HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-27 City Council Meeting Minutes
MINUTES
MAPLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL
7:00 P.M. Monday, April 27, 2026
City Hall, Council Chambers
Meeting No. 08-26
A. CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the city council was held in the city hall council chambers and was called
to order at 7:04 p.m.by Acting Mayor Cave.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. ROLL CALL
Marylee Abrams, Mayor Absent
Rebecca Cave, Acting Mayor Present
Kathleen Juenemann, Councilmember Present
Chonburi Lee, Councilmember Present
Nikki Villavicencio, Councilmember Present
D. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The following was added to Council Presentations
City Clean-Up
Councilmember Lee moved to approve the agenda as amended.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. April 13, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the April 13, 2026 city council meeting
minutes as submitted.
Seconded by Councilmember Lee Ayes – All
The motion passed.
F. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Administrative Presentations
a. Council Calendar Update
Acting City Manager Darrow gave an update to the council calendar and reviewed other
topics of concern or interest requested by councilmembers.
2. Council Presentations
April 27, 2026
City Council Meeting Minutes
1
Councilmember Juenemann shared the city clean up event on Saturday was a success
with about 375 vehicles attending.
3. Community Design Review Board 2025 Annual Report
Bill Kempe, chair of the community design review board, gave the annual report.
Councilmember Lee moved to approve the Community Design Review Board 2025
Annual Report.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
4. Planning Commission 2025 Annual Report
Allan Ige, planning commissioner, gave the annual report.
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the Planning Commission 2025 Annual
Report.
Seconded by Councilmember Villavicencio Ayes – All
The motion passed.
5. Residential Recycling and Trash Annual Reviews
Sustainability Coordinator Finwall introduced the item. Willie Tennis and Alexia
Hieserich, with Tennis Sanitation, addressed council and provided the annual recycling
report. Frances Estrella, with Republic Services, addressed council and provided the
annual trash report.
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the 2025 residential recycling, trash and
yard waste annual reports and 2026 residential recycling, trash and yard waste
collection work plans.
Seconded by Councilmember Lee Ayes – All
The motion passed.
6. Resolution Proclaiming Arbor Day 2026
Public Works Director Love gave the staff report.
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the resolution proclaiming May 22, 2026,
as Arbor Day 2026 in Maplewood.
Resolution 26-04-2491
RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING ARBOR DAY 2026
WHEREAS, Arbor Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the importance of
April 27, 2026
City Council Meeting Minutes
2
trees and forests to our economy, culture, history, and future of the state; and
WHEREAS, trees are of great value as they provide clean air and water, shade
and energy savings, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, wood products, and
jobs, while also capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere, thereby offsetting
greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, properly planting and caring for a diverse mix of trees makes
community forests more resilient by minimizing the impacts of diseases, insects, and
other stressors such as climate change and providing long-term community and
environmental benefits; and
WHEREAS, thoughtfully choosing, planting, and caring for a diverse mix of
trees now supports resilient communities into the future.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of
Maplewood, Minnesota, designates May 22nd, 2026, as Arbor Day in the City of
Maplewood.
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.
Agenda item G7 was highlighted.
Councilmember Lee moved to approve agenda items G1-G8.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
1. Approval of Claims
Councilmember Lee moved to approve the approval of claims.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
$ 149,167.68 Checks # 125311 thru # 125342
dated 4/14/26
$ 572,585.83 Checks # 125343 thru # 125377
dated 4/21/26
$ 527,923.79 Disbursements via debits to checking account
April 27, 2026
City Council Meeting Minutes
3
dated 4/6/26 thru 4/19/26
$ 1,249,677.30 Total Accounts Payable
PAYROLL
$ 838,200.41 Payroll Checks and Direct Deposits dated 4/10/26
$ 838,200.41 Total Payroll
$ 2,087,877.71 GRAND TOTAL
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
2. Resolution Designating Absentee/Early Voting Location 2026 Elections
Councilmember Lee moved to approve the resolution designating absentee/early voting
location for 2026 elections.
