? ? ?
? ? >> eating the same health City
Council to order. Welcome, please. Thank. Johnson here. Just can council president
maker here, 6 present one absent that being Councilmember Bowie who is
excused? >> Good afternoon, everyone. And welcome to our Saint Paul
City Council meeting. We're told that you could join us today. We invite everyone to
join us in standing for the Pledge of Allegiance it's Is there public which stands one
nation under God. >> Indivisible liberty and justice for all.
>> Consent agenda items. 4 through 12 are before you for your consideration. We are
going to pull item 11 for separate consideration. Is there anything else to be
pulled from consent? Seeing none of motion from Vice President Hank bounds of the
consent agenda all in favor say Aye. 6 in favor. None opposed. The consent agenda is
adopted as amended item. 11 resolution. 26 Dash 10, 11 supporting the recommendations
to the governor for ranking of eligible census tracks for designation as Opportunity
Zones. And we were just notified that there was a slight technical change that
needed to be made. So I'm gonna move a version 2 of this item and we will need to vote
on it to need to be pulled from consent for the version. 2, any discussion of that
motion. Seeing none all in favor say Aye. Host 6 and they were not oppose. The
resolution is adopted as amended item. 13 resolution, 26 Dash 10. 28 recognizing the
life of Lieutenant Colonel Doctor County paying for his contributions to Saint Paul in
for claiming July. 11th through 13th as lieutenant, Doctor Kalpana thing Memorial
days in the city of Saint Paul. Vice president, you come from president. I will be
going to the podium. And so do have a lot of special guests in the room here today for
this resolution. So >> please join me at the podium. Thank you so much. So
made everyone to join us at the podium this year for this item. If you
>> try to stand in between the 2 golden columns, then you'll be on YouTube live. very
excited about. Thank you for joining us today.
Yeah, proud and a little bit because we have a second rather we get.
everybody. >> Thank you so much, everybody for this special
time here. I we'll be bringing forward resolution to honor the life of Lieutenant
Lieutenant Colonel Dr Khoo. thing he there's so much I want to say about on what an
incredible person he is. He i a very well known and say very significantly committee. Also
family dentist says so many of us who don't. Who is also my dentist, who and you'll har
so much about his life in the resolution here. I want to say thank you to Dr Khoo dings
family members for being here. We are joined by so many of his his children,
grandchildren. Also many other community members as well. And his wife is here with me song
and say I'm so grateful to her for extending her time and during that to creating to be
here as well. >> And so what does mean about the resolution here and then I
will bring Pete to the stand to say a few words. I also want to extend that. Thank you
to the entire family and also President Shawn Fain of Council for reaching out about
the resolution here because I'm not able to attend the you know, percent that Haitian for
them to come to city Hall so they can meet all of you and then accept this in person
with us get a photo as well. So for the resolution, whereas the tenant, Colonel Dr siding
was born in 1955. In number allows to song and thing and grew up during a time of 4
displacement and great for chip, whereas from a young age, Dr being demonstrated
courage, resilience and a deep commitment to service assisting the United States
during the Vietnam War. As a radio operator and air traffic controller in miles a start
giving injured extraordinary hardship as a prisoner of war survived. Separation from his
family escape danger. And later reunited with his wife's family and their daughter.
After more than a month apart. Whereas after living in a refugee camp in Thailand,
actor Ving and his family were sponsored by Zion Lutheran Church Belvidere, Illinois,
where began rebuilding his life in the United States determination, humility and
hope Ving worked tirelessly in many fields while learning English and continuing his
education. Eventually earning his general education diploma and becoming the first in the
Hmong community turned a doctor, dental surgery degree from the University of
Minnesota. as appreciation for his new country and with the continuing desire to serve the
United States, Dr joined at the 100 33rd airlift wing the Minnesota National Air
National Guard in 1988 as a dentist serving honorably for 20 years until his retirement
in 2018, whereas during his military service that Colonel Vang provided dental care to
more than 7,000 airmen helped strengthen financial readiness within that contributed to
record-high individual a medical readiness rates across the National Guard. Grassley
turn lieutenant colonel. They never missed regularly scheduled the trail during his
20 years of service, exemplifying discipline. Dedication and the Air Force
value of service before self whereas beyond his military service after being was a
respected scientists and business owner of the things and make in order one, was a
community leader and advocate who served more than 35,000 patients. Many from low-income
families underserved communities. Dr being served as co-chair of the Board for
Them American Education Foundation. A senior adviser to special relate units, SU
Veterans and families of USA, Maine Council of Minnesota and was an active member of the
American Dental Association and a set dental association and the District Dental
Society received the Minnesota Dental Association's Humanitarian Service Award in
recognition of his devoted service, his patients and community, whereas the city of
Saint Paul previously recognized his dedication to community service claiming
October 13th 2018 as the tenant colonel could be day. And whereas the tenant
colonel, Dr Khoo list Sidings Life stands as a powerful example of courage, sacrifice,
faith, perseverance, service and love for family, community country and the people of
Saint Paul. Now, therefore be it resolved at the Paul City Council here by celebrates and
honors the life like to see and lasting contributions. Lieutenant Colonel Doctor
thing for the resolve that the Saint Paul City Council here proclaims July, 11th through
13th 2026. as Lieutenant Colonel Doctor Koop Westside Memorial days in the city of
Saint Paul. Thank you all. >> like to share a bit about why these states were chosen
by the family for Dr Khoo things Memorial Days. That's when his funeral will take
