HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-14 City Council Meeting Minutes
MINUTES
MAPLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL
7:00 P.M. Monday, July 14, 2025
City Hall, Council Chambers
Meeting No. 13-25
A. CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the City Council was held in the City Hall Council Chambers and was
called to order at 7:01 p.m.by Mayor Abrams.
Mayor Abrams presented a plaque received while attending the local Karen Baptist
Church’s 15th anniversary celebration which thanked the city for continued partnership.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Calvin Gifford, with Apple Valley Boy Scout Troop 292, let the council in the pledge of
allegiance.
C. ROLL CALL
Marylee Abrams, Mayor Present
Rebecca Cave, Councilmember Present
Kathleen Juenemann, Councilmember Present
Chonburi Lee, Councilmember Absent
Nikki Villavicencio, Councilmember Present
D. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The following items were added to council presentations:
National Night Out
Disability Pride Month
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the agenda as amended.
Seconded by Councilmember Cave Ayes – All
The motion passed.
E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. June 23, 2025 City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Cave moved to approve the June 23, 2025 City Council Workshop
Meeting Minutes as submitted.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
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The motion passed.
2. June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting
Minutes as submitted.
Seconded by Councilmember Cave Ayes – All
The motion passed.
F. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Administrative Presentations
a. Council Calendar Update
City Manager Sable gave an update to the council calendar and reviewed other topics of
concern or interest requested by councilmembers.
2. Council Presentations
National Night Out
Councilmember Juenemann reminded residents that registration is open for National
Night Out.
Disability Pride Month
Councilmember Villavicencio announced July is Disability Pride Month and invited
residents to join in the celebration at the State Capital on July 17, 2025.
3. Swearing-In Ceremony for 4 Police Officers Rachel Franco Vincent, Clare
Marie Patros, Robert Norve, Jacob Boor
Public Safety Director Bierdeman addressed the council and introduced officers Rachel
Franco Vincent, Clare Marie Patros, Robert Norve, and Jacob Boor. City Clerk Sindt
administered the oath before the pinning of their badges. Each officer addressed and
thanked council and staff.
No action required.
4. 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
Finance Director Rueb introduced the agenda item. Andrew Grice, with berganKDV,
gave the presentation. City Manager Sable provided additional information.
Councilmember Cave moved to accept the Maplewood 2024 Annual Comprehensive
Financial Report.
Seconded by Councilmember Villavicencio Ayes – All
The motion passed.
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5. St. Paul Regional Water Services Presentation
City Manager Sable introduced the agenda item. Raquel Vaske, General Manager for St
Paul Regional Water Services, gave the presentation.
No action required.
G. CONSENT AGENDA – Items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine and non-
controversial and are approved by one motion of the council. If a councilmember
requests additional information or wants to make a comment regarding an item, the vote
should be held until the questions or comments are made then the single vote should be
taken. If a councilmember objects to an item it should be removed and acted upon as a
separate item.
Councilmember Cave moved to approve agenda items G1-G5.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
1. Approval of Claims
Councilmember Cave moved to approve the approval of claims.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
$ 1,149,070.77 Checks # 123292 thru # 123332
dated 6/24/25
$ 373,366.55 Checks # 123333 thru # 123369
dated 7/1/25
$ 146,963.05 Checks # 123370 thru # 123383
dated 7/8/25
$ 807,079.68 Disbursements via debits to checking account
dated 6/16/25 thru 7/07/25
$ 2,476,480.05 Total Accounts Payable
PAYROLL
$ 786,032.85 Payroll Checks and Direct Deposits dated 06/20/25
$ 801,899.21 Payroll Checks and Direct Deposits dated 7/03/25
$ 1,587,932.06 Total Payroll
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$ 4,064,412.11 GRAND TOTAL
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
2. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Joint Powers Agreement
Councilmember Cave moved to approve the renewed Joint Powers Agreement with the
State of Minnesota for the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
3. 2025-2027 School Resource Officer Agreement with Independent School
District 622
Councilmember Cave moved to approve the 2025 – 2027 School Resource Officer
Agreement with Independent School District 622.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
4. Harvest Park Playground Replacement
Councilmember Cave moved to approve the replacement of the Harvest Park
Playground and authorize the City Manager and the Mayor to enter into a contract with
Northland Recreation/Little Tikes (State Contract #030117-LTS) with a not to exceed
budget of $300,000.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
5. Call for Special City Council Meeting on July 23, 2025
Councilmember Cave moved to call a special meeting of the City Council on July 23,
2025, at 4 pm.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS – If you are here for a Public Hearing please familiarize yourself
with the Rules of Civility printed on the back of the agenda. Sign in with the City Clerk
before addressing the council. At the podium please state your name and address
clearly for the record. All comments/questions shall be posed to the Mayor and Council.
