The St. Paul Park City Council approved a letter in its consent agenda Monday, Feb. 2 voicing support for partnering with the St. Paul Park Farmer’s Market, regarding a farmer’s market in St. Paul Park.
“The City of St. Paul Park is excited to partner with the St. Paul Park Farmer’s Market to bring fresh, locally grown food and vibrant community to our residents,” the letter addressed to Jim Golden of the St. Paul Farmer’s Market states. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to supporting local farmers, encouraging healthy living and creating welcoming spaces where neighbors can connect. Through this collaboration, we look forward to expanding access to high-quality produce while strengthening our local economy.
“We would be proud to work alongside your organization.”
Signed by Mayor Keith Franke and approved with consent agenda motion by Council Member Jeff Swenson seconded by Council Member Charlene Whitbred-Hemmingson, the letter of support comes out of discussion earlier this month, the city seeking feedback from residents and receiving a largely positive response.
The new farmer’s market would include association members of the St. Paul Farmer’s Market, the market accepting SNAP benefits and limited to foodstuffs. St. Paul Park is working with citizens who would like to sell crafts and other things at the market for an alternative way to get their wares out.
Also from Monday council at St. Paul Park, council members approved a special event permit for Lions Winterfest 2026, schedule this year on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the St. Paul Park-Newport Lions building on Fifth and Broadway. The council also approved payment of city bills through Feb. 3 along with payment number 6 to Geislinger and Sons for the 3rd Street Reconstruction Project, in the amount of $11,991.38. Finally for consent items, the council also approved a city license for 3D Print Works LLC., a new home business.
The council later accepted application withdrawal on a separate item related for a conditional use permit for 940 Hastings Avenue after the applicant at that address chose to withdraw their application to develop a banquet/dance hall on site, the council awaiting potential application resubmittal.
The Lions Winterfest Feb. 7 meanwhile will take place at the St. Paul Park-Newport Lions building and include boot hockey and bean bags, a lack of signup ruling out volleyball and bocce ball. Winterfest is a funder for the St. Paul Park Fire Department and Teddy’s Heart organization.
Last but not least from Feb. 2, council members approved a bid for the Lions Levee Park Pedestrian Bridge Replacement, awarding the bid to Twin Cities Marina of Inver Grove Heights in the amount of $320,532.90. Replacement comes as the bridge has shown occasional flooding and seasonal maintenance issues. The new bridge as planned includes steel decking, a truss system, and railings, completion and installation awaiting a DNR mussel survey once the water temperature reaches 40 degrees, potentially in April.
Minnesota House District 53B Representative Rick Hansen assisted the City in obtaining funds for the pedestrian bridge replacement project.