Resolution 26-04-2492
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING ABSENTEE/EARLY VOTING LOCATION
2026 ELECTIONS
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes 203B.081, subd 6, requires the City Council to
designate absentee/early voting locations at least 14 weeks before the election; and
WHEREAS, the designation shall also include the days and times; and
WHEREAS, changes to the polling place location may be made in the case of an
emergency when it is necessary to ensure a safe and secure location for voting; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of
Maplewood hereby designates the following absentee/early voting location with days
and times for each election conducted in the city in 2026:
Location: Maplewood City Hall, 1830 County Road B East, Maplewood
State Primary Election days and hours:
June 26, 2026 to August 7, 2026, Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
Additionally, Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 9:00am to 3:00pm and
Monday, August 10, 2026 from 8:00am to 5:00pm
State General Election days and hours:
September 18, 2026 to October 30, 2026, Monday through Friday 8:00am
to 4:30pm
Additionally, Saturday, October 24, 2026, Saturday, October 31, 2026, and
Sunday, November 1, 2026 from 9:00am to 3:00pm, Tuesday, October 27,
2026 8:00am to 7:00pm, Monday, November 2, 2026 from 8:00am to 5:00pm
April 27, 2026
City Council Meeting Minutes
4
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the city clerk is hereby authorized to
designate a replacement meeting the requirements of the Minnesota Election Law for
any polling place location designated in this Resolution that becomes unavailable for use
by the City;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the city clerk is hereby authorized to
designate an emergency replacement polling place location meeting the requirements of
the Minnesota Election Law for any polling place location designated in this Resolution
when necessary to ensure a safe and secure location for voting;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the city clerk is directed to send a copy
of this resolution and any subsequent polling place location designations to the Ramsey
County Elections Office.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
3. Agreement for Professional Services with Consultant Keith Streff
Councilmember Lee moved to approve the agreement for professional services with
consultant Keith Streff.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
4. Resolution Directing Final Payment and Acceptance of Project, 2024
Maplewood Street Improvements, City Project 23-08
Councilmember Lee moved to approve the resolution directing final payment and
acceptance of project for the 2024 Maplewood Street Improvements, City Project 23-08.
Resolution 26-04-2493
RESOLUTION DIRECTING FINAL PAYMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF
2024 MAPLEWOOD STREET IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT 23-08
WHEREAS, the City Council of Maplewood, Minnesota, ordered the 2024
Maplewood Street Improvements, City Project 23-08, and has let a construction contract,
and
WHEREAS, the City Engineer for the City of Maplewood has determined that the
2024 Maplewood Street Improvements, City Project 23-08, is complete and
recommends acceptance of the project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Maplewood,
Minnesota:
1. 2024 Maplewood Street Improvements, City Project 23-08, is complete, and
2. The City accepts the maintenance of the improvements; and
April 27, 2026
City Council Meeting Minutes
5
3. The final construction cost is $8,620,171.79; and
4. Final payment to Forest Lake Contracting and the release of retainage is
hereby authorized.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
5. Wakefield Open Space Grant Application
Councilmember Lee moved to support to apply for the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources Expedited Conservations Project Grant.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
6. Public Art Stewardship Grant Agreement
Councilmember Lee moved to approve the public art stewardship grant agreement with
Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District and direct the mayor and city manager to
sign the agreement. Minor revisions as approved by the city attorney are authorized as
needed.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
7. 2026 Ramsey County SCORE Grant Agreement
Councilmember Lee moved to approve the 2026 SCORE grant agreement with Ramsey
County and direct the mayor and city manager to sign the agreement. Minor revisions as
approved by the city attorney are authorized as needed.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
8. Conditional Use Permit Review, Verizon Wireless Communications
Monopole, 1210 Sterling Street South
Councilmember Lee moved to approve the conditional use permit review and grant a
one-year extension for Verizon Wireless’ communications monopole, located at 1210
Sterling Street South, and review again in one year.
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
April 27, 2026
City Council Meeting Minutes
6
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.
1. Beacon Acquisition, LLC, Multifamily Residential Apartment Building, 1375
Frost Avenue East
a. Public Hearing
b. Public Vacation of an Easement Resolution
Acting Mayor Cave introduced the public hearing. Community Development Director
Parr gave the staff report.
Acting Mayor Cave opened public hearing. The following people spoke:
None
Acting Mayor Cave closed the public hearing.
Kevin Walker, Vice President of Beacon Interfaith Housing, addressed council and gave
an update on the project.
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve a resolution for the public vacation of an
easement.
Resolution 26-04-2494
PUBLIC VACATION OF AN EASEMENT RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows:
Section 1. Background.
1.01 Beacon Acquisition, LLC has requested the Maplewood City Council to vacate
the following portions of a utility easement:
That part of the 5.00 foot wide easement reserved in Alley Vacation Document
No. 1705888 described as follows:
The south 135.00 feet of that part of said 5.00 foot easement which runs
north-south along the center of the vacated alley in Block 11,
GLADSTONE.
and
The entire 5.00 foot easement which runs east-west along the center of
the vacated alley between Lot 4 and Lots 5 thru 9, in LUNNS
REARRANGEMENT OF LOTS 7 to 12, inclusive, Block 11,
GLADSTONE.
