The St. Paul Park City Council met Monday, Oct. 5, with changes to the city's special event permitting process, acceptance of donations and an appearance by Metropolitan Council District 12 Council Member Mark Jenkins among the items on its agenda.

Jenkins gave a presentation on the Met Council and what it does, sharing more on what it does and how it partners with the community. The Met Council serves the seven county metro area with 16 districts and 182 cities and townships, as well as 11 federally recognized tribal nations. At present, some 3.2 million people live in the Met council are, with future growth projected to increase by 610,000 people by 2050. Services the Council partners with local municipalities on include community development, environmental services, and transportation, with examples for Saint Paul Park including the Thrive 2040 Comprehensive Plan and currently Imagine 2050 Comprehensive Plan update now in early stages.

Jenkins shared the the Council also worked with its regional parks and trails partners to build out regional parks and trails.

As for housing, the Council works with cities to help forecast for housing needs and provide affordable housing.

Other services include helping with clean water and water efficiency grants.

“How do we help you use the water you need but not more than you need?” he asked. The more efficient communities were, the less needed to be processed through Met Council wastewater treatment plants. In 2026, St. Paul Park had been awarded a $68,000 water efficiency grant. Other opportunities include inflow and infiltration grants.

As for transportation, the Met Council helps with Route 363 Express, Transit Link, Metro Mobility, Metro Move, Carpool and Vanpool, and Commuter programs, the last for consulting and educational.

Jenkins shared his contact information at Mark.Jenkins@metc.state.mn.us, with additional contacts including Planning Analyst and Sector Representative Merritt Clapp-Smith at Merritt.Clapp-Smith@metc.state.mn.us and Legislative and Community Relations Coordinator Nathan Hanson at Nathan.Hanson@metc.state.mn.us.

“We’re the silent partner,” Jenkins said of working with area communities to fund parks and other infrastructure.

Following Jenkins presentation resident Gene Matter spoke in public comment.

“I was told the city ordinances were going to be updated,” he said. “Is that true?”

“Some of them,” Mayor Keith Franke said. St. Paul Park Administrator Hugo McPhee shared that the ordinances were currently under review, with sections being focused on including those for public nuisance on parking restrictions. McPhee estimated 30 to 45 days for something to come back from review for consideration.

Another important item before the St. Paul Park Council Oct. 5 meanwhile was a revision of the city's special event permit application and accompanying fee schedule. The changes, outlined in Resolution No. 1786 and Ordinance No. 787, were intended to establish greater consistency in how the city administers special events, particularly when municipal services, equipment or personnel are needed.

Under the revised application, organizers would be required to submit permit requests at least 45 days before an event, rather than the previous 60-day deadline. Applications submitted less than 45 days in advance would be subject to an additional $100 late fee.

The revised fee schedule also established charges of $10 each for the use of city picnic tables, barricades and special signage. Required police presence would be charged at $75 per officer per hour.

Additional provisions addressed security at events involving alcohol. Licensed security personnel or law enforcement officers would be required when alcohol is served and attendance is expected to reach 400 or more people at one time. The city administrator could also require security for events presenting special circumstances.

Outdoor areas designated for alcohol consumption would be required to have portable fencing. The City Council would retain authority to waive some or all permit-related fees and requirements when appropriate.

The regular application fees would remain unchanged at $25 for nonprofit organizations and $200 for other applicants.

The changes followed discussion at the council's Sept. 21 meeting, when City Administrator McPhee explained that staff had identified inconsistencies in administering special event applications. Council member Tim Conrad also suggested requiring enclosed areas where alcohol is served.

Also approved Oct. 5 consent agenda was Resolution No. 1785, accepting $3,860 in donations received during the third quarter of 2026.

The contributions included $333 and $127 from police department patch fundraisers, both designated for the Patch Project, along with $3,400 from MN Mason for police department badges and patches.

The resolution expressed the city's appreciation for the donations and provided for the money to be appropriated for the designated purpose, with corresponding adjustments to the municipal budget.

The meeting closed with department updates, with Mayor Keith Franke giving the administrative report.

“I feel very lucky as the mayor and as St. Paul Park to have the staff and the department heads,” he said of the city keeping taxes low for residents and the hard work put in by all involved to make that possible. Franke then listed several initiatives including city wide clean up, staff and volunteer work on holiday lighting, and extra hours put in by police.

“I think we have a great staff right now,” he said, also praising the fire department.

“I just want to say thank you to all of our employees, all of our department heads,” he said.

Council Member Tim Conrad shared that meat raffles continue for Heritage Days, while the Car Show will continue through October, with the last car show Oct. 28.

St. Paul Park Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month in city hall. The public is welcome to attend.