City Council

Maple Grove City Council Meeting minutes June 2, 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 June 2, 2025 at the Maple Grove Government Center/Public Safety Facility, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Members present were Mayor Mark Steffenson and Councilmembers Rachelle Johnson, Kristy Janigo, Mike Ostaffe, and, Jon McCullough. Absent was none. Present also were Heidi Nelson, City Administrator; Joe Hogeboom, Community and Economic Development Director; Peter Vickerman, Planning Manager; Chris LaBounty, Public Works/Engineering Director; Greg Sticha, Finance Director; and Justin Templin, City Attorney. Mayor Steffenson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and led the city in the Pledge of Allegiance. Additions or Mayor Steffenson 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 3G. 2027 Pond Maintenance Project No. 27-06 Project establishment - Resolution No. 25-075 Consent items The following consent items were presented for Council’s approval: Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 2 MINUTES A. Regular meeting – May 19, 2025 HUMAN RESOURCES ITEMS B. Appointment of assistant building official and recruitment approval for combination plans examiner/building inspector Motion to approve the promotion of Ken Nelson to the position of assistant building official and authorize staff to begin recruitment for the combination plans examiner/building inspector position in the Community and Economic Development Department. Subject to the successful completion of all pre-employment requirements and a 12- month probation period. C. Appointment of water and sewer maintenance I Motion to approve the appointment of Brian Nielsen to the water and sewer maintenance I position in the Public Works Department. Subject to the successful completion of all preemployment requirements and to a 12-month probationary period. D. Recruitment approval for fire prevention specialist Motion to authorize staff to begin recruitment for the fire prevention specialist position in the Fire Department due to the resignation of Jeremy Berger, which was accepted with an effective date of June 13, 2025. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ITEMS E. The Ridge at Elm Creek 4th Addition planned unit development concept stage plan, development stage plan, rezoning, and preliminary plat Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 25-07 approving the rezoning from R-A (Single-Family Agricultural District) to R-2 PUD Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 3 (Single-Family Residential District—Planned Unit Development). Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-076 approving The Ridge at Elm Creek 4th Addition planned unit development concept stage plan, development stage plan, and preliminary plat. F. Southwest Crossroads Fifth Addition final plat Motion to recommend that the City Council direct the city attorney to draft a resolution approving the Southwest Crossroads Fifth Addition final plat subject to: 1. The applicant addressing to the satisfaction of the city any remaining applicable comments contained in the memorandums from: a. The Engineering Department dated May 19, 2025 b. Hennepin County dated May 15, 2025 The applicant shall acknowledge that park dedication requirements are based on staff review and recommendation to the Park and Recreation Board and their subsequent board action. Board meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS ITEMS G. 2027 Pond Maintenance Project No. 27-06 project establishment Resolution No. 25-075 This item was removed by Councilmember McCullough for discussion. H. Elm Creek Vista Project No. 24-23 order public hearing Resolution No. 25-077 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-077 ordering public hearing for Elm Creek Vista Project No. 24-23. I. The Ridge at Elm Creek Project No. 25-16 order public hearing Resolution No. 25-078 Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 4 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-078 ordering public hearing for The Ridge at Elm Creek Project No. 25-16. J. Water treatment and softening services approve technical scope of work approve AE2S master services agreement Motion to approve the master services agreement with Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, LLC (AE2S) and authorize the mayor and city clerk to execute the agreement subject to final approval by the city attorney and public works/engineering director. Motion to approve the technical scope of work for water treatment and softening services and authorize staff execution subject to final approval by the city attorney and public works/engineering director. K. Sureties - 06-02-25 Motion to approve the surety actions. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS L. 2025-2026 liquor license renewals Motion to approve the liquor license renewals, subject to compliance with all licensing requirements as outlined in Chapter 4 of Maple Grove City Code, for the period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. M. Cancel City Council meeting July 7, 2025 Motion to approve the cancellation of the July 7, 2025, City Council meeting. N. Approve claims Motion to approve claims totaling $4,793,474.09. Motion by Councilmember McCullough, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to approve the consent items as amended, removing item 3G (2027 Pond Maintenance Project Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 5 No. 27-06 Project establishment Resolution No. 25-075). Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Consideration The following items were pulled from the consent agenda. of items pulled Regarding Item 3G (2027 Pond Maintenance Project No. 27-06 from the Project establishment Resolution No. 25-075), Councilmember agenda McCullough commented on the proposed pond maintenance project. He thanked the Osseo and Maple Grove middle school students who had emailed him regarding clean lakes and ponds. He discussed how the proposed pond maintenance project was intended to capture pollution from parking and grassy areas in order to keep this material out of downstream waterways. Motion by Councilmember McCullough, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt Resolution No. 25-075 establishing 2027 Pond Maintenance Project No. 27-06. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Special business Maple Grove Megan Belvedere introduced herself to the City Council and Ambassadors had the 2025 Maple Grove Ambassadors introduce themselves. Each ambassador reflected on their year of service and spoke presentation to the highlights from the past year. The Maple Grove Ambassador candidates then introduced themselves to the City Council. It was noted the 24th annual coronation will take place on Friday, July 18, 2025 at the Maple Grove Middle School. Swearing in Fire Chief Zikmund was pleased to announce the and badge appointments, swearing in, and badge pinning of Captain Jason Herdegen, Lieutenant Sam Kitzmann, and Paid on-call pinning of Probationary Firefighter Tossy Johnson-Kelly. He explained newly these individuals have demonstrated exceptional dedication, appointed fire skill, and leadership, and he was confident they will serve the officers and department and community with distinction. He congratulated paid on-call these individuals as they step into their new positions. Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 6 firefighters Mayor Steffenson administered the oath of office and congratulated these individuals on their new positions with the Maple Grove Fire Department. Badges were pinned on and a round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Open forum Arun Sharma, 9978 Walnut Grove Lane North, thanked the Council for allowing him to speak. He discussed a tragic event that occurred in India in the Hindu community and commented on how this event was impacting Hindu families living in Minnesota. He encouraged the residents of Maple Grove to be aware of what was taking place and stated he was afraid. He asked that the City of Maple Grove condemn these actions and to stop funding to countries like Pakistan, who help fund the extremists. Easha Narayan, 14020 102nd Place, discussed the proposed improvements for Maple Grove Parkway and County Road 81. She explained the improvements that are listed on the website show the Fernbrook Lane connection will be removed from County Road 81 north. She expressed concern regarding how this change will impact the high-density housing residents living in the area. She discussed how traffic will now shift into the adjacent neighborhood and encouraged the City Council to reconsider their plans for Maple Grove Parkway/County Road 81. Public hearings Public hearing City Administrator Nelson stated Bole Ethiopian Cuisine has requested an on-sale wine and 3.2% malt liquor license. She On-sale wine reported all necessary paperwork and fees have been and 3.2% malt submitted to the city. Staff commented further on the request and recommended approval. liquor license for Bole Solomon Hailie, owner and manager of Bole Ethiopian Cuisine, Ethiopian explained he has been running Bole Ethiopian Cuisine since Cuisine 2017. He reported he has locations in St. Paul by the State Fairgrounds and in Minneapolis. He explained he lives in Maple Grove and would like to open a third location in this community. Mayor Steffenson encouraged Mr. Hailie to properly train his employees to ensure underaged individuals were not being Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 7 served alcohol. Councilmember Janigo stated she was very excited to see this restaurant coming to Maple Grove, noting the menu looks amazing. Councilmember Ostaffe thanked Mr. Hailie for expanding his restaurant business in Maple Grove and wished him all the best in his new venture. Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember McCullough, to open the public hearing. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Mayor Steffenson opened the public hearing at 8:01 p.m. and asked if anyone would like to address this issue. No public testimony was offered. Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Ostaffe, to close the public hearing at 8:02 p.m. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Janigo, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to approve the on-sale wine and 3.2% malt liquor license for Bole Express Maple Grove LLP dba Bole Ethiopian Cuisine, 15609 Grove Cir N, Maple Grove, Minnesota, subject to compliance with liquor licensing requirements in Chapter 4 of the City Code, with said license to begin on July 1, 2025, and expire June 30, 2026. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Community and economic development items Northern Planning Manager Vickerman stated Northern Taphouse is Taphouse proposing architectural changes to the former Red Lobster building that require City Council approval. The proposed exterior Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 8 elevations changes consist of the following:  Building an entryway tower on the east side of the building  Adding an EIFS face to the northern entryway feature to attach future signage Planning Manager Vickerman reported overall, the changes are minor, and staff sees no issue with them. All signage will be approved separately. In addition, the applicant has submitted a planned unit development, development stage plan, requesting approval for the patio expansion in the front of the building. That proposal is scheduled to be heard at the June 30 Planning Commission and July 21 City Council meeting. Matthew Letnes, Northern Taphouse representative, thanked the Council for considering his request. He explained he has been looking to open a restaurant in Maple Grove for some time and noted this will be his 15th restaurant. Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Ostaffe, to approve the architectural elevations of Northern Taphouse. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Report on Community and Economic Development Director Hogeboom upcoming updated the Council regarding the following: community  Staff noted Ken Nelson was appointed as the City’s and economic Assistant Building Official. development items  It was noted the Planning Commission will meet next on Monday, June 9.  The 10th Annual Chalkfest would be held on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8. Engineering- public works items Report on Public Works/Engineering Director LaBounty updated the Council regarding the following: Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 9 upcoming  Staff had been planning several neighborhood meetings for engineering street improvement projects. It was noted the Hickory items Ridge Street Rehabilitation Project would be held on Thursday, June 5 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The Dunkirk Area neighborhood meeting would be held on Monday, June 16 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Administration items Approve Finance Director Sticha stated in late 2024 staff became aware contract with of Hennepin County offering assessing services to existing contracted cities over 30,000 in population at no cost to the Hennepin city. Shortly after that decision, Hennepin County decided to County for offer the service at the county’s cost to any of the eight assessing remaining cities in the county that provide their own assessing services services. In February of 2025, staff discussed this offer with the City Council and at that meeting additional data was requested by the council. That data was provided during a follow up work session in April of 2025, at which point the city council gave direction for staff to meet with the county and negotiate a contract for review. Staff commented further on the key points within the agreement that has been reached with Hennepin County and recommended approval. Councilmember McCullough questioned what a Maple Grove resident will experience through this transition. Josh Hoogland, Hennepin County Assessor, explained it would be his hope Maple Grove residents do not experience anything different. He reported if jobs were done well, residents would not notice anything different from how operations were currently. Councilmember Ostaffe explained the assessing services were proposed to be free to the city but would be coming with a tax increase from the county that every resident would be responsible for. It was his hope that the Maple Grove assessing staff members would be able to transition into positions with the county. Mayor Steffenson asked if the preference of the county would be to hold open book meetings in the future. Mr. Hoogland stated he did not have a preference and stated the city could Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 10 make their own determination for these meetings. He explained he could present the pros and cons of both options to the Council. Motion by Mayor Steffenson, seconded by Councilmember McCullough, to approve contract with Hennepin County to provide assessing services in 2026. Councilmember Janigo reported Maple Grove’s staff has provided stellar services to the community and these individuals would be greatly missed. It was her hope these individuals would be able to transition into positions with Hennepin County. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Report on City Administrator Nelson explained that the Council has her upcoming Monday report if there are any questions. She reminded the Council the July 7, 2025 City Council meeting had been administration canceled for the 4th of July holiday. She commented on the items Juneteenth event that would be held on Thursday, June 19 at Town Green from 5 to 9 p.m. Items added to None the agenda Adjournment Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Ostaffe, to adjourn to the regular City Council meeting on June 16, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:18 p.m. by Mayor Steffenson. Respectfully submitted, Heidi Nelson City Administrator