00:00:07,270 Good evening everyone. Welcome to the candidates forum for Maple Grove Mayor and City Council. We would like to thank the candidates and the audience for attending tonight and our online audience for viewing. I am Cindy Shevlin Woodcock. 00:00:31,870 I am the president of the League of Women Voters for Maple Grove, Osseo, and, uh oh, for Brooklyn Park. Maple. I’m going to mess this up for Brooklyn Park, Oswego, Maple Grove, BP, OMG, okay. Got it. 00:01:03,870 The League of Women Voters is 106 year old volunteer, non-partisan organization which encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of the of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose political parties or candidates for office. The League has a long standing history in our community of providing unbiased candidate and issue information that is widely used by Minnesota voters, regardless of their political beliefs. 00:01:30,070 This forum is a public service, providing you with an opportunity to hear the candidates discuss face to face issues that are important to you. The views expressed here tonight are those of the candidates and not of the League of Women Voters. Sponsorship of this. 00:01:51,330 This forum is not an endorsement by the League of any candidate. There is never enough time to cover everything and all the issues. If you feel that your question was not addressed, please contact the candidate directly after the forum. And now I would like to introduce our moderator, Patty robes. Robles, a certified moderator of the League of Women Voters. 00:02:16,430 Thank you Cindy. Good evening, everyone, and thank you for being here. My name is Patty Robles and I am pleased to be your moderator for this evening. I’m a member of the League of Women Voters, Brooklyn Park, Osseo, Maple Grove. 00:02:34,400 Although I do not live in Maple Grove, I’ll take a moment to walk you through how tonight’s forum will work. We have two candidates here tonight running for Maple Grove Mayor, and we have five candidates running for Maple Grove City Council. The candidates are in alphabetical order. Um, Joshua Baird, uh, Mark Stevenson for mayor. Both of those are for mayor. Christy Barnett for council. 00:02:58,130 Samba fall for council. Rachelle Johnson council. Justin. Um, now I’m going to practice this here. Uh, Navratil. Is that correct? Now, Navratil for council. Awesome. And Anthony Robert Sinopoli for council. We will begin with opening statements. Each candidate will have two minutes for their opening statement. 00:03:24,270 Opening statements will be given in alphabetical order by last name. During the question portion of the forum, candidates will respond to which to written questions submitted by the public. Both those submitted in advance by email and those submitted here tonight. All candidates will be asked the same questions. Each candidate will have up to one minute to respond to each question. 00:03:46,270 The order of answering will rotate throughout the forum. We will end with closing statements. Each candidate will have up to two minutes. Please note our timekeepers tonight, Betty and Dawn, who will display a 30 minute warning sign, a 15 second warning sign, and a stop sign when your time is up. And I will gently interrupt. If you’re running over. 00:04:12,730 Respectfully, candidates. Please be respectful of the time limit so that you both you all have equal opportunity to speak. Um. We will now begin with opening statements. Each candidate has up to two minutes, and our first candidate. Uh, our first person will be candidate Baird. Hi. 00:04:40,530 My name is Joshua Baird, and I am seeking the mayoral election. This term. Um, I have, uh, I’m sorry. About a varied experience throughout my life. I’ve never run for any political office. I’m working class as a small business contractor. I’ve done jobs in retail management. I’ve been a school bus driver. I’m currently also a paid on call firefighter. Uh, I look to. 00:05:18,930 I look to I’m sorry. I look for an increased community involvement, an eye towards responsible development with the with a. With a nod towards sustainable use of current infrastructure. Uh, and I will leave the rest to the questions. Thank you. Candidate Stevenson. Thank you. Uh, I would like to. 00:06:01,970 I’m Mark Stevenson, the mayor of Maple Grove. I would like to thank the citizens of Maple Grove for their support over the last 25 years. And I’m asking for your continued support in the upcoming election for mayor. 00:06:16,870 I have been in I’d like to repeatedly because of my commitment to the Maple Grove community. My commitment to the represent the short term and the long term interests of our community. The most pressing and important issues for our community are three interwoven concerns. Development, transportation and property taxes. 00:06:39,670 We as a city must continue to strive for and obtain high quality commercial and residential development for the City of Maple Grove. With this additional development comes the additional tax base for our community and our schools. 00:07:00,470 I am proud that during my terms in office, we have brought such large employers such as the Maple Grove Hospital, Boston Scientific, expansions, the shops of Arbor Lakes, the Fountains of Arbor Lakes, the UPS facility, Fedex facility, Upshur Smith World Headquarters, and the great River Energy Headquarters. The continued expansion of these businesses, along with bringing new and exciting businesses to our community, strengthened and financially support us, lower our taxes, and make for a vibrant and exceptional community. Transportation continues to be a concern. 00:07:24,000 Throughout the summer, we’ve had additional work done on our roads. The major road coming forward in the near future is the Fish Lake Interchange, which will need to have support from our federal government and our state government to get committed to. 00:07:43,330 I’ve repeatedly pushed our representatives to get these roads done, and we have successfully added and changed our roads. Finally, with respect to property taxes, we will continue to keep taxes low and provide service to you that you expect and deserve. We have managed to make all of these improvements to our cities, our city hall, our revamped and renewed community center and yet provide a very, very low tax base. 00:08:01,300 Thank you. Uh, Candidate Barnett. Good evening. I’m Christie Barnett. I’d like to thank the League of Women Voters for hosting tonight’s forum. And thank you to everyone who’s joining us here and watching online. I’ve called Maple Grove home for 22 years. 00:08:23,800 I have a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota, a professional background in communications, public affairs, and legal and regulatory work. And I’m an active volunteer with the Maple Grove Lions. I had the honor of serving this community for eight years on the Maple Grove City Council. After two terms, I chose not to seek re-election in 2024 and stepped away when an opening became available this year. 00:08:42,500 I decided to serve again, and I’m here to ask for your vote. During my time on council, I helped guide decisions involving public safety, infrastructure, responsible development, and long term financial planning. 00:09:04,870 That experience taught me the importance of listening to residents, to asking thoughtful questions, balancing competing priorities, and considering not only what a decision means today, but what it will mean for Maple Grove from years for now. I’m running because Maple Grove is strong and successful community, and as we move from a rapidly growing city towards a more fully developed community, the decisions we make now will shape Maple Grove for decades to come. 00:09:21,700 We need to protect what is working, address what isn’t, and prepare thoughtfully for what comes next. Maintaining our infrastructure. Supporting strong public safety. Encouraging responsible growth and redevelopment, and providing high quality services while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. I know this community. I understand the work and I am ready to serve. 00:09:43,330 I am Christy Barnett and I want to thank the residents for their support for the eight years that I served and ask for your vote this November 3rd. Thank you. Thank you. Candidate fall. Good evening everyone. My name is Samba Fall. 00:10:05,200 I’m running for Maple Grove City Council because I believe in the community that deserves leadership, that listens, brings people together, focus on practical solutions. My wife, my children and I have chosen Maple Grove to be our home. I’m running because I want to help ensure that Maple Grove remains safe, welcoming and affordable community for all. Where families can live, work and thrive. Affordable housing is one of my top priorities. 00:10:30,330 As the city grows, we need housing option that is working for all families, seniors, young people, and those that serves our communities can realistically afford to live in Maple Grove. I believe we can expand housing opportunities while protecting the quality of life that we come to know in Maple Grove. I also focus on public safety, traffic and infrastructure. 00:10:52,770 Smart economic development, as well as a responsible budgeting. We need to plan growth. Sure, ensuring the taxpayers dollars are used responsibly. Most importantly, I believe in transparent, resident focused government. Residents deserve to be heard, respected and values, as well as being a safe city for our families and neighbors. 00:11:16,200 I bring in on the council a public service record, a community leadership while helping people to have a better life in Minnesota, let alone I am the president and charter president of the Rotary Club, I-94 inclusive, which recently owned a Rotary International recognition of club excellence. 00:11:38,730 I’m currently serving my second term on the Minnesota State of Human Services Advisory Council, which I currently chair, as well as being on the Council of Emerging Entrepreneur for the State of Minnesota. Professionally, I am a career counselor. I help Minnesotans get back to work, and I am seeking to sit on this council to serve and continue making Maple Grove a better city. 00:11:58,770 For all. Thank you. Uh, Candidate Johnson. Good evening. I’m Rochelle Johnson, and I’m asking for your vote to continue serving on the Maple Grove City Council. I’m a 16 year Maple Grove resident and homeowner. I’ve been married for 22 years, and we have two teenagers who are now 17 and 19. 00:12:16,030 Professionally, I’ve spent the last 15 years in the private sector sector business space as an IT systems business analyst and more generally in project and financial management. 00:12:34,330 Over the years, in addition to serving on the City Council, filling the role of acting mayor and serving as the liaison to the Park Board, the Arbor Committee, and the community Centers owners team, I’ve also been fortunate to serve our community as a substitute teacher for eight years. 00:12:55,070 A high school girls mentor, deeply involved in my church community and through a whole host of other volunteer roles that continually remind me of the people behind the decisions that we make in our 2026 Community Survey, 95% of residents rated their quality of life as good or very good, well above the national benchmark for suburban cities. Our size. That reflects our focus on public safety, delivering high quality city services, disciplined financial stewardship and keeping local government lean and focused. 