HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/08/18 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularOfficial minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Aug. 18, 2025
1. Call to order.
Mayor Mohamed called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m.
a. Roll call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
Council members present: Mayor Nadia Mohamed, Paul Baudhuin, Tim Brausen, Sue Budd,
Yolanda Farris, Margaret Rog
Council members absent: Lynette Dumalag
Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), city attorney (Mr. Mattick), summer junior naturalist
coordinator (Mr. Casey-Fix), racial equity and inclusion specialist (Ms. Hernandez Guitron), city
clerk (Ms. Kennedy), interpretive naturalist (Ms. McConnell), HR director (Ms. Vorpahl), racial
equity and inclusion director (Ms. Yang)
2. Approve agenda.
It was moved by Council Member Baudhuin, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to approve
the agenda as presented.
The motion passed 6-0 (Council Member Dumalag absent).
3. Presentations.
a. Recognition of Westwood Hills Nature Center junior naturalists
Mr. Casey-Fix and Ms. McConnell presented the junior naturalists, thanking them for their work
and dedication to the community at the Westwood Hills Nature Center. Mr. Casey-Fix stated
the students are excellent leaders and role models. He stated that collectively, the junior
naturalists contributed over 1500 hours of volunteer service this year, making a huge positive
impact.
Mayor Mohamed congratulated the group and thanked them and their families for their service
and time this past summer. The City of St. Louis Park is honored to have them involved as junior
naturalists.
Council Member Baudhuin stated that giving of their time and energy to serve the community is
one of the most important things that each of the junior naturalists can do for themselves, their
community and ultimately, for the world. He thanked the junior naturalists for serving the city
and noted that tonight, they are being recognized for doing such a wonderful thing. He shared
his hope that their service will be a part of a lifelong commitment.
City council meeting -2- Aug. 18, 2025
Council Member Farris thanked the junior naturalists for their work at the Westwood Hills
Nature Center, noting that it is one of her favorite places to visit in the city because it is quiet as
well as beautiful.
Council Member Rog thanked Mr. Casey-Fix for his presentation and acknowledged the
Westwood Hills staff for running such a successful program for many years. She noted that her
own children had participated as junior naturalists over 15 years ago and added that the
program’s longevity is amazing.
Council Member Budd thanked everyone for taking the time out of their busy schedules to
attend the recognition ceremony this evening.
b. Proclamation observing Women’s Equality Day
Council Member Farris read the proclamation.
Mayor Mohamed stated women are still not equal under the United States Constitution and
pointed out that women are not included in the constitution’s language.
Council Member Baudhuin stated that proclamations such as this are important and noted
there are some prominent houses of worship calling for the elimination of the 19th
Amendment. He stated that some of these houses of worship are connected to people in very
high office in our country. This proclamation is important; he noted that a woman’s right to
vote is his main concern. He stated that everyone needs to continue to speak out and protect
women’s rights to ensure they are safeguarded.
4. Minutes.
a. Minutes of July 14, 2025, study session meeting
b. Minutes of Aug. 4, 2025, city council meeting
It was moved by Council Member Rog, seconded by Council Member Farris, to approve the July
14, 2025, study session minutes and the Aug. 4, 2025, city council meeting minutes as
presented.
The motion passed 6-0 (Council Member Dumalag absent).
5. Consent items.
a. Resolution No. 25-086 authorizing contract agreement with Momentum Advocacy
b. Approve the city council's travel to the New York City Climate Week 2025 conference
c. Resolution No. 25-087 approving a gambling premises permit - St. Louis Park Hockey
Boosters
d. Resolution No. 25-088 to approve off-site gambling for Community Charities of
Minnesota
e. Resolutions No. 25-100, 25-101 and 25-102 authorizing parking restrictions along 33rd
Street and Dakota Avenue near High School - Ward 3
City council meeting -3- Aug. 18, 2025
Mayor Mohamed commented on consent item 5a, stating she is happy with Momentum
Advocacy’s work with the city, representing the city on both the local and federal levels. She
shared that their experience together in advocating for the city’s priorities has been
phenomenal. She thanked city staff for their work on the item.
Council Member Brausen commented on consent item 5b. He stated that having the mayor
represent the city in New York for Climate Week 2025 is outstanding. He observed that climate
change and environmental sustainability is the existential issue of our time. Council Member
Brausen stated that we must continue to do everything to address climate issues and
collaborate with others to try and save the planet.
Mayor Mohamed added that she is aware of the pushback from the federal government
regarding climate action initiatives, and she looks forward to working with other cities across
the country to learn what they will be doing in response. She added she is honored to represent
the City of St. Louis Park at the event.
It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Baudhuin, to approve
the consent items as listed; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 6-0 (Council Member Dumalag absent).
6. Public hearings.
a. Public hearing for new liquor license – Rojo West End, LLC dba Chi-Chi’s
Ms. Kennedy presented the staff report.
Ms. Kennedy explained that the city received an application from Rojo West End, LLC dba Chi-
Chi’s; Chi-Chi's Mexican Restaurant for an on-sale intoxicating liquor license with Sunday sales
for the premises located at 1602 West End Boulevard. The existing business will transition from
Rojo Mexican Grill to Chi-Chi’s after Rojo’s last day of business on Sept. 1, 2025.
Ms. Kennedy noted in the staff report that Rojo West End LLC was the liquor license holder for
Rojo Mexican Grill and is the applicant for Chi-Chi’s new liquor license. New ownership interest
in Rojo West End LLC dba Chi-Chi’s is the reason for the new liquor license. The application
meets the requirements of the zoning and building divisions.
Ms. Kennedy stated the police department has run a full background investigation, and nothing
was discovered that would warrant denial of the license.
Council Member Farris asked if the restaurant is the same as the former Chi-Chi’s that used to
be in the Twin Cities. Ms. Kennedy stated yes, that is correct.
Chi-Chi’s owner, Mr. McDermott, stated he is bringing back the original restaurant his father
started, and many of the same menu items will be available. He said that Rojo will close after
Aug. 31, 2025, and renovations will start early September 2025. The new restaurant will open in
early October. He stated they will also look to convert the Maple Grove Rojo to Chi-Chi’s and
will also pursue franchises around the country.
City council meeting -4-Aug. 18, 2025
Mayor Mohamed opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Mohamed
closed the public hearing.
Council Member Farris stated that she had taken her son to Chi-Chi’s in the past and always had
wonderful service, and she is looking forward to the restaurant coming to St. Louis Park.
It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Farris, to approve a
new liquor license for Rojo West End, LLC dba Chi-Chi’s.
The motion passed 6-0 (Council Member Dumalag absent).
7. Regular business – none.
8. Communications and announcements.
Ms. Keller stated St. Louis Park has several summer activities continuing over the next few
weeks, including Fishing with a Cop, Basketball with a Cop, multiple concerts, and Flick and
Float at the aquatic center. She also noted the aquatic center will close for the season on Aug.
24, 2025, and encouraged all to get out and enjoy these last days of summer.
Ms. Keller noted that candidate filing for the city council offices on the ballot this year closed
last week and a list of candidates who filed is available on the city website.
9. Adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Amanda Scott-Lerdal, deputy city clerk Paul Baudhuin, mayor pro tem