City Council

Maple Grove City Council Meeting minutes December 1, 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 December 1, 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; Jesse Corrow, City Planner; Chris LaBounty, Public Works/Engineering 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 None Item added to the agenda 6C. Public Hearing – Consider an increase in off-sale liquor license fee Item removed from the consent agenda for discussion 3M. Approve Ordinance No. 25-17 adopting the 2026 Fee Schedule and authorizing publication of the ordinance summary Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 2 Consent items The following consent items were presented for Council’s approval: MINUTES A. Work session meeting – November 17, 2025 B. Regular meeting – November 17, 2025 HUMAN RESOURCES ITEMS C. Separation of police officer Motion to approve the separation of Samuel Ortman from his employment as a police officer, effective December 1, 2025, and authorize staff to begin the recruitment process for the vacancy created. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ITEMS D. Huntington National Bank planned unit development concept stage plan and development stage plan - Resolution No. 25-163 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-163 approving the Huntington National Bank planned unit development concept stage plan and development stage plan. ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS ITEMS E. 2026 Pavement Management Program Resolution Nos. 25- 155, 25-156, 25-157, 25-158 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-155 establishing Rice Lake Woods Area Street Rehabilitation Project No. 26-01, ordering feasibility report, receiving feasibility report, ordering plans and specifications, receiving plans and specifications, setting hearing on proposed improvements and assessments, declaring costs to be assessed, ordering preparation of assessment roll, and authorizing advertisement for bids. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-156 establishing Patrick’s Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 3 Ridge and Rush Creek Villas Area Street Rehabilitation Project No. 26-02, ordering feasibility report, receiving feasibility report, ordering plans and specifications, receiving plans and specifications, setting hearing on proposed improvements and assessments, declaring costs to be assessed, ordering preparation of assessment roll, and authorizing advertisement for bids. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-157 establishing Weaver Lake Road Rehabilitation Project No. 24-17, ordering feasibility report, receiving feasibility report, ordering plans and specifications, receiving plans and specifications, setting hearing on proposed improvements and assessments, declaring costs to be assessed, ordering preparation of assessment roll, and authorizing advertisement for bids. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-158 establishing Hickory Ridge Area Street Reconstruction Project No. 26-03, ordering feasibility report, receiving feasibility report, ordering plans and specifications, receiving plans and specifications, setting hearing on proposed improvements and assessments, declaring costs to be assessed, ordering preparation of assessment roll, and authorizing advertisement for bids. F. 2026 Pond Maintenance Project No. 26-06 Contract award Resolution No. 25-165 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-165 accepting quotes for 2026 Pond Maintenance Project No. 26-06 and awarding the contract to Valdes Lawn Care & Snow Removal, LLC of Lake Elmo, Minnesota. G. Amending special assessment deferral policy Resolution No. 25-167 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-167 amending the special assessment deferment policy to allow deferment of principal and interest upon request for assessments due and payable with the taxes in year 2026 and establishing the deferment of special assessments (principal payments and principal and interest payments) for certain mixed use guided properties for the tax year 2026. Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 4 H. Bella Woods NE Project No. 26-12 Establish project and order feasibility report Resolution No. 25-164 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-164 establishing Bella Woods NE Project No. 26-12 and ordering feasibility report. I. Minnesota Science and Technology Center Project No. 23- 18 Final acceptance Motion to approve the final acceptance of the Minnesota Science and Technology Center Project No. 23-18 completed by C.S. McCrossan, Inc. subject to the warranty provisions of the contract and statutory law. J. Special assessment cancellation Resolution No. 25-168 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-168 cancelling special assessment on the property. K. Special assessment terms Resolution No. 25-169 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-169 changing the terms of the assessment on levy 26022 from five years to 10 years to follow the developer’s agreement that was previously approved on September 15, 2025. L. Sureties - 12-01-25 Motion to approve the surety actions. