City Manager Blog

FYI – March 6, 2026 

Upcoming Meetings 

March 9  

Work Session 5:30 PM 

• Board and Commission Interviews (20 min) 
• MCC Presentation (30 minutes) 
• Safe and Stable Communities Discussion (Operation Metro Surge (20 min) 
• Street Improvement Assessment Rates (Steve L) (20 min) 

City Council Meeting -- 7 PM 

March 23

Work Session 

• Climate Mitigation Plan (30 min) 
• City Manager Performance Review (CLOSED) 

City Council Meeting -- 7 PM 

Upcoming Events:  

State of the City – Tuesday, March 10, 9 – 10:30 AM, Maplewood YMCA Community Center 

The Waldo Grand Opening, March 12, 3pm-5pm, 1880 English Street N 

YMCA Community Center Redesign Open House March 16, between 2 - 4 PM, or 6 – 7:30 PM 

Egg Hunt, Saturday April 4, Edgerton Park (Sessions start at 9:30 and 10:30 AM) 

Non-Profit Resource Fair, Friday, April 17, MCC / YMCA (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM) 

Maplewood 2026 Spring Clean Up – Saturday, April 25, 8 AM – 1 PM, Aldrich Arena  

Administration Updates 

Pre-Design Discussions, Maplewood Community Center - YMCA

LSE Architects held three community open houses this week to gather input on the programming and design of the MCC. The boards they presented are now available for viewing at City Hall. Over the next couple of weeks, LSE will continue to present their findings, beginning with preliminary design concepts that will be presented to the City Council on March 9. Later this month, LSE will provide an update to the YMCA Community Board. Final costs and the proposed design will be presented to the City Council in April. 

High Performing Organization ELT Retreat  

The Executive Leadership Team spent Wednesday afternoon discussing next steps as part of our High-Performance Organization journey.  A key takeaway was a monthly commitment by the ELT to dedicate time to leadership and professional development for our team. We will also ensure that all employees receive information about HPO training opportunities, and reinforce our core pillars of exceptional service, a culture that supports and empowers people, and strong relationships. 

Management Intern Position  

We will be posting for our Management Intern position later this month. Our grant for this position designates it as a one-year appointment, and it is hard to believe that our first year with Colin Vue will conclude later this spring. The position will be posted to college campuses throughout the region and distributed through the People of Color Job Fair next month. 

Cities for Safe and Stable Communities

The group now has 25 Members and 5 Confirmed Allies. Several Legislative initiatives have started gaining momentum:

• Sen. Maye Quade bill (SF3695) to study and document the fiscal impacts of Operation Metro Surge; companion bill amended and carried by Rep. Howard (HF3480)
• Sen. Port bill (SF3596) on one-time emergency rental assistance - $40 million reimbursement to counties and nonprofits

Maplewood Local Sales Tax Bill

Our local sales tax bill is now introduced in the House as well as the Senate. See the language below:

• Fischer introduced: H. F. 3950, A bill for an act relating to taxation; local sales and use; authorizing the city of Maplewood to impose a local sales and use tax.

Community Development

Resources Page – Operation Metro Surge

Staff continue to gather additional resource for the Immigration Resources page on the City’s Website https://maplewoodmn.gov/2207/Immigration-Resources

Ramsey County continues to be the primary point-of-entry for services:

Ramsey County Resources

• Homeless Prevention Resources - utility, past rent due, and rent deposit assistance
• Emergency Assistance - for those struggling to pay rent, housing costs, and utilities
• Cash Assistance - for eligible low-income residents
• Child Care Assistance - for those who cannot afford childcare
• Food Assistance - includes SNAP, WIC, etc. 
• Health Care Assistance - provides single or family coverage or helps pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays

Finance  

Property Tax Extension  

In response to Operation Metro Surge, the County is implementing a temporary two-month property tax extension for payments due in May of 2026. It provided the same extension in 2020. 

