Council member Nordby is absent. Council member Woods >> here. >> Council member McKenzie >> here. >> Council member Schwear's absent. Mayor Maggie >> here. Thank you very much. Can I please get a motion to adopt the agenda? >> So moved. >> So moved. Council member McKenzie. Second. >> Second. Council member Woods. All those in favor say I. I. >> I. >> I was hoping you were going to say it because we' be in trouble if you didn't. All right, we're ready. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh so this evening we've got one topic on the agenda and it is uh the management action plan. So, we get together every year, uh, January, February, um, we have, uh, time for council to establish goals and, um, priorities for the year and just kind of lay them out on where you guys are at and where you want us to put our priorities. It's been a busy year. We've had there's a lot on the list and a lot has been accomplished. Um, so that's what we're going to be going through tonight. Um, uh, Mr. Winnick, our finance director, is our MC for this evening. So, I'm going to turn it over to Dan. >> Thank you, >> mayor, council members. Uh, thank you very much. Uh, >> as you can see, we have a a cast of characters. Um, our department heads. >> Um, this is what really makes um our organization very successful on a day in basis. Um, so we have uh Ken who is our community development director. We have Jason, our fire chief. We have Ray, our police chief. Um, we have John, our electric director, and we have Ron, our public works director. Um, we had the privilege this year, oh, and myself. We had the privilege this year to uh join uh the city council and the uh city manager for the retreat and um I think it was the first time that the directors had attended that, attended that and uh I thought it was very meaningful. I think one of the big walkaways that I personally had from the whole entire um you know evening was that uh we both come at it from a different perspective. Um you're looking at things in a much higher global um citywide um viewpoint where we look at things much more on a day-to-day um organizational and how do we accomplish certain things. Um and I and I think that there was an example that that dialogue became very very clear and I think that's what's important about having the department heads at those retreats and then tonight to do a followup um so we can share what we've done and then have you ask some additional questions kind of gives us that vision and that leadership that uh that we need for the remainder of the year and then as we move into 2026. But the dialogue took place is where we rated different priorities and initiatives and I think we had there was like five or six um staff members had voted for a certain item and there wasn't one city council member that voted for it and one of the city council members had said I want to look at this. Why was there such a big difference? And it was um moving towards um a more electronic security for the doors in our facilities. And the question was a asked and we had two individuals um or Jason, our fire chief and and Ron um our public works director who spent a lot of time um with vendors and and looking at different options explain what the needs were. And by the end of the end of the dialogue, city council was very supportive of the city moving forward with that initiative um in which we have um moved forward and we'll hear more about that. But to me that was a clear example of the different sides that were looking at things. Um you're looking at at so many different dynamic components of what's happening in the city. Um, not that the staff doesn't and isn't aware of those, but we're also looking at things more on a, you know, the day-to-day type of basis to it. And I I think that one just gave kind of a clear example of that. So, we've thrown together kind of just a PowerPoint presentation um where we kind of just we'll just kind of quickly look at um from that workshop what the 202526 goals were, the priorities um and then the management action plan and the discussion. What I'm really hoping for tonight is that we don't have to go down through every single piece. We don't have to point out to a department head and say, "Hey, what did you do here? What did you do there?" Really want this to be an interactive just like our retreat was um where there's a lot of questions from city council to staff and staff um engaging back with the city council. I think this is a dynamic um relationship that has been developed um that was greatly enhanced by that retreat earlier in the year and I think we need to continue that um and so I I don't I want this to be just free flow it um because that's really where I think um staff department heads really get the value of what the direction that city council um is looking for. So we had goals. We had uh a number of uh we had I think seven different categories. One was the infrastructure and public safety. Um and there were a number of items that in the goals that were listed from improving roads and utilities to evaluating contracted fire services and adding an assistant fire chief. There was category two was economic development and business growth. Three was financial stability and cost management. Four was community facilities and public spaces. uh five was workforce and organizational development. Six was sustainability and future planning and seven was service quality and community engagement. With those there were a number of priorities and initiatives that were identified from A to U and U was other and that's where our facilitator had requested that staff vote on these different components and city council and then the results um kind of spirit spearheaded what was the number one two three and four and so the number one that was um as An outcome of that with six staff and three city council members was finalize the community center um resolution um followed by uh if I can find number two was invest in downtown development and road improvements. Three was complete past projects including the water tower. Four was apply for more grants. Five was provide competitive pay and benefits to reduce turnover. and I think six was develop strategies to attract and retain staff. Um this is kind of a the the ranking summary um of uh what came out of that day and other actions that were were requested or recommended um from the outcome. And then from there um we've developed a management action plan underneath those seven goals. And so we'll take a look at that. Um the management action plan goal number one, infrastructure and public safety. And we've listed um I think we've got a total of um five items that are underneath this category. And um so we can you know we can go and and and have each department head talk about them um or city council can ask some questions regarding it. Um I'll start it off by just saying the first one is priority and initiatives is complete past projects including the water tower. Um department head staff response was completed the feeder relocation along 17th Avenue from Delaware to Helen. Certain equipment still has longer lead times and must be accounted for in planning. Relocate relocated more overhead to underground. Um that was from our electric director John. Um another one is water tower uh towers design is complete and final planning will begin in 2028 with construction scheduled in 2029. And this public works. Now I can go down the whole entire list um or we can have um city council you know start opening up a dialogue on on a particular item. >> We just go down the list. >> Go down the list. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Uh the next priority initiative was invest in the downtown development and road improvements pavement management program. Um we have electric fund was utilized to kickstart the pavement preservation program. Then we developed a 10-year street plan, major uh reconstruction in odd years, and pavement preservation in even years. Um and and as you're aware, we bonded this year, which we're we're doing the the even um uh or the odd year. Um and then we're uh city council recently just had approved uh the second phase with WSB for next year's um pavement um preservation um program. Um the nurse moved city buildings to a remote keyless card access system and that was the discussion that I was talking about earlier how no city council members had voted for it but staff had but then when we had that discussion um so their company has been Yep. I also think Dip described it perfectly because we're on the the board. We don't get down. So, as far as checking that stuff, but just having it brought up and how much time it took to change from somebody left the codes for going through each door and you know, it really no idea all of a sudden it's really, you know, when you understand the manpower and what it takes. So, it was good that we had the group with us. I think having the the lead the heads of departments with us during this part is is is great and I hope it continues because it brings a lot of lot of information that we might not get having them with us. So >> absolutely agree. Um a vendor has been chosen. Um it was awarded by uh city council. Um Jason, John or Ron, do you want to give any update on when that's scheduled? Uh Jason? >> Yeah. Um at this point it was a few weeks ago we met with uh John who's the vice president watchman. Uh that's the company that's going to be doing the work. Um we're out here reviewing some some of the doors and continued work at Randy and Ron uh working on contractor to change a couple things. Uh but we're expecting in the next couple weeks um a few of his guys to be here. So the low voltage wiring for it. So we don't expect to start seeing the heavy labor if you will starting to run the back possibly next week or two. And >> there we go. >> Thank you. Can you hear me now from the booth that like >> Did you hear anything I said? >> We did, but people at home didn't. >> Copy that. Um, so at this point, um, like I said, it'll be a few weeks, uh, they'll be out here running wires and, uh, shortly thereafter, uh, additional staff to come in and it would take approximately, um, month and a half to two months. So, they're they're hoping at this point that, um, it would be completed by the end of the year. Great. >> Any other questions? >> Yeah. >> Thank you. I guess one question I had is in in addition to just pure replacement of the punch code access system that we have, what other improvements are going to be a part of that implementation? Yeah. So, primarily number one was having uh exterior secured access all the way around the building uh with every service door. Making sure that um with this new system uh we were like we were talking about uh previously that timing uh is key to be able to have somebody come and go and to be able to do that quickly. But along with this system, we're adding in the uh uh the main front door uh at this point is is key only. So that's going to be added to the system where it's going to be um on on the keyless system and uh staff will be able to enter times for obviously it's going to create a little more work, but a little more control of when the door unlocks and and locks in the evenings and daytimes. Um, also on the front staff were adding uh safety type buttons uh if you will. So if they needed to go into uh basically a lockown type mode um that will tie in and notify our PD of what's going on um and secure doors so that um only certain people that are programmed in this to the system can come and go much like the PD. And then additionally, um, with that as well, uh, the potential for, um, I believe in finance and in the community development to kind of have an automatic opening type system. So if a delivery is coming in, they can press a button to allow somebody to come and go. >> Is there a timeline on how long this is going to take? >> Uh, roughly a month and a half to two months. And I think one other thing they're looking at too is we're looking at adding a door in the hallway over here um just to have kind of a secure um area. If something ever went down in here, um council could go out this door. That would be secured. And it's just going to kind of block off um this back area, the meeting room back here. Um >> Okay. >> Just from the public. >> Yep. >> Thank you. Any other questions or discussion on the keyless entry? No. >> So, some of this was cloud-based. Correct. >> We had the option of a cloud-based server or an actual server in our storage room. And the cost was more costefficient to have the server and um in our in our own facility. Awesome. Thank you. >> And we did also this company works with Metro Inet quite a bit. Um that was another big factor um in communicating with Metro Inet is that they were comfortable with their system and what they were using and the safety of their type of servers and system. >> Awesome. Thank you. >> And then we have uh D shift code enforcement from reactive to proactive. Um, I think there's been two workshop items where um code compliance underneath the direction of the of Jason, the fire chief, um has talked to uh city council about uh some of the code compliance um issues and and uh and and the path that they're moving forward. And then in addition, we have uh that you know that electric assist in the code enforcement on electrical issues. And I'll kind of turn that over to John to kind of talk a little bit about um their efforts that they do on the on that side of electric since we haven't really ever heard from from the electric side on the code compliance piece to it. >> Sure. Can you hear me? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, it's not um uh terribly uh common that we have to come in that often, but uh when we do, it's usually because um somebody's, you know, breaking a code in the electrical code and we're we deal with uh directly with the inspectors. Um we bring them in uh we'll go over uh you know properties problem properties uh with the fire department um and Rum River uh just to kind of see if there's anything that we notice that's out of place or needs to be improved. I know uh the most recent example to me uh we had a resident with solar uh that was not registered solar um and there's a there's quite a risk to the utility when that hasn't gone through the proper interconnection application process uh just with the back feed potential and you know an outage we could have power back onto our our high voltage lines. So, uh, it's definitely we've built a good relationship obviously Jason and his team is great. Um, but also with the, uh, electrical inspector, uh, Chris Cowles and, uh, well, with Rum River as well. I I'm still pretty new to dealing with them, but um, yeah, it's been good so far. >> Could I have you expand on um where we stop and where the homeowner starts and their responsibilities? >> Sure. Yeah. Um so you know I I think I've shown the um illustration before but um it's good thing we we show it to residents all the time uh just because there's a common misconception that um you know we take care of everything all the way up to the outlet in their home. Um but really uh realistically we own the what's on the utility poles um the service to the home and then uh if it's an overhead service there's a a masked pipe that sticks up. We don't own that or the wires in it. We just own the meter that's within the socket on the side of the home. Uh and then when it goes to an underground service, we own the wire all the way up to the meter, the top side of the meter and the meter itself, but not the socket. So, um you know, we can usually take care of a lot of issues for people in just those realms, but often times we have to turn it over to um an electrician has to take care of it. And sometimes it gets to the point where it's dangerous to even leave it energized and we have to intervene. >> So, did