City Council

Maple Grove City Council Meeting minutes September 15, 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 September 15, 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;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 agenda to which Heidi Nelson stated the following: the agenda Item amended to the agenda None Item amended to the consent agenda 3O. Preparation of assessment rolls and assessment hearing establishment Resolution No. 25-129 Item added to the agenda None Item removed from the consent agenda for discussion 3R. Woods at Rush Creek neighborhood speed limit reduction Resolution No. 25-124 Consent items The following consent items were presented for Council’s Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 15, 2025 Page 2 approval: MINUTES A. Regular meeting – September 2, 2025 HUMAN RESOURCES ITEMS B. Appointment of assessing/building technician Motion to approve the appointment of Michelle Eason for the assessing/building technician in the Building Department. Pending successful completion of all pre-employment requirements, and subject to a 6-month probationary period. C. Appointment of combination plans building/plumbing inspector Motion to approve the appointment of Andrew Rogalski for combination plans examiner/building inspector in the Building Department. Subject to a 12-month probationary period, all pre-employment requirements have been met. D. Appointment of community service officer pt Motion to approve the appointment of Jacob Olson for the community service officer pt in the Police Department. Pending successful completion of all pre-employment requirements, and subject to a 12-month probationary period. E. Appointment of community service officer pt Motion to approve the appointment of Rodger Coppa for the community service officer pt in the Police Department. Pending successful completion of all pre-employment requirements, and subject to a 12-month probationary period. F. Appointment of GIS technician Motion to approve the appointment of Abigial Gustafson for GIS technician in the Public Works Department. Pending successful completion of all pre-employment requirements, Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 15, 2025 Page 3 and subject to a 12-month probationary period. G. Appointment of police officer Motion to approve the appointment of Heaven Santos Medina for police officer in the Police Department. Pending successful completion of all pre-employment requirements, and subject to a 12-month probationary period. H. Recruitment approval for community service officer Motion to authorize staff to begin recruitment for the community service officer position in the Police Department due to the resignation of Jordan Schwarze, which was accepted with an effective date of September 4, 2025. I. Recruitment approval for police officer Motion to authorize staff to begin recruitment for the police officer position in the Police Department due to the resignation of Oscar Gonzalez, which was accepted with an effective date of September 2, 2025. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ITEMS J. Maple Grove Arts Center Letter of Intent space with the expanded and renovated Community Center Motion to authorize the mayor to execute a letter of intent with Maple Grove Arts Center for the purpose of providing space with the expanded and renovated Community Center. ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS ITEMS K. Cancellation of special assessments Resolution No. 25-130 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-130 cancelling special assessments as a result of levy No. 24012. L. Gardner School developer's agreement Resolution No. 25- 127 Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 15, 2025 Page 4 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-127 approving developer’s agreement for Gardner School, subject to final review by the city attorney and public works/engineering director. M. Norsq Maple Grove Project No. 23-22 Change order No. 2 Motion to approve change order No. 2 to the Norsq Maple Grove Project No. 23-22 in the amount of $35,950.25. N. Police Station Archive Remodel Project No. 25-07 Contract award Resolution No. 25-128 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-128 approving plans and specifications and accepting bid for Police Station Archive Remodel Project No. 25-07. O. Preparation of assessment rolls and assessment hearing establishment Resolution No. 25-129 – as amended Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-129 ordering preparation of assessment rolls and establishing hearings for certain projects. P. Rush Creek Boulevard Landscape Improvements Project No. 19-24 change order No. 1 Motion to approve change order No. 1 to the Rush Creek Boulevard Landscape Improvements Project No. 19-24 in the amount of $80,105.26. Q. Rush Hollow Project No. 23-06 Sunoco Pipeline easement trail encroachment agreement Motion to approve agreement with Sunoco Pipeline for encroachment of city trails within their pipeline easement with the Rush Hollow Project No. 23-06 and authorizing mayor and city clerk to execute the agreement subject to final approval by the city attorney and public works/engineering director. R. Woods at Rush Creek neighborhood speed limit reduction Resolution No. 25-124 This item was removed by Councilmember Ostaffe for Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 15, 2025 Page 5 discussion. S. Sureties - 09-15-25 Motion to approve the surety actions. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS T. Cancel current tax levies - Resolution No. 25-125 Motion to adopt resolution No. 25-125, a resolution canceling tax levies. U. Approve claims Motion to approve claims totaling $ 3,289,042.39. Motion by Councilmember Ostaffe, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to approve the consent items as amended, removing item 3R (Woods at Rush Creek neighborhood Speed limit reduction Resolution No. 25-124). 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 3R (Woods at Rush Creek neighborhood Speed from the limit reduction Resolution No. 25-124), Councilmember Ostaffe agenda stated a neighborhood has requested an HOA have a lower speed limit, which was allowed by statute. He noted the process was not clearly laid out and suggested the Council discuss the process at a future work session meeting. He requested further information from staff regarding this request. Public Works/Engineering Director LaBounty commented on the request noting staff reviewed the matter against current city policy. He noted in 2019 state legislature provided cities with the ability to change speed limits locally and a policy was approved by the City Council. He reported the request before the Council was evaluated by staff and recommended approval of the change in speed limit to 25 miles per hour. Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 15, 2025 Page 6 Motion by Councilmember Ostaffe, seconded by Councilmember McCullough, to adopt Resolution No. 25-124, adopting a posted speed limit of 25 mph on the streets within the Woods at Rush Creek neighborhood including Walnut Grove Lane, Urbandale Lane, 75th Avenue, and 75th Place. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Special business Maple Grove Paige Malchow, Sabrina Boatman and Makenna Tallman Ambassadors introduced themselves to the City Council and discussed their favorite events they have been participating in over the presentation summer. Mayor Steffenson thanked the ambassadors for proudly representing the City of Maple Grove at events throughout the metro area. Open forum Cassandra Belyeu, organizer and resident of Maple Grove, explained she wanted to learn more about housing and the rental history in Maple Grove. Mayor Steffenson encouraged Ms. Belyeu to speak with Community and Economic Development Director Joe Hogeboom. Matt Carlson, 13985 90 Place N, requested the Council consider the condition of the trails in the city. He noted the Rice Lake Trails were no longer passable. He presented the Council with photos of the trail and asked that the City Council consider this safety hazard. Councilmember Ostaffe reported the City Council reviewed the city’s trail system in a recent work session meeting and noted the city does have a plan in place for the trail replacements. Public hearings Public hearing City Administrator Nelson stated Tandoor has requested an on- sale and 3.2% malt liquor license at a new address. She On-sale wine reported all necessary paperwork, and fees have been submitted to the city. Staff commented further on the request Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 15, 2025 Page 7 and 3.2% malt and recommended approval. liquor license Md Asaduzzaman, owner of Tandoor, explained he was excited for Tandoor to move to a new location and thanked the Council for considering his liquor license request. Mayor Steffenson reminded Mr. Asaduzzaman of the alcohol compliance checks that were conducted by the city and encouraged Tandoor to properly train its employees when it comes to the service of alcohol. 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 7:48 p.m. and asked if anyone would like to address this issue. No public testimony was offered. Motion by Councilmember Janigo, seconded by Councilmember Ostaffe, to close the public hearing at 7:48 p.m. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Ostaffe, to approve the on-sale wine and 3.2% malt liquor license for Grove Tandoor LLC dba Tandoor, 16477 96th Avenue 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, 2026. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Adjourn to Mayor Steffenson adjourned the City Council meeting to the EDA meeting at 7:49 p.m. EDA meeting Reconvene to Mayor Steffenson reconvened the regular City Council meeting at 7:59 p.m. regular meeting Community Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 15, 2025 Page 8 and economic development items Report on Community and Economic Development Director Hogeboom upcoming updated the Council regarding the following: community  A ribbon cutting ceremony would be held on Tuesday, and economic September 16 for Blooming Wellness Chiropractic at 11 development a.m. items  The Art Center would be holding a ribbon cutting and open house on Thursday, September 18 at 4 p.m.  Silver Creek on Main would be celebrating their 10-year anniversary on Saturday, September 20.  Experience Maple Grove would be holding its annual meeting on Tuesday, September 23 at 8 a.m. at the Rush Creek Golf Club.  Boot Barn would be holding their ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, October 3 at 3 p.m.  