00:13:19,000 It also reflects our commitment to a strong local economy, responsible development and infrastructure planning, investing in our parks and green spaces, planning strategically for the long term and the prioritization to be a preferred employer so that we can attract and retain the talented people who deliver all of those services. This is something worth protecting and a strong foundation to build upon. 00:13:38,800 My vision is to keep Maple Grove a safe, vibrant, and financially strong community where people want to live, work, dine, shop, and stay not just for today, but for generations to come. This work is very personal to me. I care deeply about Maple Grove and the quality of life of our residents and families. Experience every day. 00:13:55,870 I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past four years, and I’m excited about what the future holds. Thank you. Thank you. Candidate Navratil. Good evening. First of all, thank you to the League of Women Voters for hosting this forum. And thank you to everyone here for participating in your community’s future. My name is Justin Navratil. 00:14:15,000 I’m running for Maple Grove City Council because I love my community and I want Maple Grove to thrive well into the future. I’m an active community member, a husband and father of three children, a former emergency medical technician, and I currently work as a public health manager. 00:14:31,230 I believe I’m the right choice to represent you on the City Council, because I bring over ten years of leadership experience and local government, a deep understanding of the issues we face as a city and a diverse skill set, including finance and budgeting, strategic planning and community engagement. As a council member, I’ll ask tough questions to challenge the status quo and make sure community voices are lifted up. So we, as we make decisions. 00:14:51,900 Our community is growing and becoming more diverse, which is a good thing, but we need to plan for that growth to have a successful future. I envision a connected, inclusive community where all residents feel valued and have the opportunity to live their best lives. My priorities include one. 00:15:10,000 Affordability of the basics like housing, utilities, and transportation. That includes finding efficiencies in our operations and keeping our city property taxes at a reasonable level. Two public safety and trust by building relationships, ensuring basic needs are met, and promoting responsible use of data, we can prevent crime and keep our communities safe. And three modernizing the city while protecting our natural resources and environment. 00:15:31,470 For example, when replacing city vehicles, let’s consider hybrid or electric where appropriate to save fuel costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As a council member, I will commit to innovation, stewardship and excellent services and being available and accessible to you when you have questions or concerns. 00:15:50,900 Again, I’m Justin Navratil and I’ll be I’d be honored to earn your vote. Thank you. Thank you. Candidates. Good evening. My name is Anthony Sinopoli. I’d like to thank the League of Women Voters, the citizens of Maple Grove and all the candidates that are participating in this forum tonight. I’ve been married for 31 years to my grandmother, grammar school sweetheart. 00:16:14,000 Together we raised two children, both 20 something year olds. Soon to be graduate students. Maple Grove is what we build our lives, and it’s why I’m standing here tonight. My background is building things and solving problems. I have spent over 30 years as a construction executive, most recently serving as a director of sales and engineering. 00:16:35,500 I also have a real estate license, so I understand development, infrastructure and housing from the ground up. I’m also trained as an EMT because when people need help, I want to be able to provide it to them. Instinct to serve started early with me. 00:16:52,670 I was in Manhattan on nine over 11 and spent the next four years rebuilding the infrastructure of this great city in the tri state area. Closer to home, I worked alongside police, fire, social services and the community to help a family who lost everything within our community to a horrific fire. 00:17:12,530 And when I saw fraud running unchecked and rampant in my community starting 2023, I didn’t stay quiet. Maple Grove deserves leaders who tell the truth and leaders who stay comfortable speaking out. That’s the council member I intend to be. I will fight to slow property tax increases. I will push for more single family housing development to be built that’s affordable. 00:17:35,270 I will build a real reporting mechanism so fraud never goes unchecked again in Maple Grove. And I will hold the line on costs, including your water softening plant cost. 00:17:57,670 I’m a strong believer in better, better Maple Grove, and instead of allowing housing monopolies expand our town, I strive for single family homes to enjoy everything I love about Maple Grove. Maple Grove is truly special due to its. Thank you. Thank you. That two minutes goes by quickly, I know. Um. All right. We are now, uh, ready to move to the question portion of the forum. 00:18:19,130 As stated earlier, the league received questions via email in advance, and the in-person audience is encouraged to submit questions. Just hold your card up, and one of the ushers will come by and pick it up for you. Candidates, please feel free, um, to ask me to repeat a question if you need me to. Uh, we’re going to start, uh, with a candidate fall. 00:18:37,370 And then after that candidate snowball. And our first question is other cities elect some council members by wards or district. What is your perspective on establishing wards or districts in Maple Grove? And let’s start with candidate fall. Well, thank you very much. 00:19:03,030 Um, as we are growing, definitely that question is going to be, um, imposed upon us as I run throughout the city, which I love, by the way. Um, going from, you know, all part of the community, it is definitely getting to a point where you definitely need to have a strong team. So it is something to consider as we’re tapping into the 80,000 mark. 00:19:19,670 Um, why not just keep up with other cities who are doing a beautiful work? Um, it is definitely getting a point where you have a decentralized power structure in our city. And I believe that if Maple Grove were to consider reaching out to the 85 mark, it would be most necessary to have world system in our city. Thank you. 00:19:39,630 Thank you. Uh, candidates. And then we’ll go to Candidate Beard. Yes. Yes. I do not support the ward system. I think that candidates need to participate in the greater community at large and Maple Grove. 00:20:01,670 They need to not look for the niche, particular special interest groups within a particular community, but need to go ahead and actively reach out to the entire greater Maple Grove community seeking a coalition of diverse bodies and groups that make up our community’s diversity and inclusion, and bring that kind of special dynamic to our community. 00:20:23,530 I support overall participation by all candidates to go ahead and to knock on each one of the doors in our community, reach out to our community at large, seek diversity, seek groups that are diverse from them for support. Speak to diverse groups outside of their community and build coalitions. That’s what’s going to thank you very. Much of our community. 00:20:42,230 Candidate Baird and then candidate um Navratil. Candidate beard. I believe that, uh, ward systems are a great solution for I believe what I think is underrepresentation in Maple Grove. Oddly enough, the. 00:21:14,130 Not to put it to the people that more are more likely to vote, but I believe that there should be a ward system in place with an at large candidate. That way, there’s one representative, one representing the entire city, and each ward candidate should live in their ward as a better representation of the different parts of Maple Grove that are so varied in nature. Thank you. Um, candidate uh, Navratil and then candidate Stevenson. 00:21:44,030 Yes. Thank you. I do support award system in Maple Grove, for 74,000 strong as a population right now, and will grow to about 90,000 by 2040. That’s a lot of people for at large city council members to be responsible for right now. 00:22:02,730 When you ask maybe all city council members for a question, you might get a response from one. You might get a response from all 4 or 5, including the mayor. I think that there are a lot of benefits to having a ward system where council member lives within their ward and can be read, represent their community more closely, and be more responsive to their communities specific needs. 00:22:21,470 We’re growing in diversity. We have a wide range of layouts as a city. Think about the different quadrants of the city and the different densities of housing. ET cetera. I like the idea of four wards plus two at large city council members and the mayor. Thank you. Thank you. Candidate Stevenson and then candidate Johnson. Candidate Stevenson. 00:22:42,770 Thank you. Uh, historically, I have not supported the ward system because as our city grew, I believe that all of our council members need to represent the entirety of the city as a growing city, it was very important that we had council members that were responsible for the entire 00:22:57,130 city. As we’ve continued to grow, now we’ve reached the point where I’ve talked historically about the fact that other neighboring communities have a system of wards plus at large. It’s something that we need to consider. It’s something that we should look at. 00:23:14,800 I do think it’s important, though, that we remain with at large membership as well, because it’s important that people feel like they’re being represented across the entire city council, not just by one ward member. Uh, I think that’s the problem with the ward system. It vocalize and makes it so that you don’t have necessarily the whole council, considering your issues. 00:23:34,000 So as we go forward, we’ll look at that issue and we’ll make decisions as to whether or not we need to restructure and have a ward system. Thank you. Candidate Johnson and then candidate Barnett. Candidate Johnson. Yeah. I think with where we are right now, we’re we’re one unified Maple Grove. 00:23:53,200 And every resident has five people independently representing them. Um, I believe having all council members at large provides all residents with better representation. Um, especially as we are still continuing to grow. Um, what I don’t like about a system is that you do have certain, um, areas that are pitted against other areas. 00:24:18,270 Um, and I just don’t know if that’s how valuable that is. And if that’s really the direction that we would want to go. Um, so I guess maybe as we consider, as we, as we’re growing and as we’re finishing with development in the northwest quadrant, if that is something that is bubbling up from the residents that the residents 00:24:34,870 are saying that we feel that we want this as council members, we respond to what’s coming at us from residents. So thank you. Thank you. Candidate Barnett. 