this homeowner not pull a permit to install this? Uh >> it was a combination of uh many things, but it the first red flag was just that we didn't have an interconnection application. Um so we don't know if they have the proper um like transfer switch basically. So it'll isolate their home from the utility in the event of an outage. Um we were able to go in and incspect. It's very hard to tell when someone does their own work um what's actually going on. So that's when it's nice to get the actual electrical inspector involved. Um and they're usually very responsive and uh within within a day they're out there or have gotten back to us. So >> was the resident uh allowing the the inspector to go in >> or is he fighting it? Uh, I mean, I think it was it wasn't um like pleasant or anything, but it uh everything was allowed to happen and eventually he took the solar panels down. >> Oh, he did. Okay. >> Then the next item that we have is update city codes for clarity and effectiveness. And I know that I' I've seen a a number of times where even this year um in a short period of time that Ken has been with us that he has already brought a number of items uh for city council's review and approval um where there's been you know uh obviously reviewed and then trying to simplify some of the codes and and make them more uniform. Uh Ken, would you care to elaborate a little bit more on on your efforts that you've made to date? Thank you, Dan. >> Is that on? Okay. >> Yes. And thank you, councel. And it's already been six months, but who's counting? Uh, yes. that one of the things I was told early on is this was a goal for the city and had have had a lot of help from both staff and the planning commission on the parts of the codes that are were most troublesome shall we say or needing the most attention and those are the ones that we've brought forward to you so far and we continue to identify more things that definitely should be brought up to date we find codes from 1989 for example We found one that talks about taxi cabs. I don't think we have taxi cabs or licensed them. That'll be another example we'll be bringing forward hopefully by the end of the year. So, we continue to look for those, find those. Sometimes we get hints and direction. Sometimes we just for better or for worse luck upon them and say, "Wait a minute. This isn't so good." So, yes. Uh, so far so good. Ken, I I'm because I'm the leaison for the planning commission, I I'm um enjoying a firsthand view of the work you do and I your attention to detail is wonderful and I can't thank you enough for the good job you're doing. >> Thank you very much. >> We'll move on to uh goal number two, economic development and business growth. Um and one of the priorities uh was modernize the area to attract families and uh you know there's been some accomplishments both with article 7 in Sentinel building increasing the density density in the downtown area and then there's also uh a facade improvement program uh that's been developed and implemented um in the city. Um it's in place and it's ongoing. Um, and I'm going to have Ken talk a little bit about that program. Um, if if not everybody is aware of it. I know we have at least is there at least one EDA member. Um, but Ken. >> Yeah. Thank you, Dan. Uh it's a the facade improvement programs alone program for up to I think 50% of certain facade improvements in the downtown buildings. Typically we've seen this year what in my time uh the replacements of doors and windows that are maybe 40, 50 or more years old to put in new uh entry systems with better glass, better windows or better doors. They look similar, but they're much more energy efficient. And then they modernize the entrances. The program also would work with if, for example, there was brick on a building in the downtown that needed tuck pointing or repair, that might be an eligible uh request that could be made. If somebody wants to even restore, maybe take down some old wooden or vinyl sighting, if there's brick underneath, that might be an option to restore a building back. So those are the kind of things to again both restore and just maintain the downtown buildings are the primary uh reasons for the program. >> Have we had widespread adoption of those funds by the businesses? >> What was the question? >> Have we had a lot of adoption? I mean, have we had a lot of people taking advantage of >> We've had two businesses that have taken advantage of it and done the work. Um, we've had talk of another one coming. So, um, yeah, it's the word's getting out there. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> It's a joint effort, too. It's 50% so they want to they have to have some initiative in it, too. So, >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Some of them are interested and so it's cool. >> Yep. Exactly. And goal number three, financial stability and cost management. Um uh we're currently reviewing and optimize um the garbage contract. Uh right now we're in the process of developing the RFP. Um we hope to have that in front of city council and then issued by the end of the year. Um so uh more to come on that one. it'll be brought in front of the the city council. Um applying for uh more grants. Um uh we're uh in year two of the EAB grant which was for a total of $400,000, $100,000 for the residents, $300,000 for the city. Um and we'll get back to to these in just a second. Um and then we have the police collaboration with Ramsey County, St. Paul and BCA on grant opportunities. and then the inflow and infiltration grant. So, I'm gonna ask uh Ron to kind of touch base on the EAB and the inflow infiltration grant. Um, and then to have Ry kind of talk about his collaboration with Ramsey County, St. Paul, and BCA because he's done an extensive uh work with them and and building that relationship. Um, and so I really think it's something very positive that city council needs to to hear about. So, start off with uh Ron if you don't mind and then we'll turn it over to Rick. >> Uh the EAB grant um the like uh Dan said the $100,000 for the private residents that was it we used up that in the first year um for the residents. Um, and then that left us 300,000. And I I believe I don't know where the exact number is for this year, but I think we're pretty close to having used up um the rest of the money um for the boulevard trees. Um one thing that kind of um the information that we got, uh we they said we didn't have to replace the trees in the resident's yards. We do we don't have to actually put them in the yards, but we actually have to replace the trees in the city. So, I know Josh was working with some of the people. If they wanted them, we'd we'd put them there. If not, we'd put put them somewhere like in a park. Um, but I'm sorry I don't have the exact number where we're at with the grant this year, but I think we're getting down pretty close um to having used all those funds. Um it's a lot of extra work that them grants just uh they come out and they do inspections for every um tree that's removed, the trees that are replanted, the stumps that are removed. Um two like last year they came out and did their inspections and there was one one stump that wasn't removed. So they took uh $180 back from us or they weren't refunding us for that until that stump got removed. So we have to really dot our eyes and cross our tees with that stuff. So, um, it's a lot of work, but it's also a lot of money, and it's really helping us with, you know, where we're at in removing these trees. Um, and then I'll just touch on the the inflow infiltration grant. That's that >> could you expand on where you at on the removals and what kind of time frame are you still looking at? Um, we get a lot of reports of dead trees over the roads and, you know, people get concerns and stuff like that. So, >> yeah. Um, I believe, and don't quote me exactly on these numbers. I haven't touched B I should have touched base with