HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-08 City Council Workshop Packet
AGENDA
MAPLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL
MANAGER WORKSHOP
5:30 P.M. Monday, December 8, 2025
City Hall, Council Chambers
Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 13D.02, one or more councilmembers may be participating remotely
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. ROLL CALL
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
E. NEW BUSINESS
1. Transit Discussion
F. ADJOURNMENT
RULES OF CIVILITY FOR THE CITY COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND OUR COMMUNITY
Following are rules of civility the City of Maplewood expects of everyone appearing at Council Meetings - elected
officials, staff and citizens. It is hoped that by following these simple rules, everyone’s opinions can be heard
and understood in a reasonable manner. We appreciate the fact that when appearing at Council meetings, it is
understood that everyone will follow these principles:
Speak only for yourself, not for other council members or citizens - unless specifically tasked by your colleagues
to speak for the group or for citizens in the form of a petition.
Show respect during comments and/or discussions, listen actively and do not interrupt or talk amongst each
other.
Be respectful of the process, keeping order and decorum. Do not be critical of council members, staff or others
in public.
Be respectful of each other’s time keeping remarks brief, to the point and non-repetitive.
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CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date December 8, 2025
REPORT TO: Mayor and City Council
REPORT FROM: Michael Sable, City Manager
PRESENTER: Michael Sable, City Manager
AGENDA ITEM: Transit Discussion
Action Requested: Motion Discussion Public Hearing
Form of Action: Resolution Ordinance Contract/Agreement Proclamation
Summary:
Metro Transit recently announced the Bronze Line, a hybrid Bus Rapid Transit line serving the cities
of Maplewood and St. Paul. Staff will present the project and outline next steps in the process.
Recommended Action:
Discussion Only
Fiscal Impact:
Is There a Fiscal Impact? No Yes, the true or estimated cost is $0
Financing source(s): Adopted Budget Budget Modification New Revenue Source
Use of Reserves Other: n/a
Strategic Plan Relevance:
Safety Focus Area:
Sustainability Focus Area:
Development Focus Area: Strengthen human connection and community growth
The proposed Bronze Line project supports the CityÓs broader goals by strengthening mobility,
protecting neighborhoods, and improving access to jobs, retail, and key regional destinations in
Maplewood.
Background:
On September 23, 2024, the City of Maplewood withdrew support from the Purple Line project.
Resolution 24-09-2354 identified the City of MaplewoodÓs support of the development,
enhancement, and maintenance of flexible public transportation and transportation alternatives
within the city and its surrounding areas; and its commitment to working with regional and local
transportation agencies, businesses, and community organizations to identify and implement
strategies that promote the use of public transportation and alternative transportation options.
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Since that time, regional partners (Ramsey County, Metro Transit, Metropolitan Council) have
worked collaboratively with staff to develop a new approach that aligns with that action and
supports MaplewoodÓs needs and priorities.
The proposed Bronze Line project is consistent with that resolution as it strengthens mobility,
protects neighborhoods, and improves access to jobs, retail, and regional destinations in
Maplewood.
The Bronze Line is proposed to be a hybrid Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line operating along a 9.8-mile
route between Saint PaulÓs Union Depot and the Maplewood Mall Transit Center. The Bronze Line
has fixed BRT sections in St. Paul and Arterial BRT sections in Maplewood.
The new route will serve 22 stations, including 5 new stations in Maplewood, and features fast,
reliable service. The project includes Metro Micro, also known as micro transit, a shared ride
service in the area around Maplewood Mall to extend transit service to additional nearby locations.
Key Differences of the Bronze Line:
There is no transit on the Bruce Vento Trail.
There are no lane reductions on White Bear Avenue.
Micro Transit will be offered at the Maplewood Transit Center.
The project includes six stations. Five (5) new stations in Maplewood along White Bear
Avenue (Frost, County Road B, 11th/Gervais, County Road C, and Radatz) and
improvements to the Maplewood Mall Transit Center.
Right-of-way impacts are minimal (limited to station platforms and intersection upgrades)
Stations will have pedestrian-focused design and upgrades: (accessible with level-boarding,
curb ramps, signals, pavement markings, lighting, NexTrip real-time signs, security features,
and trash/recycling containers).
White Bear Avenue will get a mill-and-overlay in 2027 to improve the roadway surface.
Staff will continue working with our regional partners on the project moving forward, with an
anticipated City Council approval in Spring 2026.
Attachments:
1. PowerPoint Presentation
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For the Permanent Record:
Meeting Date: 12/16/2025
Agenda Item E1, Additional Attachment
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