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West St. Paul City Council will get updates on an affordable townhouse project on Butler plus bus rapid transit, then consider multiple assessments and three charter amendments.
424 Butler Update
The city purchased 424 Butler Avenue East earlier this year and has been exploring an affordable townhouse development. The current proposal includes 13 units, nine multi-story and four single-level (the topography makes more single-level townhomes difficult).
- What’s next: During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), Council will discuss the proposal and costs—which can tap into the city’s Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) funds.
Bus Rapid Transit
During the OCWS, Council will get an update on the G Line, the bus rapid transit (BRT) line coming to Robert Street. Construction would start in the latter half of 2026 and the line would open in 2028.
Street Assessment
Council will hold a public hearing for street assessments for this year’s street improvement projects.
- Bernard: The assessment for the Bernard project is $6,951 for a single family lot, $1,449 below the estimate.
- Various: The assessment for the 2025 pavement management project, which includes a series of streets between Bernard and Butler, is $1,829 per single family lot.
Citations and Abatement Assessments
Council will also hold a public hearing for administrative citations, abatement, and other miscellaneous charges. These annual reviews cover unpaid ordinance violations and other charges.
- Total abatements amount to nearly $5,400. The biggest issue were police false alarms at Home Choice, AT&T, and Burlington.
- Total administrative citations amount to nearly $70,000. The most common issue—with 15 violators—was waste traps to stop fat, oil, and grease from going down the drain.
Charter Amendment
City Council will hear three proposed amendments to the city charter. These amendments get two readings and must be passed with the support of all members of the Council, including the mayor.
- Vacating right of way: The first amendment would change the process for vacating public right of way from an ordinance to a resolution. This is a more efficient process and aligns with state law. This change will also require a change to city ordinance that will also be considered at the meeting.
- Official publications: A minor tweak to the official publication designation that would allow the city to follow an alternative procedure if an official publication ceases operation.
- Force an audit: The third amendment increases the threshold for a citizen petition to force an audit from 100 signatures to 5% of voters in the last presidential election (currently that would be 573 signatures). Charter Commission felt a higher bar was needed to justify a $25,000 to $50,000 expense and 5% is consistent with other citizen petitions.
Other Items on the Agenda
- Liquor license: Mr. Mustacheo is applying for a liquor license to serve beer. Planning Commission approved the request 6-0.
- Plumbing review: Council will consider the first reading of an ordinance to review, approve, and enforce plumbing plans.
- Postponed: Once again, the 150 Thompson project is pushed off the agenda. The purchase agreement and public hearing for TIF will be continued to the November 24 meeting.
- Police: Mayor Dave Napier will swear in Will Wright as a new police officer. Wright has served in the department for several years as a community service officer.
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.
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Is the approval of Grande Sunrise liquor license in your agenda?
Doesn’t look like it.