place. He passed away on April 15th, which just recently and at funeral is a moment for
people who sure he has impacted who is just very inspired by him and his
likeness committee committee to come and pay respects to him. The family. don't have
made this a public funeral. And everyone i welcome to fix a tiny, extend the invitation
to all of you as fall. It will be located at the Aldrich Arena Maplewood. So it would
be it'll be a very and funeral for somebody who has made such an impact in so many people's
lives. And the last thing want to say is recruiting anybody who knows him knows that he is
just one of the most generous well coming in kind individuals ever. And so he is
so deeply to his entire family. I want to know that could made such a huge
difference and the impact our community our economics on to really improve lives of folks,
especially those who low-income. Some my favorite stories time folks shared was
how whenever they came into his dental clinic and they couldn't afford the bill, he
would just say, don't worry about it. I'll take care of it for you. And so you just do
nothing. Meet somebody who is so kind and passionate like that. And so he's somebody who
and I think about, you running businesses, he definitely puts people over profit.
>> And so I will miss him. So know many people in the committee will as well and say
what you want to know. You're not alone in creating doctor looking to so have such had
such a great model your lives and he's a role model so many of us to do. Thank you for
being here. >> So >> what I would like to do is
invite people to come to the microphone here. Share a few words.
>> Thank you. Councilmember Yang and thank you to the council. Just real Our family
came to Minnesota. And we've been Frank town since 86. So I Dana was established in 98 and
and the feld Clark's property by front sound. And for some of enough to remember things
like that. And then eventually bought the section for property on university. And
that is where we are located. thought download renovated it turn it into a offices and
with the restaurant. So thank you again to city, City Council and going to be
Qantas, the state of Minnesota and the city Saint Paul, you have been our home for. Quite
a while. 40 years so we appreciate very My dad love Saint Paul. I love coming to
work. He loved going to For at their National weekend a month. So we we gave him to to
the base one weekend, a every month for 20 years. And we proud to do that because
that's what he He's a workaholic. He was 7 years old, but he was not ready to
retire yet. He he was still planning to work another 3 for years and we wren't open 5
days a like some dentists and hate this 4 days. But we were out 5 day week operation. So
he's going to be missed. Same Pablo as you know, as much as we do. we've definitely you
all to attend his feel. And July 11, 12 13 at It's open for everyone. Anyone who knew
him heard about him, patients, military friends, there will be a lot of people coming and
that we're planning for a lot of people to come We will feed you as well when you come just
hopefully to see their to come spend one last weekend my father. Thank you very much.
>> Into so much, Pete. what I will do is invite ploy come up and take a photo o a succumbs
members. Please come and join us is if you're willing able And to make sure people get to
>> thank you so much. changes? >> We should probably take a vote. So thank you all so much
to all of our guests for being here. Our condolences to you and your family and so
grateful that we were we were able to to honor the dctor in this way. So I think that's a
motion for a missing for approval on favor. Say Aye. >> post 6in favor. None
opposed. The resolution is adopted item. 14 resolution, 26 Dash 10, 10 celebrating the
91st birthday of His Holiness, the 14th, Dalai Lama and recognizing the contributions
of Saint Paul's Tibetan community. I'm honored to be bringing for this resolution
on behalf of the council. And I'd love to invite my 2 guests who I believe are here from
the voluntary to that advocacy group and the president that American Foundation,
Minnesota. >> tense and intense and both here welcome. Come on that. I
want to thank both of you bringing this idea forward. One of the things that we
talked about was that this is an opportunity not only to honor the Dalai Lama's 91st
birthday, but also to honor the contributions of the Tibetan community here in
Saint Paul and in Minnesota. So I'm not going to be the entire resolution. It is here
and it is public for all of us to see. But I want to read a couple of the paragraphs
because I think they really get at the at the heart of it. Whereas the Dali Lama has
traveled extensively throughout the world, including Minnesota, fostering
greater understanding, tolerance, harmony and compassion among people of all
faiths and backgrounds. Whereas in 1989, his holiness was awarded the Nobel Peace
Prize for advocating peaceful solutions based on tolerance and mutual respect. And
whereas the teachings on secular ethics, compassion and emotional resilience have
influenced educators, spiritual practitioners and leaders globally. And whereas
over 5,000 Tibetans now common to home contributing to the social cultural and economic
fabric of our communities. And whereas 7/6/2026, marks the 91st birthday of his whole
Unit. Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Council of
the City of Saint Paul of compassion in recognition y - of His Holiness, the 14th,
Dalai Lama's 91st birthday in the city of Saint Paul. In recognition of his lifelong
dedication to peace, compassion and nonviolence. So again, thank you so much for
bringing this forward. I would love to invite you to say over it. So I will begin. My name
is tense and show some time the U.S. national coordinator for
>> the 10 volunteer Trent advocacy group. And I'll be followed by R But American
Foundation Minnesota President. To which is traditional, threaten
grieving. And good afternoon council president and members of the Saint Paul City Council
and community members. Like I mentioned, m name is tense and just proud to American and
lifelong Minnesotan and the U.S. National Coordinator for the voluntary advocacy group,
the primary Youth engagement and Leadership initiative of the Central Tibetan
Administration. >> To government exile. >> Today today, I'm honored to
stand before you as the council considers a resolution recognizing July 6 as the day
of compassion in honor of the 91st birthday of His Holiness, the 14th, Dalai Lama.