00:24:56,130 While I don’t enjoy, um, trying to reach all 27,000 doors while campaigning, I support the at large, um, method of our city, I think that having each, uh, council member responsible to every resident is the right way to go. We have our commercial, um, district really concentrated in the downtown corridor, and all the employment is sort of in one major area. 00:25:21,930 I think if all the neighborhoods where we have, um, roads and utilities and public safety fighting against each other, it would just make more things difficult. I think that having five council members respond to each resident’s request is actually a good thing. I think that, um, as we grow, we should keep us at an at large system and we just need to campaign earlier. Thank you. 00:25:44,800 Um, all right, we’re ready for question two, and we’re going to start with Candidate Stevenson and then candidate Johnson, candidate Stevenson, there is a proposal to process all Maple Grove water through a reverse osmosis system. What is your perspective on this idea? And, um, please be specific about your thoughts. Thank you. 00:26:10,530 Uh, reverse osmosis system is being considered by the city council because of our water quality in the city. And then also some recently discovered issues regarding PFAS. Uh, as we go forward with our water system, we have to make sure that it’s safe for our community, and we need to take the steps and necessary steps. 00:26:29,070 If the reverse osmosis system will be helpful in that process, that’s something that we’re going to move forward with. One of the reverse osmosis system also does is it helps, uh, make our softer, softer water in Maple Grove. We don’t have very soft water. 00:26:45,130 We have some of the hardest water around, and it really affects our homeowners, their water systems, their water softening systems. And we need to figure out how we can use that so that it helps save our citizens money. At the same time that we put the this osmosis system in place, if that’s what we decide to do. Thank you. Candidate Johnson and then candidate Senate candidate Johnson. 00:27:05,370 Yeah. So we’re, um, while we’re looking at expanding the water treatment plant, um, looking at adding city staff and water, if we’re ever going to do it, really, now’s the time to do it. 00:27:23,730 So, um, we are undergoing a significant community engagement campaign right now to really gauge interest in tolerance of the associated costs. Excuse me. It is expensive and there’s really no way around that. So I’m interested to see what residents are saying and what they’re feeling. 00:27:45,130 And if they feel that this is something that they’re going to, um, that they really this it’s a difficult one because at a micro, at a macro level, it’s hard for us to gauge, um, how it’s going to positively benefit each user. So, um, it’ll be interesting to see what the community says. Thanks. Thank you. Candidate. Uh, and then candidate Barnett, candidate snowball. Yes. I do not support the osmosis system. 00:28:14,300 Um, the $700, 700,000, 700 million initial outlay for the the water treatment plant, as well as the more than doubling of monthly water bills a family of three would see approximately a 75 to $80 per month increase in cost. Family of four over $100. Monthly increase in costs. That’s for filtering water that’s going to sprinkler systems. 00:28:37,770 When over 90% of residents within Maple Grove, that home that owns single family homes already have water filtration systems with inside their houses. I would like to see that money more appropriately allocated, perhaps to reduce the property tax increases that we’ve been seeing. 6.35%. 00:29:01,230 Most residents within Maple Grove are struggling with costs associated with gas, groceries, insurance. None of these costs are going down. They’re only going up. And to go ahead and to bring a system in place when you. Thank you. Candidate Barnett. And then candidate Navratil. Candidate Barnett. So I was on the council. Um, that actually started the study for for the water treatment and expansion. 00:29:22,830 And water has always been one of the biggest complaints that we get from residents. And I hear it, but now looking at the community survey and the feedback online, it’s very divided about what the residents are willing to pay. And I understand it’s a big, huge investment. 00:29:46,100 And so at this point, I would need to see all of the data and and the study before I would form any sort of opinion, no matter what anyone seems to think about where I stand. 00:30:09,700 I think one thing that we really need to consider is that right now, our PFAS levels are at a lower level, but that could change, as could the state standards of what is acceptable. And the city may not have a choice. Thank you. To do something. Candidate Navratil and then candidate beard candidate Navratil. Thank you. The community survey that just came out showed 30% of residents strongly opposed centralized softening and 30% strongly support. So very mixed results there. 00:30:31,500 I would not support reverse osmosis osmosis for centralized softening under those conditions. I would only support it if there were a requirement from the Minnesota Department of Health. Um, regarding PFAS. So only if there were a public health issue. As a public health professional, health is most important. So I would put that as a top priority. 00:30:52,570 But it is very expensive and there are issues with centralized softening as far as our irrigation and wasting water that’s softened. I mean, not wasting, but going into our lawns. We all like green pretty lawns. 00:31:12,700 But um, but is it the most efficient use of our taxpayer dollars? I do appreciate the softening as far as elongating the lifespan of our appliances. So it’s a complicated issue. Thank you. Thank you. Candidate beard and then candidate fall. Candidate beard. I currently am in support of centralized water softening. I believe that it is more so future proofing our water system. 00:31:47,830 Like other candidates, candidates have said the PFAS levels and other levels of things in our water, which I believe our water is not great, our water is pretty terrible, actually, but that being said, over time, as things leach around in the soils, it may come up in the future that we need to put something in place and costs are only going up. So I believe now is the time to do it. Thank you. Candidate fall. 00:32:15,000 Thank you very much for that question. Um, this is very personal to me. In 2024. If you recall, I’ve been talking about this listening to the Resident in Maple Grove is very important. And based on the 26 survey, most residents in Maple Grove do want reverse osmosis. 00:32:32,670 Our world water quality is not the great greatest we can find. As a Rotarian myself, water is life. How could we develop a city if the residents don’t have the proper nutrient to live, which is water? It is extremely important, I believe, for our council to begin to listen to the residents. 00:32:50,370 Based on the 2026 survey. And that’s one thing we can do to really satisfy life of the residents of Maple Grove. Thank you. Thank you. All right. We’re on to question number three. Um, we’re going to start with candidate. Uh, uh, Navratil. And then candidate Bear Beard. 00:33:11,630 Uh, this is a hot issue that’s been in the news quite a bit. What is your opinion on data center development in Maple Grove? And if you support or don’t oppose, uh, tell us why. Uh, let’s start with candidate Navratil. Thank you. 00:33:33,630 I do not support data center development in Maple Grove. Data centers carry with them a huge impact on the environment. They use a lot of water, and they put at risk our electricity and our resources for homes and businesses in Maple Grove. 00:33:53,730 So my priority is to the residents and businesses of Maple Grove, not to big tech companies that are trying to come and put data centers all over the place. Data centers, as I mentioned, use a lot of water, use a lot of electricity. I prioritize environmental stewardship and all of my activities and all of my proposals, and it’s just considering the opportunity cost. 00:34:13,130 There are better things that we can develop in Maple Grove, better opportunities to put, um, you know, businesses, homes, things like that in Maple Grove that would bring a lot more value to our community than data centers would. Thank you, Candidate Beard. And then candidate Senate Candidate Beard. I am 100% against data center development in Maple Grove. I’m pretty 100% against data center development anywhere. 00:34:40,430 But that being said, it brings a huge stress on our already stressed power grid infrastructure, on our water infrastructure, and it remains to be seen what the effect is on our public health infrastructure. So with that, I voiced my opposition. Thank you. Candidate Senate Bill and then candidate fall candidate snowball. 00:35:07,400 Yes, I 100% support data center development in Maple Grove. We have become a Mecca outside of Bloomington for corporate entities to come to our location. Plus, you know, retail establishment corridor within the greater Twin Cities. Um, we met Boston Scientific. 00:35:34,170 We have so many great corporate entities located headquartered here in Maple Grove. It’s going to have a huge impact upon jobs in Maple Grove. Bring more jobs to our community of Maple Grove residents. 00:35:56,370 It’s going to, you know, create the footprint for our community that we’re a strong business and vibrant community, tech savvy, retail orientated and, you know, centered around bringing jobs to our greater community in Maple Grove. I 100% support the development and we can keep up with the electrical and water supply. We’ve done it so far and we can keep doing it again. Thank you. Candidate fall and then candidate Barnett. Candidate fall. Thank you very much. 00:36:16,570 As you well stated at the beginning, this is a very hard button. Um, but as the world is moving, it is very important to recognize the diversity of our ecosystem. We have been pondering on this earth for quite a long time. I am not in support of data center. 00:36:31,770 We have young people in our city who are so right now this functioning because of so many different technological means. We have to be a good steward of this earth and the amount of body water that data centers are generating or are utilizing to live is quite expensive for our lives. 00:36:52,630 As a Rotarian, again, I value life and I value this earth, so I’m still not deciding. But most importantly, I’m not in favor of the resident in Maple Grove. For that, I rest my case. Thank you. Thank you. Candidate Barnett and then Candidate Johnson. Candidate Barnett. 00:37:12,030 So cities that spend their efforts banning data centers are being sued. And, um, our use would be better in planning and being proactive by addressing concerns now such as water use, electrical demand, noise and putting in parameters around those so that if a data center were to apply to be in Maple Grove, we are prepared with ordinances already ready 00:37:35,900 so that we could manage a data center application. Um, rather than reacting to one and causing legal trouble around it. Um, hopefully our land is just too expensive for a data center so that we don’t have to deal with it, but we would be better off right now as a city preparing for if an application 00:37:57,700 is made rather than, um, trying to ban it and then being sued later. Thank you. Hoops. Thank you, Candidate Johnson and then Kenneth Stevenson. Candidate Johnson. Thank you. Um, so our comprehensive guide, our comprehensive plan guides development by setting zoning and land use requirements. 