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CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MAY 26, 2026
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, and Jan Jenson.
Absent: Councilmember Thomas Randle.
Also Present: City Manager Charlie Yunker, Assistant City Manager Ashley Morello, City Planner
Steve Grittman, Retail Operations Manager David Anglum, Assistant Retail
Operations Manager Jacqara Jackson, and Assistant City Engineer Katie Koscielak.
Others Present: Ramsey County Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire.
CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE
FOLLOWING ITEMS.
IV. APPROVAL OF MAY 26, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve the City
Council Meeting Agenda of May 26, 2026, as presented.
Motion carried 4-0.
V. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
A. Commissioner McGuire Presentation
Mayor Webster noted that St. Anthony is situated in both Hennepin and Ramsey County. She
welcomed Ramsey County Commissioner McGuire to provide updates on Ramsey County.
Ramsey County Commissioner McGuire informed the Council and Staff that she attempts to
deliver this presentation annually to share information about what Ramsey County is doing and
to solicit input on what the City would like to see from Ramsey County. Ramsey County
Commissioner McGuire expressed her passion for representing St. Anthony and thanked the
Council for hosting Ramsey County's organics recycling. She provided a presentation on
Ramsey County Updates. This presentation included information on her own roots in the
community, the diversity of the Ramsey County board, Ramsey County values, focusing on
delivering County -Responsible Services, the Ramsey County Environmental Center, Ramsey
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 26, 2026
Page 2
1 County Election Services, Operation Metro Surge Financial Impact, Ramsey County's Response
2 to Operation Metro Surge, next steps following Operation Metro Surge to continue encouraging
3 resident safety, Saint Anthony Village Community and Economic Development Programs and
4 Awards, Ramsey County Legislative Priorities, Rice Creek Commons development updates, and
5 Ramsey County next steps. Following the presentation, she informed the Council that the
6 Ramsey County Manager would follow up by discussing the new Ramsey County economic
7 development focus, titled Building Stronger Together, with City Manager Yunker. She
8 highlighted components of the plan involving building a more dynamic downtown and selling
9 county -owned land to expand the tax base. She noted these are important steps, as Ramsey
10 County is the smallest county by geographic area and has little extra land to develop. Yet, it has a
11 significant amount of land available for redevelopment. She then invited the Council to ask any
12 questions they may have.
13
14 Councilmember Jenson asked whether the Rice Creek Commons design was finalized or still
15 being debated. Ramsey County Commissioner McGuire stated that the design is in progress and
16 that the County is seeking the best way to develop it. She informed the Council that they plan to
17 have separate RBAs for each land parcel. She noted that they are aiming to put in the main road,
18 Rice Creek Boulevard, before sending out RFPs. Councilmember Jenson noted that the ribbon-
19 cutting for the development of this land occurred about 14 years ago and expressed concern
20 about the extended timeline. Ramsey County Commissioner McGuire stated that she felt the
21 partners they have found to move the project forward now share the County's vision and will be
22 more productive.
23
24 Councilmember Jenson thanked Ramsey County Commissioner McGuire for the example of a
25 400,000-dollar grant used to build a 60 percent affordable apartment complex in St. Anthony.
26
27 Mayor Webster noted that the developer had reached out to the Council and had been referred to
28 the Council for investigation of this grant due to Ramsey County Commissioner McGuire's
29 previous presentation. Mayor Webster thanked her for providing these updates, as they can help
30 direct individuals to better information and resources.
31
32 Councilmember Doolan expressed gratitude for the natural and beneficial relationship between
33 the City and the County. She specifically highlighted her excitement about hosting the
34 composting center and noted how much organic waste St. Anthony can recycle.
35
36 Ramsey County Commissioner McGuire thanked all of St. Anthony for being great community
37 partners.
38
39 Mayor Webster thanked Ramsey County Commissioner McGuire for her intention to reach out
40 directly to the communities she represents. She noted that it is helpful to have such a deep
41 partnership with the Counties St. Anthony belongs to.
42
43 Ramsey County Commissioner McGuire reiterated her gratitude towards the Council for all of
44 their work.