>> For Tibetans around the world, the Dalai Lama is our spiritual leader. Bt his
message extends far beyond that. And for decades. He has encouraged people of all
backgrounds, faiths and beliefs to practice compassion, kindness, and
respect for our shared humanity. His lifelong commitment to nonviolence
dialogue and understanding has inspired millions around the world. This resolution is
especially meaningful to me as well. Personally. >> As a child, I attended the
trend in language and cultural classes and many people come the training community center
here in Saint Paul. For our community center is much more than just a building. really
honored to share the same birthday is the Dali And that's really special to me
and my family because we very appreciate and value the the teachings and spiritual
leadership of the Delhi. One them. I think my parents have had the opportunity to meet
him at one point because he has come to Minnesota several times. So thank you so much
for. Bringing this forward in France, uplifting or, you know, local Tibetan community
here in Saint Paul. Thank you. Mrs any further discussion is camp. Thank you so much for
coming. I just want emphasize how much I appreciate. >> Being grounded in the
history of why you're here that, you know, we currently are also a genocidal settlers
states. My ancestors have been occupied twice. We add experience. We're experiencing
a genocide right now in Palestine. So from Turtle Island, Secretes pet, you
know, I really appreciate you being here and happy birthday to the Dali Lama. you so much
for granting us in this moment and why why it's so important for us to be connected to
issues. So thank you for lifting up the event and will be able to make it that will
make sure to check out. Thank you, Miss Kim. Any further discussion of the motion?
Seeing none. Thank you again for reminding us that compassion is not just a
personal value, but a civic act. And I'm going to keep that with me as we move
forward. >> All in favor say Aye. I'll post 6 in favor the resolution
is adopted. Item. 15 resolution, 26 Dash 10. 22 celebrating the 2026 lgbtqia 2
S plus Pride Month. >> Is kept. think >> I am going read the
resolution is the record and I've got a few speakers with the state will introduce
>> sands that whereas is to keep this move And so we're celebrating the 2026 lgbtqia
to us. Plus, Pride Month here in Saint Paul. The existence of Lgbtqia 2 S plus people in
Minnesota predates the arrival and establishment of Minnesota as a state by European
settlers. connotation in some way is assimilation policies sought to force conformity to
Richard rigid and western gender and binaries the month of June is recognized and
observed as Pride Month in commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York
for Black and Brown Lgbtqia to us. Plus, people resisted police violence and ignited a
movement for human rights. The stonewall uprising was the culmination of decades of
discrimination and criminalization of our community and black and brown
transact events including Marsha P Johnson and Sylvia Rivera led the way for
significant progress, including the legalization of same marriage. And the lgbtqia
2 S plus community has sadly long been faced with discrimination based on their
identity and expression and continues to face efforts to erode their rights and quality
of life with the tax on health care, education, civil rights and more Minnesota added
protections for orientation and gender identity in a Minnesota Human Rights Act in
1993, doctor, the Marriage Equality Act in 2013 enacted a statewide ban on conversion
therapy in 2023 enacted protections ensuring access to gender-affirming care and
safeguarding patients and providers from out of state interference helping establish
Minnesota as a refuge for transgender people seeking care. And Saint Paul has been
a leader in advancing lgbtqia to us plus equality including adopting one of the state's
earliest ordinances prohibiting discrimination based on orientation in 1974.
extending protections based on gender identity in town 2012 and prohibiting conversion
therapy for minors in 2020, something that I was very proud to carry as the former
legislative aide to the office lgbtqia to us. Plus, residents, workers, artist
educators, entrepreneurs, advocates public servants and community leaders contribute
and measurably to the cultural civic and economic vitality of Saint Paul Pride Month is a
time of mourning and resent remembrance for the many lives lost to the AIDS epidemic and
the increasing violence and hostility towards trans youth. Pride Month is also time of
community and connection and the joyous celebration of authenticity and visibility.