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The Mayor will then direct staff, as appropriate, to answer questions or respond to
comments.
None
I. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Private Tree Relief Program Update
Public Works Director Love gave the presentation.
Councilmember Cave moved to approve the updated Private Tree Relief Policy.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
J. NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution Ordering the Abatement of Hazardous Building and Public
Nuisance Conditions, 1851 North Saint Paul Road
Community Development Director Parr gave the presentation.
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the Resolution Ordering the Abatement
of Conditions Creating Hazardous Building and a Public Nuisance at 1851 North Saint
Paul Road.
Resolution 25-07-2417
RESOLUTION ORDERING THE ABATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS BUILDING
AND PUBLIC NUISANCE CONDITIONS AT 1851 NORTH SAINT PAUL ROAD
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the property located at 1851 North Saint Paul Road and legally
described on Exhibit A attached hereto (the “Subject Property”) contains a commercial
building structure (the “Building”) and is located in the city of Maplewood (the “City”); and
WHEREAS, according to public records, the Subject Property is owned by Yui
Keung Chow and Feng Jiao Li (the “Owners”) and, to the best of the City’s knowledge, is
presently unoccupied; and
WHEREAS, on February 5, 2025, pursuant to a duly obtained administrative
search warrant, a physical inspection of the Subject Property and the Building was
conducted by the city’s building official, Randy Johnson (the “Building Official”), and the
city’s neighborhood preservation specialist, Paul Thienes, during which the following
conditions were observed:
1) Significant portions of the main level ceilings have collapsed and fallen into
the Building’s interior, exposing a deteriorating pre-existing sheetrock ceiling.
2) The observable portions of the sheetrock ceiling have considerable damage
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including apparent leaking, fallen portions exposing insulation in the attic
space, insufficient makeshift patching blocking some of the holes, and
extensive mold growth and water damage.
3) Walls on the main level of the Building have apparent mold growth.
4) Building and plumbing fixtures have been removed including most kitchen
sinks, counters, copper water pipes, and other equipment.
5) The Building has notable electrical deficiencies including exposed lighting
fixtures with insufficient wiring, and the electrical panels being stripped of all
wiring and breakers.
6) The foundation for the exterior walk-in cooler is failing and appears to pull the
cooler away from the Building wall.
7) Exterior sidewalks are sinking and sloping away from the Building at a steep
angle and are cracked and unsafe for level transportation.
8) The front corner of the Building has a broken window with temporary
coverings.
9) The Building’s basement features watermark stains and rust on leftover
equipment indicating the basement to have previously flooded to a depth of
approximately four (4) feet.
10) The Building’s interior is extensively filled with piled up garbage, rubbish,
deteriorated building materials, and other debris, including throughout all
occupiable spaces that were safely accessible.
11) The exterior portion of the Subject Property contains an accumulation of
other rubbish and debris.
WHEREAS, since the above-mentioned inspection, there have been no permits
pulled for the Building that would indicate any improvements to the conditions observed
on February 5, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, section 463.15, subdivision 3 defines a
“hazardous building” as “any building… which because of inadequate maintenance,
dilapidation, physical damage, unsanitary condition or abandonment, constitutes a fire
hazard or a hazard to public safety or health”; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Rules, section 1300.0180 deems a structure “unsafe” if it
is structurally unsafe, not provided with adequate egress, a fire hazard, or otherwise
dangerous to human life; and
WHEREAS, section 18-31(5)
of the Maplewood City Code (the “City Code”) deems it a public nuisance to accumulate
rubbish, debris, and other offensive materials on property; and
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WHEREAS, in light of the foregoing, the City’s building official has determined that
the Building is in a complete state of disrepair and is hazardous and unsafe; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, section 463.161 and section 18-37 of the City
Code authorize the city council to order the owner of any hazardous building or nuisance
property within the City to correct or remove said conditions; and
WHEREAS, additionally, Minn. R. 1300.0180 expressly requires that unsafe
structures “be abated \[under\] Minnesota Statutes, sections 463.15 to 463.26.”; and
WHEREAS, based on the information presented, the city council has determined
that the condition of the Subject Property and the Building constitutes a hazard and a
public nuisance in violation of both state and local law and, therefore, should be abated.