Applicants must fill out a Property Tax Extension Application (available on paper and online) and submitted it by July 15. TBD on when forms are available. Penalties will not accrue during this time.   

Eligibility: 

1. Non-escrowed homestead properties 

2. Non-escrowed small businesses  

Annual property tax obligation of $50,000 or less 

3. Residential Non-Homestead Properties  

One- to three-unit properties  

Annual property tax obligation of $20,000 or less  

Maplewood Implications: 
In 2020, Maplewood had approximately $194,000 deferred for two-months. Depending on program participation, this could impact cash flow. To provide relief for Cities, the County may issue an extra advance in August. 

Parks and Natural Resources 

Removing Ash Tree and replanting through Tree Trust 

Park Maintenance staff have been busy removing ash trees and grinding stumps. Forty trees needed to be removed from Maplewood Heights Park. With the mild weather, they were able to remove 19 of them in the last two weeks, with only three more to go! 

Tree Trust is willing to plant 35-40 diverse species of trees in Maplewood Heights Park and maintain them for two years at no cost to the city. Staff met onsite with them this week to plan where the trees will go and Tree Trust expects to begin planting in April of this year. Thank you to Tree Trust for partnering with Maplewood to replace and diversify our tree canopy! 

Tree Sale Update 

As of this morning only 24 trees remain out of 150. 

• 7 Lindens  
• 12 Bur Oaks 
• 5 River Birch 

If you know community members who want a tree, urge them to hurry while supplies last! Maplewood – Tree Trust Tree Sales 

School’s Out, Nature’s In! 

The Maplewood Nature Center hosted two “no school” days, February 27 and March 6. 

Parks and Natural Resources partnered with Ramsey County 4-H to teach K-5 students how winter/early spring offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.  

Campers enjoyed: 

• nature-based play 
• hands-on crafts 
• simple science experiments 
• well-earned snack 

Programs like these give families a fun, safe, and educational option during school breaks while helping kids build a connection with the outdoors. 

Public Safety 

Chief Mondor to Lead Metro Chief Fire Officer’s Association 

Fire and EMS Chief Mike Mondor was recently elected president of the Metro Chief Fire Officer’s Association. It brings fire service leaders together from across the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area to coordinate response, training, emergency preparedness, and leadership development. 

Chief Mondor’s election highlights Maplewood’s commitment to: 

• Being a regional leader 
• Improving strong collaboration and partnership  
• Ensuring Maplewood has a voice in important discussions shaping the Fire and EMS service future. 

FYI – February 27, 2026 

Upcoming Meetings 

March 9  

Work Session 5:30 PM 

• Board and Commission Interviews (20 min) 
• LSE Presentation MCC-YMCA (30 minutes) 
• Habitat for Humanity – LAHA Funds (20 min) 
• Street Improvement Assessment Rates (Steve L) (20 min) 

City Council Meeting -- 7 PM 

March 23

Work Session (6:00 PM)

• Climate Mitigation Plan (30 min) 
• City Manager Performance Evaluation (CLOSED)

City Council Meeting -- 7 PM 

Upcoming Events:  

YMCA Community Center Redesign Open House 
March 2, between 2 - 4 PM, or 6 – 7:30 PM 

March 16, between 2 - 4 PM, or 6 – 7:30 PM 

State of the City – Tuesday, March 10, 9 – 10:30 AM, Maplewood YMCA Community Center 

Rice & Larpenteur Community Gathering, March 5, 5:30 -- 7:30 PM, Community School of Excellence, 270 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul  

The Waldo Grand Opening, March 12, 3pm-5pm, 1880 English Street N 

Egg Hunt, Saturday April 4, Edgerton Park (Sessions start at 9:30 and 10:30 AM) 

Maplewood 2026 Spring Clean Up – Saturday, April 25, 8 AM – 1 PM, Aldrich Arena  

Administration Updates 

Maplewood Community Center / YMCA: 

In preparation for upcoming public engagement sessions, the Executive Leadership Team met this week with pre-design architects from LSE Architects. Two open house meetings will be held next week at the Maplewood Community Center, with community engagement sessions scheduled for Monday from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–7:30 p.m. LSE will be actively connecting with residents to gather input on several pre-design concepts and are optimistic about strong participation. 