00:38:24,470 So if data centers want to apply and it meets all of the, um, it meets the comp plan as a local city body, we don’t have as much authority as a lot of people think that we do. In order to deny lawful development. 00:38:46,530 So, um, being that data centers are not going away, um, it’s an issue that we’re going to have to deal with, but I believe that we really need some legislative support to address, um, where they can set some guidelines and some principles that then allows or allows local city governments to have a little bit more control over the things that are happening in our city. With regard to that. 00:39:02,370 But we approve things that we don’t particularly like all the time, simply because we it’s a lawful development. Um, so I think we need to lobby for some. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, Candidate Stevenson. Uh, thank you. 00:39:22,730 Uh, as expressed, uh, we have a comprehensive plan that sets forth what can be developed and where it can be developed under that plan today, and with the cost of land and Maple Grove, it’s very unlikely that a data center would successfully locate in Maple Grove just because of the simple land costs and development costs in Maple Grove. Uh, as expressed. 00:39:39,600 And we can’t deny someone simply because they’re a data center versus a corporate headquarters. That isn’t how the law works. That’s why cities get sued for doing that. That isn’t a good idea because the cities then lose, and they have to pay the costs of that litigation. Uh, so it’s not that simple to say simply, I oppose data centers. 00:39:55,800 I don’t think data centers are going to come to our city. I certainly don’t support them coming to our city. And I don’t foresee that happening simply because of what the development has already been in our city. It’s just simply not going to happen. The expenses are too great for them to locate here. 00:40:11,200 Thank you. All right, on to the next question. And we’re going to start with candidate Barnett. And then candidate Navratil. Candidate Barnett, what is your vision for new housing in Maple Grove? In particular, the mix of rental and single family owner occupied homes. Candidate Barnett.. 00:40:36,830 So, um, going back to having a comprehensive plan, um, the city developed the 2040 plan that was guided by the Met Council. And we have a mix of housing that we are going by. Um, currently we have, I think right around 26, 2700 rental units that are non apartments. Um, those are all um, have rental licenses. Um, the, the, the apartment buildings have slowed down significantly. 00:41:07,230 Um, we do see a lot of multi-unit the townhouses and um, the, the quads, um, and those are selling quite well. The single family homes, um, they’re still being built. Um, it’s slowing down a little bit. Um, I know when people talk about affordable housing, they want more. 00:41:26,030 The average price of a single family home in Maple Grove is around $418,000. Land is expensive in Maple Grove. Um, and people are still buying it. Thank you. thank you. Candidates, I we appreciate how quickly. One minute goes. And so we we appreciate you, uh, trying to get all of your thoughts in, um, thank you. 00:41:50,130 Uh, candidate and Navratil and then candidate Stevenson. Candidate Navratil. Thank you. Yes. I support a mix of multi-unit housing and single family occupied housing. I think through our 2050 comprehensive planning process, it will be a great opportunity to engage with community, to hear priorities and vision for how our community will continue to be developed over the next 20 years. 00:42:12,970 And that includes housing. Affordable housing is a key issue across the metro, across the state. So I think we need to play our part and do what we can to offer affordable housing in the community. I think if you live and work in Maple Grove, you should be able to afford a home in Maple Grove. 00:42:28,000 If you’re a senior citizen who’s lived your whole life in Maple Grove, you should be able to afford a home in Maple Grove. So we need to offer a mix, and we need to engage with community to plan for the future. Again, we’re growing community, and that’s a great thing. Thank you. Thank you. Candidate Stevenson. And then candidate, Senate candidate Stevenson. 00:42:46,070 Thank you. Currently we have a good mixture of uses throughout our community. We have single family homes. We have townhomes. We have apartments, condoms. They’re scattered throughout the city. There are different economic levels. Uh, we have some affordable housing that is rental. We have some affordable housing that is owner occupied. 00:43:06,570 Uh, you know, we need to continue to have that good mixture throughout the city. Quite frankly, the city is really coming to its end of its growth period. We’ve seen the massive growth over the last 20, 30 years, and we’re seeing less growth today than we have historically in the past. 00:43:24,270 So with that, we have a great mixture already in place. We should continue to do that and make sure that the city continues to grow in a way that provides affordable options for our citizens throughout our community. Thank you. Candidates. And then candidate Johnson, candidate uh, no. Yes. 00:43:47,430 I, uh, believe that Maple Grove, for many young families, is becoming unaffordable. Um, young couple after young couple that I spoke to, recent graduates, graduates, mechanical engineer and graduates. Accounting. Tell me time and time again that’s just a case example that they can’t afford housing in Maple Grove. Maple Grove has become an unaffordable for them. They grew up in the school system. 00:44:09,970 Here. Their families are located. They seek to raise families here. And there’s such a small housing stock that’s under $450,000 I need. I think we need contractors to focus on those single family homes that are affordable, that are at $450,000 price point. 00:44:31,900 I mean, the plan development is for 2015, new affordable housing units, and I support the city’s position not to put high density affordable housing. That section eight housing in residential communities. I think we need. To thank you. Yes. Uh, Candidate Johnson and then candidate fall candidate Johnson. Thank you. 00:44:53,800 Um, I think it’s important that whenever we’re talking about affordable housing, that we kind of level set with, are we talking about the overall affordability of housing or are we talking about a subsidized affordable housing? Those are two very, very separate conversations. 00:45:13,370 But in terms of housing in general, the goal is to have a well-rounded and balanced housing options available within the city. Um, and if you really look into the housing life cycle, um, about early adulthood, are mostly renters, first time homeowners, it’s like a starter home. Um, growing household. 00:45:33,170 You size up to a larger single family, empty nester size down later in life, you have senior housing, and then it goes to, um, if care is needed, assisted living. So if you have a breakdown in any one of those, it it bottlenecks the entire housing cycle. 00:45:49,700 So it’s important that within Maple Grove and within our community, we have all of those housing types and products available so that for the time that people have spent in their community, building connections, they. Don’t have. To leave. The. city in order. Candidate fall. And then candidate uh, beard. Thank you. Absolutely. I believe when we talk about housing affordability, it’s not to refer to subsidized homes. Maple Grove has definitely become extremely expensive. 00:46:10,130 Um, I have met quite a few people who used to live in Maple Grove and now are out of Maple Grove. I’m, as you recognize my face. I’m around the around the city a lot. 00:46:30,770 I am very disappointed to see that our elders are being pushed to residential home because they cannot longer afford to live in that single family household. Children are growing and will be out of our city because this city that they got to live, grow up with will not be there. Long term residents. It is extremely important to have a multi-family unit, and it is extremely important to have a diversity of homes. 00:46:50,200 And why not just listen to the resident? Because as Maple Grove keep on growing, we definitely need to have a multi house variety of options for many starters and long term residents. Thank you. thank you. Uh, Kennedy Beard. All right. On the housing issue, I believe there is. Well, there is a good mix of housing here in Maple Grove. 00:47:17,570 Um, starter homes. I know from working in the building trades, starter homes are not profitable to build. So the only people that are building a lot of the homes in Maple Grove are the big developers. 00:47:43,700 I think a little bit more mind needs to be paid to incentivize people to either retrofit or create what’s called the missing middle, and that would be like a duplex or a triplex. And that doesn’t add much in the way of traffic to a neighborhood. There’s lots of cars around Maple or a lot of houses in Maple Grove that have four cars. 00:48:02,430 So what’s another car? If there’s a driveway? But that would be a missing link in the housing chain, I believe, and that would be something to look into. Thank you. Uh, next question, uh, we’re going to start with the candidates and then go to candidate Barnette. 00:48:23,830 Would you or would you not support establishing a human rights commission in Maple Grove? Why or why not? Candidate snowball? Yes. I completely support establishing a human rights commission. I think we’re a very diverse, unique community with a lot of cultural, uh, cultural groups in our city. 00:48:48,830 And I think we need to have a forum to have those discussions. Um, I think that to get more of a unity within our different cultures and our economic, uh, structures from households in our community, I think that type of structure would be very advantageous to the community. 00:49:15,030 I think the more communication that we have for multiculturalism and integration of a community, for the greater Maple Grove, for all types of people, is most beneficial. Thank you. Candidate Barnett. And then candidate fall candidate Barnett. Uh, Maple Grove historically has not had a human rights commission. And to my knowledge, we’ve never had a human rights violation filed. 00:49:39,030 Um, the state has a Department of Human Rights and a statewide process that, uh, for investigating any discrimination complaints that the city can utilize. I’m always willing to look at a problem and consider appropriate responses. Um, should should there be a need? Um, and if we needed to create A decision making body to help advocate for something like that. I would be willing to consider it, but, um. Creating a city commission. 