Thanks to Clothesline Laundromat and Fraidy Cats for their support.
The 150 Thompson redevelopment project again dominated the West St. Paul City Council meeting, with debate over a city park versus prevailing wage.
150 Thompson Discussion
The 150 Thompson project came forward for a series of approvals and discussion about the potential prevailing wage exemption.
- Approvals: Council unanimously approved a series of rezoning, conditional use permits, site plans, and the preliminary and final plat for the project. There were a series of conditions added during the Planning Committee meeting, which also approved the project unanimously. All of these approvals are contingent on the TIF and developer’s agreement being approved, which will come on October 27.
- Retail: The project includes converting the former AutoZone space to new retail including a potential restaurant. The site plan includes a condition that a portion of the space must be a restaurant use. The space would likely house multiple businesses, including a sit-down restaurant, smaller retail space, and a fast casual restaurant. Last week, the city manager noted this space would likely already be a used furniture or mattress store if the city weren’t involved.
- Prevailing wage: The sticking point on the project is whether Council will approve any exemption to the prevailing wage ordinance in order to get the public park. The city presented two options, one with prevailing wage or union contracts and no park amenities and one with 85-88% prevailing wage and most park amenities. More details on the specific options are in our Council preview, though the city also shared that the rate they’re offering is in line with median rates across the metro.
- Council’s take: All Council members weighed in during the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), with a divided range of opinions.
- Napier: “If we go [option] one and there’s no park in there, I’m vetoing it,” Mayor Dave Napier said. “That’s a waste of money. … If we don’t do the park here, that park will never happen.” He also advocated for repealing the ordinance entirely: “I’m not even excited about the prevailing wage ordinance we have,” Napier said. “There’s a reason other cities don’t have them.” He pointed to higher union costs and said it’s his job to get the best value for taxpayer dollars.
- Armon: “$5.5 to $6.5 million [for a park] is just a number that speaks for itself,” Council Member Pat Armon said supporting the prevailing wage exemption.
- Berry: “Without this park it no longer becomes a project I’m excited about,” Council Member Wendy Berry said. “I think we’re missing out if we don’t get that park in there.” Berry also expressed frustration with union accusations that the city is undercutting workers when they’re paying the median pay from across the metro.
- Eng-Sarne: “The public already thinks I’m a s— human being for approving [the prevailing wage ordinance],” Council Member Lisa Eng-Sarne said, reacting to the tone of the feedback she received. “We have continued to hold ourselves to a higher standard than any other city. There are only four other cities that even have close to these conversations. We want to be competitive and we want to serve our public,” she said, supporting the exemption.
- Fromm: “I can’t imagine doing this project without the park being built,” Council Member Doug Fromm said. “I’m not the only one here who doesn’t want to see the waiver applied, but it’d also be very tough to build all these apartments and not have the park go with it.”
- Gulley: “Pitting the public against workers who are also the public is disingenuous and a problem,” Council Member Robyn Gulley said supporting the full prevailing wage option.
- Justen: Council Member John Justen leaned toward the full prevailing wage option, though struggled with not getting a full park. He hoped additional bids would lower costs and deliver more amenities for the park.
- Stance shift: Previously, the update to the prevailing wage ordinance that allowed for exemptions passed narrowly on a split vote with the mayor’s tiebreaker. Napier, Armon, Eng-Sarne, and Justen voted for it, with Berry, Fromm, and Gulley voting against. Now looking at applying an exemption, there’s a shift. Napier, Armon, and Eng-Sarne are fully in support and Gulley is opposed. Justen seems to be opposed as well, with Berry and Fromm not saying clearly which option they support.
- What’s next: The TIF details, developer’s agreement, and any potential exemption will come back at the October 27 meeting. The details on this project continue to change as the city tries to finalize it before the end of the year.
Other Items on the Agenda
- Parking restrictions: As part of the coming Emerson Avenue project, Council approved parking restrictions, effectively removing parking on whichever side of the street sidewalks are being added. It’s necessary with the narrower street and improves safety and visibility with the sidewalks.
- Road work: Council held a public hearing for next year’s mill and overlay project, which includes a section of Emerson Avenue east of Oakdale and a series of nearby streets, including Sperl, Logan, Stassen, Kopp, and Moreland Court. One person asked a question during the public hearing and Council approved the project unanimously.
- Marijuana: The Council approved two minor changes to bring the marijuana ordinances in line with state law. No one spoke during the public hearing.
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.