[0:04] ? ? ?

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[0:51] ? ? >> eating the same health City

[1:04] Council to order. Welcome, please. Thank. Johnson here. Just can council president

[1:13] maker here, 6 present one absent that being Councilmember Bowie who is

[1:17] excused? >> Good afternoon, everyone. And welcome to our Saint Paul

[1:20] City Council meeting. We're told that you could join us today. We invite everyone to

[1:22] join us in standing for the Pledge of Allegiance it's Is there public which stands one

[1:33] nation under God. >> Indivisible liberty and justice for all.

[1:41] >> Consent agenda items. 4 through 12 are before you for your consideration. We are

[1:45] going to pull item 11 for separate consideration. Is there anything else to be

[1:48] pulled from consent? Seeing none of motion from Vice President Hank bounds of the

[1:54] consent agenda all in favor say Aye. 6 in favor. None opposed. The consent agenda is

[1:59] adopted as amended item. 11 resolution. 26 Dash 10, 11 supporting the recommendations

[2:05] to the governor for ranking of eligible census tracks for designation as Opportunity

[2:11] Zones. And we were just notified that there was a slight technical change that

[2:14] needed to be made. So I'm gonna move a version 2 of this item and we will need to vote

[2:18] on it to need to be pulled from consent for the version. 2, any discussion of that

[2:20] motion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. Host 6 and they were not oppose. The

[2:26] resolution is adopted as amended item. 13 resolution, 26 Dash 10. 28 recognizing the

[2:31] life of Lieutenant Colonel Doctor County paying for his contributions to Saint Paul in

[2:37] for claiming July. 11th through 13th as lieutenant, Doctor Kalpana thing Memorial

[2:40] days in the city of Saint Paul. Vice president, you come from president. I will be

[2:46] going to the podium. And so do have a lot of special guests in the room here today for

[2:50] this resolution. So >> please join me at the podium. Thank you so much. So

[2:56] made everyone to join us at the podium this year for this item. If you

[3:01] >> try to stand in between the 2 golden columns, then you'll be on YouTube live. very

[3:04] excited about. Thank you for joining us today.

[3:33] Yeah, proud and a little bit because we have a second rather we get.

[3:36] everybody. >> Thank you so much, everybody for this special

[3:45] time here. I we'll be bringing forward resolution to honor the life of Lieutenant

[3:51] Lieutenant Colonel Dr Khoo. thing he there's so much I want to say about on what an

[3:58] incredible person he is. He i a very well known and say very significantly committee. Also

[4:08] family dentist says so many of us who don't. Who is also my dentist, who and you'll har

[4:12] so much about his life in the resolution here. I want to say thank you to Dr Khoo dings

[4:19] family members for being here. We are joined by so many of his his children,

[4:23] grandchildren. Also many other community members as well. And his wife is here with me song

[4:31] and say I'm so grateful to her for extending her time and during that to creating to be

[4:35] here as well. >> And so what does mean about the resolution here and then I

[4:42] will bring Pete to the stand to say a few words. I also want to extend that. Thank you

[4:46] to the entire family and also President Shawn Fain of Council for reaching out about

[4:54] the resolution here because I'm not able to attend the you know, percent that Haitian for

[4:58] them to come to city Hall so they can meet all of you and then accept this in person

[5:02] with us get a photo as well. So for the resolution, whereas the tenant, Colonel Dr siding

[5:10] was born in 1955. In number allows to song and thing and grew up during a time of 4

[5:16] displacement and great for chip, whereas from a young age, Dr being demonstrated

[5:21] courage, resilience and a deep commitment to service assisting the United States

[5:26] during the Vietnam War. As a radio operator and air traffic controller in miles a start

[5:31] giving injured extraordinary hardship as a prisoner of war survived. Separation from his

[5:39] family escape danger. And later reunited with his wife's family and their daughter.

[5:41] After more than a month apart. Whereas after living in a refugee camp in Thailand,

[5:45] actor Ving and his family were sponsored by Zion Lutheran Church Belvidere, Illinois,

[5:52] where began rebuilding his life in the United States determination, humility and

[5:57] hope Ving worked tirelessly in many fields while learning English and continuing his

[6:01] education. Eventually earning his general education diploma and becoming the first in the

[6:06] Hmong community turned a doctor, dental surgery degree from the University of

[6:12] Minnesota. as appreciation for his new country and with the continuing desire to serve the

[6:16] United States, Dr joined at the 100 33rd airlift wing the Minnesota National Air

[6:21] National Guard in 1988 as a dentist serving honorably for 20 years until his retirement

[6:28] in 2018, whereas during his military service that Colonel Vang provided dental care to

[6:35] more than 7,000 airmen helped strengthen financial readiness within that contributed to

[6:41] record-high individual a medical readiness rates across the National Guard. Grassley

[6:45] turn lieutenant colonel. They never missed regularly scheduled the trail during his

[6:49] 20 years of service, exemplifying discipline. Dedication and the Air Force

[6:54] value of service before self whereas beyond his military service after being was a

[7:00] respected scientists and business owner of the things and make in order one, was a

[7:07] community leader and advocate who served more than 35,000 patients. Many from low-income

[7:11] families underserved communities. Dr being served as co-chair of the Board for

[7:18] Them American Education Foundation. A senior adviser to special relate units, SU

[7:23] Veterans and families of USA, Maine Council of Minnesota and was an active member of the

[7:31] American Dental Association and a set dental association and the District Dental

[7:36] Society received the Minnesota Dental Association's Humanitarian Service Award in

[7:40] recognition of his devoted service, his patients and community, whereas the city of

[7:44] Saint Paul previously recognized his dedication to community service claiming

