Thanks to Mississippi Valley Montessori School for their support. Located in West St. Paul since 1967, they’re an AMI-accredited Montessori school serving children up to age 6. Email us for more info.
Council will consider a proposed cannabis dispensary, options for the 424 Butler townhouse project, and Council salary increases.
Proposed Camelot Cannabis
Council will consider a conditional use permit (CUP) to allow a cannabis disensary at the former Camelot Cleaners on Smith Avenue. This would be the city’s second cannabis dispensary and hit the cap.
- Potential issues: Concerns include meeting parking requirements, proximity to Clover Montessori School, and environmental issues. The parking issue should be addressed with the removal of the drive through and re-striping. Cannabis dispensaries are not allowed within 1,000 feet of schools, though the city’s definition of a school does not include Clover Montessori. As a former dry cleaner, the site likely needs environmental cleanup, though it’s unclear how much with a re-use versus new construction. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will likely require some remediation and staff recommends including those requirements as a part of the approval.
- Planning Commission: Four people spoke during the public hearing at Planning Commission, three opposed and one supportive but with concerns. Planning Commission unanimously approved the CUP with a few minor conditions.
- Timing: If approved by Council, Camelot Cannabis would still need to get state approval.
Townhouse Budget Gap
A funding gap has derailed the proposed townhouse project at 424 Butler that was approved earlier this year. The city bought the property to prevent a developer from building a large apartment building. During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), Council will consider options.
- Gap: The current project has a $2 million gap. Reworking the project to focus on lower incomes and access different grants reduces the gap to $1.2 million.
- Options: Staff will present four options:
- Sell the property: No longer have to deal with it, free up Economic Development Authority (EDA) money, and use the state housing aid for something else. But the city will lose control of development and take a financial loss.
- Develop the property: The city maintains control, but will have to close the financial gap.
- Habitat for Humanity: There is a possibility of a partnership with Habitat for Humanity. They would create a smaller development (8 units instead of 13) and it would take an additional year or two to line up funding and fit Habitat’s schedule.
- Demo and wait: The city could demolish the home and wait for future opportunities. The city maintains full control, but still had to carry the financial burden with no immediate return.
- Recommendation: Staff is pushing the partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
Council Salary Increase
Council will hold a public hearing and take a final vote on a salary increase. The salary increase conversation is required by law every two years and comes as a recommendation from the Charter Commission.
- Increase: The Charter Commission proposed the following increases:
- 3% increase for 2027 and a 2.5% increase for 2028.
- That brings total salaries for the mayor to $14,935 for 2027 and $15,308 for 2028, and for Council members to $12,875 for 2027 and $13,197 for 2028.
- Process: As a Charter amendment, these salary increases need to be approved unanimously. The salary increases will not take effect until after the next election.
- Comments: Council approved the first reading unanimously, emphasizing the importance of keeping the pay at pace with other communities and as an encouragement for people to run for office. In 2024, Council approved a 26% increase to bring pay back in line with other communities.
Other Items on the Agenda
- Appointment: Due to a resignation on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, Council will make an appointment to fill the vacancy.
- Home improvement: During the OCWS, Council will discuss potentially expanding the NeighborWorks home improvement loan program to broaden appeal. The program makes low-cost home improvement loans available, though only two loans were approved since 2023.
- Charter amendments: Council will hold a public hearing and the final vote on amendments to the Charter that would remove gendered language. This has to be approved unanimously.
- Cannabis limits: Council will consider limiting cannabis dispensaries to two, including Native-shops, which were previously not included in the limit. Council approved the first reading unanimously and will hold a public hearing with the final reading.
- Snow emergencies: Council will consider a final reading on tweaks to the snow emergency ordinance.
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.
These West St. Paul City Council previews happen with the support of our members. Local news is a group effort, and we couldn’t do it without them.
