City Council

Maple Grove City Council Meeting Meeting minutes December 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 December 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; 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 8B. Amendment to Real Estate Exchange Agreement to address contingency for deed restrictions Item amended to the consent agenda None Item added to the agenda None Item removed from the consent agenda for discussion 3S. Maple Grove Transit 2026 operating budget 3W. Appointment to Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 2 Consent items The following consent items were presented for Council’s approval: MINUTES A. Work session meeting – December 1, 2025 B. Regular meeting – December 1, 2025 HUMAN RESOURCES ITEMS C. Appointment of assistant community and economic development director Motion to approve the appointment of Jesse Anderson as the assistant community and economic development director in the Community and Economic Development Department. Pending successful completion of all pre-employment requirements, and subject to a 12-month probationary period. D. Amendment to the city administrator's employment agreement Motion to adopt an amendment to the city administrator’s employment agreement effective the date of the meeting. E. Appointment of paid-on-call battalion chiefs Motion to appoint the following to the position of battalion chief in the Fire Department effective December 15, 2025. Carlos Davila Jeffrey Olson F. Appointment of paid-on-call firefighters Motion to approve the hiring of the following probationary firefighters to the position of paid on-call firefighters effective December 29, 2025. Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 3 Emmalee Brandon, Alexandra Ericksen, Nicole Kessler, James Robbins, Noah Bourgeois, John Albrech, Josh Dejewski, Whitney Held, Andrew Johnson, Danko Karleusa, Ryan Noack, Christina Priemuller, Charles Vinson, Nathan Welty, DeShawn Collins, Nick Krause, Lucas Beckman, and Wade Gammell. G. Appointment of paid-on-call fire officers Motion to appoint the following to the position of fire captain and fire lieutenant in the Fire Department effective December 29, 2025. Captains Station 1: Ben Pardun Station 5: Lucas Anderson Lieutenants Station 1: Jason Grenz Station 2: Dylan Benoit-Doom Station 3: Randolph Potter Station 4: Staci Kvasnik Station 5: Erik Bryz-Gornia H. Appointment of payroll coordinator Motion to approve the appointment of Meg Miller to the payroll coordinator position in the Finance Department. Pending successful completion of all pre-employment requirements, and subject to a 12-month probationary period. I. Authorization to enter into agreement with temporary staffing agency Motion to approve authorization for the city to enter into an agreement with a qualified temporary staffing agency to provide supplemental staffing support for the Human Resources Department. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ITEMS J. Declaration of public nuisance, ordering abatement, and assessment of clean-up costs at 9139 Kirkwood Lane North - Res. No. 25-172 Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 4 Motion to approve Resolution No. 25-172 declaring a public nuisance of 9139 Kirkwood Lane North and ordering abatement and assessment of the costs. K. Fernbrook Senior Housing planned unit development concept stage plan - Resolution No. 25-173 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-173 recommend approving the Fernbrook Senior Housing planned unit development concept stage plan. L. Fernbrook Senior Housing Memorandum of Understanding - Resolution No. 25-177 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-177 approving the Memorandum of Understanding December 18, 2025, amendment for the Fernbrook Senior Housing proposal. M. Minnesota Science and Technology Center administrative lot division - Resolution No. 25-178 Motion to recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 25-178 approving Minnesota Science and Technology Center administrative lot division. N. Tri-Care Self Storage planned unit development concept stage plan - Resolution No. 25-174 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-174 recommend approving the Tri-Care Self Storage planned unit development concept stage plan. ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS ITEMS O. 2025 Watermain Replacement Project No. 25-08 Final acceptance Motion to approve the final acceptance of the 2025 Watermain Replacement Project No. 25- 08 completed by Dave Perkins Contracting subject to the warranty provisions of the contract and statutory law. Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 5 P. 2025 Sanitary Sewer CIPP Project No. 24-21 Final acceptance Motion to approve the final acceptance of the 2025 Sanitary Sewer CIPP Project No. 24-21 completed by Insituform Technologies USA, LLC subject to the warranty provisions of the contract and statutory law. Q. 2026 Sanitary Sewer Forcemain Replacement Project No. 26-13 Resolution No. 25-176 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-176 establishing 2026 Sanitary Sewer Forcemain Replacement Project No. 26-13. R. Arbor Lakes Gateway Project No. 23-14 Final acceptance Motion to approve the final acceptance of the Arbor Lakes Gateway Project No. 23-14 completed by C.S. McCrossan, Inc. subject to the warranty provisions of the contract and statutory law. S. Maple Grove Transit 2026 operating budget This item was removed by Councilmember Ostaffe for discussion. T. Rescind reappointment to the Transit and Mobility Committee Motion to rescind the reappointment of Yolanda Brantley to the Transit and Mobility Committee. U. Rush Creek Stream Restoration from Rush Hollow to Fernbrook Lane Project No. 25-12 Award contract Resolution No. 25-170 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-170 accepting bids for Rush Creek Stream Restoration from Rush Hollow to Fernbrook Lane Project No. 25-12, and awarding the contract to Sunram Construction of Corcoran, Minnesota in the amount of $259,092.00. Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 6 V. Sureties - 12-15-25 Motion to approve the surety actions. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS W. Appointment to Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board This item was removed by Councilmember Johnson for discussion. X. Approve transfers from the road reconstruction fund to the road reconstruction debt service funds Motion to transfer $105,000 from the Road Reconstruction Fund to the 2012A Road Reconstruction Debt Service Fund for the city’s share of debt service in 2025. Motion to transfer $132,000 from the Road Reconstruction Fund to the 2014A Road Reconstruction Debt Service Fund for the city’s share of debt service in 2025. Motion to transfer $292,000 from the Road Reconstruction Fund to the 2014B Road Reconstruction Debt Service Fund for the city’s share of debt service in 2025. Motion to transfer $170,000 from the Road Reconstruction Fund to the 2015A Road Reconstruction Debt Service Fund for the city’s share of debt service in 2025. Motion to transfer $452,000 from the Road Reconstruction Fund to the 2016A Road Reconstruction Debt Service Fund for the city’s share of debt service in 2025. Motion to transfer $306,000 from the Road Reconstruction Fund to the 2017A Road Reconstruction Debt Service Fund for the city’s share of debt service in 2025. Motion to transfer $214,000 from the Road Reconstruction Fund to the 2018A Road Reconstruction Debt Service Fund for the city’s share of debt service in 2025. Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 7 Motion to transfer $356,000 from the Road Reconstruction Fund to the 2019A Road Reconstruction Debt Service Fund for the city’s share of debt service in 2025. Motion to transfer $145,000 from the Road Reconstruction Fund to the 2019B Road Reconstruction Debt Service Fund for the city’s share of debt service in 2025. Motion to transfer $516,000 from the Road Reconstruction Fund to the 2020A Road Reconstruction Debt Service Fund for the city’s share of debt service in 2025. Motion to transfer $101,000 from the Road Reconstruction Fund to the 2020C Road Reconstruction Debt Service Fund for the city’s share of debt service in 2025. Motion to transfer $1,019,000 from the Road Reconstruction Fund to the 2022A Road Reconstruction Debt Service Fund for the city’s share of debt service in 2025. Y. City office hours for Christmas holiday Motion to close City of Maple Grove offices at noon on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, for non-union employees. Z. Fire Relief Association bylaw updates Motion to approve updated Fire Relief Association bylaws effective January 1, 2026 AA.Large fire apparatus Motion to authorize purchase of one (1) tower ladder truck and two (2) pumper engine trucks using Sourcewell purchasing consortium from MacQueen Equipment, LLC in St. Paul, MN at a total cost of $5,251,999. BB. Approve claims Motion to approve claims totaling $ 6,691,011.20. Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 8 Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember McCullough, to approve the consent items as amended, removing items 3S (Maple Grove Transit 2026 operating budget) and 3W (Appointment to Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board). 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 3S (Maple Grove Transit 2026 operating from the budget), Councilmember Ostaffe stated the city would be agenda approving the transit budget for 2026 which was for $5.7 million and was funded 85% by the Minnesota Vehicle Sales Tax. He indicated approximately $700,000 of the total budget would be covered by bus fares and the remainder of the budget was subsidized by state funding. Motion by Councilmember Ostaffe, seconded by Councilmember Janigo, to motion for the Mayor and City Council to approve the Maple Grove Transit 2026 operating budget and to officially eliminate the pandemic suspended bus service of Routes 780, 782,783, 788 and the “A” branch of Route 781. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Regarding Item 3W (Appointment to Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board), Councilmember Johnson thanked outgoing Park Board Member Kelly Cunningham for her dedicated service to the City of Maple Grove. She wished her all the best in the future and welcomed Park Board Member Judy Hanson to the Park Board. Judy Hanson thanked the Council for this opportunity noting she has a passion for the parks and trails in the community. Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Janigo, to approve the appointment of Judy Hanson to the Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board with a term to expire December 31, 2028. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 9 Special business Open forum Rick Ernst, 10453 Yorktown Lane N, addressed the Council on behalf of a senior pickleball group that has over 200 members. He stated on November 26 he was notified the hours would be changed from 6:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. He questioned why these hours had changed. He discussed how the hours were counted by staff members noting the peak play time was at 10 a.m. noting there were approximately 50 to 52 people playing at this time. He stated if the hours were shortened up to 9:15 a.m. this would reduce the amount of time seniors could play. He discussed how the seniors would like to remain playing at the middle school instead of moving the group to the community center. He asked that the city work with the senior pickleball group in order to honor the contract that was signed and to get the hours back to what they were. Mayor Steffenson reported the city would have to investigate this further to see how the program could be modified back to what it was. City Administrator Nelson stated she could take this matter to Parks and Recreation Director Stifter for a response. She noted an email was sent to the Council regarding this matter. Public hearings Public hearing Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember McCullough, to remove this item from the On-sale table. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there intoxicating were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. and Sunday City Administrator Nelson stated Tiffany’s Kitchen & Bar sale liquor Morning, Noon, Night has requested an on-sale intoxicating license for and Sunday sale liquor license. She reported all necessary Tiffany’s paperwork and fees have been submitted to the city. Staff Kitchen & Bar commented further on the request and recommended approval. Morning, Noon, Night Mike Tupa, representative for Tiffany’s Kitchen & Bar Morning, Noon, Night, introduced himself to the Council. He noted he has spent the last 30 years in restaurant ownership. He Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 10 explained Tiffany’s Kitchen will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with cocktails and a broad menu for its patrons. He hoped this restaurant would be a great place to gather that was timeless in the community. Mayor Steffenson encouraged Mr. Tupa to properly train his employees when it comes to the service of alcohol. He stated the city offered free alcohol compliance training for restaurant employees. He noted the city would be conducting compliance checks several times a year. Councilmember McCullough explained he was looking forward to Tiffany’s Kitchen & Bar opening in Maple Grove. He asked what type of point of sale system would be used at this restaurant. Mr. Tupa explained alcohol would not be served to any individual without wait staff first viewing their ID. Councilmember Ostaffe asked what other restaurants Mr. Tupa had in the metro area. Mr. Tupa stated he owned Donatelli’s in White Bear Lake, Full Tilt Tavern in Bloomington, St. Paul Tap, Hudson Tap, Prescott Tap, and the Smiling Moose Lodge and Grill on the St. Croix River. He explained he had 18 restaurants in total. Councilmember Ostaffe inquired when this restaurant would be open for business. Mr. Tupa stated the goal would be to open by July 1, 2026. Motion by Councilmember Janigo, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to approve the on-sale intoxicating/ Sunday sale liquor license for MG Grill Management, LLC, dba, Tiffany’s Kitchen & Bar Morning, Noon, Night, 11830 Fountains Way, 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. Community and economic development items Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 11 Arbor Lakes City Planner Corrow stated Endeavor Development is Business Park requesting a planned unit development concept stage plan for the construction of its tenth building of the Arbor Lakes Building 10 Business Park. The proposed building is roughly 76,000 square planned unit feet and would be located on a vacant 4.45-acre parcel at the development southwest junction of Fountains Drive and Revere Lane. The concept stage site is guided for mixed use in the comprehensive plan and was plan originally identified as a stormwater pond/greenspace in the original GMA (Gravel Mining Area) Master Plan. Regional stormwater treatment for the GMA has since been established at other nearby locations, freeing up this site for development. The proposed mix of warehouse, manufacturing, and office uses are consistent with the surrounding Arbor Lakes Business Park. While the smaller lot will produce a smaller building, its overall design and architectural character will be similar to nearby buildings in the office park. Staff commented further on the proposed request noting the Planning Commission recommended approval. Anna McDonough, Endeavor Development representative, introduced herself to the Council and stated she was excited to be completing Building 10 within the Arbor Lakes Business Park. She noted she was available for comments or questions. Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember McCullough, to direct the city attorney to draft a resolution approving the Arbor Lakes Business Park Building 10 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 14, 2025 b. The Engineering Department dated November 14, 2025 c. The Fire Department dated November 12, 2025 2. All stormwater requirements will be achieved with a future development stage plan. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 12 ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Arbor Ridge Planning Manager Vickerman stated the applicant is requesting Business Park planned unit development concept stage plan, development stage plan, preliminary plat, rezoning, and final plat approval planned unit for a 157,080 square foot business park building. As part of the development proposal a portion of Weston Way will be extended south from concept stage Arbor Ridge Parkway to provide access to the site. Additional plan, ROW for Arbor Ridge Parkway will also be dedicated. A large development wetland occupies approximately 1/3 of the southern part of stage plan, the parcel. The site is guided for as mixed-use in the comprehensive plan and was identified as a site for business preliminary park and tech/flex uses in the 105th Avenue Master Plan. Staff plat, rezoning, has no issues with the concept of developing the site as a and final plat - business park use as this is consistent with both the Ord. No. 25-18 comprehensive plan and the 105th Avenue Master Plan. As and Res. No. noted in the narrative, the applicant is requesting a 20-foot 25-175 building setback along Weston Way instead of the typical 40- foot setback adjacent to public rights-of-way. As noted at the Planning Commission meeting, they are showing a larger setback on the east side of the building (40 feet vs 20 feet) compared with the code requirement. Some Planning Commissioners did not like the reduced setback but did ultimately recommend approval. Staff commented further on the proposed request noting the Planning Commission recommended approval. Councilmember Ostaffe stated there was a lot of concern from the Planning Commissioners regarding this request but the item was forwarded onto the City Council for final consideration and approval. He requested staff speak to the proposed setbacks for the building. Planning Manager Vickerman reviewed the proposed setbacks for the building and roadway. He reported the setback from Arbor Ridge Parkway was not being reduced. Councilmember Ostaffe stated the original plan for this building was an office and not a huge warehouse building. He questioned how the proposed building fit in with the original concept plan. Planning Manager Vickerman stated this property was identified as a business park and the concept plan showed buildings that would have trucks and trailers. He noted the applicant was showing one larger building versus Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 13 having several smaller buildings, which was what the market was demanding at this time. He explained when staff reviewed the proposed plans, and looked at the 105th Avenue Master Plan, it was staff’s determination that the proposed plans did meet that. He indicated staff could not determine who went into the buildings. He stated the buildings would have flex space that would accommodate both office and warehousing uses. Justin Wing, Altus Properties, thanked the Council for considering his project. He explained he has been working closely with staff on this project and noted the proposed setback on the west side of the project would be 20 feet instead of 40 feet. He indicated the normal side yard setback in a business park was 20 feet. He asked that this setback be allowed due to 20 feet of right of way that was required for the Westin Way extension. Councilmember Ostaffe inquired if the property to the east would have access to Arbor Ridge Parkway. Mr. Wing stated it was his understanding the property to the east would have one access point onto Arbor Ridge Parkway. Councilmember Ostaffe questioned if the concept plan for the business park should be revisited given how the park was pursuing huge buildings instead of several smaller buildings on each parcel. He stated the proposed buildings did not look like office space but rather a warehouse district was being created. He indicated he was not comfortable with piecemealing this project. Planning Manager Vickerman explained the vision for this area could be revisited if there was direction from the City Council. Councilmember Ostaffe expressed concern with the fact it appears staff’s vision for this area has changed and the plans before the Council were a reflection of this. Councilmember Johnson requested staff speak to the difference between a concept plan and the city’s comprehensive plan. Planning Manager Vickerman stated the comprehensive plan sets the overall broad vision for an area. He explained the guidance for this property was mixed use development. He noted these areas were all identified as Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 