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS M. Approve Ordinance No. 25-17 adopting the 2026 Fee Schedule and authorizing publication of the ordinance summary This item was removed by Councilmember Ostaffe for discussion. N. Brooklyn Park Fire Department aid agreements Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 5 Motion to authorize City Mayor Mark Steffenson, City Administrator Heidi Nelson, and Fire Chief Maddison Zikmund to sign automatic and mutual agreements on behalf of the City of Maple Grove. O. Community Center operational analysis Accept the Maple Grove Community Center operational analysis. P. North Ambulance staging at Maple Grove Fire Stations Motion to authorize a 2-year lease agreement with North Memorial Health Care for the period December 1, 2025, through November 30, 2027, for an annual fee of $5,000.00. Motion to authorize City Mayor Mark Steffenson and City Clerk Amy Dietl to sign lease agreement on behalf of the City of Maple Grove. Q. Ordinance exemption - Mayor’s Ice Fishing Tournament Approve a temporary exemption of City Code Sections 22-97 allowing fishing on North Arbor Lake on January 31, 2026. R. Premises permit application for a pull tabs - paper and electronic - and bingo and electronic linked bingo operation at Pints and Paddle - Res No 25-166 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-166 approving a premises permit application for Maple Grove Crimson Football Athletic Club to conduct a pull tabs (paper and electronic) and bingo and electronic linked bingo at Pints & Paddle, 15450 Grove Cir N, Maple Grove, MN 55369. S. Tobacco license renewals Motion to approve the renewal tobacco licenses to the businesses listed in Attachment A for the period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, subject to compliance with all licensing requirements as outlined in Article XVI – Maple Grove City Code. Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 6 T. Approve claims Motion to approve claims totaling $ 4,573,622.31. Motion by Councilmember Janigo, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to approve the consent items as amended, removing item 3M (Approve Ordinance No. 25-17 adopting the 2026 Fee Schedule and authorizing publication of the ordinance summary). 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 3M (Approve Ordinance No. 25-17 adopting from the the 2026 Fee Schedule and authorizing publication of the agenda ordinance summary), Councilmember Ostaffe commented on the 2026 Fee Schedule noting the rates for recycling, organics recycling, water and sewer would be going up in 2026. Motion by Councilmember Ostaffe, seconded by Councilmember McCullough, to approve Ordinance No. 25-17 adopting the 2026 Fee Schedule and authorizing publication of the ordinance summary. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Special business Open forum Amber Olsen, 9225 Ives Lane N, stated she was very disappointed with the work session discussion that was held regarding the keeping of chickens. She indicated Coon Rapids, Champlin, Bloomington and Eden Prairie have all passed chicken keeping ordinances. She noted these communities were doing so without any complaints. She encouraged Maple Grove to put out a survey over social media in order to see how residents felt about this issue. She believed the discussion the Council has had to date has been unfair and she asked that the Council hold another work session in order to properly address the chicken keeping topic. Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 7 Public hearings Public hearing City Administrator Nelson stated Tiffany’s Kitchen & Bar Morning, Noon, Night has requested an on-sale intoxicating On-sale and Sunday sale liquor license. She reported all necessary intoxicating paperwork and fees have been submitted to the city. Staff commented further on the request and recommended and Sunday approval. sale liquor license for Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Tiffany’s Councilmember Janigo, to open the public hearing. Upon call Kitchen & Bar of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Morning, Noon, Night Mayor Steffenson opened the public hearing at 7:39 p.m. and asked if anyone would like to address this issue. No public testimony was offered. Motion by Councilmember Ostaffe, seconded by Councilmember McCullough, to close the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Mayor Steffenson supported tabling action on this item to the December 15 City Council meeting in order to allow the applicant to be in attendance. Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Mayor Steffenson, to table action on this item to the December 15, 2025 City Council meeting. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Public hearing Finance Director Sticha stated the 2026 budget hearing will be held at this meeting. It was noted the Council will meet on 2026 Budget Monday, December 15 to adopt the final budget and tax levy for 2026. The proposed 2026 general fund budget totals $55,874,800, a 6.77% increase over 2025, and provides funding for a growing suburban community. This reflects the tremendous residential construction in Maple Grove over the last thirty years. The 2026 general fund budget includes 2.33 FTEs. Staff commented on the proposed changes to the budget Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 8 from the previous year. Finance Director Sticha reported the property tax levy is proposed to increase 6.35% to $49,998,600 in 2026. As in prior years, the city receives the largest portion of general fund revenue from the property tax levy. The general fund portion, $45,933,600 of the tax levy, will provide approximately 82.3% of the general fund revenue with licenses and permits being the next largest revenue source at approximately 6.7%. There was no significant change to all other revenue sources within the general fund. The proposed 2026 budget reflects the continued growth and demand for services in the city. The city continues to strive each year to implement efficiencies and cost-saving strategies. The continued growth in the city has increased the city’s tax base and has cushioned the impact of the property tax levy. The impact of the proposed levy for 2026 on the average valued Maple Grove home is an increase of approximately $87-$90 for the entire year. Staff commented further on the proposed 2026 budget and asked for comments or questions from the Council. 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 7:51 p.m. and asked if anyone would like to address this issue. No public testimony was offered. Motion by Councilmember Ostaffe, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to close the public hearing at 7:52 p.m. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Public hearing City Administrator Nelson stated as part of the review of the draft 2026 Fee Schedule, staff is recommending an increase in Consider an the off-sale liquor license fee, which has not been adjusted in increase in off- more than ten years. The proposed adjustment reflects the city’s administrative costs associated with processing, sale liquor oversight, and compliance for off-sale liquor licenses. To align license fee fees with those of comparable cities while minimizing the Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 9 immediate impact on license holders, staff recommends implementing the increase in two steps over a two-year period, as follows:  License period July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027: increase from $250 to $315  License period July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028: increase from $315 to $380 City Administrator Nelson reported if approved, the revised fee schedule will take effect January 1, 2026, but will not affect licenses currently valid through June 30, 2026. The first stepped increase will apply beginning with the next renewal period on July 1, 2026. 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 Janigo, seconded by Councilmember Ostaffe, to close the public hearing at 7:55 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 McCullough, to approve the increase in off- sale liquor license fee. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Community and economic development items Tri-Care Self City Planner Corrow stated the applicant has submitted a Storage concept stage plan for the development of a four-story, Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 10 planned unit 121,700 square foot temperature controlled indoor storage development facility. The building site is located on a vacant 2.07 acre parcel in the Tri-Care addition, just north of the Garland Commons concept stage apartment building along Garland Lane North. The Tri-Care plan addition was planned as a mixed-use development and it is currently made up of the Norsq townhomes to the north, two large apartment buildings, general retail and office businesses, a future daycare as well as a few remaining open lots. An indoor storage use is consistent with the mixed-use guidance for this area. Staff explained the Planning Commission reviewed this item and recommended approval. Councilmember Johnson stated she had concerns with the appearance of this building. She noted this would be a four- story square building in the middle of a residential area. She questioned what could be done to this building in order to improve the appearance to better fit the area. City Planner Corrow reported he could take a look at the architecture closer. He indicated the height of the building was similar to the Garland Heights apartment building. Greg Hayes, Ebert Companies, explained he developed and owned a self-storage facility at the corner of Bass Lake Road and I-494. He stated he continues to hear positive comments on the style and architecture of this building. He reported he used Class A building materials on this structure and would be constructing a nicer building on Garland Lane. He indicated this building would be actual brick and glass with variations in the wall widths. He commented further on how the building would have four-sided architecture. Councilmember Johnson inquired if there were residential homes near the Bass Lake Road and I-494 storage facility. Mr. Hayes explained the Bass Lake Road and I-494 storage facility had townhomes, a hotel and an office building that neighbored the property. Motion by Councilmember Janigo, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to direct the city attorney to draft a resolution approving the Tri-Care Self Storage planned unit development concept stage plan subject to: 1. The applicant addressing to the satisfaction of the city Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 