific park spaces for food trucks was discussed.
- Next steps: Staff will look at more distance options, survey restaurants, and further explore the issue.
Robert Street Trees
- Issue: Trees planted during the 2015-2017 reconstruction are buckling tree grates and sidewalks, creating tripping hazards and expensive repairs.
- Council’s take: There’s concern over the high cost of removing trees and the loss of shade on Robert Street. Council asked staff to look into a long-term solution.
Other Items on the Agenda
- Building materials ordinance: Council approved a change to the building materials ordinance to allow more flexible maintenance-free materials and permit painting on certain older buildings.
- Exterior improvement grant: Clean ‘n Press received approval for a $10,000 matching exterior improvement grant for over $50,000 in repairs and signage upgrades during the Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting.
- Commercial and industrial site plan ordinance: Council approved a proposal to allow new building materials (not just brick, stone, stucco, and glass) to be incorporated into site plans.
- Interim use permits: The city is streamlining the process for permits related to Christmas trees, fireworks, and other temporary uses by removing redundancies, making the process smoother for businesses. Council approved the first reading.
- 3.2% liquor ordinance: Council updated and streamlined rules around 3.2% liquor licenses, removing confusion and redundancy in the process.
- Vacating alleys: Council approved the first reading vacating multiple unused alleys in four locations. There will be a public hearing for each one on August 25.
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.
