All right, call the meeting to order. Stand for the pledge of allegiance, please. >> Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you very much. Roll call, please. Council member Nordby >> here. >> Council member Woods >> here. >> Council member McKenzie >> here. >> Council member Schwar >> here. Mayor Mongy >> here. I have a motion to adopt the agenda, please. >> So moved. >> Second. Wood. Second. >> McKenzie. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All right. Thank you. First up, uh we have a presentation this evening. U we have a proclamation for a Gene Burwald day. We have uh Jean's son and Jean's grandson here today. So, Bill and Brian, if you guys could join us up to the podium, please. >> I would like the whole council to come down because he meant so much to all of us. So, please everybody come down. >> Yeah, please. All right. Well, I can't tell you how much Jean has meant to the city, so I'll just jump into our proclamation. So, honoring Gene Burwald, whereas Gene Berwald spent his life deeply rooted in north in the North St. Paul and White Bear Lake communities where he built not only a livelihood but a legacy grounded in relationships, integrity, and service. And whereas Gina exemplified an enduring commitment to community service, contribution to charitable efforts, embodying the highest ideals of generosity and civic responsibility. And whereas he helped grow the and lead the Burwald roofing and sheet metal, a family business founded in 1936, serving as respected president and steward of multi-generational enterprise that contributed significantly to the growth and development of North St. Paul and the greater Twin Cities region as well. Uh and whereas under his leadership, the company became known for its quality craftsmanship and played a vital role in major regional construction projects, contributing to infrastructure, economic strength, and the skyline of Minnesota while enhancing the overall uh vitality of the community it served. And whereas through thoughtful investment in both people and community, his work supported and sustained the employment of many, reflecting a steadfast commitment to building a strong future and expanding opportunity for generations of workers and families. And whereas he was recognized as a valued member and pillar of North St. Paul community and this exper and these experiences and contributions preserved with the local historic record through effort to document the honor and community heritage. And whereas his life marked an extraordinary generosity, unwavering trustworthiness, and sincere willingness to listen, mentor, and uplift others, leaving a profound enduring influence on his family, friends, employees, and the broader community. And whereas his legacy reflects a vision of community grounded in service, investment, and shared success, strengthening the foundation for continued growth and prosperity. Now there now therefore be it proclaimed that we honor the life and legacy of Gene Berwald and do hereby designate May 5th, 2026 as Gene Burwald Day in recognition of his enduring contribution to the city of North St. Paul and for the example he has set throughout a life of hard work, generos generosity, leadership, and service. In witness thereof, this proclamation is issued in honor of a life well served and a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide future generations. Thank you. >> Thank you for coming. All right. Thank you everyone. It was an honor to do that >> indeed. >> All right. On to the consent agenda. Uh item A, April 7th, 2026 workshop and regular meeting minutes. Item B, general claims of $545,715.71. Item C, H claims of $9,74961. Item D, acceptance of the 2025 financial reports that were audited by the city's audit firm of LB Carlson LLP. And item E, the ask me non-essential union supplemental agreement for 2026 for summer hours. >> All right. Anyone would like to pull anything at this time? If not, could I have a motion, please? >> So move. Council member McKenzie. >> Second. >> Second. Council member Norby. All those in favor say I. I. >> I. Thank you very much. We will open to the public now at 6:39. John Schmall. >> John. >> Evening. John Schwall, 2750 Chisum Avenue. Um, just trying to help out. I'm always trying to be helpful. And you've got a uh resolution tonight that uh if I can find it because I just had uh an eye exam and I'm not up to all those nice uh things that they pour in your eyes and you can't see for a whole day. Anyway, in one of the warehouses, it says the city of nursing pole has applied to the city of nursing Paul. Now, there's a shoe in for you. You want to take a, you know, you can bet on anything these days and you could bet a million bucks on that and win anyway. Uh, that a lot with variance of 9.07. Is it not customary to state what the unit is like miles or blocks or feet? Maybe it should have a feet there. I suggest that it has feet there. And second item is that uh it was very nice that you included in the newsletter the link to the uh presentation to the uh Senate committee on the uh boneheaded idea of the uh multicultural something or other and turned it into a wonderful benefit for the city to take on and say we're going to build a uh a water tower. with that. Now, if you pull that off, man, that is amazing. Just think of all the cities or counties or whatever governments who would have liked to have had a uh consideration uh for their increase or fixing of their water infrastructure. And you probably would have had if you were going headtohead on that had a one in4 chance of winning. So, if you pull this one off, you ought to give an award to the uh three people that push this, Cole, Wong, and Furlong, and give them the keys to the city. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, Sean. >> All right, next up, we got the city business action items and recommendations. Uh we have one item on uh so item a variance request for 2357 7th Avenue East. We have community development director Ken Roberts here to discuss. >> Thank you Mr. Fandle Mayor members of the council. As Brian introduced this is variance request for the property at 2357 7th Avenue East. The location of this property is here on the corner near the five corners of Seventh, Third and uh yeah, right on on the norththeast corner of that this little larger image of the property. The city is the owner and city is the applicant for this uh request. It's actually two variance requests. It's a a lot with variance of 9 07 ft for the proposed eastern lot and driveway setback variance of 1.5 ft from the side lot line for both the western and eastern lots. I'll get to where we're at in a minute. So, this is the location of the student built house. It's under construction now. Uh this photo was taken about a month ago or so. So, it's the house is almost all sided now. and moving along hopefully would be finished by mid June. And this is in the locations in our R2 zoning district which has a minimum lot width of 50 feet for each lot and setback requirements for driveways of a minimum of three feet from each property line. This is the survey that the city had completed after the uh structure was framed up. And what the city is working towards is subdividing this into two lots. So each unit of the twin home can be sold off as a separate entity. And we found after we had the survey done that this eastern lot is only 40.93 feet wide instead of the 50 ft as normally required by the zoning code. And the driveways because the the attached garages are right next to each other out front. They're driveway or the width between the driveways is only three feet. Thus, they'd only have a one and a half foot set back from this proposed property line down the middle. And this line was surveyed in following the party wall or the the center wall between the two units. We had that done after that was framed in. So, we had an exact location to make sure that we don't have a property line not meeting the not following the wall that was built. So looking at our application materials that was prepared by staff for this review. Again, the proposal is to create the one lot that's 40.93 feet in width instead of the 50. Would this be in harmony with the purposes and intent of the ordinance? Staff's opinion, it is. It is two units. The zoning allows the two units. The the challenge is the funky shape of the lot with this. It's narrow at the back and and the angled out here. This structure couldn't shift any farther to the south and west because we have to maintain the 15t set back off the side street. And we kept it right at the sixoot setback which is the minimum on this side. So after all that and we get it surveyed, we find out we're under the minimum lot with the 50 ft. Uh will there be any adverse effects on the neighbors health, safety of the welfare? No. Uh is the proposal to use the property in a reasonable manner? Yes. It'll be two units and whether it would be going back again to this two units that would be in one building under one ownership or two units on two lots. In my mind, there's really no significant difference. It's two units, two driveways, same number of people. It just allows for separate sale of side A and side B is what the subdivision will do. and we cannot process a subdivision if the variance is not approved. That's that's the primary reason for this. And again, this really in our minds the special conditions were the shape of the property making it more challenging to fit uh a reasonably sized structure on there meeting all the other setback requirements. So again we I touched on this the uh proposed plan proposed variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan. Most of the zoning ordinance except this variance requirements I spoke of certainly will not adversely affect the health, safety and welfare of the city or neighbors. There are and again staff's opinion special conditions of the property because of the corner lot and the shape of the property and the minimum the proposed variances are the minimum necessary to alleviate the difficulties. So process review we did have uh published a public hearing notice for the plan commission meeting that uh was published on March 23rd. We had the plane commission meeting with the public hearing on April 20 April 2nd, 2006. Uh plan commission had a good discussion about this. Council member Norby may want to touch on that. Uh in the end, plan commission recommended approval of the two variance requests that we've outlined and staff is recommending approval of the resolution that would adopt the findings of fact and reasons for the approval of the variance application uh for the property at 23 577th Avenue East. And with that, I will take questions. >> From the notices that were sent to I s on there that you sent notices to um neighbors within 350 ft. Did they raise any concerns or anything? >> We had I think the primary concerns were more about traffic and safety. >> Okay. >> Especially at the the five corners and the concern about vehicles backing out of the driveway. >> Okay. which is a concern, but it's not related to the variance, >> right? >> There's more information. >> Okay. Yep. Which wouldn't change regardless of whether >> it wouldn't matter what was there. It's a brutal corner, >> right? >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Would it would it change the address though? Would it be considered unit A and unit B? Or would there add an extra address in there for the second unit? >> If if the minor subdivisions approved, we will add a second address. a whole separate house number. >> Any other questions? Any other comments? Um I I I believe Ken's um description of the gentleman to the east. >> Thank you. um was there. Um a lot of his concerns were um about the traffic and there again the building as it stands without a variance met all the building codes to build the way it sits. Um he he didn't like the 6ft set back um from the east line but there again the way it zoned that was fully with the building