11 any remaining applicable comments contained in the memorandums from: a. The Community & Economic Development Department dated October 29, 2025 b. The Engineering Department dated October 31, 2025 c. The Fire Department dated October 28, 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. Fernbrook Planning Manager Vickerman stated the City Council reviewed Senior Housing several city-owned parcels in December of 2023, and this site was identified for senior affordable housing. Affordable senior planned unit housing as identified in the 2020 housing study as greatly development needed in the City of Maple Grove. The City Council directed concept stage staff to prepare a request for proposals and PGMA – Ebenezer plan was selected as the preferred development based on the proposals received in May of 2024. Staff and PGMA worked through variations in the site plan through 2024 and then held a series of public engagement open houses at the Government Center and online in 2025. The plans were further refined based on this feedback with a reduced number of units and additional parking. The application being considered is a concept plan, the approval of which is required for the applicant to apply to the various funding sources they need to make the project a reality. The site was previously used as a recycling transfer station but has not been used in that manner for several years. There is also a small warehouse building on the site. All existing site features would be removed with any redevelopment. Staff commented further on the request noting the Planning Commission had held a public hearing and recommended approval. Councilmember Ostaffe stated one wing of the building did not have underground parking. He questioned if the proof of parking area could be transitioned underground in order to Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 12 free up more greenspace on the property. Planning Manager Vickerman deferred this question to the applicant. He commented further on the expense for underground parking. Mayor Steffenson requested the applicant come forward at this time. Maranda Walker, representative for the applicant, discussed how she was working to balance providing affordable rents with the cost for parking. She indicated if all of the parking were placed underground rent levels would have to increase. She commented further on how she was working to balance the greenspace requirements from her funders. Andrew McLean, representative for the applicant, explained it cost $6,000 to provide a surface parking space and $30,000 to provide an underground parking space. Councilmember Ostaffe stated he feared overflow parking from this development could spread into the church parking lot. Ms. Walker reported she would be completing a market study in order to better understand the rent levels and parking needs that were required for this project. Councilmember Ostaffe questioned what the developers were seeing in other apartment complexes when it comes to the need for parking. Mr. McLean explained he was seeing less drivers. He indicated the majority of the units would be one- bedroom which would also reduce the number of vehicles within the building. He was of the opinion the site was properly parked with 114 parking stalls. He noted he has had conversations with the church about leasing spaces if necessary. Councilmember Ostaffe stated he did not want this apartment complex to have parking issues. He anticipated all units would have at least one car. He indicated the city would typically require a development of this sort to have 135 parking stalls and the developer was only proposing to have 114. Mayor Steffenson opened the meeting for public comment. Jill Budzynski, 11600 Arbor Lakes Parkway, explained she lived in a densely populated area in Maple Grove within an Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 13 apartment. She stated she supported the Ferndale Senior Living project because she supported the age-friendly Maple Grove initiatives recommendation of implementing an inclusionary housing policy. She discussed how inclusionary neighborhoods benefit from the strength, depth of experience, cultural richness and diverse contributions across the economic and age spectrum of life. She noted the peak boomer population will occur in 2027 and will slowly decline from there. She reported retirees are living longer and often times seniors move into the area to be close to their kids and grandkids. She indicated this will mean there will continue to be a robust need for both market rate and affordable senior housing. She explained Maple Grove set a 10-year goal of having 2,015 new affordable housing units between 2020 and 2030. She stated she was uncertain how many of these units were to be for seniors but stated only 467 affordable senior units have been created in the past 25 years. She commented this was less than 25% of the goal that the city was half-way through. She was of the opinion the Fernbrook Senior Housing project would provide additional much needed senior housing in Maple Grove. Motion by Councilmember McCullough, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to direct the city attorney to draft a resolution approving the Fernbrook Senior Housing