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Resident urges clearer notice after coyote sightings near neighborhood
Summary
At the North St. Paul council meeting, resident John Schwall described a coyote sighting and told council he was frustrated by the city's online reporting options and limited police notification; he said many neighbors post incidents on Ring and social media.
John Schwall told the council he saw a coyote near his home and expressed concern for small dogs after several near-misses reported on neighborhood Ring doorbell postings. Schwall told the council he tried the city's OpenGov reporting tool and said it routed concerns to the police; he said a police contact suggested using Facebook to notify neighbors, but Schwall said he does not use Facebook and sought an alternative way to inform residents.
"Those people with the little fluffy mop dogs get attacked by this," Schwall said, describing the public-safety risk and asking how the city communicates wildlife hazards to residents. He said he had received follow-up contact from someone in the police department who asked what information he wanted posted and explained limitations on the department's outreach channels.
Council members acknowledged the comment during the public-comment period and encouraged the resident to use OpenGov and staff follow-up where appropriate. The meeting record does not show a formal direction or policy change; the comment was recorded for staff awareness.