Josh today today on but um I I believe we're down to about 200 200ish 250ish trees somewhere right around there is that that's what we have left to remove. um we usually remove about 120 trees ourselves and then the grant with with the help of the grant with the contractors that that was about depending on how many there were normally about 50 um on top of that. So we're hoping I think in the next couple of years that we'll have all the the ash trees um removed from from the town and it was a 10-year plan. Um, I believe we're we're we're ahead of schedule on the 10-year plan because the help of the grant. Um, I'm not going to give you exact numbers here because I don't have that. >> We had a mild winter last year, so we're able to do more, too. >> The grant really helped us out. But, you know, with this when we it's when we're removing these trees. Um, the trees have to be replaced. So, this is, you know, a tree gets removed, the stump gets ground, all this, and then we have to do the restoration for that. And then we have to buy new trees. the new trees got to be replaced, planted, and then we got to water those trees. You'll see trees with a bag around them. Um, that's for water, you know, keeping them watered. So, um, there's a lot, you know, you just can't go, hey, you know, we got a price for $1,000 to remove a tree and we have $300,000. We should be able to remove 300 trees. You know, there's a lot more that goes into each one where we got to replace these trees as part of that grant. So, >> how long you say the bag on there? How long does the city do that before the the um homeowners expected to take over? Is there a is it right away? Is it >> um I asked and I think I answer I think you asked me that question and I got that answer from Josh and I can't remember >> okay >> what what it is. I I'll get back to you. That's fine. >> I I'll check with I'll check with him. I don't want to tell you something wrong. People are listening. So, >> is there still a grant available to continue this? >> Um there is. I I believe something just came out again. It's the same type of grant. Um Josh was uh looking it over and we were going to talk about it and see if I mean I don't know if it's this kind of money again. I don't know the details, but it was just like a week or two ago we we had talked about this. So >> can I add that uh so your guys' bucket truck is looking to be replaced? Um so you might be holding on to that second one at least for a little bit to help removal. So, yes, thank thanks for that, Brian. Um, yes, we um we ordered a new bucket truck. It was ordered a few months ago. Um it's uh we should take delivery on it here shortly and before we go and sell our other bucket truck. Um we are going to keep that through the winter so we can have two crews out trimming. So, um the new bucket truck we got is a lot taller one so we can get at some of the bigger trees, taller trees. Um but that is kind of the plan right now. if, knock on wood, if we have mild winter again, we have some extra time. Um, so we're kind of making that as part of the plan to get two crews out. Uh, so hopefully we can maybe, you know, get even more ahead of where we're at, but it's all weather dependent, but that's kind of the the plan right now. Yeah. And then any more questions on the tree stuff? Um, inflow infiltration grant. Um, that is a grant that comes out from the Met Council. And Dan, correct me if I'm wrong on these numbers. I I I believe it's $40,000 we get or $45,000 we get. The Met Council offers that to pretty much all the cities that are associated with them. Um, and what that is for is for people that have uh your sewer lines that have cracks in them or their old clay and water gets in in those because you know, all of our sewage is metered going out of town. So any rain water or anything that gets in to the sanitary sewer system, we basically pay to get rid of that um sewage. So we've done this for the last two years. Uh the grants used up this year, it's up to it's basically half the cost up to $5,000 for someone that um you know wants or comes across a sewer problem. Um and like I said, we've done that for the last two years and I believe it's 40 or $45,000. So, some res residents benefit, you know, from that. Um, and it's kind of nice if we're out and we're talking to someone or they're having a sewer problem, we inspect everything on our side, um, they have a contractor come out, look at it, we can say, "Hey, we have this grant. You can, you know, apply for it, you know, when the money is out there." So, it's been a very positive things and it's kind of a a nice thing that we can at least have some good news for a resident, you know, because, you know, the residents own their sewer line from, you know, in their house all the way out to the to the main and the same with their water line. Um, so it's it's kind of a nice thing uh if residents can take advantage of that. >> Good. Thank you, >> Ray. >> Hello, council. Thank you. Uh just want to touch on uh one of the partnership grants that we partnered with uh Wiper Lake and Ramsey County Sheriff's Office is Ramsey County Sheriff's Office um approached us along with Whitebear Lake in an automobile theft prevention grant. Uh basically um they do all the leg work for us. Um and we uh get their resources as part of the grant and any time we put in with our officers our investigations unit towards automobile theft cases. Uh we receive reimbursement for their training um for their time. And not only that, but if we need if our case uh is bigger than what we can take on, we can utilize two of their investigators. Um we can utilize their drones. We also acquired two flock cameras out of this grant which will be going up in uh um two areas of North St. Paul. Um Wiper Lake also acquired flock cameras. So, um, with their flock cameras, Ramsey Countyy's flock cameras and our flock cameras, we all can tap into each other's cameras system. Um, so wherever Ramsey County has theirs, uh, we can see what's going on in their world and they can see what's going on in our world. Um, you know, in the event we have a case or an incident that happens in our city, um, and then it bleeds into, uh, you know, St. Paul or South Metro um or White Bear Lake uh we can utilize those cameras to help the solvability of that case. So um resources that are very beneficial and bring up stats um in solvability which is what we need um deployment of these six a uh LPR cameras which are going to be um license plate reader cameras. So, not only can we see what's going on, but if there's vehicles involved in those um frames, we can capture their uh their license plates, too. $125,000 in annual overtime funding. Um this is big because a lot of cases um that are ex of significance, especially heinous crime cases are they're going to eat up our uh detectives time. Um so getting reimbured for that overtime um is going to be very beneficial for us. Um we also um we also have a partnership with the Ramsey County Traffic Safety Initiative. Uh so towards zero death. Um it's a grant-f funded um uh partnership where any of our officers that are trained and meet a criteria to TZD standards, they can participate in details like uh um seat belt waves, DWI waves, um um electronic use waves. not only can they go out to these other cities and participate in their details, but we also host these details. So, anytime we do, we can bring in everyone from the county that is a partner in this. Um, so not only would it be North St. Paul officers working our streets, um, it would be St. Paul PD, it would be Wiper Lake, it would be Mountains View, um, any of the Ramsey County partners that are part of TZD. So, it's great for us when we have especially when we're three square miles uh and we have we host one of these events because we end up with 20 to 30 squads in our city that are basically on every street uh for a period of time throughout that detail. So, for several hours