Thanks to Bisanz Brothers, Inver Grove Ford, and Clothesline Laundromat for their support.
Last night, West St. Paul City Council discussed the process of replacing Council Member Robyn Gulley, who was elected to state senate last week, got an update on the 2027 budget including a further reduction in the property tax levy, approved the redevelopment of Evolve Workplace, and swore in a new police officer.
Council Vacancy
With Council Member Robyn Gulley’s election to the state senate, Council will have a vacancy. They discussed the process for appointment during the Open Council Work Session (OCWS).
- Details: Council appoints the replacement, who serves the remainder of Gulley’s term (through 2028). The mayor gets a vote, so an appointment will require four ‘yes’ votes.
- Timeline: Gulley will likely submit her resignation letter soon, effective in early January. That will allow the Council to officially declare the vacancy and pursue an appointment. But they will start an application process earlier.
- Process: Council will follow a similar process to the last appointment (Lisa Eng-Sarne in 2019). They’ll accept applications and create a three-member subcommittee to vet applications and interview candidates. The application form will be edited now and likely approved at the next meeting.
2027 Budget
Staff gave an update on the 2027 budget during the OCWS:
- The property tax levy increase will likely come in at 6.22% (down from 7.28% approved in September and showing up on residents’ statements).
- “I think we made a lot of progress,” said Mayor Dave Napier. “We cut things we feel we can overcome without detriment to a lot of programs and stuff like that. I think we’ve done our job.”
- “When I look at this and look at our neighbors and see the levy rates everywhere else, no one wants the levy to go up, but I think we did a pretty good job of tightening belt as much a possible without injury,” said Council Member John Justen.
- Council Member Lisa Eng-Sarne pointed to the operational goals for each department that tell the story of the budget: “It definitely shows we can walk and chew gum at same time, and save money as well.”
Evolve Workplace Reconstruction
Council unanimously approved a zoning change for industrial zones that eliminated a maximum setback requirement, paving the way for unanimous approval of reconstruction plans for Evolve Workplace. They plan to tear down and rebuild their warehouse and office space.
Other Items on the Agenda
- HIA: Council unanimously approved two measures related to a Housing Improvement Area (HIA) agreement for the Charlton Place condos.
- Police: Mayor Napier swore in new police officer Hannah Buller.
- Election: Council unanimously certified the results of the election.
Engage
- Watch: City Council and OCWS meetings are archived online.
- Learn more: Guide to West St. Paul City Council.
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