00:50:04,230 Just to say we have one, um, without a clear purpose and a defined role, uh, without a clear need. Doesn’t make sense to. Um, if the circumstances change, though, I would be willing to look at at one and look at what other surrounding cities do. Thank you. Thank you. Candidate fall. And then candidate Johnson. Candidate fall. 00:50:25,470 Thank you. As a certified Human Rights Council, as a certified human rights consultant, and as the chair of the Education committee for the Minneapolis NAACP, who recently have won a the state of Minnesota legislators as well as the city of Anoka from their Human Rights Commission. 00:50:46,330 It is way long time overdue for Maple Grove to have a human rights commission. This is something that is personal to me because I have worked with a political party in town, have visited quite a bit of cities who not only have such council, but are recognizing wonderful citizens in the community. 00:51:05,170 Human Rights Commission isn’t just about race. Human beings have rights. And in the United States, it is time for US citizens to recognize our human rights. We cannot be just focused on our civil and having a human rights commission is extremely needed in Maple Grove. We are we are very, very diverse right now. 00:51:25,830 Take a look and see myself. I was born and raised in Africa. How many people that look like me are in love and. Can speak? Candidate Johnson and then candidate beard. Candidate Johnson. Thank you. Um, as with anything, I’m not in favor of change. 00:51:43,070 Just for the sake of change or doing anything just to check a box. Um, I think we really have to define. What problem are we trying to solve? Um, have a clearly defined purpose with clearly defined outcomes. Um, the city of Maple Grove has a diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging committee that meets quarterly. 00:52:01,570 Um, to coordinate existing efforts and identify opportunities to better serve the community. Um, this work is reflected across city departments. Um, really, all of our city departments and the efforts include programs through that can be seen through our police department, community and economic development, parks and recreation, fire and the city workplaces along. With other partnerships. Throughout the. year. 00:52:24,300 Thank you, Candidate Beard and then candidate Stephenson. Candidate beard. I am in favor of establishing a Human Rights commission. Well, maybe there isn’t a scene. Need for one. If there was one, perhaps there would be things that have been lurking in the shadows that may come to light. 00:52:51,270 Once somebody was comfortable that they had a place to bring these grievance grievances, grievances to. And I also believe that it’s not going to it wouldn’t need to necessarily be a stand alone council of individuals that aren’t already employed by or volunteer with the city. It could be rolled into existing infrastructure. 00:53:20,000 Thank you. Candidate Stevenson and then candidate Navratil. Candidate Stevenson. Uh. Thank you. Uh, with regards to a human rights commission, I think you have to understand what we’re actually talking. Equity and inclusion committee within the city that tries to deal with these human potential human rights issues on a regular basis. 00:53:42,970 Uh, other cities have some human rights commissions. And what I have found as a lawyer is that some of them work, and a lot of them don’t work. They don’t function in a way that’s actually favorable to the community. 00:54:00,170 We as a state have a very good human rights commission, uh, through the state that is very effective and very efficient in dealing with actual complaints. Uh, they know what they’re doing. They have a large staff and simply us using them makes a lot of sense for our community. There’s no reason to have a simple redo of what the state already does for us. Thank you. Uh, candidate Navratil. Thank you. 00:54:21,900 I do support more citizen involvement around diversity, equity and inclusion. I think it’s great that we have an internal committee with the city diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. I do support a human rights commission to be more proactive in the case of grievances or discrimination. We’re growing in diversity. 25% of Maple Grove residents now identify as black, indigenous or people of color. 00:54:43,700 And that’s a great thing. We’re becoming more and more diverse in other ways as well. Um, thinking about age able ability, neurodiversity, things like that. 00:55:01,430 So I would love to enact some more proactive thinking about how we build and grow into the future, thinking about the diversity of our community and how we can respond to needs before there’s an issue that happens. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, next question. This is another topic that’s been in the news quite recently. 00:55:25,800 How should the city balance law enforcement needs and residents privacy needs with the use of flock cameras and license plate readers? Um, Candidate Johnson, we’re going to start with you. And then candidate fall candidate Johnson. Yeah. Um, I think that this is really rooted in a deeper conversation that we need to wrestle with. Um, not just at the city, but really just in general as a society. 00:55:45,270 Um, and that is how do we interact with AI and technology going forward in a way that balances public safety with personal privacy and civil liberty? Um, unfortunately, I don’t have an answer to that, so I’m not even going to attempt. But I think that that conversation, um, needs to start happening. I also have concerns with red light cameras. 00:56:02,900 Um, I guess you would have to answer the question does the good outweigh the bad? And if so, how do we mitigate the bad? Uh, I will say that I’ve received received zero communications from residents on flight cameras at this point. 00:56:17,230 But looking at what’s happening, um, in conversations in other cities, I think we it is something that we should probably be prepared to talk about. Thank you. Thank you. Candidate fall. And then candidate Navratil. Candidate fall. Is, um, the responsibility of a city to govern its city. Yes. We understand that machine learning has been around for quite a while. 00:56:37,230 And whether we approve it today or in the future, it would be in place. We are tapping the 80,000. Going to be the 90,000 soon. We cannot be just following suit by just running after people. We have to be using right equipment with responsibility. That love that governs law enforcement. This is just not a city wide initiative, but it is something. 00:57:01,230 Listening to the resident. How do the resident of Maple Grove feel safe in their community? Work in driving, you know, playing with their children? Um, we have many, many cars coming and going. 00:57:20,900 We need to have either more money for our police department to hire more people or utilize some equipment, one of which might be using AI or things involved with machine learning. So I am right now just waiting to see how it’s going. To happen. Candidate uh, Navratil and then candidate beard candidate Navratil. Thank you. I had the pleasure of attending the community police academy, as did Rochelle last year. 00:57:43,230 And I know that our police department does a fantastic job, very professional. We’re very fortunate to have a police department that uses data responsibly. Not every community can say the same thing. 00:58:01,470 As far as the balance of privacy and surveillance, I think since we do have that, that trust with our police department, I would, uh, I would propose maintaining our current flock and surveillance systems right now, but not expanding. I think that any expansion would be detrimental to public trust. It’s part of an ongoing dialogue that we need to have with community about how do we build trust through transparency and accountability. 00:58:21,770 I think the police department is investing more in community engagement, which is a great thing, and we need to continue that and continue working on innovative ideas like embedded social workers to, uh, to work with residents to, um, address basic needs. Thank you. Thank you. Candidate beard and then candidate Senate candidate beard. 00:58:42,030 I am not in favor of flock cameras in general, just from a civil liberties and government surveillance point of view. Although I don’t know how the flock cameras are being used by the city of Maple Grove and by the police department. I am not 100% comfortable with giving. 00:59:18,230 The law enforcement access carte blanche to data that they may or may not need. Thank you. Candidates and then candidate Barnett. Candidates. This is a topic that I could speak to personally within my Evans Wood community. Last year, beginning around January, we had a high propensity of property theft. 00:59:46,500 We had a lot of items being stolen from garages, golf clubs, you know, equipment inside garages. We had property theft of 40 to $50,000. We had this high propensity of property theft and quite frankly, rampant fraud. And I contacted our police department. We had a lot of transients coming in, and I requested the flock camera. They did put in a flock camera. 01:00:06,900 We saw a significant decrease in property theft with inside of our community. And fortunately, we’ve addressed the fraud issue as well. Our police are outstanding. We have outstanding public fire, police and you know, EMT and medic services from North Memorial Hospital. 01:00:28,230 And we have to support them where it warrants these flock cameras because they do reduce crime, they do reduce property crime. And I’ve seen the first. Thank you. Thank you, Candidate Barnett and then candidate Stevenson. Candidate Barnett. So I’m in our community survey. Public safety is, um, our community’s highest priority. And in Maple Grove we actually don’t use flock. 01:00:49,030 We use axon, which is the same system that our body worn cameras are the police body worn cameras. And so the data and information is held to the same security as what our body camera footage is, which provides me a sense of a little bit more security than the current actual flock manufacturers. 01:01:09,830 That being said, um, flock technology is being used potentially by retailers. So it’s not just a public a police department issue, but just a general public issue. 