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Monday’s City Council meeting had a light agenda with some tweaks to local zoning and rights-of-way and reflection on recent city successes.
Vacating Right-of-Way
Community Development Director Ben Boike gave a presentation on the legal right-of-way around the newly-reconstructed intersection of Smith Avenue and Dodd Road. Due to the new alignment, some parts of the northwest corner of the intersection no longer need to be under city control. One parcel is being given to Zak’s Auto, and another to Clover Montessori School. The remaining portion will be retained by the city for the planned Officer Scott Patrick memorial. There were no public comments on the change, and it was unanimously approved by the City Council.
Zoning Code Update
Boike also briefly reviewed a final reading of changes to the city’s zoning codes. The major change involves putting the zoning regulations into an easy-to-read table and making minor tweaks and removing outdated language. This was a final reading of the changes, and there were no public comments or debate at this or any other reading. The final reading passed unanimously.
Council Comment Highlights
- WSP Pride: Council Members Wendy Berry, Lisa Eng-Sarne, and Robyn Gulley all mentioned the hot, but successful WSP Pride event this past weekend. Attendance was good and the event received praise for being welcoming and accessible.
- Former president: Council Member Berry officially ended her term as president of the League of Minnesota Cities at the group’s recent annual meeting. Multiple Council members congratulated Berry for her work in this role.
- GreenStep Cities: West St. Paul has, after years of work, achieved Level 4 in the GreenStep Cities program. This means that the city is collecting valuable data on its environmental impacts and taking steps to make city services more efficient.
- It’s hot!: Multiple City Council members mentioned the current heat wave, urging residents to check on their neighbors and take full advantage of the city’s pool and splash pad.
Other Items on the Agenda
- Community survey: During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), Council reviewed the results of the recent community survey as well as long-term strategic priorities. Both of these reviews are ongoing.
- 150 Thompson: The Economic Development Authority (EDA) approved an extension on the 150 Thompson project. It will push the closing date back 30 days, but will not impact the completion date of the project.
- Overdose prevention: James Johnson Jr., opioid overdose prevention coordinator for Dakota County, gave a brief statement during the public comment period highlighting the organization’s work in the city, including participating in the Cops in the Park program and WSP Pride. He also mentioned that the county makes free Narcan kits available at both Wentworth Library and the Northern Service Center.
Engage
- Watch: City Council, OCWS, and EDA meetings are archived online. You can also watch the video recap from Council Members Robyn Gulley and John Justen.
- Learn more: Guide to West St. Paul City Council.
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