City Council

Maple Grove City Council Meeting minutes June 16, 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 16, 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; Jennifer Monson, Economic Development Manager; Chris LaBounty, Public Works/Engineering Director; and RJ Kakach, City Engineer; 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. Mayor Steffenson asked for a moment of silence in memory of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark and prayers for Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette for continued healing. He asked that the public keep the Hortman and Hoffman families in their thoughts and prayers. Additions or Mayor Steffenson asked if there were any additions and/or deletions to the deletions to the agenda to which Heidi Nelson stated the agenda following: Item amended to the agenda 7A. Ivybrook Academy Planned Unit Development Concept Stage Plan Amendment – TABLED to July 21, 2025 Item amended to the consent agenda None Item added to the agenda None Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 2 Item removed from the consent agenda for discussion 3D. Approve separation agreement for staff affected by transition to county services Consent items The following consent items were presented for council’s approval: MINUTES A. Regular meeting – June 2, 2025 HUMAN RESOURCES ITEMS B. Appointment of deputy fire chief Motion to approve the appointment of David Jensen to the deputy fire chief position in the Fire Department. Subject to the successful completion of all pre-employment requirements and a 12-month probation period. C. Appointment of probationary paid-on-call firefighters Motion to approve the hiring of the following apprentice firefighters to the position of probationary paid on-call firefighters effective July 1, 2025, subject to a 12-month probationary period: Albrecht, John: Station 4 Krause, Nicholas: Station 1 Collins, DeShawn: Station 2 Noack, Ryan: Station 2 Dejewski, Joshua: Station 3 Held, Whitney: Station 3 Priemueller, Christina: Station 5 Vinson, Charles: Station 4 Johnson, Andrew: Station 3 Welty, Nathan: Station 5 Karleusa, Danko: Station 1 D. Approve separation agreement for staff affected by transition to county services This item was removed by Councilmember Ostaffe for discussion. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ITEMS Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 3 E. Preliminary development agreement with Arrow Companies Motion to approve a preliminary development agreement with Arrow Companies for the development of an office building on city-owned property on Upland Lane North. F. Southwest Crossroads Fifth Addition final plat - Resolution No. 25-085 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-085 approving the Southwest Crossroads Fifth Addition final plat. ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS ITEMS G. Eagle Lake Boat Launch ADA Project No. 25-13 Contract award Resolution No. 25-086 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-086 accepting quote for Eagle Lake Boat Launch ADA Project No. 25-13. H. Maple Grove Parkway and CSAH 81 Improvements Project No. 24-13 BNSF Railroad construction and maintenance agreement Motion to approve agreement with BNSF Railroad for signal preemption timing modifications at rail crossings at Maple Grove Parkway and Fernbrook Lane with City Project No. 24-13 and authorizing mayor and city clerk to execute the agreement subject to final approval by the city attorney and public works/engineering director. I. Minnesota Health Village 5th Addition Approve reapportionment agreement Motion to approve reapportionment agreement for Minnesota Health Village 5th Addition subject to final review by the city attorney and public works/engineering director. J. Sureties - 06-16-25 Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 4 Motion to approve the surety actions. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS K. Accept the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report Motion to accept the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. L. Approval of Benchmark Analytics renewal service agreement Motion to approve a renewal Software Agreement with Benchmark Solutions LLC DBA Benchmark Analytics LLC in the amount of $15,982.61 and authorize the mayor, city administrator, and police chief to enter into and sign any agreement or necessary documents. M. Call for sale of bonds for 2025 street rehabilitation project and Community Center remodel and expansion project- Resolution No. 25-084 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-084 calling for the sale of bonds in the par amount of $10.4M for the Street rehabilitation project (2025A) and $14.2M for phase 1 of the community center remodel and expansion project (2025B). N. Community Center renovation and expansion – construction management agreement – change orders no. 4, 5, and 6 Approve change orders 4, 5, and 6 to the Community Center project construction manager at Risk Agreement between RJM Construction and the city in the amount of $1,405,366.78. O. Maple Grove Lions application to conduct off-site gambling - Resolution No. 25-079 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-079 approving the LG230 application to conduct off-site gambling for the Maple Grove Lions. Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 5 P. Premises permit application for pull tabs and electronic linked bingo operation at Hy-Vee Market Grille Express - Res. No. 25-080 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-080 approving a premises permit application for Osseo Maple Grove Hockey Association to conduct a pull tabs (paper and electronic) and electronic linked bingo operation at Hy-Vee Market Grille Express, 18755 70th Way N, Suite C, Maple Grove, MN 55311. Q. Tuition reimbursement request for Community Service Officer Caleb Larson Motion to approve tuition reimbursement for Community Service Officer (CSO) Caleb Larson to pursue an Associate of Science in Peace Officer and Public Safety degree at Hennepin Technical College at an annual amount of $1,200 to be paid from the Police Department budget. R. Tuition reimbursement request – Community Service Officer Taylor Schneider Motion to approve tuition reimbursement for Community Service Officer (CSO) Taylor Schneider to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Policing Studies at Minnesota State University, Mankato at an annual amount of $1,200 to be paid from the Police Department budget. S. Approve claims Motion to approve claims totaling $ 4,459,468.96. Motion by Councilmember Janigo, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to approve the consent items as amended, removing item 3D (Approve separation agreement for staff affected by transition to county services). Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Consideration of The following items were pulled from the consent agenda. items pulled from the agenda Regarding Item 3D (Approve separation agreement for staff Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 6 affected by transition to county services), Councilmember Ostaffe stated city staff has done a wonderful job in the Assessing Department. He indicated the county has made a policy change they will now be providing these services free of charge, but everyone’s taxes will be raised in order to cover this service. Consequently, the city is faced with the difficult decision of eliminating positions within the Assessing Department due to this county policy change. It was his hope these individuals would be able to be hired by the county. It was also his hope there would be a smooth transition from city to county provided assessing services. Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Mayor Steffenson, to approve the use of separation agreements for city employees whose positions are affected by the transition of assessing services to Hennepin County, and to authorize the city administrator and/or human resources director to finalize and execute such agreements, in consultation with the city attorney. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Special business Senator Limmer Senator Limmer began by expressing sympathy to the Hortman presentation family and support for the Hoffman family as they continue their recovery. He expressed deep gratitude—not just on a personal level, but on behalf of the entire legislature and the broader community—for the City of Maple Grove, and in particular, the Maple Grove Police Department. This past weekend was difficult for all of Minnesota. In the early hours of the morning, we were made aware of troubling incidents involving members of the legislature—first at Senator Hoffman’s home, then at Representative Hortman’s. While few details were available at the time, the seriousness of the situation quickly became clear. And while we hope these types of threats are rare, they appear to be increasing. That’s why it’s more important than ever that we—as a society—resist becoming numb to these acts and instead come together with empathy and responsibility. It’s up to all of us to lower the temperature, extend grace, and foster respect, especially in the realm of politics. Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 7 Senator Limmer then provided insights into the 2025 legislative session. He explained the legislature opted to spend the $18 billion surplus while also deciding to raise spending by 40%. He discussed how the actions of the Minnesota Legislature will impact Maple Grove and the northwest metro area. He noted the TIF timeline for the gravel mining area was extended. He commented on the Highway 169 bridge work that was approved and would be completed by MnDOT. He thanked the City Council for participating in this year’s legislative session. Lastly, he thanked Police Chief Werner and the Maple Grove Police Department for their presence in the community this past weekend. Councilmember McCullough thanked Senator Limmer for his assistance on the funding that would be provided for the Highway 169 bridge. Mayor Steffenson thanked Senator Limmer for all of his assistance during the recent legislative session. Representative Representative Robbins provided a brief update from the 2025 Robbins legislative session to the mayor and city council. She thanked presentation the council for holding a moment of silence for the Hortman and Hoffman families. She stated she was grateful for the community’s support during this difficult time. She thanked the city council and mayor for being great partners. She explained the city had the TIF extension approved, while also receiving funding for the Highway 169 bridge and the Fish Lake interchange. She indicated it was her hope another bonding bill will be approved in 2026. Councilmember McCullough thanked Representative Robbins for her attendance at this meeting and for her detailed presentation. He thanked Representative Robbins for her oversight and for her great work at the capitol. Open forum There were no open forum issues brought before the council at this meeting. Public hearings Public hearing City Administrator Nelson stated Buca di Beppo has requested an on-sale intoxicating and Sunday sale liquor license. She Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 