45
46 VI. CONSENT AGENDA.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 26, 2026
Page 3
2 A. Approve April 28 Council Meeting Minutes.
3 B. License and Permits.
4 C. Claims.
5 D. Resolution 26 039 Awarding A Contract For Installation Of Butterfly Valves At The
6 Water Treatment Plant
7 E. Resolution 26 040 Approving A Joint Powers Agreement Between The City Of Saint
8 Anthony Village And The Minnesota State Agricultural Society For 2026 Minnesota
9 State Fair Law Enforcement Services
10
11 Councilmember Jenson asked City Manager Yunker whether the new agreement regarding
12 policing assistance during the State Fair was similar to the old agreement, under which St.
13 Anthony participated in policing in Falcon Heights. City Manager Yunker stated that it is the
14 same thing, but the money flows directly rather than going through Falcon Heights initially.
15
16 Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve the Consent
17 Agenda items.
18
19 Motion carried 4-0.
20
21 VII. PUBLIC HEARING - NONE.
22
23 VIII. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF — NONE.
24
25 IX. GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL.
26
27 A. Marketplace Renovation Update
28
29 Mayor Webster welcomed Retail Operations Manager Anglum and Assistant Retail Operations
30 Manager Jackson to provide an update on the Marketplace renovations. She also expressed her
31 excitement about meeting these new members of Staff for the first time.
32
33 Retail Operations Manager Anglum and Assistant Retail Operations Manager Jackson presented
34 on the Marketplace Renovation Updates. This included information on the two existing liquor
35 stores and the new cannabis dispensary, value statements, background on both new hires and
36 their goals for the community, reasons behind the decision to renovate and rebrand, renovation
37 updates specific to the Village Marketplace liquor store, renovation updates specific to the
38 Village Marketplace dispensary, updates to show possibilities for community engagement
39 events, the projected timeline and grand opening dates, and online resources. Retail Operations
40 Manager Anglum invited the Council to ask any additional questions.
41
42 Councilmember Jenson noted that a cannabis license has not been acquired. He then asked
43 whether the City had yet identified a supplier to receive the product. Assistant Retail Operations
44 Manager Jackson stated that she is establishing relationships with potential vendors and retailers
45 as the market develops. She expressed that she is aiming to use existing resources to reach out to
46 smaller operations near the City to supply them with product. She ensured that there would be
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 26, 2026
Page 4
1 additional options as the market progresses, but recognizes that there are currently limited
2 options. Councilmember Jenson commented that it seems the cannabis retail will be fully
3 operational upon receiving their license. Assistant Retail Operations Manager Jackson confirmed
4 this but noted that finishing construction, submitting final plans for approval, and conducting site
5 inspections must also come first.
6
7 Councilmember Jenson expressed gratitude for their self -descriptions and goals for the
8 community, without forgetting the legacy they are stepping into. He also thanked the Staff who
9 hired Retail Operations Manager Anglum and Assistant Retail Operations Manager Jackson, as
10 he felt they were great choices.
11
12 Councilmember Doolan reiterated that Retail Operations Manager Anglum and Assistant Retail
13 Operations Manager Jackson are good choices for their roles and bring the skills St. Anthony
14 needs.
15
16 Councilmember Doolan asked if the only holdup on the license was the location inspection.
17 Assistant Retail Operations Manager Jackson confirmed this and expressed that there are
18 significant compliance restrictions on cannabis retail operations, including security, SOPs, ID-
19 checking processes, and more. She stated that, despite this, she is fully confident that they will be
20 inspection -ready and able to obtain the necessary licensure.
21
22 Councilmember Elnagdy noted that she had concerns about licensure, but that they had been
23 addressed in prior questioning. She expressed deep excitement about these updates and the
24 expansion into cannabis retail and specifically noted her appreciation for the new logos.
25
26 Retail Operations Manager Anglum commented that throughout this process, they have been
27 mindful of both business and community needs. Both he and Assistant Retail Operations
28 Manager Jackson noted that they are doing everything in their power to meet the licensure
29 requirements and pass the first time.
