Maplewood Signs On to Boardwalk Replacement With Little Canada
Council unanimously approved a joint powers agreement committing $83,227 toward the $432,000 project linking Thunder Bay and Lake Links trails, which must be finished by a June 30 state grant deadline.
The Maplewood City Council voted unanimously Monday to enter a joint powers agreement with the neighboring city of Little Canada to replace the aging boardwalk that connects Little Canada's Thunder Bay Trail with Maplewood's Lake Links Trail.
Under the agreement, known as City Project 2511, Little Canada will serve as the lead agency and as fiscal agent for a $250,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Maplewood's share of the project is $83,227.
Public Works Director Kaufman presented the agreement to the council, noting that the existing boardwalk dates to 2008 and that the total estimated project cost has risen from roughly $381,000 to approximately $432,000. The work must be completed by June 30 to satisfy the DNR grant deadline.
Council member Cave moved approval of the agreement and Council member Villavicencio seconded. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote with no dissent recorded.
A shared trail link
The DNR grant covers the largest single portion of the project budget, leaving the two cities to divide the remaining costs. The agreement designates Little Canada to administer the grant funds and oversee construction.
A busy agenda
The boardwalk vote came during a meeting that also included recognition of election workers, the city's 2027 charitable gambling awards and a presentation of the Fire Department's proposed 2027 budget.
Other Topics from This Document
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
Want to know when new stories arrive?
Enter your email to receive updates.
We will not use your email for any other purpose. You can unsubscribe at any time.