codes and we didn't need a variance to build the building um where it sits. So, so I I agree with Ken's statement. It was more about traffic um and safety concerns, which any building um on that lot uh would have had the same concerns. It has nothing to do with the variance as proposed. Um there was a lot of discussion at the planning commission about this one. Um I believe the final vote was 4 to2. Um it is my understanding um that in order to get a variance, you have to prove hardship. Um although I I really um am greatly um impressed and proud of the work that Ken and Chris do um I don't feel in my opinion that they have proven hardship beyond financial means and financial means are not um allowed to create a variance on its own. there has to be some other um hardship and I know they stated the odd shape of the odd shape of the lot. Um but I I don't believe that they've proven the um hardship needed to grant the variance. So therefore I will be voting no on this tonight. >> Okay. >> I too will go with Jason and agree to that. I also don't believe one can argue that um we've granted these variances for other uh building uh uh contractors in the cities here in inside North St. Paul and we have but we've seen their plans. They've been brought to planning commission. They've been brought to city council. This was a piece of land that was um spotted for parks. It then was decided that we're going to use it as because the city owns it, we're going to use it and build a student home there. Student home is built there. There wasn't discussion around that. And to then if we knew that we were building this, we knew what the lot was going to be. Why didn't we know what the setback was going to be on top of that? So, I say that it is poor planning as a whole and therefore I will not vote on this. >> Okay. All right. Can I have a motion or is that we have to do now? A motion so to approve the variance. >> So moved. >> So move. Council member Woods. >> Second. >> Second. Council member McKenzie. All those in favor of the ordinance say I. >> I. >> I. All those opposed say nay. >> Nay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Ken. Next up, we have reports from city manager and departments. Um, so we met had a staff meeting today. Electric fire department has uh three linemen down in Marshall for underground training this week. Uh, Quick Trip is working on their uh second car wash right now. They killed the power. They're working on a generator right now. So, I'm going to get that switched over by Friday. Um, they started interviews and they are ongoing. Uh they have a bore crew in town working in the Northwood Park area for installing conduit for upgrading the electric system around that area. Uh communications has been uh sharing construction updates. They've started for the um mill and overlay parts of the project also in the uh Northwood project area. Um AA's been going to them and getting updates out to everybody. So that's great. Um and the event prep is underway and we're ready to go for our Saturday city cleanup. So we'll see you there. uh human resources. Jenny has been very busy running from the department to department with interviews, helping out um and also she's been working a lot with the paycom. We got it all settled away now or she does for uh the full transition to pay for our applications which has really streamlined that process which is nice. Uh finance has also very busy with all their applications. They had 89 applications actually. They whittleled it down. I think they're doing how many? nine interviews on that, didn't I? So, and then we're two and a half weeks away from Jackie retiring. So, >> and she's been training Melissa and she's doing a really good job picking up on it and uh taking the responsibility as well. Um we do have a sendoff party for Jackie on May 22nd. Police is getting busy and ramped up. We're getting uh sergeant applications uh which is open through the end of May. Um they're also conducting ride alongs to recruit uh strong candidates for the position. Um they've been working hard with Motorola team. Uh they are on site for setup and testing of their new system which is body cams and car setups. Um also got their three new squads ordered. That's usually about a two to three month process before we get the chassis in. Then they get them set up after they come in. faster than a firet truck or fire truck >> and less expensive. >> Public works is also working on their interview process which Jackie or Jenny's been helping out with. Um, of course, we got the road project underway in the Northwood area. Um, they're keeping an eye on that. Also, they've started up and to finish off last year's project and get that going. Working on the pond now in the Casey Lake area. Um, working with the student build house. They are nearing completion. Um they are looking their year ends on May 15th. So they're really close. Um still working on winter damage around town for things that got um hit with snow plows. Uh just yards and things like that. Uh softball field maintenance is in progress. Uh 2025 project infrastructure for valve and wire testing and repairs from the project that was started last year for the road recon. And uh they're looking at pulling on their summer staff already, which is starting up the week May 19th. Uh fire's been busy. They've working with the state marshal. They've been starting up a program to see statewide department assessments. Um there was a women's explore fire day that uh they had sent uh four women explorers down for that. So that was kind of nice. Um we had our old engine posted online and did not receive its minimum bid. So, we are going to repost that. Um, and uh, they got Brent and Ethan are training are attending training this week and we are close to having this door system up and going, but they're still waiting at one to two weeks waiting on parts so we can get them fully implemented. And Community Developments, Morgan, uh, as he mentioned earlier with the garbage haulers