Legislative Update:

The Maplewood Local Sales Tax Bill was introduced in the Senate this week: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/SF/3910/. It’s expected that the companion House Bill will be introduced next week. We anticipate a hearing in the Senate Taxes Committee in mid-March.

The Housing Bill will be heard in the legislature on Tuesday. Our lobbying team at LGN will be on-hand monitoring the situation. Updates will be provided after. See attached for bill language.

The State of Minnesota Economic Forecast was released today:

Minnesota’s budget outlook has improved amid significant near-term economic and fiscal uncertainty. The FY 2026-27 projected balance is now $3.7 billion, $1.3 billion higher than November estimates. A slightly improved economic outlook drives a higher revenue forecast largely driven by more volatile sources of revenue. Spending growth outpaces revenue growth through projections for FY 2029. The projected general fund balance for the FY 2028-29 biennium is now $377 million; however, a significant structural imbalance remains. Shifting policies at the federal level and missing or incomplete data due to recent federal government shutdowns introduce significant uncertainty to the projections.

Coalition for Safe and Stable Communities

30 communities have joined the coalition:  Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Columbia Heights, Crystal, Eden Prairie, Edina, Falcon Heights, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Lauderdale, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Mounds View, New Brighton, New Hope, Orono, Plymouth, Richfield, Robbinsdale, Roseville, Saint Anthony Village, Shoreview, St. Louis Park, Vadnais Heights, Little Canada, Chanhassen-Ally, Wayzata-Ally, Mankato-Ally, White Bear Lake-Ally

Recruiting: 

The City is actively recruiting for open positions across multiple departments, including: 

• Public Works/Street Maintenance 
• IT 
• Fire-EMS 

Interviews are ongoing this week and next, with recruitment efforts being widely promoted through social media, the League of Minnesota Cities, word of mouth, and community organizations to attract a strong and diverse pool of candidates. 

Safety Committee Updates  

The Safety Committee is also updating the City’s safety manual as part of its ongoing commitment to workplace safety and preparedness. Tabletop exercises and weather-related drills are scheduled to begin later next month and continue into early April, reinforcing safety practices and ensuring readiness across all departments. 

Community Development 

Home Improvement Program: 

The Maplewood home improvement loan program had a soft launch this week.  Staff has already started hearing from residents interested in the program.  The March Maplewood Living and city website will contain program information, and it’s anticipated will spur homeowner applications.  If anyone has questions or would like more information, please direct them to:  NeighborWorks/Maplewood Home Improvement Program 

Below is a before and after examples of repairs that took place in St. Paul. 

Information Technology 

IT Technician Position Now Open – Applications Accepted Through March 15 

This role is an important addition to our small but impactful IT team as we continue supporting City operations across all departments. If you know someone who would be a great fit and is passionate about technology and customer service, please share the application link with them.  

We appreciate your help in spreading the word!  Maplewood IT Technician Job Posting 

Public Works 

White Bear Avenue getting a badly needed patch 

With the severe pothole issue along White Bear Ave, Ramsey County will do a thin mill and overlay this summer.  

In a few years, the stretch of White Bear from Frost Avenue to Beam Avenue will see a full pavement replacement as part of the full Bronze Line project.  

The Bronze Line project team is currently preparing an RFP for design services. This information will be made public on March 12 during presentations to the Met Council Transportation Advisory Board committee and the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority. 

Public Safety 

Ambulance Fleet Improvements: 

After several years of nationwide production delays, the fire department has taken delivery of two new ambulances. They were in the 2022 and 2024 CIP and took nearly 3 and a half years to receive. They replace units that were manufactured in 2014 and 2017 and had over 160,000 miles each. 

