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Council authorizes purchase of mobile penny‑press for arts commission; council seeks clarity on revenue and staffing
Summary
North St. Paul’s council approved the arts commission’s purchase of a mobile coin press to use at festivals and rotating locations. Commissioners said the machine will use coin blanks (nickels/dimes or copper) and be portable; council members asked whether proceeds will go to the general fund or the arts budget and raised staff‑support questions.
The North St. Paul City Council on March 17 authorized the arts commission to buy a mobile coin (penny) press that commissioners said will be portable and used at events and festivals.
Tom Sonic and arts commissioner Carrie Neto told the council the commission has been building public‑art projects — murals, utility‑box wraps and community events — and that the coin press is intended as another way to engage residents and visitors. The device can be retrofitted to use copper blanks or accept nickels and dimes; commissioners favored using nickels for cost and durability reasons.
“You go in, you pay her 51 cents or whatever, and you get a little penny smooshed out of it,” Carrie Neto said, describing how the machine works and the nostalgic appeal.
Commissioners described four initial design concepts featuring local themes: a giant snowman, the history cruisers logo (permission confirmed), a festival palette and a Henry Castle design. The press has wheels so it can be taken to the autumn arts festival, car shows and other community events, commissioners said.
Several council members pressed for clarity about how collected coins would be handled. A council member said they were surprised the resolution and staff report did not specify where machine revenue would be deposited; staff suggested the proceeds could go to the general fund or return to the arts commission budget, and that repaying delivery or lift‑gate charges could be the first priority.
Council members also discussed placement and staffing. Commissioners noted the unit would likely be located at city hall but could rotate to Casey Park or downtown during events; staff cautioned that city staff capacity is limited, so the commission will rely on volunteers and public‑works support for technical issues.
The council voted to authorize purchase of the coin press from the arts commission budget and approved a purchase‑authorization resolution. No opposing votes were recorded on the motion.
What’s next: Staff will finalize procurement and logistics, and council members asked staff to consider a clear policy for depositing revenue and a plan for rotating the machine to event locations.