Therefore be it resolved. The Simple City Council encourages all our cty departments to
evaluate opportunities to establish your strength, an ongoing mechanisms for
engagement with our lgbtqia to us. Plus residents including advisory bodies, community
listening Sessions, community service and other formal channels for input. And be it
further resolved that the Sample City Council encourages all city departments to
continue efforts to ensure residents have access to inclusive and affirming
facilities, including gender-inclusive restrooms in city-owned buildings. for the
resolve that the simple City Council reaffirms its commitment to maintaining
inclusive employment policies and workplace practices that support are LGBT Q to U.S..
Plus employees. And be it further involved. Resolve this only 2 more the same full city
council friends at the same Paul that Saint Paul is the city that welcomes per tax and
celebrates all residents regardless of orientation, gender identity or expression,
they're for be resolve this impasse. City Council here by recognize this June 2026. As
Pride Month in Saint Paul. So I would like to do you decide on order, I'd like 2
incredible community leaders and executive directors to speak a little bit. And I
think the first will be kept around the executive director about from Minnesota.
>> Thank you. Thank you for bringing forward this resolution. And for honoring
Pride month here in Saint Paul, the city that I call home, my name is cap room now
used and she pronouns. I'm executive director of out from Minnesota, our state's largest
LGBTQ advocacy organization which has been serving the state since 1987. I drove to
get here across the Bridge in part just to see all of the pride flags as I crossed over
the Mississippi to come here into downtown. And it's a reminder to me both of the
visibility it that our communities deserve during this month of June, but also
the challenges that we face interspersed amongst American flags. This is a challenging
time for LBTQ communities. A time when our federal government has sought to
reverse or race or remove our mentions of identity and protections and care that we
have worked for many decades to try and secure in this country. I'm proud to call
Minnesota home a state that has stood up and protected and recognized and celebrated our
communities and to call Saint Paul home a city that has done the work to speak up for our
communities. When we have under threat and into support community members who called
this city home. Today, especially our organization, put out a statement in
collaboration wth the family of Gabriel. right. Perez, who is unfortunately murdered here
in the city of Saint Paul and a beloved member of our Twin Cities community a member of
our LGBTQ community. And I want to take a moment to honor and remember and his family
and loved ones and into recognize that when we talk about morning here in the
month of pride and it is something that is very present real for those of us here in
Minnesota, it's not abstract morning. It's not about just those who we lost in the HIV
AIDS crisis, who we do remember, but i is about the very real threats of violence
that our communities face every day and the way in which violence against LGBTQ people
and bodies is intertwined with violence on race, violence on all sorts of issues of that we
all experience here. as we remember him as we remember others that we've lost, I
think it's also important to recognize that pride is an act of defiance that as much as we
have become familiar and comfortable with the visibility and recognition of
Pride Month that it is still a radical and bold act to declare our support for LGBTQ
communities and to have LGBTQ voices leaders and elected officials speaking up and
standing up for our communities. And I'm proud that Saint Paul as a space in
which we can do that. Our work is ongoing. LGBTQ rights will continue to be a hotly
contested issue for the foreseeable future. But if there's one thing that pride
has talked me both as a practice and as a lineage and that history in our
communities, it's that we don't back down from a challenge. It's that no matter
what the face of hatred and discrimination and repression looks like our communities
have found ways to create joy to find one another to build community and to build durable
power, not just for our own gains, but for the gains of everybody in our communities
because everybody deserves to live fully and authentically as themselves to be able to
move through the world free of discrimination and to be able to celebrate who they are, how
they choose to build a family or not and where they want to call home. I know that there
are a lot of LGBTQ folks, including myself who call Saint Paul home. I know that
this recognition is very welcome this month of June. And I want to thank you all
for considering it and bringing it forward. >> Thank you so It's a
pleasure to be with you today and to offer my support and appreciation. On behalf of
this important resolution. My name is Megan She her executive director of Gender
Justice for a nonprofit legal and policy advocacy organization. We work to
advance gender euity through the law. As we consider this resolution today, I'm once
again reminded of why gender justice is proud to have been founded in Minnesota and based
in Saint Paul. That's because Minnesotans don't just proclaim our values. We live
them through our policies and our actions. And that makes our words and our communities
truly power fall. Today's resolution is powerful and it is needed for many of the
reasons care already touched on. And I just really appreciate naming the loss
Gabriel to the community. Very recently. But in mid, you know, constant attack, federal
tax in particular and translate rights and the lgbtqia 2. Plus 2 S plus
communities dignity. It's critical that Paul proudly declare so every community
member knows you belong here and you are welcome here. This resolution explicitly
recognizes the deep connections between the fight for Lgbtqia to us. Plus
liberation and the fights for racial justice, indigenous sovereignty and economic
equity and the historic and current leadership of and trans and gender diverse
people of color, especially black and brown. trans woman. innocence. A proven over and
over this year. When we say we stand with our neighbors, we really mean it. And a this
resolution highlights, Minnesota and Saint Paul both have a proud history of
establishing concrete, meaningful protections and support for lgbtqia to us.
