HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-12 City Council Meeting Minutes
MINUTES
MAPLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL
7:00 P.M. Monday, January 12, 2026
City Hall, Council Chambers
Meeting No. 01-26
A. CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the City Council was held in the City Hall Council Chambers and was
called to order at 7:08 p.m.by Mayor Abrams.
Mayor Abrams shared reflections on recent immigration enforcement activities.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. ROLL CALL
Marylee Abrams, Mayor Present
Rebecca Cave, Councilmember Present
Kathleen Juenemann, Councilmember Present
Chonburi Lee, Councilmember Present
Nikki Villavicencio, Councilmember Present
D. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Under Council Presentations
Reflection
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the amended agenda as amended.
Seconded by Councilmember Cave Ayes – All
The motion passed.
E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. December 8, 2025 City Council Workshop Minutes
Councilmember Cave moved to approve the December 8, 2025 City Council Workshop
Minutes as submitted.
Seconded by Councilmember Lee Ayes – All
The motion passed.
2. December 8, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the December 8, 2025 City Council
Meeting Minutes as submitted.
Seconded by Councilmember Cave Ayes – All
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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
Reflection
Councilmember Lee shared reflections on the past week’s immigration enforcement
activities.
3. 2026 City Council Appointments
City Manager Sable gave the staff report.
Councilmember Lee moved to approve the 2026 City Council appointments to boards,
commissions and miscellaneous groups.
Appointment 2026 Appointments
Acting Mayor Councilmember Cave
Auditor Contact Mayor Abrams
Councilmember Juenemann
Bronze Line Councilmember Villavicencio
Councilmember Cave (ALT)
Century Avenue Coalition Councilmember Lee
Councilmember Villavicencio (ALT)
Community Design Review Board Councilmember Lee
Mike Martin (SL)
Data Request Officials:
Responsible Authority/Data Compliance Official Andrea Sindt
City Personnel Designee Nancy Steele
City Law Enforcement Designee Brian Bierdeman
Development Committee Mayor Abrams
Councilmember Lee
Environment & Natural Resources Commission Councilmember Juenemann
Shann Finwall (SL)
Heritage Preservation Commission Councilmember Lee
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Joe Sheeran (SL)
Maplewood Communications Mayor Abrams
Councilmember Villavicencio (ALT)
Maplewood Green Team Councilmember Juenemann
Shann Finwall (SL)
Parks & Recreation Commission Councilmember Villavicencio
Audra Robbins (SL)
Planning Commission Councilmember Lee
Mike Martin (SL)
Ramsey County Dispatch Policy Committee Councilmember Juenemann
Mayor Abrams (ALT)
Ramsey County League of Local Governments Mayor Abrams
Councilmember Villavicencio (ALT)
Regional Mayors Mayor Abrams
Rice/Larpenteur Project Mayor Abrams
Councilmember Cave (ALT)
Shann Finwall (SL)
St. Paul Regional Water Services Councilmember Cave
Board of Water Commissioners Michael Sable (ALT)
Suburban Area Chamber of Commerce Michael Sable
Mayor Abrams (REP)
Councilmember Cave (REP)
Suburban Rate Authority Steve Love
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
4. Resolution of Appreciation for Sue Vento
Mayor Abrams read the resolution. Sue Vento expressed thanks to the council for
acknowledging her years of service.
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the Resolution of Appreciation for Sue
Vento.
26-01-2463
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
HONORING METROPOLITAN COUNCIL MEMBER SUE VENTO
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WHEREAS, Sue Vento has exemplified a lifelong commitment to education,
community service, and regional collaboration, dedicating her personal and professional
life to improving the lives of others; and
WHEREAS, Sue began her career as an educator, teaching in the Willmar
School District from 1977 to 1983, before serving for more than 27 years as a field
representative, organizer, and lobbyist for educators through the Minnesota Education
Association and Education Minnesota, advancing the cause of public education and
supporting those who dedicate their lives to teaching; and
WHEREAS, following her distinguished career in education, Sue continued her
lifelong commitment to service as Director of Outreach for the Church of the Assumption
in St. Paul and through her involvement with numerous community organizations,
including Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Friends of the St. Paul Library, the National
Park Trust, Friends of the Mississippi River, Neighborhood House, Merrick Community
Services, and the Ramsey County Historical Society, each reflecting her deep dedication
to compassion, equity, education, and community well-being; and furthermore, her
steadfast advocacy for parks and open spaces has enriched the region’s environmental
legacy, preserving natural treasures for the enjoyment and inspiration of future
generations; and
WHEREAS, Sue was appointed to the Metropolitan Council by Governor Tim
Walz in March 2019 and has demonstrated steadfast leadership, collaboration, and
empathy—working tirelessly to promote sustainable growth, preserve the region’s
natural resources, and ensure that all residents have access to opportunities and
services that enhance quality of life; and
WHEREAS, colleagues on the Metropolitan Council have celebrated Sue’s
humility, warmth, and authenticity—qualities that have fostered unity, inspired trust, and
elevated the tone of regional governance; and
WHEREAS, Sue Vento’s enduring legacy will be measured not only in policies
and programs, but also in the countless relationships, partnerships, and friendships she
has built throughout her years of service.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Maplewood expresses
its deepest appreciation to Metropolitan Council Member Sue Vento for her outstanding
leadership, her unwavering advocacy for education and environmental stewardship, and
her lifelong commitment to building stronger, more compassionate communities
throughout the Twin Cities region.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of Maplewood extends its
sincere gratitude and best wishes to Sue Vento for continued success, fulfillment, and
joy in all future endeavors.