8 reported all necessary paperwork and fees have been On-sale submitted to the city. It was noted Buca di Beppo has had a intoxicating and liquor license in the past, but has had an ownership/name Sunday sale change which requires a new liquor license. Staff commented liquor license for further on the request and recommended approval. Buca di Beppo Mayor Steffenson reported the city takes liquor service very seriously and encouraged Buca di Beppo to properly train their employees when it comes to alcohol service. He reported the city would conduct several alcohol compliance checks throughout the year and he wanted to see Buca di Beppo passing its compliance checks. Debra Edison and Frank Beaton, Buca di Beppo representatives, were present to answer council questions. Motion by Councilmember McCullough, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, 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 7:54 p.m. and asked if anyone would like to address this issue. No public testimony was offered. Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember McCullough, to close the public hearing at 7:53 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 intoxicating/ Sunday sale liquor license for BDB Other States, LLC dba Buca di Beppo, 12650 Elm Creek Blvd, Maple Grove, Minnesota, subject to compliance with liquor licensing requirements in Chapter 4 of the City Code, with said license to expire June 30, 2026. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Public hearing City Engineer Kakach stated a feasibility report has been prepared for Elm Creek Vista Project No. 24-23. The report Elm Creek Vista describes improvements necessary to provide public infrastructure for the development of six new single-family Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 9 Project No. 24-23 homes south of Elm Road and east of Maple Grove Parkway. The project is an extension of the existing Fountain Lane Resolution No. roadway south of 63rd Avenue. The cost of the improvements 25-081 benefiting the development is estimated to be $667,726. A portion of the project will also be funded through city funds, estimated to be $55,535. The estimated total project cost is $723,261. The cost of the improvements benefiting the development together with area trunk benefit assessments of $215,986.85 results in a total proposed assessment of $883,712.85, which equates to $147,285.48 per unit. Plans for improvements to Elm Creek Vista Project No. 24-23 have been prepared and are on file in the Engineering Department. It is recommended that council adopt a resolution approving feasibility report, ordering plans and specs, approving plans and specs, ordering Elm Creek Vista Project No. 24-23 and authorizing advertisement for bids. Motion by Councilmember Ostaffe, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, 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 7:57 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 7:57 p.m. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember McCullough, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt Resolution No. 25-081 approving feasibility report, ordering plans and specs, approving plans and specs, ordering Elm Creek Vista Project No. 24-23 and authorizing advertisement for bids. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Public hearing City Engineer Kakach stated a feasibility report has been prepared for The Ridge at Elm Creek 4th Addition Project No. The Ridge at Elm 25- 16. The report includes improvements necessary to provide Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 10 Creek 4th street, sidewalk, storm sewer, watermain and sanitary sewer Addition Project for a development of 20 new single-family homes north of Elm No. 25-16 Road and west of Vicksburg Lane. The project extends existing roadways of 64th Avenue and Archer Lane that were part of Resolution No. first phase of The Ridge at Elm Creek. The cost of the 25-082 improvements benefiting the development is estimated to be $1,652,395. The area trunk benefit assessments of $482,721.33 plus the residual assessment of $438,093.90 from the first phase of The Ridge at Elm Creek result in a total proposed assessment of $2,573,210.23, which equates to $128,660.51 per unit. Plans for improvements to The Ridge at Elm Creek 4th Addition Project No. 25-16 have been prepared and are on file in the Engineering Department. It is recommended that council adopt a resolution approving feasibility report, ordering plans and specs, approving plans and specs, ordering The Ridge at Elm Creek 4th Addition Project No. 25-16 and authorizing advertisement for bids. Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Ostaffe, 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 8:00 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 8:00 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 adopt Resolution No. 25-082 approving feasibility report, ordering plans and specs, approving plans and specs, ordering The Ridge at Elm Creek 4th Addition Project No. 25-16 and authorizing advertisement for bids. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Community and economic Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 11 development items Ivybrook Per the request of the applicant, this item was tabled to the Academy July 21, 2025 city council meeting. planned unit development concept stage plan amendment Culvers Economic Development Manager Monson stated the applicant Southwest is requesting a planned unit development stage plan and final Crossings plat to accommodate a new 4,100 square foot Culvers. The planned unit proposed development is located in the Markets at Rush Creek development near Hy-Vee in southwest Maple Grove. A restaurant with stage plan and drive thru at this location is consistent with the approved final plat concept plan which guides this property for general retail and office uses. The single access point and pedestrian connections to the neighboring businesses reduces impervious surface and conserves resources. Staff is supportive of the proposal and it was noted the Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions. Maria Veach, Culvers representative, explained she was very excited for the opportunity to be part of a great city. Councilmember McCullough stated he was happy to have another Culvers coming to Maple Grove. Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Mayor Steffenson, to direct the city attorney to draft a resolution and a planned unit development agreement approving the Culvers Southwest Crossings planned unit development stage plan and 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 Community & Economic Development Department dated June 11, 2025 b. The Parks & Recreation Department dated May 28, 2025 Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 12 c. Hennepin County dated May 21, 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. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. MGM Maple Planning Manager Vickerman stated the applicant is requesting Grove planned a planned unit development, development stage plan unit amendment for an addition to the building to accommodate a development remodel for an 1,800 square foot restaurant use. The applicant stage plan is proposing to remodel a portion of the existing store into Tandoor Indian Cuisine and relocate the existing coolers. The coolers will be relocated in an addition on the north side of the building that will be approximately 14 feet from the right-of- way line for 96th Avenue North. Because this is smaller than the typical setback, a PUD amendment is required. They are proposing to add additional landscaping to buffer the addition, and the proposed elevations will match the existing building. Parking already exceeds code requirements and small restaurants located in multi-tenant buildings are typically classified as retail uses; so no additional parking would be required by code. Overall staff has only minor comments on the proposal and it was noted both the Planning Commission and staff offers a recommendation of approval. Councilmember Johnson commented on the elevations for this building and questioned if an exterior upgrade could be required at this time to better align with the surrounding businesses. Planning Manager Vickerman reported this would be the purview of the city council. Councilmember Johnson inquired what the square footage of this building was. Planning Manager Vickerman indicted the building was 10,000 square feet in size. Councilmember Janigo noted the Planning Commission discussed pedestrian safety near the patio area. She asked if any other safety measures were being built into the plans for Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 13 this property. Planning Manager Vickerman stated staff had further conversations with the applicant and the applicant would be looking into this further. Mayor Steffenson called the applicants forward at this time. Councilmember Janigo asked that the applicants speak to the solutions that had been considered to protect the patio space. MD Asaduzzaman, the applicant, explained he would be installing bollards to protect the patio space. Councilmember Janigo supported the applicant being required to install bollards on three sides of the patio. Councilmember Johnson questioned if the applicant would be willing to work with staff on the exterior façade that would more closely align with the buildings in the area. Vera Lwanga-Zaman, the applicant, reported she would be willing to work with staff on this. Councilmember Ostaffe reported there was no city code that required outdoor patios to be protected. Planning Manager Vickerman reported this was the case, but as this was a PUD, the city council could require additional conditions that were specific to this property. Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Janigo, to direct the city attorney to draft a resolution and a planned unit development agreement approving the MGM Maple Grove planned unit development stage plan amendment subject to: 1. The applicant addressing to the satisfaction of the city any remaining applicable comments contained in the memorandums from: a. The Community & Economic Development Department dated June 4, 2025 b. The Engineering Department dated May 2, 2025 c. The applicant shall install bollards on three sides of the outdoor patio d. The applicant shall work with staff to repaint the Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 14 exterior façade to more closely align with the buildings in the area. 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. 