Plus, community members. And today this is an important opportunity to continue that
legacy by adopting this resolution. Also a name that another set Minnesota can take
is to pass an equal Rights amendment, which ensures that our state's resources and laws
are never weaponized against our own people and to literally right are strong
values of equity and inclusion into our state's highest governing document. We can
continue to fight for every trans person's right to play, right to play sports with
their friends without facing discrimination. And we can continue to foster a culture
of lgbtqia to Plus dignity autonomy and celebration through action in advocacy
through daily conversations in our communities and through Joyce gatherings like today's
and those held throughout pride season. Last but not least I want to highlight a
specific line from the resolution. Whereas Lgbtqia to us. Plus, residents, workers,
artists, educators, entrepreneurs, advocates, public servants and community
leaders contributing measurably to the cultural civic and economic vitality of
Saint Paul. The skills like truth at the heart of the resolution and a core of our
communities. Minnesota is a better sate because of our trans and gender expansive.
Leaders and neighbors say Palos a better city because of our community. And today and
every day through this resolution, our daily actions, we honor and recognize the
immeasurable contributions of trans and gender, expansive Minnesotans and commit to
maintaining increasing the safety dignity and joy of our home and for all of our
community. Thank you. Thank you so much. >> And with that, I move
approval. There's a motion on the table for Is there any discussion of the motion?
Thank you, council president. Thank you. Councilmember can for bringing forward This
resolution. I >> want to say thank you to incredible yeat. He's in the
room here for coming in speaking and jst really reaffirming the importance of
pie and also protecting and and fighting for our LGBTQ+. community. As you all were
speaking, I was reflecting a bit about, but the wonderful moments that I've had going in
speaking into youth classrooms and aso just being conversation with us. My own
cousins, you know, teenagers who identify as LGBTQ+ and I wanted to really speak to town
generational. I'm changing in. Clutch. Will change. That has happened fom even just like
2025 years ago when I was still, you know, a child to this day, I know for for my
cousins and their friends who have been in conversation with they feel so much safer about
being able to commodities, sure about their experiences you know, as a GP 2 cute pass,
folks. And if you know, it really because of that leadership in the committee
organizing the fight, the resistance that folks have put in. And so I wanted to take
this moment to the share. My solidarity with all of you. And also to continue
reaffirming that same policy place for everybody across race across class gender
sexuality. And so you want to say again, thanks for your incredible work and keep up
the amazing work. And I'm here with and keep as president. thank ensure they don't even
know if my comments are my thoughts. But they were in doubt in my phone. So if
>> they're not original, please, someone tell me that it's there and this may come
across is that sharp? But I know I'm loved loved Pride Month is requirement of the
society with Mines and closed hearts. Pride is a reminder that we need every day that
justice isn't finished. Safety a situational and inclusion is the bare minimum hatred
doesn't require consent and liberation loves company. So while this resolution is for
Saint Paul, I do want extend this. Welcome welcome this ad warmth to ever run across the
state. There are many reasons why folks are and our outdoor queerness take so many
different forms and ways of being. And so it doesn't matter. You know where you
live, if it's safe or not, to be your full self, you are valid and you are just a part
of our community as anyone I'm looking forward to this part of colleagues to pass a
resolution today. Thank you. Miss Kim. And I will just say echo my colleagues. Thanks to
you both. Incredible leaders for honoring us with your presence here for your
eloquence. >> And for being with us in the work, not just today, not
just this month, but all the many days and months and years. Besides that. Kat, I
really appreciated what you said. I have the same experience. Fortunately every
day to come across a lot coverage to work and see the pride flag and the American
flag and the complications that you described of how those 2 interlachen overlap
and intersect. It's if there's a lot of layers there. And so that really resonated with me,
sir. Thank you for talking about that. So with that. motion for approval all in
favor say Aye. I post 6 in favor. None oppose. The resolution is adopted. Item.