[7:51] October 13th 2018 as the tenant colonel could be day. And whereas the tenant

[7:57] colonel, Dr Khoo list Sidings Life stands as a powerful example of courage, sacrifice,

[8:03] faith, perseverance, service and love for family, community country and the people of

[8:06] Saint Paul. Now, therefore be it resolved at the Paul City Council here by celebrates and

[8:14] honors the life like to see and lasting contributions. Lieutenant Colonel Doctor

[8:19] thing for the resolve that the Saint Paul City Council here proclaims July, 11th through

[8:28] 13th 2026. as Lieutenant Colonel Doctor Koop Westside Memorial days in the city of

[8:32] Saint Paul. Thank you all. >> like to share a bit about why these states were chosen

[8:43] by the family for Dr Khoo things Memorial Days. That's when his funeral will take

[8:47] place. He passed away on April 15th, which just recently and at funeral is a moment for

[8:56] people who sure he has impacted who is just very inspired by him and his

[9:01] likeness committee committee to come and pay respects to him. The family. don't have

[9:07] made this a public funeral. And everyone i welcome to fix a tiny, extend the invitation

[9:10] to all of you as fall. It will be located at the Aldrich Arena Maplewood. So it would

[9:17] be it'll be a very and funeral for somebody who has made such an impact in so many people's

[9:21] lives. And the last thing want to say is recruiting anybody who knows him knows that he is

[9:26] just one of the most generous well coming in kind individuals ever. And so he is

[9:33] so deeply to his entire family. I want to know that could made such a huge

[9:39] difference and the impact our community our economics on to really improve lives of folks,

[9:45] especially those who low-income. Some my favorite stories time folks shared was

[9:48] how whenever they came into his dental clinic and they couldn't afford the bill, he

[9:54] would just say, don't worry about it. I'll take care of it for you. And so you just do

[10:00] nothing. Meet somebody who is so kind and passionate like that. And so he's somebody who

[10:02] and I think about, you running businesses, he definitely puts people over profit.

[10:10] >> And so I will miss him. So know many people in the committee will as well and say

[10:15] what you want to know. You're not alone in creating doctor looking to so have such had

[10:24] such a great model your lives and he's a role model so many of us to do. Thank you for

[10:29] being here. >> So >> what I would like to do is

[10:33] invite people to come to the microphone here. Share a few words.

[10:43] >> Thank you. Councilmember Yang and thank you to the council. Just real Our family

[10:50] came to Minnesota. And we've been Frank town since 86. So I Dana was established in 98 and

[11:00] and the feld Clark's property by front sound. And for some of enough to remember things

[11:09] like that. And then eventually bought the section for property on university. And

[11:15] that is where we are located. thought download renovated it turn it into a offices and

[11:26] with the restaurant. So thank you again to city, City Council and going to be

[11:34] Qantas, the state of Minnesota and the city Saint Paul, you have been our home for. Quite

[11:39] a while. 40 years so we appreciate very My dad love Saint Paul. I love coming to

[11:47] work. He loved going to For at their National weekend a month. So we we gave him to to

[11:58] the base one weekend, a every month for 20 years. And we proud to do that because

[12:03] that's what he He's a workaholic. He was 7 years old, but he was not ready to

[12:11] retire yet. He he was still planning to work another 3 for years and we wren't open 5

[12:17] days a like some dentists and hate this 4 days. But we were out 5 day week operation. So

[12:24] he's going to be missed. Same Pablo as you know, as much as we do. we've definitely you

[12:33] all to attend his feel. And July 11, 12 13 at It's open for everyone. Anyone who knew

[12:41] him heard about him, patients, military friends, there will be a lot of people coming and

[12:51] that we're planning for a lot of people to come We will feed you as well when you come just

[12:59] hopefully to see their to come spend one last weekend my father. Thank you very much.

[13:07] >> Into so much, Pete. what I will do is invite ploy come up and take a photo o a succumbs

[13:12] members. Please come and join us is if you're willing able And to make sure people get to

[14:12] >> thank you so much. changes? >> We should probably take a vote. So thank you all so much

[14:34] to all of our guests for being here. Our condolences to you and your family and so

[14:37] grateful that we were we were able to to honor the dctor in this way. So I think that's a

[14:47] motion for a missing for approval on favor. Say Aye. >> post 6in favor. None

[14:51] opposed. The resolution is adopted item. 14 resolution, 26 Dash 10, 10 celebrating the

[14:57] 91st birthday of His Holiness, the 14th, Dalai Lama and recognizing the contributions

[15:01] of Saint Paul's Tibetan community. I'm honored to be bringing for this resolution

[15:05] on behalf of the council. And I'd love to invite my 2 guests who I believe are here from

[15:10] the voluntary to that advocacy group and the president that American Foundation,

[15:13] Minnesota. >> tense and intense and both here welcome. Come on that. I

[15:21] want to thank both of you bringing this idea forward. One of the things that we

[15:26] talked about was that this is an opportunity not only to honor the Dalai Lama's 91st

[15:29] birthday, but also to honor the contributions of the Tibetan community here in

[15:34] Saint Paul and in Minnesota. So I'm not going to be the entire resolution. It is here

[15:39] and it is public for all of us to see. But I want to read a couple of the paragraphs

[15:41] because I think they really get at the at the heart of it. Whereas the Dali Lama has

[15:48] traveled extensively throughout the world, including Minnesota, fostering

[15:51] greater understanding, tolerance, harmony and compassion among people of all

[15:54] faiths and backgrounds. Whereas in 1989, his holiness was awarded the Nobel Peace

[16:00] Prize for advocating peaceful solutions based on tolerance and mutual respect. And

