September 2, 2026 - City Council Meeting

The City of Saint Paul City Council held a meeting on September 2, 2026, where several procurement and budget-related items were discussed. Notably, the council considered a resolution authorizing the police department to apply for a $200,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's CPD microgrants program to expand the drone program. The discussion included questions about the grant's scope, budget implications, data privacy, and community concerns about surveillance technology. A motion for a one-week layover was passed to allow further review before voting on the grant application. Additionally, the council approved amendments to the fire department's spending plans, including an $18,118.15 contribution from the Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education and an $8,500 payment from the sale of surplus equipment. The council also addressed a legislative hearing related to a construction project with incomplete work and potential forfeiture of performance deposits. Other agenda items included appointments of new staff and public hearings on sound level variances for community events. The meeting emphasized transparency and community engagement in procurement decisions, especially regarding surveillance technology and grant funding.