West St. Paul City Council Preview: Aug. 25, 2025

Thanks to FoodSmith and Lindsay Bjerke with Norton Realty for their support.

The 150 Thompson project will come before City Council for the first of multiple approvals. Plus a massage license revocation, the 2026 budget, and more.

150 Thompson Zoning

Council will consider two zoning items related to the 150 Thompson redevelopment project at the former YMCA space.

• There are multiple rezonings on the project, as well as allowing parks in the B-6 space.
• The Planning Commission approved both measures unanimously with no comments from the public on these specific items.
• The Economic Development Authority (EDA) will consider another item to remove a traffic restriction on Thompson Avenue.
• The bulk of the 150 Thompson approvals will come in a later City Council meeting.

Other Items on the Agenda:

• 2026 budget: The Open Council Work Session (OCWS) will include continued conversation on next year’s budget. This will expand on the previous discussion with a potential property tax levy increase between 8.64% and 16.86%.
• License revocation: Council will consider revoking the massage therapist license of Lihua Chen. Her license was revoked in Apple Valley after charges of performing illicit sex acts on an undercover police officer. Chen was convicted of a misdemeanor in Dakota County court.
• Vacating alleys: Council will hold the second reading and a public hearing to vacate three unused alleys.
• Snow removal: Council will hold a public hearing and approve a contract for this year’s sidewalk snow removal on Robert Street.

Engage

• Watch: The public can watch the meeting live on Town Square TV or cable TV starting at 6:30 p.m. (5:30 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 recaps with the support of our members.