The St. Paul Park City Council meeting was held Monday, May 4 at in city hall. The meeting started with the swearing-in of new Parks and Recreation Commission Member Alicia Mason.
Prominent on the night’s agenda was a presentation from TrueLens Community Media, with Executive Director Ann Schweisguth and Technical Manager Lonnie Garland highlighting a year of expanded programming, infrastructure investment, and regional collaboration.
Schweisguth and Garland started their presentation with a video act outlined achievements as they rebranded last year from South Washington County Telecommunications Commission to Tru Lens Community Media.
Achievements last year included producing 192 videos and airing 147 city meetings, generating more than 214,000 views together across platforms. The video also detailed their move into a new 3,684-square-foot facility in Woodbury’s Central Park, which includes upgraded studio space, podcasting rooms, and collaborative work areas designed to enhance production while lowering operating costs. Tru Lens emphasized its continued role in negotiating broadband franchise agreements on behalf of member cities and expanding digital content, including podcasts and community-focused programming. St. Paul Park council members asked questions and thanked the group for its ongoing partnership and service to the city, with Sweisguth noting plans to feature St. Paul Park City Administrator Hugo McPhee on Tru Lens. The new facility will have a ribbon cutting and open house Tuesday, April 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Woodbury Central Park Suite 200.
Following the presentation by Tru Lens the meeting shifted to approval of consent, including approval of minutes from March and April meetings and the swearing-in of a new Parks and Recreation Commission member, Alicia Mason, signaling continued efforts to strengthen local boards and commissions.
Approved with the consent agenda were several items, including acknowledgment of Parks and Recreation Commission minutes, payment of city bills, and approval of a special event permit for the Heritage Days Food Truck Food Fight. The event, scheduled for June 6 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., will take place near Fourth Street and Broadway and serves as a fundraiser supporting Heritage Days activities.
Also from Monday, a public hearing followed regarding the proposed issuance of up to $52 million in conduit bonds for Presbyterian Homes and Services. It was explained that the bonds would refinance existing 2017 debt associated with a senior housing facilities in Cottage Grove, with St. Paul Park acting as a conduit for the bonds rather than taking on a financial obligation. Overall risk to the city remains low, with formal consideration of the bond issuance is expected at the council’s May 18 meeting.
One of the most significant discussions of the evening centered on the Third Street reconstruction project, a major infrastructure effort running from Broadway Avenue to 14th Avenue. Construction began in 2025 and is expected to continue through much of the 2026 season.
City engineer Morgan Dawley of WSB presented a proposed adjustment to the roadway design following feedback from residents. The original design featured 11-foot travel lanes intended to calm traffic, but some residents raised concerns about tight conditions, particularly when maneuvering around parked vehicles or delivery trucks. In response, a cost-neutral modification was outlined that would widen the roadway by two feet overall rather than four, effectively adding one foot to each lane, along with an early start leading to earlier finish.
“We’re starting earlier but we’ll finish earlier,” Dawley said of the phased project and its effect on residents.
As for the adjustment, it would be achieved by narrowing the adjacent multi-use trail from 10 feet to 8 feet, which remains within state guidelines. The cost of widening the roadway two feet would be nearly offset by savings from the reduced trail width, making the change financially negligible. Council members voiced support for the approach, noting that the modification strikes a balance between maintaining traffic-calming measures and improving safety and drivability. Additional discussion focused on how final pavement striping could further enhance visibility and provide additional buffer space for vehicles.
“Will our fire trucks and what not be able to get down the street?” Council Member Charlene Whitbred Hemmingson asked, receiving a reply in the affirmative.
“They’ll be able to get through,” Dawley said.
No residents spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, the council concluding reports from council members and the mayor.
Among highlights is the need for another volunteer commissioner on public works commission, with the next meeting June 2 at 6 p.m. Also of note are Plan Commission on May 11, with Parks and Recreation having a “Grow Together” art and garden event on Saturday, May 9 from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. at the community garden. The Public Safety Commission will meet June 4 at 6 p.m. in city hall.
The next regular council meeting for St. Paul Park is scheduled for May 18, when the proposed bond issuance is expected to return for formal approval.