The emergency vehicle industry has experienced significant challenges since the pandemic which has dramatically impacted production. These challenges include global supply disruptions, chassis shortages and recalls, microchip and electronic component shortages and increased industry demand, paired with workforce shortages. 

Staff are working with vendors and national fire service leaders to push for faster, more predictable fire truck delivery times so we can better plan our fleet. 

FYI – February 20, 2026 

Upcoming Meetings 

February 23 

Work Session 6:15 PM

• Street Improvement Assessment Rates (Steve L) 
• Battle Creek-St. Croix River Regional Trail Long Range Plan (Steve L) 

City Council Meeting -- 7 PM 

March 9  

Work Session - TBD

• Business Impacts – Operation Metro Surge (tentative)
• Ramsey County Property – South of the Waldo 
• Habitat for Humanity – Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) Funds 

City Council Meeting -- 7 PM 

Upcoming Events:  

• State of the City – Tuesday, March 10, 9 – 10:30 AM, Maplewood YMCA Community Center 
• Rice & Larpenteur Community Gathering, March 5, 5:30 -- 7:30 PM 
• The Waldo Grand Opening, March 12, 3pm-5pm, 1880 English Street N 
• Egg Hunt, Saturday April 4, Edgerton Park (Sessions start at 9:30 and 10:30 AM) 
• Maplewood 2026 Spring Clean Up – Saturday, April 25, 8 AM – 1 PM, Aldrich Arena  

Administration Updates 

Maplewood Community Center- Upcoming Community Engagement Opportunities  

The City of Maplewood is pleased to announce two upcoming community engagement events regarding the Maplewood Community Center (MCC) project: 

March 2 

• 2:00–4:00 PM 
• 6:00–7:30 PM 

March 16 

• 2:00–4:00 PM 
• 6:00–7:30 PM 

LSE will coordinate both events and will be seeking community input on concept designs, potential future uses, and the overall layout of the facility. Community feedback will play an important role in shaping the final recommendations for the project. 

Additional engagement opportunities will be developed over the next two months. These will include options for remote participation, as well as opportunities to provide feedback through surveys and other input methods. 

LSE will return to update the City Council in March, with final recommendations anticipated in April. 

We encourage all community members to participate and share their input. 

Cities for Safe and Stable Communities

The Coalition of Cities for Safe and Stable Communities, of which Maplewood was an original member, has increased to 22 Member Cities.

Besides meeting with key stakeholders at the federal and state level, we will be gathering data from the business community on the impacts of Operation Metro Surge on businesses in Maplewood. In addition, we’re gathering internal data to quantify the impacts, if any (i.e. PD Overtime, lost permit revenue, etc…) to better advocate for more resources from the State.

City Welcomes Student Intern  

The City of Maplewood is pleased to welcome Luke Lindemer, a senior at Hill-Murray School, who will be joining as an unpaid student intern beginning February 23. 

Luke has a strong interest in finance and will be working closely with the City’s Finance and HR Departments throughout his internship this spring. During his time with us, he will assist with a variety of projects, including: 

• Reviewing the City’s Financial and HR Policies 
• Creating fee schedules 
• Drafting financial charts and supporting documents 

As part of the internship program, students will journal their experiences and compile a final portfolio of their work, which will be presented in May.  We are excited to support Luke’s professional development and look forward to his contributions to the City this spring. 

Community Development 

St John’s Hospital/MHealth Fairview – 1575 Beam Ave East 

An application was received this week for a proposed expansion at St John’s Hospital. The 189,600-square-foot expansion is proposed to be integrated with the existing 370,000-square-foot hospital. The expansion includes a four-story addition that connects to the existing hospital through multiple points. During construction, both the main entrance and emergency department entrance will be temporarily relocated to maintain patient and visitor access. This project is scheduled to go before the CDRB and Planning Commission on March 17, with a City Council review to follow.  