um it is a very nice uh uh uh detail. Um, so those those two those two grants basically are the most recent ones that we um partnered with and are going to be huge. Um, I I I think the the Ramsey County partnership with this investigation for autotheft is going to be a big one. We've had a over the last several months, we've had a rash of autothefts, not only in a not in just one particular area of the city, but it just all over the city. So, being able to have our investigators now do extra work um outside of their normal hours, meaning do some undercover work um and bring in two investigators from Ramsey County uh under this grant is going to be huge for us. So, >> anything else? Is there anybody of your officers actually doing the TCD right now? >> We are just about We literally just signed all of our paperwork. So, we're just getting going. We have two of our officers right now at the TCD conference uh down in Prior I think it's in Prior Lake. Um so, when they come back, we'll be ready to rip and roar. and we have several officers that are um they're they're qualified to take on the TCD details right now. So, and we have several more officers that are interested in taking on uh the overtime for that, too. So, the more the marrier that we can get involved with with that program. Chief, is is there anything we can do as a city to make collaboration easier and or better for you across the street with Washington County because it's just across the street or is that is that just a dead >> That's a that's a great question. I think if we were to acquire a grant writer, um it would build mountains for us. Mhm. >> Uh we don't have a grant writer right now and writing grants is very time consuming and so if we were to have somebody come in like that and could write us up uh those grants, it would be huge. And a lot of those grants are like these where we partner with neighboring agencies um because uh Ramsey County has been a big supporter of us um in a lot of our grants. Um and typically if we if we are going to partner it's going to be with White Bear Lake, Melons View, Maplewood, um Roseville um but it would be great to partner with neighboring counties. So yeah, a grant writer would be very beneficial. Thank you. >> Thank you. [Music] >> Any other question on on either for Ron or for Ray? >> Yeah. Uh how's the partnership with BCA going and how long how much longer do we uh are we sharing? >> Great question. >> Um the partnership is wonderful. Um, we've utilized uh Freddy's teams multiple times since he's been on it. Um the the the agreement right now is tech technically going to be up next year, but >> um because the team the program is going so well and they're just generating such high numbers on um recovering recovering drugs, recovering firearms, um arrest. Um we're hoping that we're going to hear the news that it's going to be extended. Um, I know some state funding is not going so well right now. So, I all of us are sitting on the edge of our seat. All of us chiefs that are uh uh participate in this are sitting on the edge of our seats waiting for the BCA to let us know that we're going to go another three years and we got the money to do it. So, um, as of right now, our contract is going to be up next year, but we're hoping that it's it's going to change >> to be up by December of 2026 and then had we hear that >> I think it's going to be June, right, Dan? I I think it would I think it goes till June. >> Okay. >> June of 2026. >> Okay. >> So, >> good to know. I know that he's been a huge asset, but that's also been a huge asset to our department. So, >> absolutely. And he's loving it. >> Yeah, I know. I know. I do too. >> He's loving it over there. >> Hopefully, it get it gets extended. >> Yeah. >> Yep. And I'll keep you all posted on that as well, >> please. >> Yep. >> Any other questions, Ron, Ray, before we move on? And then the last item that we have underneath this goal is financial planning. Um that's been a big initiative uh for from uh Brian our city manager and myself. Um none of it could ever happen without the support of uh city council um and the great work that each and every one of our department heads um does. Um we've developed and we're maintaining 10ear financial uh and CIP plans. We've modified financial policies and we've improved the city's financial position. Um, you know, we've modified the fund balance policy. You've seen our bond rating go up, um, which is, uh, which is pretty remarkable for the size of city that we have, um, and even with the amount of debt that we're carrying. But we've put ourselves in a very good financial position. Um you've seen um where we've uh continuously tried to implement different programs um as far as our infrastructure and our streets um and trying to find ways to be able to fund those um not just now but into the future um trying to move ourselves more to a cash basis versus a debt basis. So, I think we've had a lot of great accomplishments and it and it really goes um to the support that city council has given because obviously um it requires us to raise a levy um which puts a burden on our taxpayers um but um you know it is something that's absolutely um needed within the city. Um so I'll stand for if there's any questions regarding the financial planning component um of the financial stability and cost management. goal >> just that we appreciate that we're going out 10 years. That's huge that we're I've heard um from different cities. Maplewood, they're trying to get out to the in different cities trying to get out that far. So, I'm glad that we have the goals, multi-year goals. That does help quite a bit. We know it's going to change, but at least it's on the radar. Move it. We know that there's going to be a cost sometimes. >> Yeah. and and and we've already had some items that um you know have been discussed and there's going to be you know one item that'll be coming in probably about a month in a workshop to city council and I'll talk about that in a second but if you remember in our CIP plan we we talked about the fire truck that's out there is it 2028 or 9 or that and there was some discussion of maybe moving that up um earlier than that um and we had the fire chief talk about that he's done already um just the way our fire chief is um he's already been out talking to vendors trying to find out what's kind of the best deal that he possibly could get at that point at this point in time. Um and I think he's getting his um at some point in the near future that he'll um he's been communicating with the city manager onto it that they'll bring an item and and maybe request that we move that up for up sooner than later. if you remember, it was out at um 2028 at about two million. Um and he's looking at potentially at if we move it up earlier at about a 1.7. Um and that's part of where that financial planning and we move oursel to a more cash basis allows us to be able to do some of those components like that and actually save the residents in the long run. Um, another item that we're going to be hearing in a month from from now, um, is that I think many of you, the city council members, are are well aware, um, that we've had, um, some some issues with our body cam, um, and, um, our vehicle uh, surveillance um, components to it. Um, we're currently on a system that, um, is creating a lot of issues and we desperately need to get off of that. um our fire our uh our police chief uh Rey has u spoken with uh two vendors um and um presented some um basically you've got demonstrations on both of their systems. Um, and I think the city will be bringing in about a month uh kind of the preferred vendor um to do a workshop um and to have city council kind of look at that as an option. We threw out to that vendor as a as a negotiation piece to it. They gave us a proposal which was much much much less than we'll say vendor A. Vendor B came in quite considerably. But we threw an option back to them