HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 10282025CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 28, 2025
I. CALL TO ORDER.
Mayor Webster called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Mayor Webster invited the Council and audience to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL.
Present: Mayor Webster, Councilmembers Lona Doolan, Nadia Elnagdy, Jan Jenson, and
Thomas Randle.
Absent: None.
Also Present: City Manager Charlie Yunker, Assistant City Manager Ashley Morello, and Police
Chief Jeff Spiess.
Others Present: None.
CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE
FOLLOWING ITEMS.
IV. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 28, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
Motion by Councilmember Jenson, seconded by Councilmember Randle, to approve the City
Council Meeting Agenda of October 28, 2025, as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
V. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
A. New Officer Swearing In — Gaelan Smith.
Police Chief Spiess provided some background information on Officer Gaelan Smith and
administered his swearing -in. Photographs were taken. Officer Smith thanked the City of St.
Anthony for the opportunity to serve. He also thanked his FTOs, the Mpls. Parks Officers,
family, and his wife. The Councilmembers and Mayor welcomed Officer Smith to the St.
Anthony Police Department.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA.
A. Approve October 14 2025 Council Meeting Minutes.
B. License and Permits.
C. Claims.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 28, 2025
Page 2
1 D. Resolution 25-069 — Accepting Grants and Donations Received in the Yd Quarter of
2 2025.
3 E. Resolution 25-070 — Approving State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreement with the
4 City of St. Anthony Village on Behalf of its City Attorney and Police Department.
6 Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve the Consent
7 Agenda items.
9 Motion carried 5-0.
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11 VII. PUBLIC HEARING - NONE.
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13 VIII. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF - NONE.
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15 IX. GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL.
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17 A. Resolution 25-071 — Approving Fifth Amendment to Contract for Private Redevelopment
18 Between the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of St. Anthony, MN, The City of St.
19 Anthony Village, Doran SLV, LLC. Doran St. Anthony LLC. and Doran SLV II, LLC.
20
21 City Manager Yunker reviewed this resolution approving a Fifth Amendment to the Contract for
22 Redevelopment with Doran SLV, LLC for the former Walmart site redevelopment, referred to as
23 The Ruby.
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25 The initial Contract for Private Redevelopment contemplated the construction of each phase of
26 the Ruby project to be done in two phases. Phase I is complete, and Phase II has encountered
27 challenges in commencing construction, resulting in multiple extensions requested by the
28 developer and subsequently approved by the City Council.
29
30 Due to those ongoing market challenges, Doran SLV LLC is requesting an additional extension
31 of the timing requirements on Phase 2. Doran SLV, LLC proposes a Phase II Commencement
32 deadline of January 1, 2028, and a completion date of January 1, 2030.
33
34 At the work session on September 23, 2025, Doran SLV, LLC representative Evan Doran
35 introduced the desire to request a two-year extension for Council consideration and to discuss the
36 ongoing challenges resulting in the delay of commencement and subsequent extensions. At that
37 time, Council expressed its support for an extension given the circumstances, with a desire to see
38 the Phase II site improved aesthetically until such time as construction begins.
39
40 During the review process of the required documents to facilitate an extension by the City's legal
41 and financial advisors, it was advised that the language regarding Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
42 for Phase II be removed. The anticipated timeline for the project completion is now coming very
43 close to the end date of the existing TIF district, which results in negligible TIF assistance
44 generated for the project. As a result, staff is recommending to removal of the previously
45 approved TIF assistance that has dissolved over time.
46
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 28, 2025
Page 3
1 Mr. Evan Doran appeared before the Council to answer any questions. He is also asking for
2 approval of a subordination agreement, which is part of the packet. They went through
3 refinancing for Phase I.
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Councilmember Jenson asked if interest rates were to drop significantly in two years, would this
Phase II project start earlier? Mr. Doran stated there are three triggers, including interest rates,
construction costs, and rent.
Councilmember Randle asked, since construction has not stopped, why is this property so
different from other construction sites? Mr. Doran stated that there has been a rapid decrease in
new projects across the Twin Cities Metro. Some projects moving forward are affordable
housing, which has a different funding source. They are not unique, but they fully believe in this
project and the community.