The Waldo Grand Opening – 1880 English Street North 

Thursday, March 12th  

3 – 5 p.m.  

JB Vang staff has invited Councilmembers and staff to participate in the upcoming grand opening of the new 56 unit, one through four-bedroom multi-family development. An electronic invite was sent to all Councilmembers with the request that RSVP’s be received by March 6th.  

Please let Danette or Joe know if you have any questions.   

Finance 

Workers’ Compensation Audit 

The City will receive a premium refund of $28,493 for 7/1/2024-6/30/2025 audit. The initial premium was based on the estimated payroll. The audit was computed using the actual payroll figures, resulting in a refund. 

Information Technology 

Staff Transition and Upcoming Recruitment 

Today is Mike Renner’s final day with the City of Maplewood after more than 10 years of service in the IT Department. For much of his time with the City, Mike supported Public Safety and recently transitioned to working with staff across all departments contributing to the day-to-day operations that keep our systems running. His departure marks the first time in over nine years that the IT Department will be recruiting to fill a position, reflecting a long period of team stability. Staff is excited to be posting the position next week and beginning the hiring process shortly thereafter. 

Parks and Natural Resources 

Deer Management 

The City has partnered with Ramsey County and the City of St. Paul to hire USDA Wildlife Service for deer management. This year, USDA staff will take deer at Carver Preserve in south Maplewood starting on February 24th. Carver Preserve will be closed to the public. They may also be removing deer in Applewood Preserve. Sharp shooting is effective in deer management. It helps maintain wildlife balance in urban areas, as it reduces deer densities and minimizes public risks.  

Public Works 

2026 Street Improvements – Neighborhood Meeting Update 

More than 20 people came out for the street improvements neighborhood meeting Wednesday night. We presented the project improvements, timeline, financing, and assessments.  

The Q and A focused on:   

• Access to properties during construction 
• General questions on assessments 
• Drainage concerns 
• Impacts on test-drives from Maplewood Toyota using Beam Avenue and Walter Street 

The Public Hearing for this project will be held at the Council meeting next Monday. 

White Bear Avenue – Mill and Overlay

Ramsey County Transportation notified the City of Maplewood that it will be conducting a mill-and-overlay project on White Bear Avenue this year. It was initially scheduled for 2027. Stay tuned for a construction update.

Public Safety 

KARE 11 highlights Maplewood officer 

Officer Julius Leonard was selected as a recipient of the Burnsville Memorial Scholarship, administered through Heroes Helping Heroes (H3MN). The scholarship honors the lives and service of Burnsville Police Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth, who were killed in the line of duty. 

Officer Leonard received the scholarship in December 2024 in the amount of $4,500 and applied it toward tuition at Hennepin Technical College. Before joining Maplewood, Officer Julius Leonard was a Dakota County 911 dispatcher at the time of the tragedy. 

Watch the full story:  Marking 2 years since Burnsville first responder shooting | kare11.com 

2025 Fire/EMS Statistics 

The Fire/EMS Department met its Response Goal – 92.8% within 8 minutes.  2025 calls for service increased 3.79%.  Notably, the department’s EMS mutual aid utilization from neighboring communities has improved dramatically with a 31% reduction in 2025. 

Fire Department Transitions to New Records Management System 

As part of a national initiative, the Fire/EMS Department recently transitioned to the National Emergency Reporting Information System (NERIS). This transition will improve tracking of individual response time elements, incident types and actions taken. The application will improve the department’s ability to identify community risk trends and will aid in data driven decision making. 

The implementation of NERIS was a coordinated, multi-month process which required cross departmental collaboration. Several agencies in the region have experienced challenges during this transition, the success of this project is a testament to careful planning, hard work and cross departmental communication. A special thank you to Mychal Fowlds and the IT staff for their teamwork on this initiative.