Election staff recognition and oath/roll call

Mayor Abrams thanked election staff (Andrea), judges working 15-hour days and a 47-day voting period, congratulating council members Lee and Juenemann on election results (D1).

Approval of agenda and minutes (Oct 26, 2026)

Agenda approved with added items on overnight parking and a potential council resolution. Oct 26 workshop and regular minutes approved with one abstention each (Cave) (D1).

Administrative presentations: upcoming meetings and events

City Manager Sabol previewed a lengthy Nov 23 meeting (Century Ave/MnDOT, climate mitigation plan, EV update, 2027 legislative program, budget presentations), a possible special EDA meeting, truth-in-taxation Dec 14, and a fixed-location Santa event Dec 19 (D1).

• EDA president may email city clerk to call special EDA meeting Nov 23
• Staff to release details of Dec 19 Santa open house

Overnight parking and snow removal enforcement

Council member Cave raised resident concerns about overnight parked cars impeding plows. Sabol cited ~4 narrow-street neighborhoods, plans for flyers, social media outreach, partnerships with churches/schools for lot parking, and tow truck shortages (D1).

• Police Chief Birdman and Director Kaufman to brainstorm snow parking solutions
• Proactive flyers and communications before snow events

Proposed resolution honoring Varland brothers

Mayor Abrams announced a resolution for MLB pitchers Louie Varland (Toronto Blue Jays, 2025 trade, first All-Star Game in July) and Gus Varland (Washington Nationals), Maplewood natives, to be presented Nov 23 (D1).

• Staff to draft resolution; invite Varland brothers and little leaguers to Nov 23 meeting

Consent agenda items G1–G6

Consent agenda items G1 through G6 approved unanimously; included firefighter wellness screening contract (D1).

2027 charitable gambling fund awards

23 applications sought ~$154,000; budget ~$60,000. Council approved $58,750 in awards to 10 organizations including 622 Education Foundation, Merrick Community Services, Salvation Army and Tubman (D1).

Joint Powers Agreement with Little Canada for boardwalk replacement

Council approved JPA for replacing the 2008 boardwalk linking Thunder Bay Trail and Lake Links Trail. Cost rose from ~$381k to ~$432k; Maplewood share $83,227; $250k DNR grant; completion by June 30 deadline (D1).

• Put project out for bid this week; award anticipated December
• Little Canada council to consider JPA the next day

2027 Fire Department budget presentation

Fire chief requested $11.8M, a 10% increase, mostly salaries/benefits to sustain SAFER grant firefighters. 49.5 FTEs; whole blood program credited with 3 saves; $2M federal funding for East Metro training facility; engine costs up to $1.3M (D1).