Section 2. Criteria
2.01 Minnesota state statute requires that no vacation shall be made unless it
appears in the interest of the public to do so.
April 27, 2026
City Council Meeting Minutes
7
Section 3. Findings
3.01 The Maplewood City Council makes the following findings:
1. The existing utility easement does not align with the existing utilities on the
site and these utilities are to relocated and put underground.
2. The vacation is not counter to the public interest.
3. A new utility easement will be dedicated to align with the location of the
relocated utilities.
Section 4. City Review Process
4.01 The city conducted the following review when considering the public vacation
request.
1. On April 27, 2026, the city council discussed the public vacation request.
City staff published two consecutive weeks of a meeting notice in the
Pioneer Press and sent notices to the affected property owners. The city
council gave everyone at the hearing a chance to speak and present written
statements. They considered the report and recommendation from city staff.
Section 5. City Council
5.01 The city council hereby approves the resolution. Approval is based on the
findings outlined in Section 3 of this resolution. Approval is subject to the
following conditions:
1. The applicant shall provide and dedicate a new utility easement that aligns
with the relocated utilities.
Seconded by Councilmember Lee Ayes – All
The motion passed.
I. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Resolution Authorizing Advertisement for Bids, 2026 DNR Boulevard Ash
Tree Removal and Replacement Project, City Project 26-07
Public Work Director Love gave the staff report.
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the resolution authorizing the
advertisement for bids for the 2026 Boulevard Ash Tree Removal and Replacement
Project, City Project 26-07.
Resolution 26-04-2495
AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS RESOLUTION
April 27, 2026
City Council Meeting Minutes
8
th
WHEREAS, pursuant to a resolution of the City Council adopted April 13, 2026,
that approved a grant agreement between the City of Maplewood and the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources for the Community Tree Planting Grant.
AND WHEREAS, plans and specifications for the 2026 Boulevard Ash Tree
Removal and Replacement Project, City Project 26-07 have been prepared,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA:
1. The City Clerk or office of the City Parks and Natural Resources shall prepare
and cause to be inserted into the official paper and Finance and Commerce
an advertisement for bids upon the making of such improvement under such
plans and specifications. The advertisement shall be published twice, at least
twenty-one days before the date set for bid opening, shall specify the work to
be done, shall state that bids will be publicly opened electronically via
th
QuestCDN and considered at 10:00 a.m. on the 20 day of May, 2026. Bids
shall be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond, payable to the City of
Maplewood, Minnesota for five percent of the amount of such bid.
2. The City Clerk and City Natural Resources Coordinator are hereby authorized
and instructed to receive and open bids received at the time and place herein
noted, and to tabulate the bids received. The City Council will consider the
bids, and the award of a contract, at the regular City Council meeting of June
th
8, 2026.
Seconded by Councilmember Lee Ayes – All
The motion passed.
J. NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution for a Lawful Gambling Premises Permit for Bayport American
Legion at Goodrich Golf Course, 1820 Van Dyke Street North
City Clerk Sindt gave the staff report. Kelly Bertelsen, General Manager and Jennifer
Stevensen, Assistant Gambling Manager, with the Bayport American Legion, addressed
council and provided additional information.
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the resolution for a lawful gambling
premises permit for Bayport American Legion to conduct gambling activities at Goodrich
Golf Course, 1820 Van Dyke Street North.
Resolution 26-04-2496
LAWFUL GAMBLING PREMISES PERMIT FOR BAYPORT AMERICAN LEGION
AT GOODRICH GOLF COURSE
WHEREAS, Bayport American Legion has submitted an application to the City of
Maplewood requesting city approval of a Lawful Gambling Premises permit application,
to be used at Goodrich Golf Course, 1820 Van Dyke Street North, Maplewood, MN;
WHEREAS, local approval is required prior to the Gambling Control Board’s
issuance of a premises permit;
April 27, 2026
City Council Meeting Minutes
9
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, by the City Council of Maplewood, MN, that the
premises permit for lawful gambling is approved for Bayport American Legion to conduct
gambling activities at Goodrich Golf Course, 1820 Van Dyke Street North, Maplewood,
MN.
FURTHERMORE, that the Maplewood City Council requests that the Gambling
Control Board approve said permit application as being in compliance with Minnesota
Statute §349.213.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it further resolved that this Resolution by the City Council
of Maplewood, MN, be forwarded to the Gambling Control Board for their approval
Seconded by Councilmember Lee Ayes – All
The motion passed.
K. AWARD OF BIDS
None
L. ADJOURNMENT
Acting Mayor Cave adjourned the meeting at 7:44 p.m.
Andrea Sindt, City Clerk
April 27, 2026
City Council Meeting Minutes
10