[16:04] whereas the teachings on secular ethics, compassion and emotional resilience have

[16:09] influenced educators, spiritual practitioners and leaders globally. And whereas

[16:13] over 5,000 Tibetans now common to home contributing to the social cultural and economic

[16:17] fabric of our communities. And whereas 7/6/2026, marks the 91st birthday of his whole

[16:23] Unit. Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Council of

[16:27] the City of Saint Paul of compassion in recognition y - of His Holiness, the 14th,

[16:34] Dalai Lama's 91st birthday in the city of Saint Paul. In recognition of his lifelong

[16:39] dedication to peace, compassion and nonviolence. So again, thank you so much for

[16:44] bringing this forward. I would love to invite you to say over it. So I will begin. My name

[16:56] is tense and show some time the U.S. national coordinator for

[17:00] >> the 10 volunteer Trent advocacy group. And I'll be followed by R But American

[17:04] Foundation Minnesota President. To which is traditional, threaten

[17:11] grieving. And good afternoon council president and members of the Saint Paul City Council

[17:15] and community members. Like I mentioned, m name is tense and just proud to American and

[17:24] lifelong Minnesotan and the U.S. National Coordinator for the voluntary advocacy group,

[17:29] the primary Youth engagement and Leadership initiative of the Central Tibetan

[17:33] Administration. >> To government exile. >> Today today, I'm honored to

[17:38] stand before you as the council considers a resolution recognizing July 6 as the day

[17:44] of compassion in honor of the 91st birthday of His Holiness, the 14th, Dalai Lama.

[17:49] >> For Tibetans around the world, the Dalai Lama is our spiritual leader. Bt his

[17:53] message extends far beyond that. And for decades. He has encouraged people of all

[17:58] backgrounds, faiths and beliefs to practice compassion, kindness, and

[18:03] respect for our shared humanity. His lifelong commitment to nonviolence

[18:08] dialogue and understanding has inspired millions around the world. This resolution is

[18:14] especially meaningful to me as well. Personally. >> As a child, I attended the

[18:19] trend in language and cultural classes and many people come the training community center

[18:24] here in Saint Paul. For our community center is much more than just a building. really

[18:30] honored to share the same birthday is the Dali And that's really special to me

[18:33] and my family because we very appreciate and value the the teachings and spiritual

[18:41] leadership of the Delhi. One them. I think my parents have had the opportunity to meet

[18:45] him at one point because he has come to Minnesota several times. So thank you so much

[18:49] for. Bringing this forward in France, uplifting or, you know, local Tibetan community

[18:55] here in Saint Paul. Thank you. Mrs any further discussion is camp. Thank you so much for

[19:02] coming. I just want emphasize how much I appreciate. >> Being grounded in the

[19:06] history of why you're here that, you know, we currently are also a genocidal settlers

[19:13] states. My ancestors have been occupied twice. We add experience. We're experiencing

[19:18] a genocide right now in Palestine. So from Turtle Island, Secretes pet, you

[19:23] know, I really appreciate you being here and happy birthday to the Dali Lama. you so much

[19:27] for granting us in this moment and why why it's so important for us to be connected to

[19:31] issues. So thank you for lifting up the event and will be able to make it that will

[19:34] make sure to check out. Thank you, Miss Kim. Any further discussion of the motion?

[19:40] Seeing none. Thank you again for reminding us that compassion is not just a

[19:44] personal value, but a civic act. And I'm going to keep that with me as we move

[19:47] forward. >> All in favor say Aye. I'll post 6 in favor the resolution

[19:52] is adopted. Item. 15 resolution, 26 Dash 10. 22 celebrating the 2026 lgbtqia 2

[20:00] S plus Pride Month. >> Is kept. think >> I am going read the

[20:10] resolution is the record and I've got a few speakers with the state will introduce

[20:13] >> sands that whereas is to keep this move And so we're celebrating the 2026 lgbtqia

[20:19] to us. Plus, Pride Month here in Saint Paul. The existence of Lgbtqia 2 S plus people in

[20:26] Minnesota predates the arrival and establishment of Minnesota as a state by European

[20:31] settlers. connotation in some way is assimilation policies sought to force conformity to

[20:37] Richard rigid and western gender and binaries the month of June is recognized and

[20:42] observed as Pride Month in commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York

[20:48] for Black and Brown Lgbtqia to us. Plus, people resisted police violence and ignited a

[20:51] movement for human rights. The stonewall uprising was the culmination of decades of

[20:56] discrimination and criminalization of our community and black and brown

[21:01] transact events including Marsha P Johnson and Sylvia Rivera led the way for

[21:05] significant progress, including the legalization of same marriage. And the lgbtqia

[21:11] 2 S plus community has sadly long been faced with discrimination based on their

[21:14] identity and expression and continues to face efforts to erode their rights and quality

[21:19] of life with the tax on health care, education, civil rights and more Minnesota added

[21:25] protections for orientation and gender identity in a Minnesota Human Rights Act in

[21:30] 1993, doctor, the Marriage Equality Act in 2013 enacted a statewide ban on conversion

[21:37] therapy in 2023 enacted protections ensuring access to gender-affirming care and

[21:40] safeguarding patients and providers from out of state interference helping establish

[21:44] Minnesota as a refuge for transgender people seeking care. And Saint Paul has been

[21:50] a leader in advancing lgbtqia to us plus equality including adopting one of the state's

[21:55] earliest ordinances prohibiting discrimination based on orientation in 1974.