planned unit development concept stage plan 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 November 19, 2025 b. The Engineering Department dated November 7, 2025 c. The Fire Department dated October 17, 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. Councilmember Ostaffe stated there were still outstanding Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 14 concerns regarding parking for this project. He was not comfortable approving this project until having additional information regarding the underground, surface and leased parking spaces. He indicated he did not want to run into problems regarding parking with this project. He suggested action on this item be tabled to a future meeting. Councilmember Johnson asked if the proposed 114 parking spaces meet City Code. Planning Manager Vickerman reported City Code requires one parking stall per unit for senior housing units that were for memory care/assisted living and two parking spaces per unit for market-rate apartments. He indicated the city has been approving projects with 1.5 parking spaces for market-rate projects because this is what the market dictates. He noted this project was slightly below 1.5 parking spaces per unit, which was consistent with the Garland Commons project. Councilmember Janigo questioned what the parking ratio was for Woodland Mounds. Planning Manager Vickerman stated he did not have this information in front of him. Councilmember Ostaffe inquired how many parking spaces were installed for the Tera project. Planning Manager Vickerman recalled this project had 1.3 parking space per unit. He indicated additional parking stalls were installed that brought the ratio up to 1.5. Councilmember Ostaffe was of the opinion the 114 proposed parking spaces was too low for this senior development. Planning Manager Vickerman explained the developer had proposed even less parking and staff recommended 114 parking stalls because this followed the same ratio as Garland Commons and Garland Commons did not appear to have any parking concerns. Councilmember Johnson believed it made sense to compare the parking requirements for this project to another affordable senior apartment project versus a market rate apartment project. She was of the opinion the proposed parking seemed reasonable. Councilmember Janigo indicated she supported the motion on Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 15 the floor moving forward noting the parking could be fine tuned as this project moves forward through the City approval process. Councilmember Ostaffe asked how the city could request additional parking in the future if it was found the site was not properly parked. Planning Manager Vickerman indicated staff will work with the developer on this during the development stage portion of this project. He anticipated the development stage plans will not be ready for the Council to review until the spring of 2027. He commented on how the funding sources may dictate how the parking is installed on the site. Councilmember Johnson questioned if a traffic study would be recommended for this project. Planning Manager Vickerman explained the engineering staff completed a study on the entire Fernbrook Lane corridor from County Road 30 to County Road 81. He commented on the improvements that were proposed to assist with better managing traffic during peak hours. Councilmember Johnson inquired if the city has received complaints regarding traffic concerns for Woodland Mounds, Arbor Lakes Commons and Garland Commons. Planning Manager Vickerman reported the city has not heard that. Mayor Steffenson stated this project has been in the works for several years and he supported the project moving forward in order to allow the developer to pursue funding. Councilmember Janigo indicated the city needs this affordable senior housing and she supported the project moving forward. Councilmember McCullough thanked staff for completing a traffic study on the Fernbrook corridor. 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  The Planning Commission would meet next on Monday, and economic Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 16 development December 8 at 7 p.m. items  Santa at The Shoppes would be held on Saturday, December 6 from 2 to 6 p.m. Engineering- public works items Report on Public Works/Engineering Director LaBounty updated the Council regarding the following: upcoming engineering  Staff thanked the public for their patience while the Public Works Department worked to clean the city after the two items recent snow events.  It was noted work on Maple Grove Parkway north of Weaver would continue throughout the winter. Administration items Report on City Administrator Nelson explained that the Council has her upcoming Monday report if there are any questions. She reported the Angel of Hope Memorial event would be held on Saturday, administration December 6 at 7 p.m. at the Arboretum. items Items added to None the agenda Adjournment Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Janigo, to adjourn to the regular City Council meeting on December 15, 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 8:51 p.m. by Mayor Steffenson. Respectfully submitted, Heidi Nelson Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 17 City Administrator