01:01:32,530 And I think that leads to a general conversation that society, not just our community, but all communities, need to have about where we’re comfortable with, um, you know, having our information out there versus protecting maybe our safety and privacy. Thank you. Thank you. Um, all right, uh, our next question, we’re going to start with candidates. And then candidate Stevenson. Did I miss somebody? Oh, I. Did I do this at least once. I’m sorry. Candidate Stevenson. Uh. Thank you. 01:01:58,970 Uh, as mentioned, we don’t use the foxes and we use the ad system that, uh, is a much a safer and secure system that our police department uses. 01:02:14,530 Uh, you know, our law enforcement needs, we, as a council, try to make sure we address and make sure that they have their needs so they can go out on the streets and safely and securely protect our citizens. That’s what’s important, that our safety of our citizens is maintained and secured. Um, we don’t need to use the Fox system. The current system we have works just fine. 01:02:31,830 It provides us with information and knowledge about what’s going on. Um, I appreciate everything that our city police department does. They do a great job for our community. They truly are a wonderful asset. And we will continue to work with them and whatever technology needs they need to make sure that they can serve the citizens of Maple Grove. Thank you. 01:02:49,670 And apologies. Um, our next question, we’re going to start with candidates. And then candidate Stevenson. Uh, candidate snowball. Um, what are your plans if elected to effectively communicate between to have effective communication between Maple Grove City council or mayor position and the citizens of Maple Grove? And we’re going to start first with candidates and. 01:03:14,270 I think social media has been a very effective tool for the city council within Maple Grove. I think we need to continue that. We have a lot of mediums, and I think, you know, also, it’s been a very effective these type of days that we have this national, uh, nights out day that we had, we 01:03:33,470 had with our fire and police departments and uh, um, you know, medics and EMTs that were there, you know, from North Memorial Hospital. I think these events, these kind of social events, Maple Grove Days, is another effective tool. 01:03:54,930 I think we need to continue with those events, even expand events, social events, to get the community involved and continue with our social media impact. Thank you. Thank you. Candidate Stevenson. And then candidate Navratil. Candidate Stevenson. Thank you. I think that our city does a great job. We have a very active social media website. 01:04:16,100 We have a very active social media process so that citizens can get their questions answered by staff in a timely and effective manner, which is important. That way, our citizens are kept fully informed. Uh, we have a newsletter that goes out quarterly. Uh, we have other interactive activities, whether it’s at City Hall or otherwise, for people to be involved with. 01:04:36,970 Uh, the combination of all these different, uh, communication methods, including the awesome Maple Grove Press, a dying piece of, uh, publication. But that’s where that is today. Uh, we will stay with our old, and it will also continue to advance the new through the social media to make sure that our citizens are aware of everything that’s going on in our city. 01:04:55,600 Thank you. Uh, candidate Navratil and then candidate Barnett. Candidate Navratil. Thank you. Yes, I think an informed public is critical to a functioning community. So the more we can communicate, the better, I think. Absolutely. Social media events, as you mentioned, the quarterly newsletter. 01:05:16,030 Um, and other ways, I think we need to be innovative about who we how we engage with community, having community engagement events, open forums, um, dialogues as far as how our direction will be for the city, the comprehensive planning process is going to be an opportunity for engaging with, with residents meaningfully about how our future will look throughout the city over the 01:05:36,900 next 20 years. So I think that’s a great opportunity. Um, getting more opportunities for folks to engage and be in on the discussion about city decisions that we’re making, noting that people can come to city council meetings, to work sessions. I want to be very clear that hearing from resident voices is a priority. Thank you. 01:05:57,000 Thank you, Candidate Barnett and then candidate Johnson. Candidate Barnett. Um. Personally, when I was elected in 2016, I created Social Media Council on Facebook and Instagram and then on next door. And I shared everything that we are doing as a city council. 01:06:17,370 I shared, uh, what the agenda for our city Council meetings were. Uh, the city administrator’s recap of the meetings, the mayor minutes. Um, I was available through direct messages on those platforms, as well as email. Uh, residents texted me, um, I attended neighborhood meetings. I was invited to HOA meetings throughout the eight years. 01:06:40,830 Um, I think one of the things I actually did most really well in my eight years was being available to residents and communicating what, as a council, we were doing, as well as attending city events and being available at those. And if reelected, I would continue that. 01:07:02,330 I’ve still been doing that, um, through social media and attending city council work sessions and strategy meetings and, um, letting the residents know what’s going on. Thank you. Candidate Johnson and then Candidate Beard, candidate Johnson. Thank you. 01:07:16,830 Um, yeah, I concur with with pretty much everything that that’s been set up here, I don’t need to list off all of the things that the city has, has been doing and is doing. But I will say that in addition to our normal course of work and issues that are bubbled up from residents and staff, just as we’re going through the work every two years, the directors and council have all day strategic planning sessions where we talk about specific focus areas for 01:07:31,170 the next years, and I will say that, in the 2026 to 2028, um, one of the strategic priorities was to focus on kind of revamping our communications, um, system and the way the community that the city is communicating in those ways. So, um, more to come on that, but it is a priority. 01:07:52,370 We also did increase community engagement requirements for all of our development projects. So these ideas of community engagement are also being embedded into our policies and our practices, and our general way of working at the city. Thank you. Thank you, Candidate Beard and then candidate Fall, Candidate Beard. 01:08:10,430 Uh, I would like to well, a lot of what the city is doing now enables communication with residents. I would like to see more transparency. I would like to see more. What I would call a casual meet and greet type, back and forth with residents rather than council and mayor. 01:08:37,770 Sit up here. Everybody sits out in council chambers or watches on more of a neighborhood National Night Out type meet and greet sort of situation. Boots on the ground, as it were. Thank you. Uh, candidate fall. As the diversity, equity, inclusion now we call membership enhancement. Participant engagement of the Rotary District. 01:09:10,430 5950 where the majority of the Minnesota bonds don’t even know what rotary is. I applied the same thing in Maple Grove, where residents don’t even know what Maple Grove City Council do. They don’t need to go to the website to read what their government is doing. 01:09:27,430 Some are informed based on Who’s council is close to. Some residents don’t even know who the council members are. So community engagement is deep. When council is a council, they just not don’t need to sit on the council. They need to be out in the community engaging with them. National Night Out is a great example of that. 01:09:43,970 But we should not be just sufficient ourselves to National Council. Um, transparency isn’t just simply putting things on the website, it is really making sure that residents understand what their government are doing resident understand what specific projects are happening, especially with our 2628 communication. Thank you. Thank you. 01:10:11,300 Uh, next, a question, is what actions, if any, would you support to reduce the city’s impact on the environment and protect natural resources and biodiversity? Please be specific. And we’re going to start first with candidate fall and then candidate snowball. Candidate fall. You know, um, seven years ago when I moved to Maple Grove, what really attracted me is the openness. 01:10:33,970 I thought I was moving to a farm, literally. I was so excited. I told my wife, let’s get out of Brooklyn Park and go to the farm in Maple Grove. But I come to realize that, yeah, this city has changed. And, um, yeah, it’s no longer the Nimby city. It is definitely a full blown city. 01:10:50,170 Uh, we need to find ways in which we engage our green spaces. We need to be increasing like Maple Grove had done. Increase a lot of these community gardens, adapting gardens, making sure that our community, our ecosystem wise, um, savvy Maple Grove had become a city, a dense city, 01:11:10,430 but within itself, we do have quite a bit of gems, of greenness, of green, of okay, of, of we do have quite a bit of beauty within our trails. What sometimes hurts me is when I walk around our trails and I’m so excited. 01:11:27,570 I’m a people person, right? And when I ask people, are you a resident of Maple Grove? They’re like, no. So other people are coming to enjoy our city. Uh, candidates. And then Candidate Beard. Candidate snowball. We do an amazing job in regards to sustainability and energy conservation with inside Maple Grove. 01:11:53,700 I mean, we have one of the largest facilities that are green energy, sustainable in green River facility. We do such things as we you know, we have a citizens for Sustainability Council. I mean, we provide incentives for families to go ahead and take, uh, water and condition their water and reduce their water usage for sprinkler systems. Maple Grove does an outstanding job in sustainability. 01:12:17,170 Maybe some areas that we could now impact. Since the clean energy bill has went away and a lot of the incentives, maybe we could, as a community, start offering incentives for solar as well as EV technology for homeowners. Since the federal tax rebate has gone away effective December of 2025. Thank you. 01:12:38,000 Uh, candidate uh, let’s see, Candidate Johnson and then candidate Barnett. Candidate Johnson. Yeah. Um, in recent years, the city has made significant strides in sustainability. Um, which can be seen in all of our departments across the city as they’re incorporating energy efficiency, conservation and preservation into their work. 01:13:03,100 Um, measurable results, cost effectiveness and real impact to our residents is what guides our decisions with where we choose to invest and implement new programs and practices or activities. Um, we’re prioritizing trail connections that can reduce car dependency. 01:13:23,630 Our tree canopy management, promoting wetland protections, increasing stormwater management, adding pollinator gardens, and have a high focus on lake preservation, all of which are a high priority to our residents and directly contribute to their quality of life. So thank you. Thank you, candidate Barnett and then candidate um Navratil, candidate Barnett. We do a lot when we, um, expand our like, our community center. 01:13:45,370 Um, if we make, um, new additions to our community, we look for ways that we can make the buildings more sustainable. Right now, I think what we could do is a lot more education with the programs that we already have. I think that the residents already pay to compost for the composting program that Hennepin County requires. 01:14:03,500 I think we could do a lot more education around getting them to actually utilize it, since it’s already paid for. I think we could do a lot more work around, um, adopting drains around our lakes to help keep, um, the leaves and all the trash out of the drainage system. 01:14:20,070 I think we could maybe try to help more people in the lake areas, create ring gardens. Um, I think that there are things that are a lot more simple that we don’t think about. I know people say they throw away their recycling because we recycle, only pick up recycling every two weeks. 