North St. Paul council adopts five-year street plan, authorizes intent to issue up to $7 million in bonds and approves budget cleanup

The North St. Paul City Council adopted a five‑year street reconstruction plan and passed a resolution declaring the city’s intent to issue general obligation street reconstruction bonds in an amount not to exceed $7,000,000 at its March 4 meeting.

Finance Director Winnick described the 2025 reconstruction projects covered by the plan: Gerald Avenue between Mohawk Road and Mesabi Avenue; Shawnee Drive; Buhl Avenue; and the Casey Lake Park parking lot off Shawnee Drive. Winnick said the city is working with bond consultant Baker Tilly on financing and currently projects an issuance of about $6.7 million; the $7 million cap is a cushion for higher-than-expected estimates. The public hearing produced no comments and council closed the hearing before voting to adopt the plan and the intent resolution.

The adopted resolution begins a 30‑day petition window during which residents may file petitions to force a referendum on issuing the bonds; Winnick said that would shift the decision from council action to a citywide vote if a valid petition is filed.

The council also approved a fiscal‑year 2024 budget amendment to align revenues with expenditures previously authorized during the year. City Manager Dan (first name used in the record) explained the changes were primarily housekeeping: community events fund revenues and expenses tied to sold snow sculptures; a higher-than-anticipated state fire aid pass‑through to the relief association; capital equipment timing (a sewer cleaner and a plow truck budgeted in prior years but received in 2024); solid-waste tipping fees; small fiber‑optic adjustments; insurance increases; and HRA land‑sale timing.

On the consent agenda the council approved multiple items by voice vote. Items listed in the meeting record included: approval of minutes (02/18/2025), general claims of $685,621.73, HRA claims of $16,668.73, North St. Paul’s participation in Minnesota’s Towards 0 Death Grant Program, a new appointment to the Arts and Culture Commission, purchase of Hall of Fame decorative lighting for Casey Lake Trail, a 2025 rate table for solar systems above 40 kW, and declaration of certain electric items as surplus. The consent agenda passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

A resident, John Schmoll, spoke during the public comment period and raised two items: he reported seeing a sign indicating a DMV site at Hmong Village off Phelan Parkway and asked whether that was active, and he objected to the community center project information being hosted through a Google sign‑in requirement rather than the city’s OpenGov or city website. Schmoll said he would not sign up through Google and reported that someone who did sign up did not receive information about prior council presentations.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution to adopt five‑year street reconstruction plan and intent to issue general obligation street reconstruction bonds (max $7,000,000; estimated issuance ~$6,700,000): motion moved by Council Member Norby, seconded by Council Member Kinsey; outcome: approved (voice vote).

- FY2024 budget amendment (clean‑up adjustments across multiple funds as described): motion moved by Council Member Woods, seconded by Council Member McKenzie; outcome: approved (voice vote).

- Consent agenda (Items A–H as listed in meeting packet): motion moved by Council Member Schwier, seconded by Council Member Woods; outcome: approved (voice vote).

There were no recorded no votes or abstentions in the meeting record for these actions.