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
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:
- Non-escrowed homestead properties
- Non-escrowed small businesses
Annual property tax obligation of $50,000 or less
- 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.