RESOLUTION
NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED by the city council of the city of Maplewood
as follows:
1. The city council adopts, as factual findings, all of the recitals listed above.
2. The city council finds that the Building is hazardous, as defined by Minnesota
Statutes, section 463.15, and unsafe, as defined in Minnesota Rules, section
1300.0180.
3. The city council also finds that the condition of the Subject Property
constitutes a public nuisance, as defined by both state and local law, and
violates the aforementioned sections of the City Code, and is a menace to
the health of the inhabitants of the city.
4. The city attorney shall finalize an abatement order substantially similar to that
attached as Exhibit A attached hereto.
5. The city attorney is authorized to take all necessary legal steps to effectuate
service of this resolution and the corresponding abatement order in the
manner required by state and/or local law.
6. The city attorney and city staff are authorized to take all necessary legal steps
to secure compliance with the abatement order and to obtain authority to
remove and abate the hazardous and nuisance conditions on the Subject
Property by court order and collect and/or assess the costs thereof against
the Subject Property, as otherwise permitted by state and/or local law.
EXHIBIT A
Abatement Order
STATE OF MINNNESOTA DISTRICT COURT
COUNTY OF RAMSEY SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT
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________________________________________ Case Type: Other Civil
In the Matter of the Hazardous Building and
Nuisance Property Located at 1851 North
Saint Paul Road, Maplewood, Minnesota
ORDER FOR ABATEMENT OF
HAZARDOUS BUILDING
AND PUBLIC NUISANCE
________________________________________
TO: All owners, occupants, and all lienholders of record.
The city council of the city of Maplewood, Minnesota hereby orders that within 45 days
of service of this order that you abate the hazardous and nuisance conditions which exist
on the property located at 1851 North Saint Paul Road, Maplewood, Minnesota, which
property is legally described as: \[insert legal before finalizing/serving\].
Specifically, the city of Maplewood, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 463 and
the Minnesota State Building Code, has determined that the unoccupied commercial
building structure (the “Building”) located at the above-referenced property is hazardous and
unsafe due to the following observations: Significant portions of the main level ceilings have
collapsed and fallen into the Building’s interior, the sheetrock ceiling has considerable
damage including apparent leaking, fallen portions exposing insulation in the attic space,
insufficient makeshift patching blocking some of the holes, and extensive mold growth and
water damage, the walls on the main level have mold growth, building fixtures have been
removed including most kitchen sinks, counters, copper plumbing, and other equipment,
there are notable electrical deficiencies including exposed lighting fixtures with insufficient
wiring, and the electrical panels being stripped of all wiring and breakers, the foundation for the
exterior walk-in cooler is failing, exterior sidewalks are sinking and sloping away from the
Building at a steep angle and are cracked and unsafe for level transportation, the front
corner of the Building has a broken window with temporary coverings, the Building’s
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basement features watermark stains and rust on leftover equipment indicating the basement
to have previously flooded to a depth of approximately four feet, and the Building’s interior is
extensively filled with piled up garbage, rubbish, deteriorated building materials, and
other debris, including throughout all occupiable spaces that were safely accessible.
Additionally, the exterior portion of the above-referenced property contains an
unlawful accumulation of other rubbish and debris. For those reasons, the city of Maplewood,
pursuant to chapter 18 of the Maplewood City Code and Minnesota Statutes, section
609.74, also has determined that the property constitutes a public nuisance.