[22:01] extending protections based on gender identity in town 2012 and prohibiting conversion

[22:05] therapy for minors in 2020, something that I was very proud to carry as the former

[22:09] legislative aide to the office lgbtqia to us. Plus, residents, workers, artist

[22:18] educators, entrepreneurs, advocates public servants and community leaders contribute

[22:20] and measurably to the cultural civic and economic vitality of Saint Paul Pride Month is a

[22:27] time of mourning and resent remembrance for the many lives lost to the AIDS epidemic and

[22:31] the increasing violence and hostility towards trans youth. Pride Month is also time of

[22:37] community and connection and the joyous celebration of authenticity and visibility.

[22:42] Therefore be it resolved. The Simple City Council encourages all our cty departments to

[22:46] evaluate opportunities to establish your strength, an ongoing mechanisms for

[22:50] engagement with our lgbtqia to us. Plus residents including advisory bodies, community

[22:57] listening Sessions, community service and other formal channels for input. And be it

[23:02] further resolved that the Sample City Council encourages all city departments to

[23:05] continue efforts to ensure residents have access to inclusive and affirming

[23:08] facilities, including gender-inclusive restrooms in city-owned buildings. for the

[23:14] resolve that the simple City Council reaffirms its commitment to maintaining

[23:17] inclusive employment policies and workplace practices that support are LGBT Q to U.S..

[23:21] Plus employees. And be it further involved. Resolve this only 2 more the same full city

[23:29] council friends at the same Paul that Saint Paul is the city that welcomes per tax and

[23:33] celebrates all residents regardless of orientation, gender identity or expression,

[23:38] they're for be resolve this impasse. City Council here by recognize this June 2026. As

[23:41] Pride Month in Saint Paul. So I would like to do you decide on order, I'd like 2

[23:49] incredible community leaders and executive directors to speak a little bit. And I

[23:52] think the first will be kept around the executive director about from Minnesota.

[24:00] >> Thank you. Thank you for bringing forward this resolution. And for honoring

[24:06] Pride month here in Saint Paul, the city that I call home, my name is cap room now

[24:13] used and she pronouns. I'm executive director of out from Minnesota, our state's largest

[24:17] LGBTQ advocacy organization which has been serving the state since 1987. I drove to

[24:26] get here across the Bridge in part just to see all of the pride flags as I crossed over

[24:31] the Mississippi to come here into downtown. And it's a reminder to me both of the

[24:38] visibility it that our communities deserve during this month of June, but also

[24:43] the challenges that we face interspersed amongst American flags. This is a challenging

[24:49] time for LBTQ communities. A time when our federal government has sought to

[24:53] reverse or race or remove our mentions of identity and protections and care that we

[25:01] have worked for many decades to try and secure in this country. I'm proud to call

[25:08] Minnesota home a state that has stood up and protected and recognized and celebrated our

[25:13] communities and to call Saint Paul home a city that has done the work to speak up for our

[25:18] communities. When we have under threat and into support community members who called

[25:23] this city home. Today, especially our organization, put out a statement in

[25:30] collaboration wth the family of Gabriel. right. Perez, who is unfortunately murdered here

[25:37] in the city of Saint Paul and a beloved member of our Twin Cities community a member of

[25:45] our LGBTQ community. And I want to take a moment to honor and remember and his family

[25:49] and loved ones and into recognize that when we talk about morning here in the

[25:55] month of pride and it is something that is very present real for those of us here in

[26:01] Minnesota, it's not abstract morning. It's not about just those who we lost in the HIV

[26:06] AIDS crisis, who we do remember, but i is about the very real threats of violence

[26:12] that our communities face every day and the way in which violence against LGBTQ people

[26:16] and bodies is intertwined with violence on race, violence on all sorts of issues of that we

[26:23] all experience here. as we remember him as we remember others that we've lost, I

[26:30] think it's also important to recognize that pride is an act of defiance that as much as we

[26:36] have become familiar and comfortable with the visibility and recognition of

[26:40] Pride Month that it is still a radical and bold act to declare our support for LGBTQ

[26:46] communities and to have LGBTQ voices leaders and elected officials speaking up and

[26:54] standing up for our communities. And I'm proud that Saint Paul as a space in

[26:57] which we can do that. Our work is ongoing. LGBTQ rights will continue to be a hotly

[27:04] contested issue for the foreseeable future. But if there's one thing that pride

[27:09] has talked me both as a practice and as a lineage and that history in our

[27:14] communities, it's that we don't back down from a challenge. It's that no matter

[27:21] what the face of hatred and discrimination and repression looks like our communities

[27:25] have found ways to create joy to find one another to build community and to build durable

[27:33] power, not just for our own gains, but for the gains of everybody in our communities

[27:39] because everybody deserves to live fully and authentically as themselves to be able to

[27:43] move through the world free of discrimination and to be able to celebrate who they are, how

[27:49] they choose to build a family or not and where they want to call home. I know that there

[27:55] are a lot of LGBTQ folks, including myself who call Saint Paul home. I know that

[28:00] this recognition is very welcome this month of June. And I want to thank you all

[28:04] for considering it and bringing it forward. >> Thank you so It's a

[28:12] pleasure to be with you today and to offer my support and appreciation. On behalf of

[28:19] this important resolution. My name is Megan She her executive director of Gender

[28:23] Justice for a nonprofit legal and policy advocacy organization. We work to

[28:29] advance gender euity through the law. As we consider this resolution today, I'm once

[28:36] again reminded of why gender justice is proud to have been founded in Minnesota and based

[28:40] in Saint Paul. That's because Minnesotans don't just proclaim our values. We live

[28:47] them through our policies and our actions. And that makes our words and our communities

[28:51] truly power fall. Today's resolution is powerful and it is needed for many of the

[28:58] reasons care already touched on. And I just really appreciate naming the loss

[29:02] Gabriel to the community. Very recently. But in mid, you know, constant attack, federal

[29:11] tax in particular and translate rights and the lgbtqia 2. Plus 2 S plus

[29:17] communities dignity. It's critical that Paul proudly declare so every community

[29:23] member knows you belong here and you are welcome here. This resolution explicitly

[29:31] recognizes the deep connections between the fight for Lgbtqia to us. Plus

[29:36] liberation and the fights for racial justice, indigenous sovereignty and economic

[29:40] equity and the historic and current leadership of and trans and gender diverse

[29:47] people of color, especially black and brown. trans woman. innocence. A proven over and

[29:53] over this year. When we say we stand with our neighbors, we really mean it. And a this

[30:00] resolution highlights, Minnesota and Saint Paul both have a proud history of

[30:05] establishing concrete, meaningful protections and support for lgbtqia to us.