16 ordinance 25 Dash 4 ending title 4 of the Saint Paul Administrative Code to add
Chapter 92 title tree preservation for a city-sponsored construction
projects. I cannot tell you how happy I am to be reaching this moment. I think the 5th
time we'll have a first reading of this ordinance. Just kidding. So we will have
staff report. This is not actually the first reading of this ordinance, but because
there has just been so much work that's happened over the last 18 months, it is
essentially a new ordinance. And so we will have a staff report on the changes on the
work that has been done over the last 18 months. There will be a lot more to say about
this at apublic hearing and final adoption. I know everyone has received Aaron
Novella describing the work and process. But with that, I'm excited to welcome
Director Rodriguez and team to give us the staff report. Thank you, council president
council members. Glad you got big thick three-ring binder there to review.
>> As you can likely guess I hear a lot about a lot of things in my role as park
director. But the most consistent topic I hear about his trees, Saint Paul cares
deeply about its tree canopy. And I believe that is recognized in the ordinance
that we're going to discuss today. Very excited to be here has, as you mentioned, this is
18, 18 months of work. That has been a cross departmental effort along with public works
and parks aligning technical standards, navigating hard tradeoffs and building
something that we can all stand behind. But I want to specifically recognize Nick
Peterson, Steve Dodge and Sean Kershaw from public works. Tom Hagel, Alice Messer and
Rachel's on word from the park's team for their expertise and persistence and
committing Tate. Get this right. But also the community input or to convened a public
input group aptly named the Pig. have to say for a group with that name there and start
extraordinarily president to work a pleasant to work their engagement was serious,
thoughtful, generally shape. This ordinance, the residents of neighborhood voices or
embedded in this product. So just want to note that and give a particular recognition
to the war to office and Megan jacket for helping to facilitate their partnership
throughout this process. It's also notable that you made it to all 17 district Council
meetings to engage on this process. So thank you for that. But the tree canopy with
in Saint Paul is one of our most valuable assets in this ordinance. Gives us the tols
to protect it. Thoughtfully equitably and with communities trust. So with that, I'm going
to turn it over to Tom Hagel R Operations manager and Sean Kershaw from public works to
get the presentation. Welcome. Good afternoon. I'm Tom Hagel, operations manager for Parks
and Rec. >> I'm ready. This started to see guys are ready to start.
>> I'll be touching first on the tree. Preservation ordinance. Just the overview
and itself what the purpose goals of that are. And then shot will be following with
the. Standard operating procedures from that. The purpose of the tree ordinance
is to recognize the trees are a vital part of the cities. Infrastructure. It also
establishes a citywide framework protect manage trees during city-sponsored
construction projects. Ordinance also lies with reconstruction efforts with
the goals and policies of the 2040 comprehensive plan. As well as the climate action
next with a long-term goal of creating a proactive accountable and transparent
system to protect expand Paul's of a tree canopy. Why does this matter? Over the
last several years we've been doing and all the ash brer aside from Mr. for we've a lot
of construction and more to come with sales tax projects that are and our future as
well several climate impact issues including storm and drought. Just as old over the
last 2 weeks with the storms that we've had experienced over 250 trees that have
either been damaged or lost to the storms in itself. Trees as we all a public bnefit. They
reduce heat. They're a part of our storm. management system as well as improving air
quality and public health for the neighborhood is critical. We do have a lot of spots. I
do have more canopy in our neighborhoods and it's important all the critical
issues that come with slower canopies sites, mostly and pollution. What the ordinance
requires. Again, this is back to city sponsored construction, that tree and
Tories and sites have. We have treated Tories Inside Service. intent of including a
certified arborist throughout all these processes, the formal tree preservation plan.
As well as early evaluation of alternative opportunities to protect trees where we can
rather than having a law student. Construction. This also defines tree protection
zones, which the fencing and other things like to put into place to protect trees
throughout the construction process. And it also develops construction protection
standards and inspections that Sean, we'll talk about a little bit more. And it's also
about putting preservation first in most instances where we can the to demolition
through construction. So far the The overall goals are to coordinate planning a first
preserve existing health canopy, which is important everyone reduce avoidable tree
loss as well as establish mixture, canopy and preservation is wanted or
possible, but setting minimum requirements for tree planting.
>> Thanks, Tom Council members, my name Shawn Kershaw operations manager and public
works. I want to echo the to go through some of the details. Nick Peterson and
Steve Dodge from Public works really did the work for this. I'm here because they had some
unavoidable conflicts working really closely with parks, obviously working with the
public I can't. want to call it the pick. The public input making jacket is a sort of
unnamed hero in this to hold this process together was incredible because a lot
needed to happen and certainly council president with your leadership.