Councilmember Doolan noted there are a number of good things with this project, but it is the
third request for extension. She asked what would be different in three years. She wonders if this
is still the right development for this spot. She wonders if there should be a conversation as to
what would be a better return. She does not understand what a deferral is going to give St.
Anthony. She has reservations about such a long extension for something she is not sure what
will change to make it more viable. Mr. Doran stated they are not suggesting or asking for any
TIF or other financial assistance. They are trying to supply to meet the demand, so there are no
unnecessary rent increases. There is a diverse population that lives in their buildings. They are
trying to do their part to address housing in the City.
Councilmember Elnagdy stated that it only happens if an apartment is built. There is no end in
sight to the economic conditions. Mr. Doran stated that there have been changes in the market
and swings in construction costs. The future rent growth potential and construction costs coming
down will help.
Mayor Webster stated she appreciates Mr. Doran's time. The request tonight is the agreement
made years ago to build The Ruby, which would provide 500 more units of housing in the City.
They are now asking for a delay in Phase II. Mr. Doran stated that the three indicators are the
ten-year treasury rate, the Morton Construction Indicator, and the Yardy Matrix, which could be
researched for further information.
Councilmember Doolan stated she still has questions about when this is finished and whether the
community's needs are met. She asked Mr. Doran to consider whether this is still the right
solution. She would expect that Mr. Doran will collaborate with the City's goals. The state of the
current site is not bringing any value to the City currently. Even green space would add value for
the next two years. Mr. Doran stated he would consider that. Councilmember Doolan stated she
would not feel good making a commitment without consideration for improving the site. She
asked if it would be visually improved, as there still is a blighted site. Mr. Doran stated that they
can address the visual concerns. He is reluctant to commit to a large project as they will be
starting construction. Mr. Yunker stated that the Staff can work this out with Doran.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 28, 2025
Page 4
1 Councilmember Elnagdy if economic conditions do not change, she does not want to use City
2 resources to maintain the improvements. Mr. Doran stated that when soil is moved, soil erosion
3 control must be considered. No cost for remediating the site would be put on the City.
4 Councilmember Elnagdy noted the contract was signed ten years ago, and the needs of St.
5 Anthony have changed. The dedication to sustainability needs to be considered. Mr. Doran
6 suggested Council engage contractors when setting policies.
7
8 Also provided for Council consideration were SLVII Doran Fifth Amendment Summary Memo,
9 Ruby Fifth Amendment to Contract for Private Redevelopment, Doran St. Anthony, LLC
10 Subordination Agreement, and Resolution 25-071.
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12 Motion by Councilmember Jenson, seconded by Councilmember Randle, to approve Resolution
13 25-071 — Approving Fifth Amendment to Contract for Private Redevelopment Between the
14 Housing and Redevelopment Authority of St. Anthony, MN, The City of St. Anthony Village,
15 Doran SLV, LLC, Doran St. Anthony LLC, and Doran SLV II, LLC.
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17 Councilmember Jenson noted that much time has been spent discussing this in the Work Session,
18 and Council agreed we could move forward with this as a resolution.
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20 Councilmember Doolan stated she has reservations and believes there should be further
21 conversation about what the needs are for the community.
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23 Councilmember Jenson stated he was not against having further discussion, and there is still time
24 to do that.
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26 Councilmember Elnagdy stated that if we agree to the two-year extension, they can do as they
27 wish. If the discussion is held before approval, then the contract is contingent upon taking
28 additional sustainability practices into consideration. There is no leverage if discussions take
29 place after approval.
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31 Councilmember Doolan suggested that these items be addressed before approving a resolution.
32 Mr. Yunker stated that the request this evening concerns the contract extension. Revisiting the
33 project's scope is not on the agenda for Council tonight and is a broader conversation, not limited
34 to this project.
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36 Mr. Doran stated that it is challenging to apply an unconfirmed policy around a specific project.
37 Their project is not the vehicle for those broader conversations.
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39 Councilmember Doolan stated she is not against development and what it will bring to the
40 community. The delay and condition of the site are a concern.