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 and economic  The Planning Commission will meet next on Monday, June development 30. items Engineering- public works items Report on Public Works/Engineering Director LaBounty updated the upcoming council regarding the following: engineering  The Lake Quality Committee will meet next on Wednesday, items June 18. Administration items Maple Grove Community and Economic Development Director Hogeboom Performing Arts stated Avalanche Arts, a local non-profit corporation, seeks to Center – letter of develop a performing arts center in Maple Grove. The venue intent for long would allow various community actors the opportunity to term lease perform within one space. The center is envisioned to be similar to performing art centers in other communities, such as those in Hopkins, Burnsville, and White Bear Lake. In February, council directed staff to negotiate terms of a letter of intent (LOI) for leasing the property to Avalanche Arts. The draft LOI provides a lease term of 99 years with a cost of $1.00 per year. It stipulates that the tenant is responsible for payment of all taxes on the property should the status of the property change Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 15 from its current tax-free designation. The draft LOI further stipulates that the tenant is responsible for construction and operation costs and that the city would have the right to utilize the venue at no cost up to seven times per year. The draft provides for the city to retain the right to approve or deny naming rights for the facility as well as to have an appointed member serve on the operation’s board. The draft LOI also provides guidance for plan review, parking, and maintenance which will all be further reviewed and refined as planning progresses. Signage will also be discussed as part of the lease negotiation process. Once the LOI is executed, Avalanche Arts will work toward securing additional funding sources. Planning for road and pedestrian access in the general vicinity of the subject parcel will also take place this summer. Councilmember Ostaffe thanked the applicants for what they were doing for the city. He asked if the building would have naming rights. Mr. Vinup stated this would be his intent, if he could find a business that was interested in doing so. Councilmember Johnson stated she was excited to see this project being completed in Maple Grove as it would be a great addition for the community. She indicated she has spoken with staff and noted she has concerns with the need for Avalanche Arts to conform to city policy regarding land use and rental practices and that this project should be treated as an extension of the city as it relates to those matters. She explained she wanted the Performing Arts Center to be a neutral space. She reported her second concern would be that the lease agreement would address the city’s authority to step in in the event that there’s proven financial impropriety or criminal activity. Councilmember Janigo reported she remains in strong support of the Maple Grove Arts Center. She understood the current Maple Grove Art Center had been informed that they would no longer have their space on Fountains Drive. She commented she has been approached by residents that were looking for a space for community choirs. She supported having an art center in the community in order to capture the rich culture the arts bring. Motion by Councilmember Janigo, seconded by Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 16 Councilmember Johnson, to authorize the mayor to execute a letter of intent with Avalanche Arts of Minnesota for the purpose of leasing city-owned parcel 23-119-22-23-0096 for the purpose of constructing and operating a performing arts center. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Approval of Police Chief Werner stated PUPS, a City of Maple Grove owned Maple Grove facility since 1991, operates under a joint powers agreement commitment to with the cities of Maple Grove, Champlin, Crystal, Brooklyn the PUPS Center, Brooklyn Park, New Hope, Plymouth, and Robbinsdale. expansion/ For the past several years, the PUPS Board discussed the need reinvestment to invest in the aging facility. In 2023, PUPS experienced the project largest intake of animals in its 33-year history, requiring periodic closures of the facility. Police Chief Werner explained the PUPS facility remains an important service for the safe containment, care, and return of animals to its member cities and the needs have grown since opening. Currently, PUPS serves an estimated 331,731 residents, which is over 103,000 residents more than the 228,491 residents served since opening. PUPS serves approximately 26% of Hennepin County’s population of 1,297,847 residents from all social and economic backgrounds. In August 2024, the council approved the architect services of BKV Group to conduct a needs study for an expansion/ reinvestment of PUPS. On May 6, 2025, BKV Group presented their final proposal to the PUPS Board of Directors at a cost of $7,852,074, with Maple Grove’s portion estimated at $1,153,056. The PUPS Board consisting of the cities of Maple Grove, Champlin, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, New Hope, Plymouth, and Robbinsdale agreed to the proposed project cost and scope; and to seek approval from their city councils. The City of Crystal’s membership in PUPS ends December 31, 2025, and will not be included in the project. Councilmember Janigo stated it appears Option B was more sustainable long-term. She asked if this was the option that had been quoted to partners. Police Chief Werner reported this was the case, noting Option B would include stainless steel kennels that would meet the department’s needs through 2050. Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 17 Councilmember Ostaffe reported Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center were looking at other options. He explained these two cities take up 65% of the volume. He questioned if the current facility could undergo much needed maintenance, noting this option would cost the taxpayers much less. He was of the opinion the proposed cost was quite excessive. He inquired if there were other options available now that Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center were looking at other options. Police Chief Werner stated his memo discussed scenarios without some cities involved and asked that BKV comment further on these scenarios. Paul Michell, Partner with BKV Group, explained there is a lot of functionality that is not included in the current facility. He stated the deficiencies include a deficient sallyport, quarantine, medical check space, intakes, staff break areas, restrooms and mechanical issues. In addition, there were deferred maintenance issues. Councilmember Ostaffe stated he was looking for ways to bring costs down. He commented if one of the key partners decides to go in another direction, the City of Maple Grove no longer needs a kennel that holds 37 animals. While he understood additional operating costs were needed, he believed the city could save a lot of money by updating or renovating the current facility. Mr. Michell stated an additional 2,800 square feet was needed in order to hold 14 dogs and 9 cats, as well as meeting the best practices for health and wellness for the animals and staff. He estimated this would be about $4.75 million in construction costs plus soft costs of $800,000. He indicated these costs would then be spread out across fewer agencies. Police Chief Werner indicated his staff looked at these numbers and reported if Brooklyn Park were not a part of this venture, the city’s costs would rise to $1.9 million. Councilmember Johnson stated the city council has been discussing PUPS for the past two years. She questioned what would happen if the city were to not partner with anyone else on this project. Police Chief Werner explained he had not run Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 18 costs on this scenario. Councilmember Johnson inquired what the operational costs were to run PUPS currently, per year. Police Chief Werner stated the cost was $370,400. Councilmember Johnson indicated it would be more expensive for the city to renovate the current facility and run the facility on its own, versus sharing the costs with partner cities. She reported it would benefit all of the partner cities to share in the fixed and operational costs for this project. Councilmember McCullough asked if the cost sharing was currently based on usage. Police Chief Werner reported this was the case. Councilmember McCullough indicated Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center may be relying on Maple Grove, given how they were not able to expand this use in their area. Police Chief Werner stated this was correct. Councilmember McCullough reported if this expansion were to occur, would it be on the west side of the building, in order to minimize the impact on the animals. Police Chief Werner commented the facility would remain operational through the renovations. Mr. Michell reviewed the addition diagrams and discussed how the building would be renovated. Councilmember McCullough indicated the stainless steel cages would be beneficial and much easier to clean going forward, along with the new outdoor play area. He thanked staff for all of their efforts on these plans. Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember McCullough, to approve and authorize the city administrator and chief of police to inform the Pets Under Police Security (PUPS) Board of Directors that Maple Grove is committed to the PUPS expansion/reinvestment project with a total estimated cost of $7,852,074 in 2026 cost projections. Maple Grove’s cost toward the project is estimated at $1,153,056 with funding to come from the 2026 budget surplus. Councilmember Ostaffe reported the city would be waiting on Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 19 other cities to see how they would move forward with this partnership. He questioned if the city should be approving this item without better understanding how these partners wanted to move forward. Mayor Steffenson stated he believed this was the city’s best option at this point and he was going to support the commitment the city made to this project. He explained he understood why Brooklyn Park asked for an extension on the matter given the events that occurred over the past weekend. He indicated if other cities opt to not participate, the city will have to sit down and reevaluate this project. He anticipated any other project would cost the city more to complete. Councilmember Johnson commented she was asking a lot of the same questions as Councilmember Ostaffe and at this time she felt confident the council has received a deep dive on the information that was available for the options being proposed. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and one nay (Councilmember Ostaffe opposed). Motion carried. Report on City Administrator Nelson explained that the council has her upcoming Monday report if there are any questions. She reported the I- administration 94 West Chamber Circle of Excellence Awards event would be items held on Wednesday, June 18 at The Crown Room in Rogers from 3 to 6 p.m. She invited the public to attend the Juneteenth event which would be held on Thursday, June 19 from 5 to 9 pm. at Town Green. She noted city offices would be closed on Thursday, June 19 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Items added to None the agenda Adjournment Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Janigo, to adjourn to the regular City Council meeting on July 7, 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 8:54 p.m. by Mayor Steffenson. Maple Grove City Council Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 20 Respectfully submitted, Heidi Nelson City Administrator