Dick Vitelli – West St. Paul Reader

April 13, 2026 West St. Paul City Council meeting

West St. Paul City Council Recap: April 13, 2026

The City Council approved a second and final cannabis dispensary, set a new direction for the 424 Butler townhouse project in a partnership with Habitat for Humanity, and failed to approve a salary increase for the first time in at least a decade.

July 28, 2025 West St. Paul City Council meeting

West St. Paul City Council Recap: July 28, 2025

An updated prevailing wage ordinance passed on a rare tie-breaking vote from the mayor during West St. Paul’s City Council meeting. They also got an early look at the 2026 budget and a potential property tax levy of at least 8%.

Crowd gathered for the dedication of the West St. Paul Sports Complex

1984: West St. Paul Votes to Create Sports Complex

On May 22, 1984, West St. Paul voted in a referendum to create the West St. Paul Sports Complex. At a total cost of $1.1 million, the park turned 20 acres into sports fields, playground, concession stand, and a horseshoe pavilion.

May 13, 2024 West St. Paul City Council meeting

West St. Paul City Council Recap: May 13, 2024

The West St. Paul City Council spent considerable time discussing rental housing, including health and safety, power imbalance, and lack of engagement. Council also declared Arbor Day on May 17.

Charter Commission Considers Council Pay Raise

West St. Paul’s Charter Commission will consider City Council salary increases, with proposals ranging from the standard 3% to a substantial 58%.

1999: Voters Decide on Dakota County’s Northern Service Center

In 1999, a special election determined if West St. Paul would host the Dakota County Northern Service Center. The issue sparked heated debate that popped up again more than 20 years later.

West St. Paul City Council Hires New City Attorney

For the first time in nearly 30 years, West St. Paul will be represented by a new legal firm.

Standing ovation for retiring Council Member Dick Vitelli at his last West St. Paul City Council meeting.

West St. Paul City Council Recap: Dec. 12, 2022

Community members packed city hall for a public hearing on a proposed mental health center, which West St. Paul City Council voted unanimously to approve. Council also approved the 2023 budget, approved purchasing the Hy-Vee property, and reviewed the new bike and pedestrian plan.

Residents speaking during a West St. Paul City Council meeting

West St. Paul Community Supports Mental Health Crisis Center

The community came out in droves to speak about a proposed mental health crisis center, which City Council voted to approve unanimously.

West St. Paul City Council Members Throughout History

Since 1889, 168 people have served on the West St. Paul City Council. Here’s a look at each council, when they served, and some council factoids.