Maple Plain City Council — Transcript
Monday, October 26, 2026
Former Council Member Recognition and Civility
Public Comment: Special Benefit Doctrine and Special Assessments
Staff Reports and City Operations Updates
Council Reports and Community Engagement
Votes (6)
Certifying Special Assessments for Delinquency Utility Assessments at 1660 Spring Avenue
Dissent: None
Moved by Berack [00:37:34] · Seconded by Viso [00:37:40]
The Administrator explained that policy changes, such as disconnecting water for delinquent bills, have significantly reduced the number of properties requiring assessment for overdue utilities. This year, only one property, 1660 Spring Avenue, is subject to this assessment, totaling $23,120.01 including fees and penalties. The property owner has 30 days to pay to avoid it going to the tax roll.
Certifying Special Assessments for the 2026 Industrial Street Reconstruction Project
Dissent: None
Moved by Pearson [00:39:13] · Seconded by Reiso [00:39:16]
The City Engineer reported that no public attendees were present at the assessment hearing for this project. Only two properties are being assessed, specifically for water main repair, as the street itself was a mill and overlay project, which is not an assessable cost.
Certifying Special Assessments for the 2026 Downtown Reconstruction Project
Dissent: None (Roll call: Arzo-Yes, Mayor-Yes, Berack-Yes, Pearson-Yes)
Moved by Berack [00:49:15] · Seconded by Viso [00:49:18]
The City Engineer explained the assessment methodology, noting 34 properties are on the assessment roll, using an adjusted front footage basis for this mixed-use area, with corner lots receiving a 50% credit. Unit assessments for utilities (sanitary and water main) were also detailed, with a large development property bearing a significant portion due to its 95 units. Discussion included adherence to established city code and assessment procedures, the legal concept of 'special benefit,' and the implications of not adopting the assessment on city finances and future tax rates. The Mayor acknowledged the difficulty of assessments but affirmed the council's adherence to policy, which traditionally sets assessments at 35% of eligible costs.
Electing to Participate in the Local Housing Incentives Account Program Under the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act
Dissent: None
Moved by Arzo [00:52:19] · Seconded by Pearson [00:52:21]
The Administrator recommended joining the Met Council's Livable Communities program, which supports housing affordability goals. A key benefit of participation is eligibility for grant dollars, specifically noting that the city was previously ineligible for grants for contaminated soil remediation at an apartment building site.
Accepting the Purchase of the Taxable Grant Anticipation Revenue Note and Authorizing the Execution of the Minnesota Lead Service Line Replacement Program Grant Agreement
Dissent: None
Moved by Berack [00:55:40] · Seconded by Pearson [00:55:42]
The City Engineer clarified that this resolution secures funding for the public side of the lead service line replacement project, separate from private-side grants. It involves a 0% bond that the state will fully reimburse the city for once the project is completed.
Adopting Resolution 2026-1026-06 Approving the Fire Relief Supplemental Benefit
Dissent: None
Moved by Pearson [00:59:04] · Seconded by Berk [00:59:06]
The Administrator requested approval for an additional $1,000 supplemental benefit for a firefighter who will turn 50 before the Fire Relief Association's funds are dispersed. This brings the total supplemental benefit paid to $7,000, which will be fully reimbursed by the Minnesota Department of Revenue in the spring. This is expected to be the final personnel-related action concerning the former Maple Plains Fire Department.
Notable Quotes (8)
We changed our policies and started disconnecting water um for those that were behind on their water bill. um which has drastically changed the number of properties that we assess for utility bills that are delinquent. Um last year we had none. This year we have one property 1660 Spring Avenue.
We treated all lots um by an adjusted front footage basis and corner lots were were given a 50% credit for the second side, which we considered to be the side without the driveway if they had um if they were if they had accessible work done on both on multiple sides.
If you were to do that, one, again, it would set a precedent. Two, um, taxpayers across the city would see at minimum 2 and a.5% increase in their taxes automatically.
But trusting and keeping with policy, honoring city code. Um and as a reminder, in our code, we can assess 20 to 50%. Um we have traditionally split that range at 35%.
But we have done everything possible with the question before us where the assessment is role is reasonable, equitable and legally affordable. But as property owners, you also retain the right to appeal if you believe the assessment exceeds the benefits. So, but based on information for us, I do support the adoption of this assessment rule.
Part of the reason that I really wanted to join this program as well is because um, grant dollars uh, through DED um, come you are eligible for grant dollars through DED if you are a member of this program. when we were talking about the remediation of um contaminated soils at the sites um where the apartment building is. We wanted to apply for those grants but we're not eligible. This program would allow us to be eligible for that grant.
This bond this um bond purchase is the it's a 0% bond that covers the city or the the public side of the lead service line replacement project. So once we complete the project then um the state will reimburse the city completely for all of the the costs for that portion of it.
By the time that they um do disperse the funds um past November 10th, another firefighter will have reached the age of 50. Therefore, we I am asking that we pay another $1,000 supplemental benefit. That would end up being a total of $7,000 that we paid for supplemental benefit and we would get reimbursed in the spring from the Minnesota Department of Revenue for that $7,000.
Ordinances & Resolutions (12)
Certifying special assessment for delinquent utility balances to property tax role at 1660 Spring Avenue.
Certifying special assessments for the 2026 Industrial Street Reconstruction Project.
Certifying special assessments for the 2026 Downtown Reconstruction Project.
Electing to participate in the Local Housing Incentives Account program under the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act.
Accepting the purchase of the taxable grant anticipation revenue note and authorizing the execution of the Minnesota Lead Service Line Replacement Program Grant Agreement.
Approving the fire relief supplemental benefit.
Agreement for state funding for lead service line replacement.
State act under which the local housing incentives account program operates.
References to city code guiding assessment methodology and fire department updates.
Report prepared as part of the assessment procedure.
Report reviewed for water plant security.
Report reviewed for water plant security.