30
31 Mayor Webster expressed her excitement for this presentation. She noted how well the team
32 translated the branding and goals into the presentation. She particularly appreciated the store
33 blueprints and is excited to see them come to life. Mayor Webster stated that the goals of a
34 municipal liquor store are to ensure a quality product, ensure that no minors are served, and
35 ensure that any excess revenue may be returned to the City. She noted that this can now all be
36 true for cannabis sales as well. Mayor Webster cited the amazing customer service currently in
37 municipal liquor stores and is glad to see it continue in both the liquor store and the dispensary.
38 She commented on how great an opportunity this is for education to make residents less afraid of
39 cannabis and even learn about its benefits. Finally, she thanked Retail Operations Manager
40 Anglum and Assistant Retail Operations Manager Jackson for agreeing to work in St. Anthony
41 and for their updates.
42
43 B. Resolution 26-041 - Accepting A Bid And Awarding A Contract For The 2026 Cites
44 Water Meter Replacement Project
45 Mayor Webster thanked Assistant City Engineer Koscielak for attending and welcomed her to
46 the podium to present information on a bid for the City -Wide Water Meter Replacement Project.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 26, 2026
Page 5
2 Assistant City Engineer Koscielak informed the Council and Staff that this presentation would
3 provide details on the project, its status on the timeline, and plans. The presentation included an
4 overview of the Water Meter Replacement Project and Bids Received, which showed one bid of
5 $1,259,708, the three-year timeline for the Water Meter Replacement Project, next steps if a
6 contract is awarded, requirements the contractor must meet before being allowed entrance into a
7 resident's home, and public communication plans. She finished by inviting questions from the
8 Council.
9
10 Mayor Webster expressed appreciation for how this Water Meter Replacement addresses
11 cybersecurity concerns.
12
13 Councilmember Jenson asked how long the replacements will take. Assistant City Engineer
14 Koscielak stated that the plan to update one-third of the City each year was adopted for
15 budgetary reasons. She informed him that each replacement takes around half an hour to one
16 hour.
17
18 Councilmember Elnagdy asked where the water meter in her home would likely be located.
19 Assistant City Engineer Koscielak stated that it is typically in a "utility" room, and, despite
20 idiosyncrasies between houses, it is usually in the area where your spigot is located. She also
21 commented that the individual completing the replacement will have done so before and will be
22 informed of your meter's location.
23
24 Councilmember Elnagdy asked for clarification on what Assistant City Engineer Koscielak
25 meant by saying the original meter's customer portal is set to expire. Assistant City Engineer
26 Koscielak stated that the City currently has a contract with the original company to support their
27 portal. This will change, as Core & Main will be facilitating the website upon commencement of
28 the replacement.
29
30 Councilmember Jenson asked whether the customer portal included the ability to communicate
31 the water meter reading to the home office. Assistant City Engineer Koscielak stated that the
32 communication from the water meter is due to the radio, which will also be replaced. The
33 customer portal is where residents can log in to view their bills and usage.
34
35 Councilmember Doolan asked if there were plumbing changes. Assistant City Engineer
36 Koscielak clarified that there are no significant plumbing changes and that the items are to be
37 retrofitted into the existing plumbing.
38
39 Councilmember Doolan noted that the City is retaining the same frequency software. She
40 assumed that by changing the monitoring and the radio, no new risks would be introduced to data
41 transmission and security. Assistant City Engineer Koscielak confirmed there are no additional
42 risks and that they operate on a licensed frequency that no outside sources can access.
43
44 Mayor Webster directed the Council to the provided Bid Tabulation Summary. She noted that
45 this indicates Cord & Main's total bid and the engineer's opinion of cost.
46
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 26, 2026
Page 6
1 Motion by Councilmember Elnagdy, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve Resolution
2 26-041 - Accepting A Bid And Awarding A Contract For The 2026 City -Wide Water Meter
3 Replacement Project.
4
5 Motion carried 4-0
6
7 X. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
8
9 City Manager Yunker had no report.
10
11 Assistant City Manager Morello had no report.
12
13 Councilmember Elnagdy reported that on May 15, she participated in the St. Anthony Village
14 Middle School Career Day.
15
16 Councilmember Jenson reported that on April 14, he attended the Ramsey County Local League
17 of Governments Climate Action Working Committee Meeting.