>> The key there for standard operating procedures. So the ordinance will live on, you
know, as an ordinance. >> Therefore, a standard operating procedures that are
behind that and I'll walk through them. I think they are in your of the tree
Preservation. Pre tree protection during construction. This is one of
the biggest changes because it defines it sets a third-party arborist to come in and do
weekly inspections. Immediate correction of volations, continuous coordination
between contractors. Public works and forestry. It lay it specifies the contractor
responsibilities and these will be in the agreements with the contractors. Immediate
reporting of tree damage. Forestry permits required maintenance of tree protection
throughout the process. This includes restitution for damages. So it establishes as
its says, financial accountability. And w use a consistent set of guidelines
for how to determine those Stan standards. sort accepted within the field. Restitution
would apply to an unauthorized tree removal. >> Improper route, cutting so
compassionate excavation damage, damage from equipment or staging and work performed
without required permits. All of these are real-life examples that we've seen in
projects that this sets up a remedy to address. It talks about replacement planning
when trees cannot be preserved, that it is to planning is required, focuses
on long-term Kennedy canopy restoration. And that gives forestry the ability to
determine species, planting locations and minimum standards. So keep some
central to this role. It also sets up a public input and transparency process. This is
throughout the planning process. So it starts early when we begin the basic
planning for a project. >> They'll a multiple public input opportunities,
multilingual, communication. >> And then annual reporting to the city Council. And
that's the end of the formal presentation. So therefore sets a standard operating
procedures tree planting and restoration, which is sort of the start of construction. And
then after construction. Construction protection. So critical root zones to finding
those and how contractor should operate tree damage and restoration restitution that I
mentioned. And then there's an SNP. The last one is on the transparency and engagement.
So I think we are I know we'd be happy to entertain questions. This did go to
Parks Commission and received unanimous vote in favor of it. There's a lot of public input
there. And I know that that they'll be an opportunity for that at a later date. Thank
you so much for the staff report. I see a question for Johnston.
>> Thank council president and thank Director Kershaw being here along with all the team
that worked on just kind of what has been a lucrative now. And honestly, just truly great
to see it all come together. I-2, one point asked just a little bit more on the budget
for this and kind of like kind of understand the grass year to hear what going to cost the
city. How can we plan ahead for this ordinance to go into place in the end, be more than
just like an ordinance passed. That is actual eyes. And I and I apologize if I missed it,
but I don't think I've received kind of a fiscal note for this ordinance or really
an understanding of. The costs and estimations to keep up with the ordinance
requirements and to implement what has been put in place so we can move on that plan with
the intentions of, you know, action allies whatever passes. >> Thank you. Councilmember
Council president all speak to the public works side of So this will increase the cost of
projects, but the projects themselves will pay for that. So hiring an outside arborist
on they'll be more time. They'll be more process. The projects themselves will cover
those in so much as its a common sent project or any public wrks. Project. The
project budget would take on the cost for that. So it will increase costs, but they'll be
all these public benefits that go along with it. Thanks, Council, president council
member also Ed, just we have one urban forester that oversees construction projects
citywide and that in its current form just. >> Not enough to keep up with
all the projects that we have. So just factoring in the overall forestry budget. You
mentioned that could be absorbed by project, but we will have to look at the
structural kind of setup of the Forester unit and how you can make it more sustainable
future. >> And I think this is a quick nod and follow up for it. You
know, I really wouldn't continue to just encourage with me this. Unanimously
receives canopy unanimously receives feedback as a pretty high priority. Not only for
all of us in this room by, you know, you have to hear it's been some of the top priority
as well for council and was again this year. And so just placing that into the
understanding to from what I've seen and even heard from competitions and my community
and my ward, 2, you know, it's really important. I think if we can plan for certain things
ahead of time, just t know if it's, you know, if it it's realistic to have when
individual doing that work or within the parks dpartment and to the peace around
observing the cost through the Hear you on And if it adjusts the timeline of projects can
do that. I think just whatever's learned in the first year from it and we
really welcomed as far as like feedback $0.2. I very much see this is something that is the
right direction to go in and something that we spent so much time. What the planning
things that have Gavin, a lot of community input, but also something that must all of our
constituencies care about. And so just genuinely wanted to to see it be successful and also
since we're placing these ordinances in place, just kind of know what we have to do to
continue to keep up with the requirement itself. So just echoing both my support there
and also just welcoming the feedback of like what we learned from the first year.
But the men Taishan. Thank you, Johnson. Before of Mr. Khurshid jumps and just to say
I fully appreciate agree with your questions about cost over time.
>> This ordinance uniquely, I think killed in an annual review of the ordinance itself
and its cost and its effectiveness. So that is actually what exactly are
asking is baked in that that will come back to us for review. I would also encourage
the department's to think about whether or not the cost of say additional forestry
staff much like a certified arborist could also be amortized unaccounted for.