did, uh, one interview last week and the other one is tomorrow. So, we'll get back to you with that probably at the next one. Um, they also been working getting the uh applicants for the tree giveaway, which is now closed. So, participants are now being notified if they got a tree. That's all I got for you. >> Okay. >> Thank you, >> Ron. Why don't you take three giant steps up here and tell us about the driveway or the EDA, the parking lot between Sidewinders, what that's going to be and how long before people can park on it and everything else. >> Dig it up. >> What's that? dig it up. >> No. Um they were supposed to start on Monday. Um a little delay with contractor. They're starting tomorrow. >> Okay. >> Um we have it posted for no parking. Um so I don't know if it's going to carry over to next week, but they're should be out there milling it tomorrow and hopefully paving by the end of the week. Uh the plan was was to mill it up Monday, Tuesday, get it paved and then get it striped and then have a a day, you know, for it to kind of cure out. So, I'll have to get back to you on when the final will be, but they're supposed to start tomorrow. So, >> good. Well, it's on the way. >> Yeah, we posted it on Friday uh for no parking for for this week, but contractor got delayed a little bit. So, >> who's doing it? Who's doing the job? >> Um park construction. >> Yeah. Oh, good. Well, it's going to be nice when it's done. >> Yeah. So, thanks for staying less dirt. >> All right. Thank you, commissions, council members, committees, everybody else. Anything? >> Sure. Yeah. Parks and wreck. Uh the last council meeting I misled people and said it was um on the 29th and that was the fifth Wednesday of the month, not the fourth Wednesday. So, that was my mistake. My apologies. Um Ron actually was there talking about um some extra space that uh public works needs and potential uh of some use down at Mcnite Field. Uh I asked just and so does commission for transparency on what that looks like. Um other than that, they discussed uh more about what who's assigning parks and who's in charge of what parks. Uh that said too, citywide cleanup is not citywide. Let me go back to that. Park cleanup day is Saturday, May 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 pm. All the parks in um North St. Paul. And friendly reminder for City Cleanup Day, uh it was posted on social media yesterday, but this is not a free event that it is being charged. So, please keep in mind for all residents, uh it is being charged. It is not a free event >> and limited size for vehicles, too. Yep. >> Perfect. >> And cash or check, not >> cash or check, >> not cards >> or phones. >> All right. >> Thank you for the update. >> Nothing for me. >> Yes, sir. >> Uh, arts and culture will be meeting, sorry, tomorrow night in uh council chambers here at 6:30. >> Thank you very much. >> Uh, the planning commission meeting for uh May 7th has been cancelled, I believe, due to lack of um agenda. >> Lack of quorum. >> I don't want I don't want to say lack of interest. No, it was a lack of >> Yeah, we The good news is we didn't have any applicant applicants, so we're not putting anybody off. So, >> yeah. >> All right. >> We're short one person. We're still looking for somebody. >> Okay, that's good. That's my favorite spot. I love being on the planning commission. So, >> hope we can get somebody. Any news, general business news from anybody? >> I got some. >> All righty. >> Well, >> oh, you got stats. >> I got >> I forgot. Uh thank you for uh the garage sales. Uh it was a phenomenal weekend for us. >> I asked people I said where were you guys from after they reading the the uh the letters and that I had people from Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Esco, Minnesota up by Duth, New Brighton, South Minneapolis, Mallister area, Woodbury in Grove. Oh my god, it was Forest Lake, Hudson, Amry. They came from all over. >> It was a success in this town. >> Wow. >> It was very good. >> And your Brooklyn Center guy gave you a nice compliment. >> He said, he says, "The people down there, I want to move down here." >> I said, "Well, come on." >> Yeah. >> Sound good. >> Well, thank you for the update. >> Thanks. >> Um, I I just want to um echo uh Council Member McKenzie statement um and give a huge shout out to Ava. I heard nothing but good about the trash to treasure day. Um it was our first inaugural one. Um and as far as I'm concerned, she hit a home run. So, thank you, Ava. >> Phenomenal. >> Yes, >> I'll agree to that. And I think that was a great thing that the city came up with this year. Um I took part in it. I didn't take part in the uh garage sale piece, but everything on my curb was gone. So, thanks to those who grabbed it, >> which is so nice. You get the sale, you get the freebies for people that need it. Then you get the what we don't need, take away, take it. >> What a wonder what a wonderful time to be alive. >> Garbage. My hope is that uh because of that the uh city cleanup day this weekend is fairly quiet. >> Yes. >> So shorter lines and everything for everybody, but unfortunately I will not be able to be there. So um but yeah, >> I do want to thank uh Jack's not here, but Brian, mayor, for going down to the Senate and speaking. Um much like what Mr. Schmall had indicated regarding those dollars and if we can hit a home run with those to go to the water tower, that would be great. Um, mayor, I encourage you to watch the um the video again and um you'll understand why I'm asking you to do that. >> The video of what? >> The video of the uh the request for the water tower >> that was there. Yeah. Okay. >> Mhm. All right. Well, can I get a motion to Well, let me tell you when his next meeting is. How is that? May 19th. So, our next meeting. Can I get a motion to adjurnn, please? >> Some moved. >> So, move. Got a tie here between Woods and Schwar. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> All right, everybody. Have a great week and thanks. >> Sounds good. Thank you.