18
19 Councilmember Doolan reported that on May 12, she ran an MWMA Board Meeting to approve
20 software to update source points and flow rates to determine where developments are impacting
21 pollution flow, as well as to approve software to collect past projects and monitoring data to
22 show that flood risks and pollution data are attributable. They also discussed the development of
23 the amphitheater in Upper Harbor. She also attended the Ramsey County Law Enforcement
24 Memorial Service on May 14. Additionally, she is consulting with students on pollinator gardens
25 and worm decompositions. On May 21, she attended the Met Council Land Use Advisory
26 Commission.
P&A
28 Mayor Webster reported that on May 15, she participated in the St. Anthony Village Middle
29 School Career Day. She also attended the Nine North Board Meeting on May 21.
30
31 XI. COMMUNITY FORUM.
32
33 Carl Neumann, a resident, yielded his time to Dr. Bibi Neumann. Dr. Bibi Neumann, also a
34 resident, noted that the items she will discuss reflect a broader shift in how municipal governance
35 is increasingly structured, operationalized, and integrated into everyday life. She noted how the
36 Ramsey County presentation repeatedly mentioned structural improvement, expanded service
37 delivery systems, and responsibilities shaped by state and federal mandates. She stated this is
38 important because residents deserve greater clarity as governance becomes more data -driven,
39 particularly when it involves entering private domiciles, handling personal data, and affecting
40 daily life. She related this to Resolution 26-041, which requires private contractors to coordinate
41 directly with residents to enter all homes and replace their water meters. She clarified that she
42 does not take issue with infrastructure maintenance; rather, whether residents will receive clear
43 written guidance on contractor procedure, requirements, scheduling flexibility, data collection
44 and retention, customer portal privacy, and accommodations for residents with concerns. She
45 encouraged the City to provide clear, resident -facing policy information before proceeding with
46 this resolution, so that residents understand both the scope and the limits of the program. She
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 26, 2026
Page 7
1 also wished to address the Marketplace Renovation Updates. She questioned to what degree it
2 was appropriate for municipal government to actively brand, market, promote, and socially
3 organize around cannabis sale and consumption spaces. She asked whether this would be a step
4 towards blurring the line between regulation and contributing to the direction of public
5 preferences. She asked the Council to clarify whether every operational authorization and
6 regulatory framework necessary for the full cannabis operation had already been formally
7 approved, what measurable public benefit analysis was conducted before substantial branding,
8 staffing, and renovation expenditures were incurred, and how these spaces centered around
9 consumption will be inclusive for those who choose not to partake for religious, cultural,
10 recovery, health, or personal reasons. She noted that St. Anthony is diverse, home to Muslim
11 residents and other families who may not share religious beliefs, and that community investment
12 should be carefully considered when it may benefit only certain lifestyles. She finished by noting
13 that Resolution 26-040 reflects a pattern of increasingly interconnected regional operational
14 systems. She expressed concern that as these governmental systems become more interconnected
15 and expansive, transparency, oversight, and public clarity must expand proportionally, which is
16 not seen in St. Anthony. She is concerned that the Council is privy to information residents are
17 not, and that publishing materials online is not enough, as residents may not be able to
18 understand or access them.
19
20 XII. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
21
22 A. Future Agenda Items.
23
24 The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on June 9, 2026.
25
26 Councilmember Doolan stated that Sunday, May 31, from 1-4 p.m. is the celebration of life for
27 Jerry Faust.
28
29 XIII. ADJOURNMENT.
30
31 Motion by Councilmember Jenson, seconded by Councilmember Doolan, to adjourn the meeting.
32
33 Motion carried 4-0.
34
35 The Regular Meeting of the City Council was adjourned at 8:18 p.m.
36
37
38 Respectfully submitted,
39 Samina Crabtree
40 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
41
42
43
44 Mayor
45 ATTEST:
46 City Clerk