City Council

Maple Grove City Council Meeting minutes May 5, 2025 Call to order Pursuant to call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Maple Grove City Council was held at 7:30 p.m. on May 5, 2025 at the Maple Grove Government Center/Public Safety Facility, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Members present were Acting Mayor Rachelle Johnson, and Councilmembers Kristy Janigo, Mike Ostaffe, and Jon McCullough. Absent was Mayor Mark Steffenson. Present also were Heidi Nelson, City Administrator; Joe Hogeboom, Community and Economic Development Director; Chris LaBounty, Public Works/Engineering Director; Eric Werner, Police Chief; Madison Zikmund, Fire Chief; and Justin Templin, City Attorney. Acting Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and led the city in the Pledge of Allegiance. Additions or Acting Mayor Johnson asked if there were any additions and/or deletions to deletions to the consent agenda to which Heidi Nelson stated the following: the agenda Item amended to the agenda None Item amended to the consent agenda None Item added to the agenda None Item removed from the consent agenda for discussion 3E. Recruitment approval for engineering technician 3J. Cedar Island Lake and Fish Lake water obstacle permits 3P. Proclamation to declare May 15 as Peace Officers Maple Grove City Council Minutes May 5, 2025 Page 2 Memorial Day and May 11 through 17, 2025, as Police Week 3Q. Proclamation of National Night Out 2025 Consent items The following consent items were presented for Council’s approval: MINUTES A. Joint City Council-Park Board work session meeting – April 21, 2025 B. Work session meeting – April 21, 2025 C. Regular meeting – April 21, 2025 D. Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting – April 22, 2025 HUMAN RESOURCES ITEMS E. Recruitment approval for engineering technician This item was removed by Councilmember McCullough for discussion. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ITEMS F. Designating segment of 101st Avenue North to Stieg Road North - Ordinance No. 25-04 Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 25-04 approving designating 101st Avenue North between Arbor Ridge Parkway and the parcel located at 18760 101st Avenue North to Stieg Road North. G. Peterson administrative lot division - Resolution No. 25-071 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-071 approving the Peterson administrative lot division. ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS ITEMS H. Authorize concept design for north Main Street project Maple Grove City Council Minutes May 5, 2025 Page 3 Motion to authorize the city to enter into an agreement with Damon Farber to complete concept design work for the north Main Street project including public realm plan for roadways near the two vacant city owned parcels adjacent to Main Street and 82nd Avenue. I. Boston Scientific Sanitary Sewer Reroute Project No. 25-15 Establish project Resolution No. 25-070 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-070 establishing Boston Scientific Sanitary Sewer Reroute Project No. 25-15 and ordering plans and specifications. J. Cedar Island Lake and Fish Lake water obstacle permits This item was removed by Councilmember McCullough for discussion. K. Rush Creek Boulevard - TH 610 Extension Project No. 19-24 Change Order No. 4 Motion to approve Change Order No. 4 to the Rush Creek Boulevard - TH 610 Extension Project No. 19-24 in the amount of $14,059.58. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS L. 2025-2026 refuse hauler license renewals Motion to approve the following refuse haulers’ licenses, subject to compliance with all licensing requirements as outlined in Chapter 10, Article XX, Division 3 of Maple Grove City Code, with said licenses to expire May 31, 2026: Company name Number of trucks Ace Solid Waste Inc. 11 Allied Waste Service of North America LLC dba 18 Republic Services LLC Aspen Waste Systems of Minnesota Inc. 5 Curbside Waste Inc. 5 Maple Grove City Council Minutes May 5, 2025 Page 4 Dick’s Sanitation Service Inc. 3 Suburban Waste MN, LLC 1 Walters Recycling and Refuse Inc. 11 Waste Management of Minnesota Inc. dba 41 Waste Management M. 2025-2026 transfer station and recycling center license renewals Motion to approve the following 2025-2026 transfer station and recycling center licenses subject to compliance with all licensing requirements as outlined in Chapter 10, Article XX, Division 2 of Maple Grove Code, with said licenses to expire May 31, 2026:  Waste Management of Minnesota Inc. dba Waste Management of Maple Grove Transfer, 10633 89th Ave N  Northern Metals LLC dba Northern Metal Recycling - Maple Grove, 9025 Zachary Ln N N. Annual approval of Maple Grove Data Practices Policy - MGDPA Motion to approve amendments to the Maple Grove Data Practices Policy (MGDPA) O. Approve Ordinance No. 25-06 amending the 2025 Fee Schedule and authorizing publication of the ordinance summary Motion to approve Ordinance No. 25-06 amending the 2025 Fee Schedule and authorizing publication of the ordinance summary. P. Proclamation to declare May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 11 through 17, 2025, as Police Week This item was removed by Councilmember Janigo for discussion. Maple Grove City Council Minutes May 5, 2025 Page 5 Q. Proclamation of National Night Out 2025 This item was removed by Councilmember Ostaffe for discussion. R. Approve claims Motion to approve claims totaling $ 3,143,483.86. Motion by Councilmember Ostaffe, seconded by Councilmember Janigo, to approve the consent items as amended, removing items 3E (Recruitment approval for engineering technician), 3J (Cedar Island Lake and Fish Lake water obstacle permits), 3P (Proclamation to declare May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 11 through 17, 2025, as Police Week) and 3Q (Proclamation of National Night Out 2025). Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Johnson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Consideration The following items were pulled from the consent agenda. of items pulled Regarding Item 3E (Recruitment approval for engineering from the technician), Councilmember McCullough thanked Mark agenda Lahtinen for his 23 years of service to the City of Maple Grove and wished him all the best in his retirement. Motion by Councilmember McCullough, seconded by Councilmember Janigo, to authorize staff to begin recruitment for the engineering technician position in the engineering department due to the retirement of Mark Lahtinen, which was accepted with an effective date of June 20, 2025. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Johnson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Regarding Item 3J (Cedar Island Lake and Fish Lake water obstacle permits), Councilmember McCullough stated Maple Grove’s lakes and waterways flourish with opportunities and excel in lake conservation partnerships for clear freshwater are bringing successes into Fish Lake. He stated with enough alum Fish Lake will meet water quality goals for another 20 years. He thanked city staff for pursuing the necessary permits, certificates of insurance and for working to provide healthy Maple Grove City Council Minutes May 5, 2025 Page 6 freshwater activities for those visiting Fish Lake. Motion by Councilmember McCullough, seconded by Councilmember Ostaffe, to approve the 2025 water obstacle permits on Cedar Island Lake and Fish Lake. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Johnson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Regarding Item 3P (Proclamation to declare May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 11 through 17, 2025, as Police Week), Councilmember Janigo reported May 15 is a day set aside for officers and the public to recognize officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. She encouraged Maple Grove residents to consider turning their porch lights blue during National Police Week. She discussed how dangerous policing can be for urban, suburban and rural police officers and noted she has found comfort in visiting the law enforcement memorial at the capitol campus in St. Paul. She thanked each Maple Grove police officer for their dedicated service to the community. Motion by Councilmember Janigo, seconded by Councilmember McCullough, to approve and proclaim May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 11 through 17, 2025, as Police Week. Police Chief Werner thanked Councilmember Janigo for pulling this item from the consent agenda and for bringing awareness to Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week. He recognized the losses that have occurred in Maple Grove and the surrounding areas since 2023 in the law enforcement community. He noted he would have officers standing guard at the memorial in St. Paul during Police Week and stated Town Green would be illuminated in blue lights. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Johnson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Regarding Item 3Q (Proclamation of National Night Out 2025), Councilmember Ostaffe stated National Night Out would be held on Tuesday, August 5. He reported a large number of staff members and public safety individuals participate in National Night Out. He explained he has participated in National Night Maple Grove City Council Minutes May 5, 2025 Page 7 Out for the past several years with his neighborhood and he hoped residents in the community would look to participate in neighborhood events this year. Motion by Councilmember Ostaffe, seconded by Councilmember McCullough, to proclaim Tuesday, August 5, 2025, as “National Night Out” in Maple Grove. Police Chief Werner reported Maple Grove received second place nationally in 2024 for National Night Out. He appreciated the community’s commitment to coming together and for fostering relationships with neighbors. He explained this year’s focus for National Night Out would be to recognize the Fire Department’s 50 years of service to the community. Councilmember Janigo commented on the benefits of getting to know your neighbors, noting this event promotes overall community safety. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Johnson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Special business Oath of office Police Chief Werner introduced Officer Lucas Ruedenberg to for police the City Council, noting he was hired on October 21, 2024. sergeant Acting Mayor Johnson administered the oath of office to Officer Ruedenberg and welcomed him to the Maple Grove Police Department. Officer Ruedenberg’s badge was pinned on and a round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Promotion and Fire Chief Zikmund, Deputy Fire Chief Baker and Deputy Fire swearing in of Chief Alderhalden introduced newly hired paid-on call firefighters Donald Colvin, Hasson Grams and Charles Brandon paid-on call to the City Council. firefighters Acting Mayor Johnson administered the oath of office to paid- on call firefighters Donald Colvin, Hasson Grams and Charles Brandon and welcomed them to the Maple Grove Fire Department. Badges were pinned on and a round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Maple