[30:09] Plus, community members. And today this is an important opportunity to continue that

[30:13] legacy by adopting this resolution. Also a name that another set Minnesota can take

[30:20] is to pass an equal Rights amendment, which ensures that our state's resources and laws

[30:25] are never weaponized against our own people and to literally right are strong

[30:29] values of equity and inclusion into our state's highest governing document. We can

[30:34] continue to fight for every trans person's right to play, right to play sports with

[30:39] their friends without facing discrimination. And we can continue to foster a culture

[30:45] of lgbtqia to Plus dignity autonomy and celebration through action in advocacy

[30:51] through daily conversations in our communities and through Joyce gatherings like today's

[30:55] and those held throughout pride season. Last but not least I want to highlight a

[30:59] specific line from the resolution. Whereas Lgbtqia to us. Plus, residents, workers,

[31:06] artists, educators, entrepreneurs, advocates, public servants and community

[31:10] leaders contributing measurably to the cultural civic and economic vitality of

[31:13] Saint Paul. The skills like truth at the heart of the resolution and a core of our

[31:19] communities. Minnesota is a better sate because of our trans and gender expansive.

[31:27] Leaders and neighbors say Palos a better city because of our community. And today and

[31:32] every day through this resolution, our daily actions, we honor and recognize the

[31:39] immeasurable contributions of trans and gender, expansive Minnesotans and commit to

[31:43] maintaining increasing the safety dignity and joy of our home and for all of our

[31:47] community. Thank you. Thank you so much. >> And with that, I move

[31:55] approval. There's a motion on the table for Is there any discussion of the motion?

[32:07] Thank you, council president. Thank you. Councilmember can for bringing forward This

[32:11] resolution. I >> want to say thank you to incredible yeat. He's in the

[32:16] room here for coming in speaking and jst really reaffirming the importance of

[32:20] pie and also protecting and and fighting for our LGBTQ+. community. As you all were

[32:26] speaking, I was reflecting a bit about, but the wonderful moments that I've had going in

[32:32] speaking into youth classrooms and aso just being conversation with us. My own

[32:37] cousins, you know, teenagers who identify as LGBTQ+ and I wanted to really speak to town

[32:45] generational. I'm changing in. Clutch. Will change. That has happened fom even just like

[32:51] 2025 years ago when I was still, you know, a child to this day, I know for for my

[32:58] cousins and their friends who have been in conversation with they feel so much safer about

[33:01] being able to commodities, sure about their experiences you know, as a GP 2 cute pass,

[33:07] folks. And if you know, it really because of that leadership in the committee

[33:12] organizing the fight, the resistance that folks have put in. And so I wanted to take

[33:14] this moment to the share. My solidarity with all of you. And also to continue

[33:21] reaffirming that same policy place for everybody across race across class gender

[33:26] sexuality. And so you want to say again, thanks for your incredible work and keep up

[33:31] the amazing work. And I'm here with and keep as president. thank ensure they don't even

[33:40] know if my comments are my thoughts. But they were in doubt in my phone. So if

[33:44] >> they're not original, please, someone tell me that it's there and this may come

[33:51] across is that sharp? But I know I'm loved loved Pride Month is requirement of the

[33:57] society with Mines and closed hearts. Pride is a reminder that we need every day that

[34:01] justice isn't finished. Safety a situational and inclusion is the bare minimum hatred

[34:06] doesn't require consent and liberation loves company. So while this resolution is for

[34:15] Saint Paul, I do want extend this. Welcome welcome this ad warmth to ever run across the

[34:21] state. There are many reasons why folks are and our outdoor queerness take so many

[34:27] different forms and ways of being. And so it doesn't matter. You know where you

[34:32] live, if it's safe or not, to be your full self, you are valid and you are just a part

[34:36] of our community as anyone I'm looking forward to this part of colleagues to pass a

[34:42] resolution today. Thank you. Miss Kim. And I will just say echo my colleagues. Thanks to

[34:49] you both. Incredible leaders for honoring us with your presence here for your

[34:54] eloquence. >> And for being with us in the work, not just today, not

[34:58] just this month, but all the many days and months and years. Besides that. Kat, I

[35:03] really appreciated what you said. I have the same experience. Fortunately every

[35:06] day to come across a lot coverage to work and see the pride flag and the American

[35:10] flag and the complications that you described of how those 2 interlachen overlap

[35:16] and intersect. It's if there's a lot of layers there. And so that really resonated with me,

[35:20] sir. Thank you for talking about that. So with that. motion for approval all in

[35:26] favor say Aye. I post 6 in favor. None oppose. The resolution is adopted. Item.

