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
Early Voting Begins - Direct Balloting
Beginning October 18th and ending November 4th, residents of Maple Plain can participate in early voting by submitting an absentee ballot during regular office hours at Maple Plain City Hall. Voters will have the ability to feed their ballots directly into the ballot counter at City Hall.
In addition to the standard office hours, early voting will also be available on specific extended days. Residents can vote from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on October 26th, November 2nd, and November 3rd, and from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on October 29th. This ensures ample opportunities for voters to cast their ballots at a time that best suits their schedules.
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.
Please join us for a Veterans Day 2024 celebration. The Orono High School in partnership with the Rotary Club of Orono will be hosting a community Veterans Day program on Monday, November 11, 2024, from 8:45 - 9:30 am in the Orono High School gymnasium. The program will include speakers, patriotic music, the Paul Stinson VFW Post #514 Color Guard and the opportunity to meet and show your appreciation for our Service Veterans. Immediately following the program, all Veterans and their guests are invited to a reception. Be sure to check back periodically on the City’s Website and or Facebook page for up-to-date program information.
Mayor for a Day Essay Contest
What would our cities look like if kids were in charge?
The Mayor for a Day Essay Contest is back to find out!
To enter, fourth, fifth, and sixth graders can answer the prompt, “What would you do if you were mayor for a day?” for a chance to win $100 and recognition in Minnesota Cities magazine.
The deadline for submissions is Dec. 13. Students and parents/guardians can submit essays via an online form, a PDF email attachment, or through the mail. Winners only will be notified in early January. Some cities may provide additional local recognition for participants.
For more info., click the link here.
Winter Parking Restrictions
Maple Plain's winter parking restrictions. Don't park your car on the street from November 1 through April 15 between 1 am and 7 am or after a three-inch or more snowfall. This not only ensures more effective plowing, but also helps you avoid a citation.
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.).