Pursuant to the above-referenced statutes and ordinances, it is hereby ORDERED
that you abate the above-mentioned conditions within 45 days of the date of service of this
order by either (i) razing (demolishing) the Building and removing all debris and other
materials from the property, or (ii) performing each and every one of the following items:
1. Repair or replace all of the Building’s deteriorated foundations, walls and
other structural components in accordance with the Minnesota State
Building Code, including a structural analysis of deteriorated components
to ensure safety and habitability;
2. Repair or replace all of the Building’s deteriorated ceilings in accordance
with the Minnesota State Building Code;
3. Repair or replace all electrical wiring and installation in accordance with
the Minnesota State Building Code;
4. Determine the existence of mold due to the significant water infiltration and
mitigate said mold, as deemed necessary;
5. Repair all plumbing and provide the Building with required utilities in
accordance with the Minnesota State Building Code;
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6. Remove all accumulations of garbage, rubbish, deteriorated building
materials, and other debris from the Building’s interior to ensure the health
and safety of occupants and sufficient ingress and egress throughout the
Building; and
7. Remove the accumulations of rubbish and debris from the property’s exterior.
All such work is subject to permitting and required inspections by staff members of
the city to ensure compliance with applicable rules and law. This order is not a permit.
You are further advised that unless such corrective action is taken or an answer is
served on the city and filed within 21 days of the date of service of this order upon you, a
motion for summary enforcement of this order may be made to the Ramsey County
District Court.
Finally, you are further advised that if you do not comply with this order and the
city is compelled to take corrective action, it will pursue the Building’s demolition and
other exterior nuisance abatement efforts, and all necessary costs incurred by the city in
taking such corrective action will be collected and assessed against the property pursuant to
Minnesota Statutes, section 463.21 and section 18-37 of the Maplewood City Code. In
connection thereto, the city also intends to recover all of its expenses incurred in carrying
out this order, including specifically but not exclusively, filing fees, service fees, publication
fees, attorneys’ fees, appraisers’ fees, witness fees, including expert witness fees and
traveling expenses incurred by the city from the time this order was originally made, also
pursuant to state and local law.
\[signature page to follow\]
Dated , 2025 KENNEDY & GRAVEN, CHARTERED
By: ________________________________
McKaia Dykema (#0505388)
David T. Anderson (#0393517)
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700 Fifth Street Towers
150 South Fifth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 337-9300
Attorneys for City of Maplewood
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The undersigned acknowledges that costs, disbursements and reasonable attorney and
witness fees may be awarded pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 549.211, subd. 2, to the party against
whom the allegations in this pleading are asserted.
_________________________
David T. Anderson
Seconded by Councilmember Villavicencio Ayes – All
The motion passed.
2. Resolution Approving Special Legislation Related to Maplewood Tax
Increment Financing District Special Rules
City Manager Sable gave the staff report.
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the Resolution approving the approved
special legislation which amended the 2013 law by expanding the geographic area in
which expenditures may be made.
Resolution 25-07-2418
RESOLUTION APPROVING SPECIAL LEGISLATION RELATED TO
MAPLEWOOD TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT SPECIAL RULES
WHEREAS, in 2013 the Minnesota legislature adopted special legislation allowing
the establishment under favorable terms of a tax increment financing district for the 3M
Renovation and Retention Project Area; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota legislature, in 1st Special Session, 2025 Minn. Laws,
Chapter 13, Article 5, Section 3, approved special legislation which amended the 2013
law by expanding the geographic area in which expenditures may be made; and
WHEREAS, under Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, special legislation only
becomes effective upon the approval by the affected local government unit; and
WHEREAS, under Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subds. 2 and 3, the chief
clerical officer must comply with certain filing and procedural requirements to demonstrate
valid approval of the special legislation before the first day of the next regular session of
the legislature.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the city council of the city of
Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows:
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1. Approval of special law. The City of Maplewood hereby approves the
provisions of 1st Special Session, 2025 Minn. Laws, Chapter 13, Article 5,
Section 3.
2. Actions Required. The city clerk and staff are authorized and directed to file
with the Minnesota Secretary of State a certificate stating the essential facts
necessary to valid approval and to take all other actions necessary and
appropriate to implement the terms of the special legislation.
Seconded by Councilmember Cave Ayes – All
The motion passed.
3. Flock Safety Service Agreement for the Maplewood Police Department
Public Safety Director Bierdeman introduced the agenda item. Lieutenant Hoemke gave
the presentation.
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the Maplewood Police Department
signing the service agreement with Flock Safety.
Seconded by Councilmember Cave Ayes – All
The motion passed.
K. AWARD OF BIDS
None
L. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Abrams adjourned the meeting at 8:38 p.m.
Andrea Sindt, City Clerk
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