[35:33] 16 ordinance 25 Dash 4 ending title 4 of the Saint Paul Administrative Code to add

[35:41] Chapter 92 title tree preservation for a city-sponsored construction

[35:42] projects. I cannot tell you how happy I am to be reaching this moment. I think the 5th

[35:50] time we'll have a first reading of this ordinance. Just kidding. So we will have

[35:55] staff report. This is not actually the first reading of this ordinance, but because

[35:58] there has just been so much work that's happened over the last 18 months, it is

[36:00] essentially a new ordinance. And so we will have a staff report on the changes on the

[36:07] work that has been done over the last 18 months. There will be a lot more to say about

[36:09] this at apublic hearing and final adoption. I know everyone has received Aaron

[36:16] Novella describing the work and process. But with that, I'm excited to welcome

[36:21] Director Rodriguez and team to give us the staff report. Thank you, council president

[36:26] council members. Glad you got big thick three-ring binder there to review.

[36:31] >> As you can likely guess I hear a lot about a lot of things in my role as park

[36:35] director. But the most consistent topic I hear about his trees, Saint Paul cares

[36:40] deeply about its tree canopy. And I believe that is recognized in the ordinance

[36:43] that we're going to discuss today. Very excited to be here has, as you mentioned, this is

[36:49] 18, 18 months of work. That has been a cross departmental effort along with public works

[36:56] and parks aligning technical standards, navigating hard tradeoffs and building

[37:00] something that we can all stand behind. But I want to specifically recognize Nick

[37:05] Peterson, Steve Dodge and Sean Kershaw from public works. Tom Hagel, Alice Messer and

[37:11] Rachel's on word from the park's team for their expertise and persistence and

[37:14] committing Tate. Get this right. But also the community input or to convened a public

[37:22] input group aptly named the Pig. have to say for a group with that name there and start

[37:29] extraordinarily president to work a pleasant to work their engagement was serious,

[37:33] thoughtful, generally shape. This ordinance, the residents of neighborhood voices or

[37:39] embedded in this product. So just want to note that and give a particular recognition

[37:44] to the war to office and Megan jacket for helping to facilitate their partnership

[37:48] throughout this process. It's also notable that you made it to all 17 district Council

[37:53] meetings to engage on this process. So thank you for that. But the tree canopy with

[38:00] in Saint Paul is one of our most valuable assets in this ordinance. Gives us the tols

[38:02] to protect it. Thoughtfully equitably and with communities trust. So with that, I'm going

[38:08] to turn it over to Tom Hagel R Operations manager and Sean Kershaw from public works to

[38:11] get the presentation. Welcome. Good afternoon. I'm Tom Hagel, operations manager for Parks

[38:19] and Rec. >> I'm ready. This started to see guys are ready to start.

[38:27] >> I'll be touching first on the tree. Preservation ordinance. Just the overview

[38:30] and itself what the purpose goals of that are. And then shot will be following with

[38:34] the. Standard operating procedures from that. The purpose of the tree ordinance

[38:42] is to recognize the trees are a vital part of the cities. Infrastructure. It also

[38:47] establishes a citywide framework protect manage trees during city-sponsored

[38:52] construction projects. Ordinance also lies with reconstruction efforts with

[38:58] the goals and policies of the 2040 comprehensive plan. As well as the climate action

[39:04] next with a long-term goal of creating a proactive accountable and transparent

[39:09] system to protect expand Paul's of a tree canopy. Why does this matter? Over the

[39:18] last several years we've been doing and all the ash brer aside from Mr. for we've a lot

[39:25] of construction and more to come with sales tax projects that are and our future as

[39:30] well several climate impact issues including storm and drought. Just as old over the

[39:38] last 2 weeks with the storms that we've had experienced over 250 trees that have

[39:42] either been damaged or lost to the storms in itself. Trees as we all a public bnefit. They

[39:48] reduce heat. They're a part of our storm. management system as well as improving air

[39:57] quality and public health for the neighborhood is critical. We do have a lot of spots. I

[40:02] do have more canopy in our neighborhoods and it's important all the critical

[40:07] issues that come with slower canopies sites, mostly and pollution. What the ordinance

[40:15] requires. Again, this is back to city sponsored construction, that tree and

[40:23] Tories and sites have. We have treated Tories Inside Service. intent of including a

[40:29] certified arborist throughout all these processes, the formal tree preservation plan.

[40:34] As well as early evaluation of alternative opportunities to protect trees where we can

[40:42] rather than having a law student. Construction. This also defines tree protection

[40:48] zones, which the fencing and other things like to put into place to protect trees

[40:53] throughout the construction process. And it also develops construction protection

[41:00] standards and inspections that Sean, we'll talk about a little bit more. And it's also

[41:03] about putting preservation first in most instances where we can the to demolition

[41:09] through construction. So far the The overall goals are to coordinate planning a first

[41:16] preserve existing health canopy, which is important everyone reduce avoidable tree

[41:22] loss as well as establish mixture, canopy and preservation is wanted or

[41:28] possible, but setting minimum requirements for tree planting.

[41:35] >> Thanks, Tom Council members, my name Shawn Kershaw operations manager and public

[41:40] works. I want to echo the to go through some of the details. Nick Peterson and

[41:45] Steve Dodge from Public works really did the work for this. I'm here because they had some

[41:50] unavoidable conflicts working really closely with parks, obviously working with the

[41:53] public I can't. want to call it the pick. The public input making jacket is a sort of

[42:04] unnamed hero in this to hold this process together was incredible because a lot

[42:09] needed to happen and certainly council president with your leadership.