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42 Mayor Webster stated Staff will work with Mr. Doran about the concern of the current site.
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44 Motion carried 3-2(yoolan and Elnaid% ),
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 28, 2025
Page 5
1 B. Ordinance 2025-05 — Amending the City Code Sections 152 and 154, Related to
2 Licensing and Regulations for Renting of Single -Family Detached Housing, and
3 Ordinance 2025 06 — Amending, the City Code Section 152 Related to Licensing and
4 Regulations for Rentingof f Single -Family Housing.
5
6 Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve Final
7 Reading and adopt Ordinance 2025-05 — Amending the City Code, Sections 152 and 154,
8 Related to Licensing and Regulations for Renting of Single -Family Detached Housing.
9
10 Motion carried 5-0.
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12 Motion by Councilmember Elnagdy, seconded by Councilmember Doolan, to approve Final
13 Reading and adopt Ordinance 2025-06 — Amending the City Code, Section 152, Related to
14 Licensing and Regulations for Renting of Single -Family Housing.
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16 Motion carried 5-0.
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18 C. Resolution 25-072 — Approving Summary Publication for Ordinance 2025-05 and
19 Ordinance 2025-06.
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21 Mayor Webster reviewed this resolution approving the summary publication of Ordinance 2025-
22 05 and Ordinance 2025-06.
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24 Motion by Councilmember Randle, seconded by Councilmember Doolan, to approve Resolution
25 25-072 — Approving Summary Publication for Ordinance 2025-05 and Ordinance 2025-06.
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27 Motion carried 5-0.
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29 D. 2025 Goals Update.
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31 City Manager Yunker and Assistant City Manager Morello reviewed the 2025 Goals Chart,
32 providing 3rd Quarter updates in detail.
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34 Councilmember Elnagdy asked if the community engagement contacts listed by the Police
35 Department are considered calls for service, and Mr. Yunker stated they are not. Councilmember
36 Elnagdy asked who participated in the user testing group for the updated website. Ms. Morello
37 stated they are testing as they go and hearing for resident feedback.
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39 Councilmember Jenson noted the number of bullets by each goal. He asked how far along the
40 goals are to completion. Mr. Yunker stated they are approximately 90% done with the goals that
41 can be completed in 2025.
42
43 X. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
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45 City Manager Yunker reported that Minette Saulog, Sustainability Coordinator, was featured in a
46 Nine North spotlight for sustainability efforts. Employee Recognition will be held on Thursday,
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 28, 2025
Page 6
October 30, with 14 employees being recognized this year. Councilmember Jenson noted there
has been a huge turnover in staff.
Councilmember Randle had no report.
Councilmember Doolan stated she attended both Q&A sessions for the Fire Department on
October 20th and 22°d. She has been door -knocking in September and October. On October 16,
she attended the Net Caps Team. She attended the Minnesota Cities Climate Coalition Meeting
regarding data center consumption. She and Ms. Morello attended a discussion with Ramsey
County Economic Development leader Josh Olson.
Councilmember Jenson stated on October 22 that he attended the Northeast Youth and Family
Services Finance Subcommittee and the Fire Department Open Houses. He handed out 200 or
more flyers during conversations with residents.
Councilmember Elnagdy had no report.
Mayor Webster reported that on October 17, City Manager Yunker, Assistant City Manager
Morello, and she met with the community representative from Congresswoman Omar's office
regarding the process to apply for grant funding. On October 20 and October 23, she attended the
Fire Department engagement sessions. Also on October 23, she attended the Joint City Council
Meeting with Falcon Heights and Lauderdale Councils.
XI. COMMUNITY FORUM - NONE.
XIL INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Councilmember Doolan announced that November 2 is the Kiwanis Fundraiser Silent Auction
and early voting at the Rosedale Library from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A. Future Agenda Items.
The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on November 10, 2025.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT.
The Regular Meeting of the City Council was adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Wolfe
Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
.,A A-,6
Mayor
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 28, 2025
Page 7
ATTEST:
City Clerk