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The multi-year 150 Thompson redevelopment project comes to City Council for final approval, plus the 2026 budget and significantly reduced property tax levy increase, and more. It’s a meaty agenda, but there is no Open Council Work Session.
Finally: 150 Thompson
The 150 Thompson redevelopment project—the former YMCA—will finally come forward for final purchase agreement and TIF approval. This project has been delayed for several months while staff worked to finalize the proposal. Council will consider a number of items, including holding public hearings:
- Refinancing bonds used to purchase the 150 Thompson project. Those bonds were due in February, and refinancing allows the city to maintain control while the project continues to move forward.
- Clarification to the prevailing wage update passed this summer that says union labor performed under collective bargaining complies with prevailing wage and allows labor from apprenticeship programs to be used in compliance with state law. This is the prevailing wage exemption, though it seems to rely on more union labor and not reducing the hourly rate of specific skills that was proposed previously.
- Tax increment financing (TIF) in two separate notes: Phase 1 for up to $12,473,000 for 26 years, and Phase 2 for up to $7,157,000 for 23 years.
- Development agreement for 457 apartment units (in two buildings), 19 townhome units, commercial space in the former AutoZone, infrastructure, and some public park amenities.
- Notably, there is a $5-7 million gap in completing the public park. The current plan will cover grading, a parking lot, and utilities, but no actual park amenities.
Budget & Property Taxes
City Council will hold a public hearing and approve the final 2026 budget and property tax levy increase.
- Property tax: The proposed levy increase is 5.82%, down significantly from the published 8% that went out in statements to residents. That works out to $230 per year for a median value home.
- Why the change: That increase dropped due to belt tightening on future years’ capital projects and higher than anticipated fiscal disparities receipts.
Charter Amendments
Four charter amendments will come up for a public hearing and final vote. These require unanimous approval of all Council members and 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 will also require a change to city ordinance that’s also on the agenda.
- 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. The only debate at Charter Commission was how high to set the bar.
- Petitions, referendums, and recalls: The final amendment makes changes to the charter to bring petitions, referendums and recall elections in line with state law.
Good Neighbor Awards
The city will recognize four residents with Good Neighbor Awards. Nominated by their fellow neighbors, these are West St. Paul residents who give back to their community in some way.
- Who: The honorees include Donna Ludeking, Mary Heath, Chris Kelley, and Kevin Hendricks. Nine others received an honorable mention.
- Expansion: Previously the city recognized beautiful yards and homes with a property recognition program, but they expanded to look at contributions beyond aesthetics.
Engage
- Watch: The public can watch the meeting live on Town Square TV or cable TV starting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday.
- Learn more: Guide to West St. Paul City Council.
These West St. Paul City Council recaps happen with the support of our members. Local news is a group effort, and we couldn’t do it without them.