People sort of piecemeal over the cost of different projects, each of them sort of
paying a share of whatever that cost ends up being to the city to have that additional
staff who is working on those I think that there are creative ways to think abo
had at not add to the general fund burden but make sure the projects are paying for the
full cost of the work with that. I think Mr. Kershaw had thanks. Helps president was
going to mention the annual ew that it's built in to the ordinance and the fact
that just one endorsement and he said that public works can't do its work with
inadequate. >> Staffing for the expectations within forestry.
It's vital that they have even if we hire an outside arborist, there still needs to
be review internally. And so it's critical that the spport from. Ongoing forestry staff
is there. see a is just thank you. Council president, thank you all for the presentation
and also thank you to you make a jacket for all of her work on tis.
>> I have a qestion about. >> Just the the >> trees during construction.
So thinking about, you know, have all of road projects coming up. And, you know,
that's a road project or a building project you often encounter like unforeseen
conditions. And I'm sure you do as it relates to trees. during construction in order
to protect trees will projects be required to basically are they going to locate those
critical root zones prior to construction does that require nondestructive testing? I
guess I'm just thinking about understand that they'll be taking on that cost. But I
could see that being a pretty significant cost. The project potentially if there's a lot
of trees. >> Council president council member it's normal that we do
a survey of where trees are in a project. But this adds a lot more depth to that so that
there will be a tree by tree determination of the critical root zone will be in need, you
know, to make sure that those are followed. So it's the combination of better work
before the project begins, assessing it literally on a tree by tree basis. More
careful construction expectations as well as monitoring and then penalties
for when something happens that shouldn't have to. So it will get down to the
individual tree. You know, accepts the fact that on some boulevards, there's very
there's a wider boulevard and others that it's narrow. If you think about the work right
now on Dale Street, it's a county project that's a street was really narrow boulevards
trees that the trying to work around. So it acommodates the fact that the situations for
each project and its street are a little different. Thank you.
>> Not seeing any I want to thank you all again for your time. Will say more about this
may cause factors for public hearing on July 8th. But for now, I also 2 things. One, I
want to recognize the amount of immense work that you and your teams hve put in. And I
been saying this to everyone, and probably say it again during this process. But I
want to say to you, our sort of let's just us that the process really has been an
outcome. I'm not typically very patient person. And so I know you've all experience
that over the last 18 months. and yet, I have come to appreciate how much. Your
departments and your teams working together on this ordinance is actually what is
going to be needed for this ordinance to work because ultimately this stipulates the
work happening between your 2 departments. And that's not something that we can just
Band-Aid on, paper it something that has to be learned to build in. And
that's exactly what you've been doing for 18 months now. So thank you for all the all
the hard work that's gone into it. I know it's gonna make it much more successful from day
one. I really appreciate that. And also and recognize that one of the members of the pig,
we love pigs in Saint Paul. I think it's a KSAT. He's here with Bridget, Alice and I
really appreciate I'm so sorry. And I didn't know Ad are both here and will t Al
time to recognize you at the public hearing as well. But thank you for being here for
your hard work. Wth that. This over till. Republican. Item is laid over to July's
for second reading public hearing item, 17 resolution public hearing 26 dash one. 41
approving the application of District Energy Saint Paul for some of variance order to
present amplified sound for district energy boiler testing event on June. 29 through July
3rd and July 6 through July 10 with the potential addition of joy love and 17 to 26 at one.
25 Sheppard road. Just a couple This brings us to the public hearing section of our
agenda. If you're here to testify in any of these items, when your item is called, we
invite you to come up. Stand between the 2 microphone. Start with your name and where
you're coming from. of 2 minutes to testify. When you're done, please sign in on
either the to sign in sheets. This is a public hearing on item 17.
>> Is there anyone here to speak on the side? Seeing none. I'll take a motion from
is common to close the public hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. Aye. All post 6
in favor. None oppose. The resolution is adopted item. 18 resolution public and 26 dash
one. 42 authorizing the police department to amend the financing in spending plans in
the police Department Grant fund. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here
to speak to this item? Seeing none. We'll take a motion from his just to close the public
hearing and approve all in favor say Aye. post 6 in favor. None opposed. The
resolution is adopted item. 19 resolution public hearing 26 dash one. 23 approving the
application of think for some of advance in order to present amplified sound for Rondo Days
festival Saturday, July 18th 2026. At 2.71. North McEwen Street outside Martin Luther
King rec center. This is a public case. Anyone here to speak to this item. Seeing
none. We'll take a motion from come to close the public hearing and approve all in
favor say Aye. I post 6 in favor not oppose. The resolution is adopted
legislative hearing consent item. 20 is before you for your consideration. we don't
have moment. 4 of us anybody. Mister Williams, Mr. Council, president Council members. We
have no one here to testify today. >> So well us our calls to
make sure we amost never have won legislative hearing agenda items. That's why this has
been If you are here on item 20, this is your public hearing. Seeing none. We