[42:13] >> The key there for standard operating procedures. So the ordinance will live on, you

[42:17] know, as an ordinance. >> Therefore, a standard operating procedures that are

[42:23] behind that and I'll walk through them. I think they are in your of the tree

[42:28] Preservation. Pre tree protection during construction. This is one of

[42:33] the biggest changes because it defines it sets a third-party arborist to come in and do

[42:38] weekly inspections. Immediate correction of volations, continuous coordination

[42:43] between contractors. Public works and forestry. It lay it specifies the contractor

[42:50] responsibilities and these will be in the agreements with the contractors. Immediate

[42:54] reporting of tree damage. Forestry permits required maintenance of tree protection

[42:59] throughout the process. This includes restitution for damages. So it establishes as

[43:06] its says, financial accountability. And w use a consistent set of guidelines

[43:11] for how to determine those Stan standards. sort accepted within the field. Restitution

[43:19] would apply to an unauthorized tree removal. >> Improper route, cutting so

[43:25] compassionate excavation damage, damage from equipment or staging and work performed

[43:31] without required permits. All of these are real-life examples that we've seen in

[43:35] projects that this sets up a remedy to address. It talks about replacement planning

[43:40] when trees cannot be preserved, that it is to planning is required, focuses

[43:46] on long-term Kennedy canopy restoration. And that gives forestry the ability to

[43:52] determine species, planting locations and minimum standards. So keep some

[43:56] central to this role. It also sets up a public input and transparency process. This is

[44:02] throughout the planning process. So it starts early when we begin the basic

[44:07] planning for a project. >> They'll a multiple public input opportunities,

[44:14] multilingual, communication. >> And then annual reporting to the city Council. And

[44:21] that's the end of the formal presentation. So therefore sets a standard operating

[44:25] procedures tree planting and restoration, which is sort of the start of construction. And

[44:30] then after construction. Construction protection. So critical root zones to finding

[44:37] those and how contractor should operate tree damage and restoration restitution that I

[44:45] mentioned. And then there's an SNP. The last one is on the transparency and engagement.

[44:50] So I think we are I know we'd be happy to entertain questions. This did go to

[44:58] Parks Commission and received unanimous vote in favor of it. There's a lot of public input

[45:04] there. And I know that that they'll be an opportunity for that at a later date. Thank

[45:07] you so much for the staff report. I see a question for Johnston.

[45:14] >> Thank council president and thank Director Kershaw being here along with all the team

[45:17] that worked on just kind of what has been a lucrative now. And honestly, just truly great

[45:24] to see it all come together. I-2, one point asked just a little bit more on the budget

[45:30] for this and kind of like kind of understand the grass year to hear what going to cost the

[45:36] city. How can we plan ahead for this ordinance to go into place in the end, be more than

[45:41] just like an ordinance passed. That is actual eyes. And I and I apologize if I missed it,

[45:47] but I don't think I've received kind of a fiscal note for this ordinance or really

[45:50] an understanding of. The costs and estimations to keep up with the ordinance

[45:56] requirements and to implement what has been put in place so we can move on that plan with

[45:59] the intentions of, you know, action allies whatever passes. >> Thank you. Councilmember

[46:06] Council president all speak to the public works side of So this will increase the cost of

[46:12] projects, but the projects themselves will pay for that. So hiring an outside arborist

[46:17] on they'll be more time. They'll be more process. The projects themselves will cover

[46:21] those in so much as its a common sent project or any public wrks. Project. The

[46:27] project budget would take on the cost for that. So it will increase costs, but they'll be

[46:33] all these public benefits that go along with it. Thanks, Council, president council

[46:39] member also Ed, just we have one urban forester that oversees construction projects

[46:43] citywide and that in its current form just. >> Not enough to keep up with

[46:47] all the projects that we have. So just factoring in the overall forestry budget. You

[46:54] mentioned that could be absorbed by project, but we will have to look at the

[46:57] structural kind of setup of the Forester unit and how you can make it more sustainable

[47:00] future. >> And I think this is a quick nod and follow up for it. You

[47:08] know, I really wouldn't continue to just encourage with me this. Unanimously

[47:13] receives canopy unanimously receives feedback as a pretty high priority. Not only for

[47:18] all of us in this room by, you know, you have to hear it's been some of the top priority

[47:24] as well for council and was again this year. And so just placing that into the

[47:30] understanding to from what I've seen and even heard from competitions and my community

[47:35] and my ward, 2, you know, it's really important. I think if we can plan for certain things

[47:41] ahead of time, just t know if it's, you know, if it it's realistic to have when

[47:48] individual doing that work or within the parks dpartment and to the peace around

[47:52] observing the cost through the Hear you on And if it adjusts the timeline of projects can

[47:59] do that. I think just whatever's learned in the first year from it and we

[48:03] really welcomed as far as like feedback $0.2. I very much see this is something that is the

[48:07] right direction to go in and something that we spent so much time. What the planning

[48:12] things that have Gavin, a lot of community input, but also something that must all of our

[48:17] constituencies care about. And so just genuinely wanted to to see it be successful and also

[48:25] since we're placing these ordinances in place, just kind of know what we have to do to

[48:29] continue to keep up with the requirement itself. So just echoing both my support there

[48:34] and also just welcoming the feedback of like what we learned from the first year.

[48:37] But the men Taishan. Thank you, Johnson. Before of Mr. Khurshid jumps and just to say

[48:42] I fully appreciate agree with your questions about cost over time.

[48:45] >> This ordinance uniquely, I think killed in an annual review of the ordinance itself

[48:49] and its cost and its effectiveness. So that is actually what exactly are

[48:53] asking is baked in that that will come back to us for review. I would also encourage

[48:57] the department's to think about whether or not the cost of say additional forestry

[49:01] staff much like a certified arborist could also be amortized unaccounted for.

