The Leaflet is a mini-update from the City of Maple Plain; just a glance at recent Council discussions or other issues. If you have questions or ideas for future updates, please send them to cityadmin@mapleplain.com.
City Offices on the November Ballot
The Mayor and two city council positions are on the ballot. The City received four affidavits of candidacy forms.
Position of Mayor candidates
- Julie Maas-Kusske
Position of Council Member candidates
- Rochelle Arvizo
- Mike DeLuca
- John Fay
Good Neighbor Award Nominations
The Maple Plain City Council is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Good Neighbor Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Council to an individual, organization, or business in Maple Plain.
The Good Neighbor Award recognizes a lifetime of service and dedication through volunteerism, virtue, civic engagement, and creative efforts to meet the needs of the community.
Submit nominations online at www.mapleplain.com/good-neighbor-award or at City Hall by Friday, October 11th.
2024 Special Assessment Hearing: Street & Infrastructure Improvement Project
The City of Maple Plain continues to advance its 2024 Street & Infrastructure Improvement Project, which focuses on reconstructing essential city infrastructure, including water and sewer lines, streets, storm sewers, and curbs in key areas. As part of this ongoing project, a Special Assessment Public Hearing will be held on November 18, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Maple Plain City Council Chambers. This meeting is to discuss the amount to be assesed to the affected homeowners. This project covers Independence Street (between Budd Avenue and Howard Avenue), Bryant Street, Wyman Avenue, and other areas. Improvements include full street reconstruction, sanitary sewer and water main replacements, storm sewer extensions, and enhancements to curb and gutter systems.
The City Council will review the proposed assessments for the benefiting properties along the project route at the hearing. Property owners will receive mailed notices with detailed information about the assessment amounts and how they are calculated. All affected property owners are strongly encouraged to attend to learn more about the project, ask questions, and give feedback. The project, which has an estimated total cost of $5.7 million, will be funded in part through special assessments and various city funds. The public hearing is an important opportunity for residents to participate in the process and understand how these improvements will enhance the community. For more information, please contact Maple Plain City Hall. We look forward to your participation in improving the infrastructure that serves Maple Plain.
Street Maintenance Due to Surface Distress
To help preserve and extend the lifespan of local streets until the next scheduled reconstruction project, the City recently completed a detailed assessment of several streets. The streets evaluated include Independence St. west of Budd Ave., Main St. W. between Halgren Rd. and Spring Ave., Pioneer Ave. between Bryant St. and W. Main St., and Spring Ave. between Bryant St. and W. Main St. The assessment revealed significant signs of surface damage, wear, and distress in several areas. Left untreated, these issues could lead to more costly repairs or complete road failure. As a result, the City has prioritized maintenance on Independence St., W. Main St., Pioneer Ave., and Spring Ave. to prevent further damage, improve safety for residents and drivers, and reduce the need for ongoing repairs until the next major reconstruction effort. The majority of this will be paid for with ARPA dollars. The other portion will be paid out of the City's Capital Improvement fund.
Fall Maintenance Plan:
- Independence St.: This section was found to be in particularly poor condition, showing advanced deterioration. As a result, it will undergo a full reclamation process, followed by an asphalt overlay. This will restore the road’s foundation and extend its usability for several more years.
- W. Main St., Pioneer Ave., and Spring Ave.: These streets will receive an asphalt overlay to address surface issues, smooth out any rough patches, and improve overall road quality.
While these repairs will extend the life of the streets, a full reconstruction project is being planned. The timeline for that project is still under review, but the City anticipates beginning the reconstruction work before the winter season starts.
Hydrant Flushing Starting October 14th
Maple Plain Public Works will be starting fall hydrant flushing on Monday, October 14th. Work will continue through the City by section as shown on the map. Each section may take a day or two. Hydrant flushing is a controlled procedure that is vital to the general maintenance of the City’s water distribution system. It ensures adequate water flow is available to fire fighters, residents, and businesses. This process may cause discolored water, pressure changes, and/or an increased chlorine odor. Sediment present in the water is not a health issue, but it may impact your water as described above.
More information on hydrant flushing, including when to run your water and what to do in the event that your water is discolored during the hydrant flushing, may be found on our website at the following address: www.mapleplain.com/departments/PublicWorks/hydrant flushing
Street Sweeping Starting October 23rd
The Fall Street Sweeping Program focuses on clearing leaves from streets to prevent catch basins from clogging, which can lead to flooding and other drainage issues. The main goal is to remove as many leaves as possible before snow arrives, ensuring that streets and drainage systems are clear for winter. At the beginning of the fall, sweepers can be less effective due to the large accumulation of leaves, but as the season progresses, they become crucial in managing leaf removal. The city plans to begin fall cleanup on October 23, 2024. However, it's important to note that weather conditions play a significant role in how much sweeping can be completed, as rain, snow, and cold temperatures can impact the process.
Amendment to Ordinance 326- Public Hearing Scheduled for October 28th at 7pm.
