Local Matters | May 4, 2026

Hello! Welcome to the first week of May.

We just celebrated May Day, today is Star Wars Day, and tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo! This week is National Travel and Tourism Week. It's also National Small Business Week. Lots to celebrate and pay attention to. We're happy to be here to kick off your week and help you get connected to the community.

Government

City Council

There is a City Council meeting on Monday, May 4 at 6:00 p.m.

Here's a preview of the main items on the agenda:

• Convene as the Board of Adjustments and Appeals to consider an appeal by Hempel Real Estate of the Variance Board's denial of a variance . . . regarding the required number of Electrical Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE) required at 2700 Snelling Avenue.
• Review 2025 Year-End Cash Reserve Levels

View the full agenda and meeting documents.

New School Bus Law

The Minnesota Legislature has updated the law requiring drivers to stop for school buses. Before, drivers were required to stop when a school bus's red lights were flashing and the stop arm was out. Now, the moment a school bus's red lights begin flashing, drivers must stop, regardless of how quickly the stop arm extends.

Flashing red lights mean stop: Minnesota strengthens school bus safety rules | Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Minnesota school bus law update: drivers must stop when red lights flash, at least 20 feet away, to protect students.

Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Public Hearing - Xcel Energy Gas Rate Case 

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is holding a public hearing on May 5 at the Ramsey County Library in Roseville from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The public hearing is an opportunity for the community to provide feedback on a proposed natural gas rate increase.