Seconded by Councilmember Cave Ayes – All
The motion passed.
5. Resolution Accepting Donation from Merit Chevrolet
Fire and EMS Chief Mondor gave the staff report.
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Councilmember Cave moved to approve the resolution accepting the donation made by
Merit Chevrolet.
26-01-2464
RESOLUTION EXPRESSING ACCEPTANCE OF AND APPRECIATION OF A
DONATION TO THE MAPLEWOOD PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, Merit Chevrolet has presented to the Maplewood Public Safety
Department a donation in the amount of $1,000.00; and
WHEREAS, this donation is intended for the purpose to benefit the Department;
and
WHEREAS, the Maplewood City Council is appreciative of the donation and
commends Merit Chevrolet for their civic efforts,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of
Maplewood, Minnesota, that:
1. The donation is accepted and acknowledged with gratitude; and
2. The donation will be appropriated for the Public Safety Department as
designated; and
3. The appropriate budget adjustments be made
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
6. Resolution Accepting Donation from Schmelz Countryside
Fire & EMS Chief Mondor gave the staff report.
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the resolution accepting the donation
made by Schmelz Countryside Volkswagen.
26-01-2465
RESOLUTION EXPRESSING ACCEPTANCE OF AND APPRECIATION OF A
DONATION TO THE MAPLEWOOD PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, Schmelz Countryside has presented to the Maplewood Public Safety
Department a donation in the amount of $3,000.00; and
WHEREAS, this donation is intended for the purpose to benefit the Department;
and
WHEREAS, the Maplewood City Council is appreciative of the donation and
commends Schmelz Countryside Volkswagen for their civic efforts,
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of
Maplewood, Minnesota, that:
1. The donation is accepted and acknowledged with gratitude; and
2. The donation will be appropriated for the Public Safety Department as
designated; and
3. The appropriate budget adjustments be made
Seconded by Councilmember Villavicencio Ayes – All
The motion passed.
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 Lee moved to approve agenda items G1-G10.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
1. Approval of Claims
Councilmember Lee moved to approve the approval of claims.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
$ 96,998.94 Checks # 124694 thru # 124716
dated 12/09/25
$ 802,043.25 Checks # 124717 thru # 124773
dated 12/16/25
$ 2,446,584.87 Checks # 124774 thru # 124798
dated 12/23/25
$ 46,300.43 Checks # 124799 thru # 124825
dated 12/26/25
$ 120,535.37 Checks # 124826 thru # 124843
dated 12/31/25
$ 1,498,018.80 Disbursements via debits to checking account
dated 12/1/25 thru 1/04/26
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$ 5,010,481.66 Total Accounts Payable
PAYROLL
$ 868,638.09 Payroll Checks and Direct Deposits dated 12/05/25
$ 961,240.16 Payroll Checks and Direct Deposits dated 12/19/25
$ 823,718.72 Payroll Checks and Direct Deposits dated 1/2/26
$ 2,653,596.97 Total Payroll
$ 7,664,078.63 GRAND TOTAL
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
2. Resolution Designating Depositories for City Funds
Councilmember Lee moved to approve the Resolution Designating Depositories for City
Funds.
26-01-2466
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING DEPOSITORIES FOR CITY FUNDS
BE IT RESOLVED, that the following be and hereby are selected as depositories
for deposits and investments of the City of Maplewood:
Premier Bank
Wells Fargo Bank
US Bank
4M Fund/PMA
RBC
Oppenheimer
TD Ameritrade
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the deposits in any of the above depositories
shall not exceed the amount of F.D.I.C. insurance covering such deposit unless
collateral or a bond is furnished as additional security, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any funds in the above depositories may be
withdrawn and electronically transferred to any other depository of the city by the request
of the finance director or his/her designee.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these depository designations are effective
until December 31, 2026.
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Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
3. Resolution Designating the Official Newspaper for 2026
Councilmember Lee moved to approve the resolution designating the Twin Cities
Pioneer Press as the city of Maplewood’s official legal newspaper for 2026.