01:14:39,170 People can request larger recycling cans and they don’t know it. So there’s just a lot of education we could do. Thank you. Uh, candidate Navratil and then candidate Stevenson. Candidate Navratil. Thank you. I think, bottom line, we need to modernize our approach to the city so we can be more sustainable. 01:14:55,000 We do a lot of great things, and we are doing well with sustainability and environmental stewardship. But there’s more we can do. I mentioned at the top, looking at our vehicle fleet, can we switch to hybrid electric where appropriate to save money on fuel and to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions? Can we expand or preserve our urban 01:15:13,470 tree canopy? Can we have more EV charging stations throughout the city? Promote smart sense water so we don’t waste so much water on irrigation? Uh, promote solar and renewable energy sources, promote organics recycling and our yard waste facility as a great resource to to better recycle organics and yard waste. It’s a huge, huge opportunity. 01:15:37,300 They’re working with partners like the Metropolitan Council on Stormwater and other things. And I think it’s time to move to organize city hauling instead of open haul system that will be better for the environment and better for our streets. Thank you. Thank you. Um, we are ready for our last oh, last question. 01:15:58,700 Oh, gosh. Again. No, I didn’t do it again. I’m sorry. I, I, I cross your name off before I got call. On you. Candidate Stevenson. I’m so sorry about that. Uh. Your turn. Thank you. 01:16:18,100 Uh, you know, the city has been very, very active historically, and what we’ve done environmentally, I think that one of the things that people don’t realize is how much the city actually does and has still does. Uh, a good example is this city hall. We built it using a geothermal heating system and cooling system. 01:16:32,630 We are criticized for spending the money on it, and it was has saved a lot of money for our citizens. But more importantly, it’s been a great boom to our environment. Uh, same is true for what we’ve had to do with our various city buildings and other, uh, industries that come to town. Great River energy was the first platinum Leed building in Minnesota. 01:16:52,770 We worked with them to make sure that they did it in an environmental, sustained way. We as a city do that with our other buildings. We make sure that we are doing what we can do to make this city an environmentally sound and safe, and a community where environment is important. Thank you. 01:17:11,900 Candidate Stevenson, we’re going to start out with you this time. I keep leaving it behind. Um, if elected, what would be your first priority to work on? Candidate Stevenson and then candidate Barnett. Can it? Stevenson. I think that our first priority is the continued work that we’re going to have on our budget going forward. 01:17:32,700 Cities are going to be stressed on what they do in raising taxes and how they continue to meet the demands of their citizens. That’s not always an ongoing issue, and it’s always important that we effectively and efficiently look at what our needs are, how we address those needs, and how we make 01:17:48,330 sure that our citizens are getting the best services possible they can from our, uh, city employees and our us as a community. Uh, it’s an ongoing effort. 01:18:04,830 It’s an ongoing struggle because costs are increasing every day, and we need to make sure that we as a city, provide those services in a way that’s effective for our citizens and cost effective at the same time. It’s a hard job to do. It’s something that the council needs to evaluate every year, and it’s something we do in our annual city meetings to make sure that we are doing the best we can for our citizens. 01:18:20,630 Thank you. Candidate Barnett and then candidate, Senate candidate Barnett. I, um, think that I would be most is most focused on. I mean, everything I. I guess I would be most focused. Um, getting up to speed on that since, um, it hasn’t started yet and I’m only most familiar with phase one. 01:18:52,770 I think that, um, since we are way ahead in our sales tax collection, which is great, but we need to start, um, finishing up the plans for phase two. It’s really important as costs are rising that I get familiar with that and really look at those plans and get involved in that. 01:19:13,030 It’s, um, a beautiful building, and I’m very excited to see what, uh, the phase two looks like and see that get started. Thank you. Candidates. And then candidate fall candidates pool. Affordability. That’s the central tenant that I kept hearing over and over from Maple Grove residents. 01:19:37,400 We live in an amazing community with so many service and such an amazing place to live, but so many young families are being priced out of Maple Grove. With the shortage of affordable first time homeowner available stock of housing, I would incentivize and push contractors instead of building section eight housing that gets rapid permits and gets quick expeditions and payments from the government to get more 01:20:01,670 involved in the single family home, affordable housing stock to to go ahead and expand that for residents who lived and grew up in Maple Grove and wished to remain in our community. Affordability is a central tenant. Everything is going up in cost. 01:20:21,430 Our property tax need to be more affordable, and we need to have residents who are young that left the community be able to stay here in the community that they love. Thank you. Uh, candidate fall and then candidate Johnson. Candidate fall. Thank you. Um, one of my top priority as I talked to you earlier, is housing. Definitely. 01:20:40,770 It is very important for residents of Maple Grove to feel safe. Those who come and work in our city must have an affordability to live in Maple Grove. We do have a an issue in Maple Grove that we are not going to we’re not talking about as an employment counselor. 01:20:59,300 I bring in workforce development right here in the city of the city of Maple Grove, also mimicking every single resident of Minneapolis to have a job to get career services. Why not Maple Grove? Our businesses are struggling, as we all know, workforce development shortage is everywhere, and Maple Grove residents are really losing jobs. 01:21:22,300 We need to focus also on community economic development by offering resources to our residents and connection to businesses we have already in place who are suffering and are looking for workforce development. I want to have a big ears to listen to, the Maple Grove resident about their needs and take a stop. Thank you. Uh, Candidate Johnson. And then candidate now Navratil. Candidate Johnson. 01:21:43,070 Thank you. Um, yeah. Our priorities really should be driven by the priorities of our residents. And what, um, what I’m hearing most from our residents are is a focus on public safety, traffic and development, property taxes and parks, trails and amenities. 01:22:03,470 Um, but if you ask me, what is our biggest challenge? Um, I would say the biggest challenge is, is going to be how do we continue to provide high quality city services? Our residents have really come to expect in an environment of inflationary pressures and high costs? Um, year over year, our budget used to be about 2% of an increase just to maintain what we were doing last year. 01:22:23,170 And now it’s about 5%. So, um, there’s there’s challenges there. Um, we have the needs are greater than the resources. And when we say yes to one thing, we’re going to have to say no to another. So, um, that’s a that’s a big focus and something that we really talk a lot about here at the city. 01:22:40,770 Budget sessions are starting, work sessions are open to the public. Feel free to come and listen in. Thanks. Thank you. Candidate Navratil and then candidate beard candidate Navratil. Thank you. It’s very difficult to think of a priority since all these issues we’ve been talking about tonight are interconnected. 01:23:00,500 I agree that what I’ve heard from residents over the past few months, especially, is as affordability is a top priority. Financial stewardship needs to be our top priority, and community engagement has to be a top priority as well. 01:23:18,630 We need to be able to dialogue with residents about the decisions that the council is making and why, and modernization goes along with that. How can we modernize as a city to find efficiencies, to reduce costs for the average resident of Maple Grove and meet our goals with a sustainability, public safety, things like that? So I’ve mentioned a few things tonight modernizing our vehicles that we use, modernizing the way we haul trash. 01:23:39,670 Um, you know, there’s many examples. We’re going to have to take a very deep look at what we do as a city and see where we can find efficiencies and make sure we’re having dialogue with the community. Thank you. Candidate Beard. Thanks for stealing mine, Justin. 01:24:05,600 Uh, I think I think, uh, transparency with the community and open communication between council and mayor and the city is the most important to me. I would like to find ways and means to open up that dialogue and make it more to two way communication. Make communication with the public and the public’s communication with council. A two way street. Thank you. Um, all right. 01:24:39,230 We, uh, we’ll now move to our closing statements. Um, each candidate will have up to two minutes. The order for closing statements is randomized. Um, we are going to start with candidate um Navratil, and then we’ll go to candidate fall candidate Navratil. Thank you. Once again, I’d like to thank the League of Women Voters for hosting tonight’s forum. 01:25:02,630 Also, thank you to my fellow candidates and to all watching tonight’s forum. I hope the discussion tonight has helped you with this, this important decision of who you think should serve on Maple Grove City Council and Mayor for the next four years. 01:25:17,800 If you still have questions about me or my positions, please reach out to me. I love talking with neighbors about how we can build a stronger community together. As a husband and father of three young children, the success of this community is very important to me. Over the past five years, I’ve felt so blessed to call Maple Grove home. 01:25:32,100 We are fortunate to have fantastic staff and resources, but we can do more as a city. We can ensure our property taxes stay at a reasonable rate and basics like housing, utilities and transportation are affordable. We can find efficiencies in our government to save you money. 01:25:51,970 We can review our processes and procedures for fairness and make sure no one is unduly burdened by the city’s decisions. We can promote safety and inclusivity through meaningful community engagement that builds trust as a growing community. With a blossoming business presence and high quality of life, we have a responsibility to serve residents and an opportunity to modernize how the city operates. 