Thanks to Inver Grove Ford, and Lindsay Bjerke with Norton Realty for their support.
Council approved a provisional rental license for 1064 Robert Street and a patio for Grande Sunrise, plus reviewed economic and property tax data.
1064 Robert Street Rental License Approved
For a third straight meeting, Council considered the rental license for a single family home at 1064 Robert Street. Originally discussed on April 27, Council continued the discussion to May 11 to get more information and notify the tenant of a possible eviction.
- Procedural mistake: At the last meeting, two votes failed 3-1 (due to an absence and a recusal). However, City Attorney Pam Whitmore missed a relatively recent change that gives the mayor the power to vote when a motion fails with three affirmative votes. So Council reconsidered the issue.
- Result: Council approved the provisional license on a 4-1 vote with Council Member Pat Armon the lone ‘no’ vote.
- What’s the problem: The rental property in question has a history of code violations. One member of the public wanted to speak about the issue, but Mayor Dave Napier did not allow it.
Grande Sunrise Getting a Patio
The Council approved a conditional user permit for outdoor seating and on-sale liquor for Grande Sunrise. The on-sale liquor was a formality from the previous owner. The patio will have seven tables and seating for 22. The Planning Commission approved it unanimously and no one spoke during their public hearing.
The owner of Grande Sunrise thanked Council and said they have more plans in the future.
City Data
During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), staff reviewed two data reports, an ecomonic snapshot and a peer comparison. This is the first of a series of updates to set the stage for the budget process.
- The economic snapshot shows negative growth in spending for the first time in five years, based on sales tax data through March. Growth has been flat in the past, but never negative. Based on this and other measures, City Manager Nate Burkett emphasized the continued need for redevelopment to spread the tax burden and concluded that the economic fundamentals are stable, but the slowdown in spending is something to watch.
- The peer comparison looked at 24 Dakota County cities and first ring suburbs. The data concluded that West St. Paul’s property tax burden is in the middle and comparable to our peers. The city does seem to lag behind peers on how much they charge for user fees and the Council might discuss if that’s something they should increase.
Other Items on the Agenda
- Delaware: Council approved the feasibility report for the Delaware Avenue reconstruction project and set a public hearing date for the project of June 22.
- Parking: In the consent agenda, the Council approved parking restrictions on Christensen Avenue near Mendota Road to help with traffic congestion.
- Public works: The Council recognized National Public Works Week from May 17-26.
- Police: Mayor Napier swore in the newest police officer, Sarah Thisius, who previously served as an officer in St. Paul Park.
Engage
- Watch: City Council and OCWS meetings are archived online.
- Learn more: Guide to West St. Paul City Council.
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