[49:06] People sort of piecemeal over the cost of different projects, each of them sort of

[49:10] paying a share of whatever that cost ends up being to the city to have that additional

[49:15] staff who is working on those I think that there are creative ways to think abo

[49:19] had at not add to the general fund burden but make sure the projects are paying for the

[49:23] full cost of the work with that. I think Mr. Kershaw had thanks. Helps president was

[49:31] going to mention the annual ew that it's built in to the ordinance and the fact

[49:34] that just one endorsement and he said that public works can't do its work with

[49:39] inadequate. >> Staffing for the expectations within forestry.

[49:42] It's vital that they have even if we hire an outside arborist, there still needs to

[49:48] be review internally. And so it's critical that the spport from. Ongoing forestry staff

[49:53] is there. see a is just thank you. Council president, thank you all for the presentation

[50:01] and also thank you to you make a jacket for all of her work on tis.

[50:05] >> I have a qestion about. >> Just the the >> trees during construction.

[50:11] So thinking about, you know, have all of road projects coming up. And, you know,

[50:17] that's a road project or a building project you often encounter like unforeseen

[50:21] conditions. And I'm sure you do as it relates to trees. during construction in order

[50:27] to protect trees will projects be required to basically are they going to locate those

[50:34] critical root zones prior to construction does that require nondestructive testing? I

[50:41] guess I'm just thinking about understand that they'll be taking on that cost. But I

[50:44] could see that being a pretty significant cost. The project potentially if there's a lot

[50:49] of trees. >> Council president council member it's normal that we do

[50:56] a survey of where trees are in a project. But this adds a lot more depth to that so that

[51:01] there will be a tree by tree determination of the critical root zone will be in need, you

[51:08] know, to make sure that those are followed. So it's the combination of better work

[51:12] before the project begins, assessing it literally on a tree by tree basis. More

[51:18] careful construction expectations as well as monitoring and then penalties

[51:23] for when something happens that shouldn't have to. So it will get down to the

[51:28] individual tree. You know, accepts the fact that on some boulevards, there's very

[51:36] there's a wider boulevard and others that it's narrow. If you think about the work right

[51:38] now on Dale Street, it's a county project that's a street was really narrow boulevards

[51:44] trees that the trying to work around. So it acommodates the fact that the situations for

[51:48] each project and its street are a little different. Thank you.

[51:56] >> Not seeing any I want to thank you all again for your time. Will say more about this

[52:01] may cause factors for public hearing on July 8th. But for now, I also 2 things. One, I

[52:07] want to recognize the amount of immense work that you and your teams hve put in. And I

[52:11] been saying this to everyone, and probably say it again during this process. But I

[52:13] want to say to you, our sort of let's just us that the process really has been an

[52:20] outcome. I'm not typically very patient person. And so I know you've all experience

[52:25] that over the last 18 months. and yet, I have come to appreciate how much. Your

[52:32] departments and your teams working together on this ordinance is actually what is

[52:36] going to be needed for this ordinance to work because ultimately this stipulates the

[52:42] work happening between your 2 departments. And that's not something that we can just

[52:45] Band-Aid on, paper it something that has to be learned to build in. And

[52:48] that's exactly what you've been doing for 18 months now. So thank you for all the all

[52:53] the hard work that's gone into it. I know it's gonna make it much more successful from day

[52:57] one. I really appreciate that. And also and recognize that one of the members of the pig,

[53:02] we love pigs in Saint Paul. I think it's a KSAT. He's here with Bridget, Alice and I

[53:06] really appreciate I'm so sorry. And I didn't know Ad are both here and will t Al

[53:14] time to recognize you at the public hearing as well. But thank you for being here for

[53:16] your hard work. Wth that. This over till. Republican. Item is laid over to July's

[53:25] for second reading public hearing item, 17 resolution public hearing 26 dash one. 41

[53:31] approving the application of District Energy Saint Paul for some of variance order to

[53:35] present amplified sound for district energy boiler testing event on June. 29 through July

[53:40] 3rd and July 6 through July 10 with the potential addition of joy love and 17 to 26 at one.

[53:45] 25 Sheppard road. Just a couple This brings us to the public hearing section of our

[53:51] agenda. If you're here to testify in any of these items, when your item is called, we

[53:54] invite you to come up. Stand between the 2 microphone. Start with your name and where

[53:57] you're coming from. of 2 minutes to testify. When you're done, please sign in on

[54:01] either the to sign in sheets. This is a public hearing on item 17.

[54:02] >> Is there anyone here to speak on the side? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from

[54:09] is common to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. Aye. All post 6

[54:13] in favor. None oppose. The resolution is adopted item. 18 resolution public and 26 dash

[54:16] one. 42 authorizing the police department to amend the financing in spending plans in

[54:20] the police Department Grant fund. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here

[54:23] to speak to this item? Seeing none. We'll take a motion from his just to close the public

[54:28] hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. post 6 in favor. None opposed. The

[54:34] resolution is adopted item. 19 resolution public hearing 26 dash one. 23 approving the

[54:37] application of think for some of advance in order to present amplified sound for Rondo Days

[54:40] festival Saturday, July 18th 2026. At 2.71. North McEwen Street outside Martin Luther

[54:45] King rec center. This is a public case. Anyone here to speak to this item. Seeing

[54:52] none. We'll take a motion from come to close the public hearing and approve all in

[54:54] favor say Aye. I post 6 in favor not oppose. The resolution is adopted

[54:58] legislative hearing consent item. 20 is before you for your consideration. we don't

[55:03] have moment. 4 of us anybody. Mister Williams, Mr. Council, president Council members. We

[55:12] have no one here to testify today. >> So well us our calls to

[55:18] make sure we amost never have won legislative hearing agenda items. That's why this has

[55:22] been If you are here on item 20, this is your public hearing. Seeing none. We

City Council on 2026-06-24 3:30 PM

Agenda

Transcript