Grove City Council Minutes May 5, 2025 Page 8 Donation of Police Chief Werner stated the Police Department is physical fitness committed to health and wellness programming for its employees, which includes physical fitness. Police staff need equipment for more fitness training equipment to provide the resources for the Police employees to maintain or develop their physical fitness. He Department explained staff learned that Anytime Fitness in Osseo was closing and discussed a possible donation of equipment with the owner to supplement the current fitness equipment. He thanked Anytime Fitness in Osseo for generously donating their high-quality used fitness equipment to the department. Mike Wiley, Anytime Fitness in Osseo, explained Police Chief Werner has been a member of Anytime Fitness in Osseo for a long time. He reported it has been his mission to provide a high-quality small gym for members to get their workouts in. He explained he has owned this gym for 13 years and because the gym would now be closing he was looking for a new home for his equipment. He believed the Maple Grove Police Department would make great use of the used fitness equipment. Stephanie Peterson, Anytime Fitness representative, stated she has been a trainer for the past 25 years and she appreciated the fact this equipment would continue to be used by officers in the community to help keep them strong. Acting Mayor Johnson thanked Anytime Fitness for making this generous donation to the Maple Grove Police Department and for having a heart for the community’s officers. Councilmember Janigo explained these pieces of equipment were an answer to prayer for her and she appreciated how the new equipment would benefit the health of the city’s police officers. She thanked Anytime Fitness for their generous donation. Councilmember Ostaffe stated it was sad to see this local business closing but thanked them for their generosity. Councilmember McCullough explained mental and physical fitness were so important for police officers and he appreciated how this new equipment would be utilized by the Police Department. He thanked the Wiley family and Anytime Maple Grove City Council Minutes May 5, 2025 Page 9 Fitness for their support of the Maple Grove Police Department. Motion by Councilmember Ostaffe, seconded by Councilmember Janigo, to approve and accept the donation of physical fitness equipment for the Police Department from Anytime Fitness. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Johnson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Open forum There were no open forum issues brought before the Council at this meeting. Public hearings Public hearing City Administrator Nelson stated Bonchon has requested an on-sale wine and 3.2% malt liquor license. She reported all On-sale wine necessary paperwork, and fees have been submitted to the city and 3.2% malt for this corporate name change. Staff commented further on the request and recommended approval. liquor license for Bonchon Nancy Zheng, representative of Bonchon, thanked the City Council for considering her request. Motion by Councilmember Janigo, seconded by Councilmember McCullough, to open the public hearing. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Johnson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Acting Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 8:07 p.m. and asked if anyone would like to address this issue. No public testimony was offered. Motion by Councilmember Janigo, seconded by Councilmember McCullough, to close the public hearing at 8:07 p.m. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Johnson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Ostaffe, seconded by Councilmember McCullough, to approve the on-sale wine and 3.2% malt liquor license for BC MG, Inc dba Bonchon, 11708 Elm Creek Blvd N, Maple Grove, Minnesota, subject to compliance with liquor licensing requirements in Chapter 4 of the City Code, with said license to expire June 30, 2025. Upon Maple Grove City Council Minutes May 5, 2025 Page 10 call of the motion by Acting Mayor Johnson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Public hearing City Engineer Kakach stated the proposed vacation includes all drainage and utility easements as dedicated in the recorded Rush Hollow plat of Rush Hollow, Hennepin County, Minnesota, that lie Vacation No. within Outlot X. Vacating these easements will allow for the Rush Hollow Fifth Addition Final Plat to be established without 25-03 the encumbrance of existing easements. The Rush Hollow Fifth Addition Final Plat replicates the easements proposed for Resolution No. vacation, except for the 66-foot-wide easement running 25-069 through the center of the site. This easement has been reduced to 32.30 feet to accommodate the existing watermain while maximizing the area available for development that was previously restricted due to the original alignment of Territorial Road, which was relocated. A public hearing notice was published in the Osseo-Maple Grove Press on April 17 and April 24. In addition, city staff provided direct notice to all affected property owners and private utility companies. No objections to the proposed vacation were received. Following the public hearing, staff recommended that the City Council adopt the resolution vacating certain easements located in the City of Maple Grove, County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota. Motion by Councilmember Ostaffe, seconded by Councilmember Janigo, to open the public hearing. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Johnson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Acting Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 8:10 p.m. and asked if anyone would like to address this issue. No public testimony was offered. Motion by Councilmember Ostaffe, seconded by Councilmember Janigo, to close the public hearing at 8:10 p.m. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Johnson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Janigo, seconded by Councilmember Ostaffe, to adopt Resolution No. 25-069 vacating certain easements located in the City of Maple Grove, County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota. Upon call of Maple Grove City Council Minutes May 5, 2025 Page 11 the motion by Acting Mayor Johnson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Community and economic development items Report on Community and Economic Development Director Hogeboom upcoming updated the Council regarding the following: community  The Planning Commission would be meeting on Monday, and economic May 12 and again on Tuesday, May 27. development items Engineering- public works items Presentation Public Works/Engineering Director LaBounty explained staff from Stantec Consulting Services will be presenting an update of the NW on the joint transit needs and feasibility study being completed Service for Maple Grove Transit and Plymouth Metrolink. This includes Providers an analysis of the existing ridership and routes, feedback Study Draft received from community engagement, and draft Report recommendations for service into the future. Ella Rasp, Stantec Consulting Services, introduced herself to the City Council and explained she has been working with Maple Grove and Plymouth on the Northwest Service Providers Study. She provided an overview of the issues that were addressed within the study and commented on the transit recommendations for the future of the Northwest suburbs. She indicated the goal for this study was to look into the future of transit given the changes that have occurred with transit since COVID. She reviewed the project timeline for the study noting she was working to develop a final report at this time. She commented on the engagement strategies that were pursued within this study. She provided further information regarding current ridership and highlighted the hot spots in the Maple Grove City Council Minutes May 5, 2025 Page 12 community. She reported micro transit popularity was on the rise. She commented further on possible network scenarios and recommendations for micro transit services. She reviewed the principles for Maple Grove Transit along with the Plymouth Metrolink Networks noting access, equal opportunity and stewardship were key issues. She then commented on the service strategies that would be pursued noting people were looking for less waiting, more flexibility and smart solutions to improve rider experience. The recommendations and route modifications proposed for the next ten years were further discussed with the City Council. She thanked the City Council for their time and attention. Acting Mayor Johnson questioned if Maple Grove had the ridership to support all day trips every 30 minutes. Ms. Rasp explained the micro transit service is being utilized all day. She indicated ongoing data research would continue to monitor ridership trends. Public Works/Engineering Director LaBounty reported the city was working to be nimble in order to adapt to the changing trends and needs of the community for efficiency purposes. Councilmember Ostaffe asked how many of the hot spots were outside of Maple Grove. Public Works/Engineering Director LaBounty stated he could review that data and would report back to the City Council with this information. Councilmember Ostaffe stated he would like more information on who was using the My Ride services and how much these rides were costing the city. Ms. Rasp indicated she could dig into the data and could report back with this information. Councilmember Ostaffe estimated 400 to 500 riders were using the express service to Minneapolis every day. He questioned how much this service was costing the city given the fact it was a very small unique set of riders. Ms. Rasp reported her recommendations were meant to grow ridership and to be cost neutral. Councilmember Ostaffe reported ridership dropped by 75% during COVID and he did not believe ridership would go back to Maple Grove City Council Minutes May 5, 2025 Page 13 what it once was because more and more people were working from home. He questioned how much of the bussing services were being paid for by taxpayer dollars. Public Works/ Engineering Director LaBounty reported no city levy dollars were used to provide bus services in Maple Grove. Rather, state sales tax dollars dedicated to transit are used to fund these services. Report on Public Works/Engineering Director LaBounty had no update for the City Council. upcoming engineering items Administration items Report on City Administrator Nelson explained that the Council has her upcoming Monday report if there are any questions. She reported the City Council would be holding the Board of Appeal and administration Equalization Reconvene meeting on Tuesday, May 6 at 7 p.m. items Items added to None the agenda Adjournment Motion by Councilmember Ostaffe, seconded by Councilmember Janigo, to adjourn to the regular City Council meeting on May 19, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Johnson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. by Acting Mayor Johnson. Respectfully submitted, Heidi Nelson City Administrator