that if we were to, you know, for a five-year contract, if we were to pay everything upfront, would would we get a reduction in that? And they have come back and said absolutely they'll give a reduction. Again, it's another point that cash can save the city money. Actually, they're they're what they would give to us would be better than what we could invest that money today in in today's rates. and the rates are are continuously going down right now at this point in time. Um so it it's actually um kind of beneficial. How would we be able to afford that? If you remember earlier in one of our budget discussions that we do have a a debt service fund that was completed last payment was in uh February of this year and we do have some funds that are left over. um it'll be a recommendation from the the city manager to utilize some of those funds to pay for this this system and so we can get that going and moving forward. But that item will be coming up uh in about a month. I think 18th is it the 18th of November. Um that item will be coming. Again, all part of that financial planning and and and mayor, you're absolutely right. The 10-year plan is is always growing. It's it's dynamic. It's changing all the time. Um but at least it gives us kind of a footprint of where we're heading and trying to get ourselves in a better planning position. Um because it's going to take a number of years um with unfortunately levy increases to get us to where we really need to be. So and then goal uh area number four is the community facilities and public spaces. And the number one priority and if you remember it was the number one um that was uh voted on in our work or in our uh retreat and it's uh the finalized the community center resolution. I think right now it's the city council has passed a resolution to not move forward with the existing facility and staff is working on exit plans. Um, we also have the continuation of the student build housing and we'll ask and I'll just go through these and then ask any questions and and we have uh department heads here to answer any questions. Uh, continuation of student build housing. Um, the the city council has approved that finalized contract with St. Paul College. Um, and then we also have enhancing parks and adding ice ranks and reopening warming houses. Um and um you know and we'll have Ron speak a little bit. Um if you remember uh park and wreck uh commission didn't have items that were identified for the 2025 in their CIP. um they had had requested some of them um underneath the council member leadership of uh council member um Schweir um that they prioritized a number of items for for 2025 that the city council had um approved um Ron and and the public works department has taken um on a number of those items um to make them more attractive and enhancing u more resident participation and Ron will talk a little bit about that before Ron talks about that. Do we want to talk about the first two items on the community center um or the student built housing? Um and I think Brian may give a little bit update on the last um home, the last student built um house. >> Yeah. So, uh the latest up to date for bills that have come through, we're at about that 213 is that total for bills come in for that building for that one. So, we're at uh just over $213,000 for uh the cost that we put into that house. Um >> this year >> Oh, this year last year I see. So, it's a total of a little over $300,400. Um and it was sold for uh $349 and um >> so or 449, pardon me. Yes. and uh and you take about 15 out of that for all the closing costs and everything. So, um which will be good. There'll be some money left over going to the next place and uh which will be starting up hopefully shortly. Um we're getting excavator lined up. Um and then uh the concrete crew's already been lined up, but we just got to get the finalization on the excavator and then he'll be available probably about two weeks. We're hoping on that. So, it's coming along. about what 3 weeks >> probably hopefully two weeks he'll be here to to start the the excavation. Yeah. So he'll both dig the basement and then also dig in water sewer for the two units. >> Is there going to be a ground breaking? >> No, unfortunately it's it's late in the year at this point. Um yeah, so and we historically had not done a groundbreaking. We always have the open house at the end. So, yeah. >> Thank you. >> And then Ron, I'm going to ask you to kind of talk a little bit about some of those enhancements that you've done in the park this year that came up for 2025. >> Yeah. So for 2025 um with uh the parks and recck commission, I I attended a couple of the meetings kind of um get their idea or I know they had some things that they put in there that we came up with or Dan came up with some money that we could do. Um down at uh Casey Lake Park, we took out two ball fields back there. Uh we um dug out all the egg line. public works did all this and then we uh I think Randy scredged up some dirt from a couple different places that we we were able to haul in dirt to fill those back in. Um so those got black dirted, seated, uh we extended the irrigation out there to take care of all that. So we took the pavilions down that were dilapitated out there. Um took out the concrete slabs that were there, uh black dirted and seated those. Um, and the last thing really I got to do for that is I got to order some soccer nets that we can put out there. That was per one of the requests of the parks commission. Um, >> can I can I stop you on that for a second? What was that project estimated through the park and rec commission? >> I think it was uh $100,000. >> And and what do you estimate that you've paid to date and then with the soccer nets and that that you're planning on? I I don't know the exact cost of soccer yet, but I would say with everything probably under $10,000 >> and that's I wanted I want I purposefully asked him that question because I wanted it on public record that we actually hear that you know we take these these items and because of the great staff that we have, the leadership and the staff that we are looking at the most cost-effective way to carry out these projects. for our residents. And so you see something that was at 100,000 and and >> yeah, and I can say, like I said, our crews worked very hard at we talked about where we could get dirt each day or where we could get it. We originally thought we could get it mostly from the project. And then just the timing of that didn't work out and they didn't have as much dirt as we actually needed. So then we started looking at Facebook marketplace at people looking to get rid of dirt and we ended up finding dirt and hauling it and uh you know doing that. Basically the dirt that we paid for was the black top soil. So because we wanted something really nice for that um we uh rented a hydro cedar um from the company that we buy our our grass seed from. So we were able to do to do that. Our crew did that on our own. Uh we also went out and did a bunch of the stumps that we ground ourselves and hydro seated those uh just to you know save money so we weren't paying for that also. So um uh Gaga ball pit I got we have all the parts and pieces for that. I ordered a kit for that that we just have to put together that's back at our shop. Um we're going to assemble that. Uh we also have uh wind screens for the Hosy Park pickle ball courts that will be put up. Um there was a 10 10 week lead time on that. I just received I probably received them about three weeks ago. Um we decided that we'd hold off on putting them up. So we didn't want to put them up, take them down, and have them go through winter just for the longevity of that. And then the there's a playground equipment at Polar Park that's all going to get replaced. um that was ordered. That was a 10 to 14 week lead time that will get installed also in the spring, but um by the time we get it, it'll probably be