01:26:14,270 Modernization can come in many forms, like using environmentally friendly equipment and energy sources, updating our trash hauling system, and building a more welcoming and inclusive culture that respects all ages, abilities and backgrounds. I’m ready to get to work for you, and I’d be honored to earn your vote. I’m Justin Navratil from Maple Grove City Council. Thank you. Thank you. Candidate fall. And then candidate Stevenson. Candidate fall. 01:26:35,600 Thank you. To the leagues of women voters for this forum. Thank you, everyone who took the time to be here tonight to listen, ask questions and take an active interest in the future of our community. Your participation is what makes local government works. 01:26:59,970 I am running as a nonpartisan candidate because I believe city government should be all about the people, not about political parties. I would listen to resident work with anyone who’s willing to find a solution and make decisions based on what is best for our community. My priorities are clear, affordable homes, public safety, traffic and infrastructure. Smart economic development and responsible budgeting. I also believe strongly in transparency. 01:27:29,930 Residents focus government where taxpayers nose how decisions are made and how residents have a meaningful voice. I am asking for your vote because I bring experience, a commitment to service, and a willingness to listen and work collaboratively. 01:27:53,530 I will bring a practical solution approach to the City Council and keep residents at the center of every decision. Thank you for your trust, your participation, and your commitment to our community. I would be honored to own your vote and service to be on your next city council in Maple Grove. Thank you. Thank you, Candidate Stevenson and then candidates candidate Stevenson. I would like to thank the league, and. 01:28:14,100 I would like to thank the league. And I’d like to thank our citizens for their support over the last 25 years. I’m asking for your continued support in the upcoming election for mayor. 01:28:29,730 I have been elected repeatedly over the years because of my commitment to this community, a commitment to make this community a better place for you to live, for you to work, and for you to raise your family. I’ve raised my family here. My wife grew up and went to Park Center. I went to Robbinsdale High School. We moved out here. We raised our family here. 01:28:46,700 We raised it in what has become a great community. Our community is recognized not only in Minnesota but throughout the country is one of the best places to live in America. Money magazine recognizes as the second best place to live in America. Other magazines have indicated that we’re the best place to live in Minnesota. 01:29:03,700 You know, it takes a lot of hard work to do that, to accomplish that for our citizens. But we’ve made that hard work on the city council. We made this place a better place to live. 01:29:19,370 We need to keep working on our public safety to make sure that the policing and the fire are adequate, and support our city in a way that makes it so that our communities safe for everyone. I think it’s important that we continue to develop our transportation systems. We have an upcoming issue with the Fish Lake Interchange. It’s going to be a national project. 01:29:34,830 It’s going to be a federal and state subsidized project, and we as a city have to be there to make sure that we advocate for our city to get that road done the way it needs to be done for our city. We have other regulatory issues that we need to continue to address, and we will. 01:29:50,500 We have water issues that need to continue to be addressed, and we’ll address those issues because it’s always been a difficult issue in this city. And so I ask for your support tonight. I ask for your continued support. And I continue to hope that our city succeeds and is blessed as it has been in the past. Thank you again. Thank you candidates. And then candidate beard, candidate snowball. 01:30:10,530 Thank you to the League of Women Voters and all of the Maple Grove viewers on CC. And they’re attending this forest. And thank you to all the candidates that participated in this forum. Maple Grove is by far the best of both worlds. 01:30:32,670 We’re located close to the cities, Minneapolis, and then we also are located very close and on top of rural Minnesota. We get the most of the best, the best of both worlds here in Maple Grove. Maple Grove is the epitome of a family centric community. 01:30:54,430 My main mission is to cultivate those affordable housing options, stock those single family homes that are priced under 450,000, that residents could go ahead and purchase. Those homes who grew up in Maple Grove and not leave our community. I’m also looking at trust. I would like us to reestablish trust when fraud touches programs meant to serve our communities. It doesn’t just cost money, it costs faith in the institutions we rely on. 01:31:18,930 Residents deserve a city council which resort reports their concerns regarding frauds to the US Attorney’s office. Unfortunately, when I reported it, I was not able to get any response from the city of Maple Grove city planners demand real accountability. Real audits and transparency. 01:31:46,170 Families who bought their homes ten, 15, 20 years ago are watching their their their tax bills climb faster than they could keep up with. Young families have to leave our community. Too many young families and kids graduating from Maple Grove schools can’t afford to buy a single family home in the community they grew up in. 01:32:07,500 The problem is, can be solved with smarter zoning through working with responsible developers and saying no to plans that don’t bet, that don’t benefit young families for investing within the community. Thank you very much. Um, Candidate Barnett and then candidate Johnson. Candidate Barnett. Thank you to the League of Women Voters. The candidates up here with me and everyone who is joining us tonight. 01:32:29,970 You’ve heard us each talk about our priorities for Maple Grove and how we would approach the decisions ahead. I bring eight years of experience making those decisions. You may not agree with everything that I does, every decision I make, and I don’t expect everyone to. 01:32:48,130 But what you can expect from me is to do the work, to listen, to ask questions, to understand the facts, consider different perspectives and long term consequences, and make a thoughtful, informed decision with the best interests of the entire Maple Grove community in mind. That’s how I served before, and that’s the experience and judgment I would bring back to the council. 01:33:06,800 We need to maintain our infrastructure, support our public safety departments, encourage responsible growth and redevelopment, provide high quality services while being responsible stewards of our taxpayer dollars. And I’m ready to serve, and I would be honored to earn your vote once again. Um, please go to my website, Christy for council.com. 01:33:29,470 If you want to reach out to me or if you have any questions, I’m Christy Barnett. I ask for your vote. Early voting starts September 18th and Election day is November 3rd. Thank you. Thank you. Actually, uh, it was supposed to be Candidate Beard. So your turn. And then Candidate Johnson. Candidate beard. 01:33:48,330 All right. Thank you. To the league and to all the Maple Grove residents that are here are watching online or will be watching online. Uh, I am grateful for this opportunity to get up and introduce myself to the voters of Maple Grove, I would just like to state that my priorities are. 01:34:18,230 A safe and inclusive, safe and inclusive community. Public safety and responsible development with a mind for existing infrastructure. And with that, I rest. Thank you, Candidate Johnson. Thank you. As council members, we’re entrusted with a great deal. We are stewards of taxpayer dollars, but we are also stewards of our community, its neighborhoods, infrastructure, public spaces, businesses and future. 01:34:56,300 This is important work and I take that responsibility very seriously. My professional experience has taught me not to jump to the first or easiest answer, but to take the time to listen and really understand an issue. 01:35:14,830 I’ve learned to look at the facts, challenge assumptions, consider different perspectives, understand the short and long term implications, identify risks and unintended consequences, and look for better and more efficient solutions. I also want to understand how a decision fits within our regulatory and legal responsibilities, and our broader strategic goals. I bring that same thoughtful, analytical approach and trusted best practice from the private sector to my work on council. 01:35:34,870 But what makes this work different from any other professional responsibility that I’ve had is that I live with the decisions that I helped to make. My family lives here. We’re raising our kids here, our friends and neighbors live here. We pay the same taxes, support the same businesses, enjoy the same parks, travel the same roads, and rely on the same city services. 01:35:53,300 My professional experience gives me the tools to make sound decisions, but my personal connection to Maple Grove gives me a deeper sense of responsibility for getting those decisions right. Because at the end of the day, this work is personal. Behind every decision is a person, a family, a business, or a neighborhood. 01:36:09,300 Our residents are trusting us to protect what’s working, address what needs improvement, and prepare Maple Grove for what comes next. We have a great city, but that doesn’t happen by accident. It takes steady leadership, thoughtful planning, and clear priorities. 01:36:26,430 Maple Grove has a strong foundation and an even stronger future. I’m asking for your vote so that I can continue to play a part in maintaining the high quality of life we all value, not just for today, but for generations to come. Thank you. 01:36:42,570 I would like to remind everyone that the views expressed in this forum are those of the candidates, and not those of the League of Women Voters. Sponsorship of this forum is not an endorsement of any candidate. Please join me in thanking the candidates for their participation. Cindy will now give our closing remarks. The League of Women Voters from Brooklyn Park, Osseo, Maple Grove would like to thank you all for coming tonight. 01:37:15,500 And to our online audience for viewing. It is the league’s policy to record and post the entire candidate forum without editing, so that the public will see the event in its entirety and not just selected scenes or sound excerpts or edited clips from candidate forums may not be used for partisan or political purposes. 01:37:40,630 We would especially like to thank our candidates for being part of the democratic process, for running for office, and for be willing being willing to serve our communities. The League researches issues important to our members and to the health of our communities. 01:38:01,570 If you’re interested in finding out more about what we do and how to make a difference, visit League of Women Voters. Men dot org. Membership is open to anyone age 16 and older. Men also not just women. We. You can find more information about the candidates and about voting at the website. Vote for one one. Or the Secretary of State’s website. 01:38:30,430 Links to all our candidate forums and additional voter information can be found on our Facebook page. BP, OMG thank you for coming and remember to vote on