Recently, we have seen an unusual number of proposals being discussed around city hall that would have a substantial impact on business.  We will update this listing regularly to keep you informed on these issues and call you to action, when necessary.  

Living Wage

•      In late July, several groups in Saint Paul including Progressive Minnesota began advocating for a “Living Wage Ordinance”.

•      Living Wage is a term that mandates a certain hourly wage level for entities receiving City subsidy.

•      There is currently some Living Wage legislation at the City level.

•      The Living Wage proposal has been tabled at the Saint Paul City Council as of October, 2005.

•      It is believed that it may be reintroduced after the general election.

•      A coalition of stakeholders was brought together in the Chamber offices, and legal counsel was sought.  Ultimately the group recommended changes to the proposal from a business perspective at a meeting with the City Council and Mayor’s office.

Moratorium/Zoning Regulations for Development of Grand Avenue

•      An ordinance was passed on October 12^th at the City Council requesting a period of study for the District 16 Area Plan.  During the length of this study, a period of up to a year, there would be a moratorium on large developments or renovations.

•      An email was sent to interested parties urging them to contact their legislative officials.

•      Staff testified at the Public Hearing against the ordinance- the only opposition in testimony.

•      There may be a “formula business ordinance” or legislation limiting chain stores on the avenue in the near future- there have been several public meetings on this as of late.

Sign Changes

•      On Sept. 29th, the Zoning Committee held a public hearing on the proposed amendments to the Sign Ordinance.

•      They removed many of the issues of concern from the ordinance including the proposal limiting businesses to having their lights on during business hours, and banning roof top signs.

•      The Chamber had a large joint meeting with BOMA Saint Paul where our members expressed concern over the proposals.

•      A broadcast email was sent out encouraging people to testify at the Public Hearing.

•      Staff testified along with members at the Public Hearing, further action is expected at the Council level.

•      This issue was brought to public awareness, and changes were made due to Chamber involvement and action.

Parking Meters

•      In the Mayor’s original proposed budget, there was an increase in parking meter hours until 8 p.m. to fill a $700,000 budget gap.

•      Your Chamber sent out a survey to over 60 businesses in the downtown commercial district, of all sizes, to gauge how this would affect the business community after hearing significant concern.

•      The hospitality industry has been hit hard in the past year- smoking ban, .08, high gas prices, and the state minimum wage increase have all had a detrimental affect on businesses.

•      The survey showed overwhelmingly that the meters would have a detrimental impact on business, especially retail and hospitality.

•      Staff met with members and advocated with the administration for the removal of this provision.

•      Due to the efforts of our membership and staff, it is believed that there will be a significant compromise or total removal from the budget.

Proposed Property Tax Super Majority

•      In a policy briefing on October 4th, Mayor Randy Kelly proposed a 5 vote super majority by the City Council to raise annual property taxes.

•      The measure will be discussed at a Saint Paul Charter Commission meeting October 19th.

•      If the Charter Commission recommends to the City Council, the Council must pass unanimously; otherwise it would need to be put to voters as a referendum.

•      The Mayor asked for a letter of support from the Chamber.

•      At this time, the impact of this is unknown and the proposal is being studied.