towards the end of the year. So um then we're just some of the things that weren't scheduled for 2025 that we got put in and um got taken care of. So anything I missed on there, Cassidy? >> No, I think you hit it. >> Okay. >> I mean, Parks and Rec has something to be proud of for doing something like this this year. I mean, huge improvements, but small costs, I think. So, >> yeah, >> thank you for your leadership on that commission. So, that's what really got it going. So, yeah, >> we have a good commission. >> And it helps. And I I we should add and I I want to commend your team, Ron. Um, and really when it comes down to recruiting and hiring the individuals in public works, we are hiring top-notch individuals that can do things that we do not have to outsource for. So, that's where we're also saving a lot of money. Same goes for the electric department. I mean, I know that this is under one umbrella that um we we are smart as a city when it comes to staffing because these individuals um on their salary, it may cost a little bit more, but it's going to cost us less in the long run. So, I Jenny, you're doing fantastic and hiring managers, you're doing just as well by finding these candidates. >> Very, very true. Any other questions on this one? And then we'll move to goal number five. >> I would just request that when it comes to the community center and as we are working on exit plans that there's just some transparency on where we're at, what does this look like. Um I know that there's been conversations about the generator and what that looks like to move it and or replace it. Um so I would like more discussion and possibly a workshop on what are we going to do with the facility. We've decided to move forward with not accepting the funds, but let's move forward with talking about what are we doing with the facility now. >> I know you're still looking at numbers is what we got. We got some things that are coming up. So, that's good. We could have a workshop. I agree. >> Yeah. I mean, it's not tonight obviously isn't the time to talk about it, but I request a workshop regarding just an update on that. >> Absolutely. I think goal number five, workforce and organizational development. Um, you know, we uh, Council Member Schweer just hit on some some big key pieces to it. Um, that um, we we have u a fantastic staff uh, all the way from top to all the way to every level that's that's in the organization. um going to kind of just uh ask for kind of two components to be kind of explained a little bit here. I want to give Jenny an opportunity to talk a little bit about um what she's been doing. I know she's been in the process and she's been working with the city manager on kind of reviewing our personnel policy. Kind of want her to talk a little bit about that. Um, you know, we've just, uh, recently implemented the, uh, a new payroll HR system, um, which allows us the ability to do a little different postings, um, reach out to individuals, make things more modern, um, instead of a paper driven system. Um, so, and, uh, kind of wanted to have her talk, uh, about that because she's, you know, touches so many different components from health all the way through, you know, every benefit that we have. So, if I can give you just uh to speak a little bit for us. >> Sure. Thank you. Um yeah, it's been great uh working with Dan in finance um implementing our uh HRIS system and payroll system. It's going to benefit both employer and employee um on the-go apps. Um open enrollment we'll be able to do right online um which we'll be doing next week. And um as far as our health insurance, we do have some uh health initiatives that they offer um that which I know is on here for uh one of the areas for goals and they offer up to $1,000 um per employee to earn per year and that would be if you're a family member of five, you can earn up to $5,000. Something as simple as walking 5,000 steps a day um earns you $5.25 25 cents a week or taking annual physical um will get you $50 a week. So, um a lot of great things happening. Um the personnel policy is overdue for uh updates. Um been working with Brian and um getting that updated. Uh there's a lot of new policies that have come into place since it's been updated. So, it's a little bit of a process, but we're getting there and all great things happening. So, thank you. >> Thank you. And obviously with the support of city council um and uh the the job that uh um our city manager did in the the last union uh negotiations, you know, did a market study um I think we gave a very lucrative um three-year contract to to staff um and kept ourselves very competitive um in the market. Um, I just want to touch one piece and and I want our electric director, John, to to talk a little bit. Um, he's kind of develop some strategies to attract and retain staff in his own electric department. I'd like to give him an opportunity to kind of talk a little bit about those. >> Yeah, thank you. Um yeah, so uh recently we've uh I wouldn't say we've had a lot of turnover, but we do have some younger members on our staff and um those guys are very interested in engaging with um other communities and and going out and helping with storm restoration and uh um and getting their hands on things that I think in the past maybe we didn't um we didn't always engage in going to like like I we have on here the the line worker rodeos. Um we sent a member of our staff down to Marshall to compete um last month and uh it's just something that it kind of leads the way to other guys getting the courage to do stuff like that and to put themselves out there. It's very intimidating in the trades to uh to try and show that you're as good or if not better than other people at certain things. I think everybody's got this feeling that they have their self-confidence in themselves, but uh to actually put it on to display is very nerve-wracking thing. So, >> I give them a lot of kudos and I think it showed a lot of our guys that they could do that type of thing. >> Uh we also did send guys down to uh Florida uh last year um for the restoration on uh Hurricane Milton um which uh I know we've engaged in mutual aid in the past uh but it just been something that had been quite a while. Um, and I think we finally have staff members that are willing and able to go do that sort of thing. Um, it has definitely, I think, given those guys a motivation to, um, show up to work and to perform at their best each day. Um, and it also, I think, gives them hope that they have these opportunities to, uh, to continue to do these things. Uh we also uh East and Dale, our superintendent uh won a rising star award within the um uh mutual or the MMUA uh sorry uh the summer conference. They have a big awards presentation. Uh there was five award recipients and Eastston our superintendent was one of them. The rising star award was basically just identifying someone that's been within their position for less than five years and has made a significant impact uh to their community. Uh he's definitely been somebody that I think stepped up in a time of a lot of change for us. You know, we had Brian moving up, myself moving into my role, and someone in the crew had to fill that position. Um and it wasn't uh it's it's a lot of responsibility to take on. Um and and he he's taken it with stride and and he's implemented a lot of changes within our crew uh to keep people safe and to um encourage guys to speak their mind and and uh uh hone their crafts. >> Did he earn it this year? >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Did we do um anything recognizing him through social media andor a spotlight for him? we hadn't and it's been depending on the department. Um I think PE is a good example of that that uh some people don't want that information out there. Some people are more sensitive about that. So >> he was in the newsletter. >> Okay. >> Y >> um and so I think Ava wrote up a little snippet piece on it. >> Yeah. >> He was also in a MMUA does a publication that all the award recipients were in that as well. >> Nice. which I completely understand your point on that as well. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I think um if he was approached about it, he may be open to it, but I also he's also definitely a very >> doesn't like the spotlight. So, >> yeah, >> I can appreciate that, too. >> You'll climb up a pole to get away from somebody. >> Probably. >> And the PD will be there to assist him down. Same with the value department. Yeah. >> Yeah. That's a That's kind of >> When you say rodeos, I'm thinking legit rodeo. Is that okay? Sorry. >> I I like that they're called rodeos because I think it gives that appeal like people are riding broncos and stuff. Uh mostly it's uh climbing. They're doing different climbing demonstrations. They do a like a hurt man rescue. >> Okay. >> Like someone's passed out on the pole and you're saving them. Um and then just performing different tasks like who can do it the most efficiently. Cool. >> And then usually there's like written test portions too. I'm not sure if this one had I don't think it did. >> He didn't win any prizes, but it was definitely a an eye opener I think for him. >> Sure. >> Thank you for the clarity of that. >> Yeah, of course. >> We'll move on to goal number six, sustainability and future planning. And we have a a number of items that uh we've got uh listed underneath that um from uh funding building and facilities maintenance create the plan. We've already kind of heard about the financial plan to um there address the south wood and invasive species. Um there is a plan that's uh a map of the area that's been developed and they're developing a comprehensive plan. Uh introduce incentive based electric programs. Example, timebased um EV metering. Um planning for connected and sustainable development. Um and then city beautifification. Um are there you know we've got like nine minutes left to uh the workshop. Um, is there any of those items you'd like uh little followup, a little bit more information from, uh, department head? >> Nope. We'll go to goal number seven. Service quality and community engagement and uh enhance the city website for clearer resident information access electrical customer service and community engagement community events. You know I just my own perspective I think we've done one heck of a great job in uh for a city for an organization in this area. We've updated our our website. Um Ava uh deserves a lot of credit. um the event planning um getting people from not only the city of nursing but all over the Twin Cities to attend some of these these various events. Um she puts a lot of time in and a lot of effort um and I think it really does put uh the city of North St. Paul on that map. Well, sorry always was on the map. It just gives us a little bit more of a recognition. I I I think that that needs to be um you know uh recognized. And then you know we you know we've got an electric department that is uh continuously looking at different ways to um you know give opportunities uh in the environmental arena um to to help out our residents um and they're move you know I think it was just uh just adopted the EV um charging um and the rates and so forth. So I I think there's been a lot of uh just big excitement in in the service quality and community engagement. I know personally, I think I've shared this at city council um meetings in the past, um both the community development um front uh counter um staff and the finance counter staff. I truly have never seen customer service um to that level. Um they're very calm, very accommodating, um very helpful to any resident that that comes in. um very uh pleased uh in in seeing how they handle um a wide variety of customers and personalities. Um so I think the the city really does hang on to that service quality as being a a top one thing, you know, top thing that they really uh strive for. And I think again I think council member Schwar, you know, hit it. I think it really does have it goes down to who the individuals are that we've hired. Um, and more importantly, um, and I've seen it changed a great deal, and I'm going to give the credit to the city council and our city manager. Um, the culture of this place has changed greatly. Um, and I think tonight demonstrates that where we can sit as department heads and be very comfortable um, across the way with an elected a body of elected officials and have this type of dialogue and feel comfortable and answering questions and and kind of in certain ways because most of us here in this room, I know on the department head do not like to pat ourselves on the back, but for us to try to talk about some of our accomplishments. A lot of that culture change has come with our city manager. Um he allows us to do our job on a day in dayout basis. When we have an issue that we can bring it forth to him, he'll be supportive of it and then we can bring it to city council where again you have demonstrated time after time a very supportive nature. So we do have five minutes left to answer any questions. I wanted to get that in before we were done because I'm very pleased with the group I call my peers and and the group that I look up to every single day and try to do whatever is necessary to keep this organization that much better except for Commissioner um McKenzie. I knew that was coming. >> Great. >> Can I say something? >> Absolutely. First of all, I want to thank all the office, Ron John Ray Jason, all your staff for all what you guys do. That's amazing. Now, Ron just tells his guys, "Go to Mackenzie's house. You'll find your way." So, no, you guys have put on a great program this summer. It's been great. Just now we got to get the sweepers out and start the streets. >> When's that coming? When's that coming? >> Yeah, >> Dan, I appreciate that you um led this. This was something that was new for all of us this year. and the transparency to not only the council but the residents on where we are with this action plan is pretty important. So, um, thank you all for coming here tonight to follow through with where are we with our goals that we put in place and if we're not there, how are we going to get there? So, thank you for that. Thank you, Brian. I'll just add that um you guys and your staff are really all the face of new of North St. Paul. So you guys are the ones interacting with the residents day in and day out. Um so you guys are the ones seeing the goods and the bads of North St. Paul. So um any way we I mean we're just here to help you guys really. So any way we can help you, you know, that's what our job is. So let us know >> for myself too. The the people elected us, they put their faith in us and as the the chairman of the board and the the council and uh we have our faith in uh Brian run it day by day. That's what's nice about this to be able to see you guys because, you know, we don't talk to you on a regular basis when there's something that comes up. But, you know, I think we're really good at the the chain of command here and city manager does a good job of running and you guys as the executives and and in charge of your departments uh definitely and you talk to your people, too. So, I really am glad we did this again. We did it for the workshop and we brought everybody together and I think a couple times a year I think it's very important so we can all get together and have a a status and see where we're at and be able to share the wins with everybody that you have and be able to any concerns be able to to do that too. So it's been a it's been a great meeting. I appreciate it. >> Just thank you very much. You are appreciated. >> All right. It's right at 6:30. I call for adjournment. >> So moved. >> So moved. Council member Schwear. >> Second. >> Second. Council member Mackenzie. All those in favor say I. >> I. Let's give us five minutes to get ready for the next one. So 6:35.