14 office/warehouse uses. He stated the concept plan provides a formal entitlement for a property to give a developer the ability to build that type of building. He noted the master plan provided the city with a level of detail between the comprehensive plan and the concept plan. He reported the Council could have another discussion about how the office market has changed since 2019. Councilmember Johnson stated the master plan was not prescriptive but rather brought to life the comprehensive plan and what an area could look like if it were to develop. She explained the city did not know what a developer may bring forward for an area of the city. Councilmember Ostaffe expressed concern with what the neighboring residential had to view noting office buildings were originally proposed. He supported the Council revisiting the plan for this area or ensuring that the neighboring residential was aware that very large warehouse buildings would be constructed. Councilmember Johnson stated she was of the opinion the proposed plans were consistent with the concept plan. She questioned why the four-story storage building was not a concern to Councilmember Ostaffe, but the proposed office/ warehouse building was. Councilmember Ostaffe indicated the residential townhomes and apartments in this area were smaller than proposed. He explained he had concerns with how the adjacent neighbors would be impacted by the size of this building. He wanted to ensure the neighbors were aware of the building size. He stated he supported the Council revisiting the concept plan for this area. Councilmember Johnson reiterated that the Council was not approving the ghost plat but rather was considering the plans for one building. Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Janigo, to adopt Ordinance No. 25-18 approving the Arbor Ridge Business Park rezoning from R-A (Single-Family Agricultural District) to PUD (Planned Unit Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 15 Development District). Councilmember McCullough stated he appreciated the overall layout of this project. He noted he would be offering his support for this project. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and one nay (Councilmember Ostaffe opposed). Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember McCullough, to adopt Resolution No. 25-175 approving the Arbor Ridge Business Park planned unit development concept stage plan, development stage plan, preliminary 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 November 18, 2025 b. The Engineering Department dated October 31, 2025 c. The Fire Department dated October 30, 2025 d. The Parks and Recreation Department dated December 3, 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 four ayes and one nay (Councilmember Ostaffe opposed). Motion carried. Juniper Hill Planning Manager Vickerman stated the applicant is requesting planned unit planned unit development concept stage, development stage, preliminary plat, and rezoning approval for a 33-lot single development family home neighborhood. All lots are proposed to be at least concept stage 10,000 square feet in size and 80 feet in width. Lots backing up plan, to Elm Creek are proposed to be at least 15,000 square feet in Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 16 development size. The lots backing up to Elm Road will have landscaped stage plan, and screening with evergreen trees. An outlot for a future park trail crossing of Elm Creek is provided on the south side of the rezoning development. Areas on the west side of Elm Creek are also shown as outlots that will be added to the South Elm Creek Linear Park that exists on the west side of Elm Creek. There is 4,727 square foot (0.109 acres) of wetlands on the site, with 828 square-foot proposed to be impacted. Staff commented further on the proposed request noting the Planning Commission recommended approval. Public Works/Engineering Director LaBounty addressed the Council regarding the speed of traffic along Elm Road. He explained staff was considering traffic calming measures to assist with reducing the speed of traffic along this roadway. He reported he reached out to the Maple Grove Police Department and noted they would be doing some targeted education in January. Mayor Steffenson asked what type of traffic calming measures could be pursued by the city. Public Works/Engineering Director LaBounty reported additional medians and traffic calming could assist with controlling the speed of traffic. Councilmember Ostaffe asked how many more housing units could be added off of Elm Road. Planning Manager Vickerman estimated another 70 to 90 units could be constructed. Councilmember Ostaffe explained Elm Road has become a major collector roadway for this area of Maple Grove. He questioned if the hammerheads that have been recently opened up could be closed again to assist with addressing the traffic concerns in this area. Public Works/Engineering Director LaBounty reported from a design perspective, Elm Road was designed to handle 8,000 cars per day. He noted the roadway currently has 2,000 vehicles per day. He indicated the area has a 2040 projection of 4,400 vehicles per day. Councilmember Johnson inquired if the total capacity for this roadway was 8,000 to 10,000 vehicles per day. Public Works/Engineering Director LaBounty reported this was the case. Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 17 Councilmember McCullough asked if an updated traffic study would be required prior to completing the traffic calming measures. Public Works/Engineering Director LaBounty stated he did not recommend a new traffic study be completed given the size of this new development. He explained Elm Road could handle the traffic from this new development. Councilmember Janigo requested staff speak to the retaining wall proposed within the development. Public Works/Engineering Director LaBounty reported Lots 9 and 10 would have a retaining wall that was relatively close to the floodplain in this development. He explained there was no net loss to the floodplain in this area. Councilmember Ostaffe inquired who owns the infiltration basin. Planning Manager Vickerman reported this would be a city-maintained infiltration basin. He noted the city would have a drainage and utility easement over this private property. Councilmember Ostaffe stated based on the number of cars using Elm Road on a daily basis, the homeowners abutting this roadway would have a car driving down this roadway every 10 to 12 seconds. He believed this was concerning given how narrow this roadway was. He suggested the remaining properties be developed with larger lots and lower density in order to have fewer vehicles on Elm Road. Planning Manager Vickerman reported the Council could look at rezoning these properties. Councilmember Ostaffe supported the city speaking with future developers in order to request future developments in this area be closer to one unit per acre versus four units per acre. Planning Manager Vickerman explained the proposed project was meeting the city’s zoning code requirements. Councilmember Johnson stated she understood the concerns that were raised regarding traffic, but she did not believe the traffic concerns would be addressed by changing the zoning at this time. She indicated the city had the data that states the roadway can handle the current and future projected number of cars. She reported the developer was proposing 80-foot lots with very nice homes. She stated she could support the city looking into traffic calming measures along Elm Road but Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 18 explained she supported this project moving forward because the project met the city’s zoning code requirements. Councilmember Ostaffe asked what the price would be on the homes within the Juniper Hill development. Planning Manager Vickerman deferred this question to the developer. Councilmember Johnson questioned if the city were to ask the developer to bring this in at a lower density, how many homes would be removed. Planning Manager Vickerman reported the property was 14.1 acres, which would mean the development would have 14 homes if the lowest density were pursued. He indicated the developer was proposing to have 33 homes. Councilmember Johnson inquired if the city required any of the other developers along Elm Road to have one acre lots. Planning Manager Vickerman explained this was not required. He stated the proposed development was consistent with the other developments along Elm Road. Councilmember McCullough indicated he believed the traffic concerns along Elm Road were justified. He reported he would like to see traffic calming measures pursued by the city. Motion by Councilmember McCullough, seconded by Councilmember Janigo, to direct the city attorney to draft a resolution and a planned unit development agreement approving the Juniper Hill planned unit development concept stage plan and development 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 December 1, 2025 b. The Engineering Department dated November 14, 2025 c. The Parks & Recreation Department dated December 3, 2025 2. To direct staff to update the previous traffic study for Elm Road and for staff to consider ways to implement traffic calming measures for this roadway. Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 19 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 he would like to hear from the applicant regarding this project regarding the style of the homes and pricing. Mayor Steffenson called the applicant forward at this time. Haley Daily-Sievers, Pulte Homes representative, introduced herself to the Council and noted these homes would be $850,000 to $950,000+. Councilmember Johnson asked when staff would be able to complete the traffic study and traffic calming measures. Public Works/Engineering Director LaBounty explained the traffic count data would be completed in the spring and noted more detailed analysis would be completed to assist with planning for the traffic calming measures. He did not anticipate staff would be back before the Council with recommendations on this until next summer. Mayor Steffenson questioned how many vehicles this 33-unit development would create. Public Works/Engineering Director LaBounty reported he would have to research the data and could report back to the City Council with this information. He reiterated that this was a collector street that was designed to handle the neighborhood and some level of general public traffic. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and one nay (Councilmember Ostaffe opposed). Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Janigo, to direct the city attorney to draft an ordinance approving the rezoning from R-A (Single-Family Agricultural District) to R-2 PUD (Single Family Residential District—Planned Unit Development). Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and one Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 20 nay (Councilmember Ostaffe opposed). Motion carried. Adjourn to Mayor Steffenson adjourned the City Council meeting to the EDA meeting EDA meeting at 8:55 p.m. Reconvene to Mayor Steffenson reconvened the regular City Council meeting regular at 9 p.m. meeting Report on Community and Economic Development Director Hogeboom upcoming updated the Council regarding the following: community  The Planning Commission will meet next on Monday, and economic January 12, 2026. development items Engineering- public works items Report on Public Works/Engineering Director LaBounty updated the Council regarding the following: upcoming engineering  Staff provided the Council with an update on the construction that was taking place on Weaver Lake Road. items Administration items Adopt 2026 Finance Director Sticha stated the proposed 2026 general fund general fund budget totals $55,874,800, a 6.77% increase over 2025, and provides funding for a growing suburban community. This budget and tax reflects the tremendous residential construction in Maple levy, CIP levy, Grove over the last thirty years. The changes to the budget road were reviewed in detail with the Council. The property tax levy reconstruction is proposed to increase 6.35% to $49,998,600 in 2026. As in levy, and prior years, the city receives the largest portion of general fund establish revenue from the property tax levy. The general fund portion, $45,933,600 of the tax levy, will provide approximately 82.3% future CIP of the general fund revenue with licenses and permits being items the next largest revenue source at approximately 6.7%. There Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 21 was no significant change to all other revenue sources within Resolution No. the general fund. The proposed 2026 budget reflects the 25-171 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. Also included this year is language to consolidate actions for establishing individual CIP projects related to roads, buildings, transit and utility projects. Staff commented further on the proposed budget and tax levy and recommended approval. Motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Mayor Steffenson, to adopt Resolution No. 25-171, adopting 2026 general fund budget, general fund tax levy, road reconstruction levy, capital improvement plan (CIP) levy and establish projects for upcoming individual CIP items. Councilmember Ostaffe thanked Finance Director Sticha and all other directors for their efforts on the budget and tax levy. Mayor Steffenson stated he was proud of the fact the city came in on the low end for the tax levy increase again this year when compared to the city’s comparable cities. Councilmember McCullough commented he understood any type of levy increase would impact residents, but he appreciated the fact the city worked to keep the levy increase low. Councilmember Johnson explained she took pride in the current and increased services the city was offering to residents. Councilmember Janigo appreciated how the city worked to carefully plan for the future. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Amendment to City Administrator Nelson stated that before the Council tonight is an amendment to the real estate exchange Maple Grove City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 Page 22 Real Estate agreement to address contingency for deed restrictions. This Exchange agreement memorializes use restrictions in the Minnesota Health Village. The restricted uses being memorialized are Agreement to generally not allowed under the approved concept plan for the address Minnesota Health Village Development; thus, the allowable contingency uses remain consistent with the approved concept plan. City for deed Administrator Nelson noted that closing is scheduled for later restrictions this week to exchange deeds to the Life Time Fitness property and the city-owned parcel where the new Life Time club would be constructed. Motion by Mayor Steffenson, seconded by Councilmember Janigo, to approve authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute the First Amendment to Real Estate Exchange Agreement, subject to final review and approval by the city attorney. 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 reported the Government Center would be closing at noon on December 24 administration and would be closed all day on December 25 and January 1. items Items added to None the agenda Adjournment Motion by Councilmember Janigo, seconded by Councilmember McCullough, to adjourn to the regular City Council meeting on January 5, 2026, 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 9:19 p.m. by Mayor Steffenson. Respectfully submitted, Heidi Nelson City Administrator