26-01-2467
RESOLUTION DESIGNATION OF OFFICIAL LEGAL NEWSPAPER FOR 2026
WHEREAS, the City Council is required by Minn. Stat. 412.831 to annually
designate a legal newspaper to serve as its official newspaper for published ordinances,
legal notices and other items requiring publication by law; and
WHEREAS, the Twin Cities Pioneer Press is a legal newspaper of general
circulation in Maplewood; and
WHEREAS, the Twin Cities Pioneer Press meets all criteria set forth by Minn.
Stat. 331A to be a qualified newspaper.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Maplewood,
Minnesota, hereby designates the Twin Cities Pioneer Press as its official legal
newspaper for 2026.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
4. Inver Hills Community College Clinical Agreement
Councilmember Lee moved to approve the Inver Hills Community College clinical
agreement.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
5. Purchase of Bobcat Skid Steer (Unit 727)
Councilmember Lee moved to approve the purchase of a Bobcat Skid Steer and direct
the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract with Tri-State Bobcat under
Sourcewell contract #020223 in the amount of $59,846.52.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
6. Purchase of Emergency By-Pass Pump (Unit 620)
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Councilmember Lee moved to approve the purchase of an emergency by-pass pump
and direct the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract with Gary Carlson
Equipment under Sourcewell contract in the amount of $99,792.22.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
7. Purchase of Park Maintenance Mower (unit 658)
Councilmember Lee moved to approve purchase of a park maintenance mower and
direct the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract with MTI/Toro for the
purchase under MN contract # 243333 in the amount of $131,350.68.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
8. Purchase of Three Park Maintenance Machines (Units 653, 654, 545)
Councilmember Lee moved to approve the purchase of three park maintenance
machines and direct the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract with Midwest
Machinery Co. for the purchase under Sourcewell contract #112624-DAC in the amount
of $198,612.10.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
9. Ordinance Amending Section 12-602 to Exempt Clergy Member Housing from
the Licensing of Rental Dwellings
Councilmember Lee moved to approve an ordinance amending Section 12-602 to
exempt housing provided to clergy members from the rental licensing requirements.
ORDINANCE No. 1058
An Ordinance Amending Section 12-602 of the Maplewood City Code Pertaining to
the Licensing of Rental Dwellings
The City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota Ordains as follows:
Section 1. Section 12-602(b) of the Maplewood City Code is hereby amended to
add subdivision (5) as follows:
(b) Exceptions.
(1) These rental licensing requirements do not apply to a residential dwelling that is
occupied by the owner or the owner's qualifying relatives.
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(2) These rental licensing requirements do not apply to a residential dwelling when
the dwelling is rented for a period of less than 120 consecutive days and the
owner occupies the property' during the remainder of the year.
(3) These rental licensing requirements do not apply to Minnesota Department of
Health-licensed rest homes, convalescent care facilities, group homes, nursing
homes, hotels, motels, or cooperatives.
(4) These rental licensing requirements do not apply to a facility for which a
reasonable accommodation has been granted by the city under the Federal Fair
Housing Amendments Act of 1988.
(5) These rental licensing requirements do not apply to a residential dwelling located
on property exempt under Minnesota Statutes, section 272.02 and used only by
the tax-exempt owner as housing for its clergy members.
Section 2. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be effective following its adoption and
publication.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
10. Madden Galanter Hansen, LLP Consulting Services Agreement for 2026
Councilmember Lee moved to approve the Consulting Services Agreement between the
City of Maplewood and Madden Galanter Hansen, LLP and authorize the Mayor and City
Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the City.
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.
The Mayor will then direct staff, as appropriate, to answer questions or respond to
comments.
None
I. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
J. NEW BUSINESS
1. Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Booze Bros LLC, dba Express
Liquors, 1900 County Road D East, Suite 101
City Clerk Sindt gave the staff report. Gurkirat Singh, co-owner of Booze Bros LLC,
addressed the council and provided comments.
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Councilmember Lee moved to approve the Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor license for Booze
Bros LLC, dba Express Liquors, located at 1900 County Road D East, Suite 101.
Seconded by Councilmember Cave Ayes – All
The motion passed.
2. Intent to Close Meeting (Minnesota Statute Section 13D.05, Subd 3(d)) to
Discuss Emergency Response Procedures
City Manager Sable provided logistics for moving into closed session.
Councilmember Juenemann moved to close the regular meeting and go into closed
session to receive security briefings, security systems, and emergency response
procedures pursuant to Minnesota State Statute 13D.05, subdivision 3(d).
Seconded by Councilmember Cave Ayes – All
The motion passed.
Mayor Abrams closed the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
Present at the closed session: Mayor Abrams, Councilmember Cave, Councilmember
Juenemann, Councilmember Lee, Councilmember Villavicencio, City Manager Sable,
Assistant City Manager/HR Director Darrow, Public Safety Director Bierdeman, Deputy
Police Chief Busack, City Attorney Batty.
Mayor Abrams called the meeting back to order at 8:22 p.m.
K. AWARD OF BIDS
None
L. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Abrams adjourned the meeting at 8:23 p.m.
Andrea Sindt, City Clerk
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