Sump Pump Ordinance Amendment & Drain Tile Connection Permitting
The amendment to Maple Plain City Code Chapter 9, Article 5, introduces updated regulations regarding the connection of private sump pump lines to the City’s stormwater system. This amendment outlines several important changes aimed at improving clarity and enforcement:
- Installation Requirements: Property owners are now required to follow the City’s guidelines for sump pump line connections, ensuring proper installation. These guidelines may be updated in the future, and property owners are responsible for complying with all current regulations.
- Permitting and Fees: Property owners must obtain the necessary permits before beginning any work. In addition to permit fees, they are responsible for all costs associated with the installation, including restoring any streets or sidewalks that are impacted during the process.
- Inspection and Approval: All connections must be inspected and approved by the City or its designated representative before backfilling the work. Failure to have the connection inspected may result in the property owner having to uncover the work at their own expense.
- Drain Tile System Freezing Limitation: Clarifications have been made regarding the operation of the system during freezing months, with the expectation that the system may not always be fully operational during this period.
These changes aim to improve the proper installation and ongoing maintenance of private sump pump connections to protect the City’s infrastructure.
City Online Payment Method Changing on December 1st
The City of Maple Plain has switched payment processing companies to lower city costs and create efficiencies. Customers will need to set up new accounts with MuniciPAY to continue making payments for Utility Bills, Permits & Licenses. Payments via PSN (Payment Service Network) will no longer be accepted as of December 1, 2024. There are no fees to customers unless there is a returned payment. The fee for a returned payment will be the amount allowed by MN state statute. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
For more information, visit: www.mapleplain.com/OnlinePhonePayments(MUNICIPAY)
SAVE THE DATE!!!
THE WEST HENNEPIN PUBLIC SAFETY RESERVES ARE SPONSORING THE 43rd ANNUAL “VIEW SANTA” PROGRAM. IT WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7th, 2024.
THE RESERVES WILL ALSO COLLECT NONPERISHABLE FOOD DONATIONS FOR LOCAL FOOD SHELVES.
COME TO THE INDEPENDENCE CITY HALL ATRIUM (1920 COUNTY ROAD 90) FROM 3:30 TO 4:15 P.M. OR TO MAPLE PLAIN VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK (5190 INDEPENDENCE STREET AVENUE) FROM 4:45 TO 5:30 P.M.
TO MEET SANTA AND TAKE PHOTOS OR SEE SANTA ON HIS ROUTE THROUGH TOWN.
Yard Waste, Brush, & Christmas Tree Collection
Yard Waste: Through Republic Services, yard waste and brush are collected free of charge on garbage collection day (Monday) through November (November 25, 2024), weather permitting. Like refuse, yard waste must be placed in compostable bags (paper bags) and set out for collection by 6:00 am.
Christmas Trees: Non-artificial (live) Christmas trees are collected free of charge during the first two weeks of January. Trees must be set out curbside without bags and free of ornaments, tinsel, garland, and lights. Trees longer than 8 feet must be cut into sections.
Organic Recycling
Hennepin County is now enforcing rules under Ordinance 13 for handling organic waste. Cities must offer organics recycling to all households that have curbside recycling services. These rules were part of changes made to the county’s recycling ordinance in November 2018. The goal of the recycling ordinance is to help the environment by reducing waste and recycling as much as possible. Diverting organic materials, like food scraps and yard waste, is one of the best ways to cut down on trash. A waste study by Hennepin County found that organic materials make up 25-35% of what we throw away. Increasing organic waste collection is a major step toward reaching the county’s zero-waste and climate action goals, which aim to keep 90% of waste out of landfills or incinerators. Cities are required to offer organics recycling, and state law mandates that all residents have access to this service. Although households are not required to participate in organics recycling, starting January 1st, Maple Plain will comply with Ordinance 13 and set up a public organics drop-off site with a dumpster provided by Republic Services near the Public Works building (1645 Pioneer Ave.).
City Council Approves ARPA Funds for Key Improvements
On September 23rd, the City Council approved Resolution 24-0923-02, finalizing the allocation of the remaining 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. These funds, provided in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, will support a variety of projects aimed at improving city services and infrastructure, ensuring the community benefits from these resources.
One major initiative is the move towards a paperless system, with funds being used to create online forms through Laserfiche. This will streamline operations, reduce waste, and increase efficiency across city departments. In addition, the downtown well will be sealed to protect the city’s water supply, and new cameras will be purchased to inspect sewer and storm lines, helping to maintain and improve essential infrastructure.
The council also approved several upgrades to the council chambers. A modern sound and microphone system will be installed to enhance the quality of meeting recordings and ensure clear audio for all participants. A new conference room table will provide a more professional and functional environment for city meetings, fostering better collaboration and decision-making. Furthermore, the construction of a dedicated dais will improve the layout and functionality of the chambers, ensuring meetings are conducted in a safer and more organized manner.
These investments reflect the City Council's commitment to improving both the efficiency of city operations and the quality of services provided to residents. By using the ARPA funds wisely, the council aims to support long-term improvements that will benefit the entire community. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting projects!