Duluth Trading Company would be holding a grand opening on Saturday, October 4 and a ribbon cutting ceremony would be held at 9:45 a.m. Engineering- public works items Report on Public Works/Engineering Director LaBounty updated the Council regarding the following: upcoming engineering  Construction began on Main Street north of the government center. It was noted this project should be items completed by the end of October. Administration items Adopt 2026 Finance Director Sticha reviewed staff’s proposed 2026 preliminary budget and levy. During work sessions in August, Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 15, 2025 Page 9 preliminary staff reviewed the proposed budget and levy in detail with the budget and City Council. There have been no modifications since that review. This evening, we will review the summarized 2026 levy budgetary and levy information for the public and the City Council. At the end of the discussion, staff will look for the City Resolution No. Council to set a preliminary budget and levy for 2026 so it can 25-126 be certified to Hennepin County by September 30, 2025. The history of the taxable market value and tax rate history was discussed with the Council. Staff commented further on how the median value homeowner would be impacted by the proposed budget and tax levy and recommended approval. Councilmember Janigo commented she believed the city was delivering a fiscally responsible budget and a tax levy increase that was reasonable. She noted the added FTE’s were necessary. She commented on the hard decision the Council faced when moving its assessing services to Hennepin County. She discussed how inflationary increases were impacting the city but she was pleased with how the city was planning for the future. She appreciated the wonderful assets in the community and she understood the city had to pay to maintain these assets. She indicated the Council was not cavalier with its financial assets and there were projects the Council had to say no to. She thanked the Council and city staff for their hard work throughout the budgeting process. Councilmember Ostaffe thanked the Finance Department for all of their efforts on the budget and tax levy. He encouraged the public to get involved and attend the Council work session meetings where the budget discussions are held. He stated he greatly appreciated where Maple Grove was when it came to the tax levy compared to its peer communities. Mayor Steffenson thanked Finance Director Sticha and the entire Finance Department for their excellent work on the budget and tax levy. He appreciated the excellent job the Council and staff have done for the community. Motion by Councilmember Janigo, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt Resolution No. 25-126, adopting the 2026 proposed general fund levy and budget, the proposed road reconstruction fund levy, the capital improvement plan levy, and setting a budget hearing (TNT Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 15, 2025 Page 10 Meeting) for December 1, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Approval of Police Chief Werner stated on May 6, 2025, the PUPS member memorandum city administrators/managers and police chiefs from the cities of Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Champlin, Maple Grove, of Plymouth, New Hope, and Robbinsdale decided on a PUPS understanding expansion/reinvestment project with a total estimated cost of P.U.P.S. facility $7,852,074 in 2026 cost projections as presented by BKV expansion and architects. Each city was required to obtain approval from their member city respective councils by July of 2025, to participate in the reinvestment expansion/reinvestment project. The cities of Maple Grove, Plymouth, New Hope, and Robbinsdale received council approval to participate in the project. The cities of Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, and Champlin decided not to participate in the project. Police Chief Werner reported on August 12, 2025, BKV architects provided a revised project scope and estimated costs to meet the needs for the cities of Maple Grove, Plymouth, New Hope, and Robbinsdale with a total estimated cost of $3,000,000 in 2026 cost projections. The four cities agreed on the project scope and cost; and to seek approval from their respective city councils in September 2025. Maple Grove’s cost toward the project is estimated at $1,220,055. Maple Grove is responsible for and will hire the architect and construction manager services for the project. Staff will bring a separate council action request for contract approval for those services. City Attorney Justin Templin reviewed and recommended approval of the MOU. Councilmember Ostaffe asked if this expense included an outdoor turf play area. Paul Michell, BKV Architect, explained this cost would be considered once bids come in. He further described the improvements that would be made to the facility. Councilmember Ostaffe commented on how there was an add on of $350,000 to move to stainless steel versus something else. Mr. Michell indicated he would be maintaining the concrete block and not moving to a more expensive product. Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 15, 2025 Page 11 Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Mayor Steffenson, to approve and authorize the mayor and city administrator to execute the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) P.U.P.S. Facility Expansion and Member City Reinvestment with the cities of Plymouth, New Hope, and Robbinsdale to begin the PUPS expansion/reinvestment project with an estimated total cost of $3,000,000 in 2026 cost projections. Maple Grove’s cost toward the project is estimated at $1,220,055. 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 provided the Council with an update on the Community Center expansion administration project noting the site can be accessed off Grove Drive. She items noted there would be a joint City Council/Park Board meeting on Monday, October 6. She anticipated the third sheet of ice would be open in time for the hockey season this year. Items added to None the agenda Adjournment Motion by Councilmember Ostaffe, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adjourn to the regular City Council meeting on October 6, 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 8:24 p.m. by Mayor Steffenson. Respectfully submitted, Heidi Nelson City Administrator