FYI – February 28, 2025
- March 10 – Concurrent Meeting of the EDA/City Council, 5:00 PM
- Economic Development Strategy
- March 10 – City Council Meeting, 7:00 PM
- March 24 – Work Session, 5:00 PM
- Police Staffing Study Results (120 min)
- March 24 – City Council Meeting, 7:00 PM
Upcoming Events:
- Rice and Larpenteur Alliance Community Gathering, March 4, 5:30 – 7:00 PM, Washington Technology Magnet School
- YMCA of the North Open House, March 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM , 2100 White Bear Ave
- State of Maplewood, March 19, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM, Maplewood YMCA Community Center
- Gold Line Stakeholders’ Round Trip, March 21, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM, with reception to follow, Union Depot
- Gold Line Ribbon Cutting, March 22, 11:00 AM, Woodlane Park and Ride --Contact Joe Sheeran if interested in attending/participating at either event.
- Easter Egg Hunt, April 19, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Edgerton Park
Administration:
Recruiting Updates
The City is actively hiring for a range of positions across public safety, public works, and finance. We’ve also posted seasonal job opportunities and plan to announce a City Management Intern position.
We’ve been recruiting in a number of ways:
- Job postings in traditional forums and on Minnesota college sites
- Translated posts handed out in targeted locations
- Meet-and-greet events
- Personalized support with interview preparation and resume building
We are proud to offer incredible career opportunities and remain committed to reaching and engaging our diverse community.
Community Development
Former Sears/Hmongtown Market
Staff met with members of the team that own the former Sears site at Maplewood Mall. Previously the Council had seen a concept for the future Hmongtown Market. Since that time, the concept has been rebranded as the Pan Asian Center and they are considering a phased approach to buildout of the space. The ownership group will be working with staff to create an outdoor market over a four-month period this summer/fall. The ownership group is also working with a new design firm to refine their design for the space.
CD/Fire Dept Joint Food Truck Inspections
Staff is preparing for the annual food safety/fire inspections for food trucks to provide a “one-stop shop” for vendors. The event is scheduled for March 25th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and April 9th from 12 - 4 p.m. at our North Fire Station (1530 Co Rd C).
Bailey Farms Development
We continue meeting with staff from Newport, Woodbury, and Washington and Ramsey County on Bailey Farms’ future development. The property spans multiple cities, including south Maplewood. Newport recently shared a new concept from Real Estate Equities to develop a 172-unit workforce housing development (site plan below). Newport City Council will hold a public hearing on the request on March 11th.
Million’s Crab Closes (1745 Beam Avenue)
The Million’s Crab restaurant has permanently closed. Its Richfield, Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park locations have also permanently closed. The property owner has submitted plans and applied for permits to make interior modifications and intends to reopen the space with a yet to be announced future tenant (or potentially multiple tenants). Construction on the adjacent bakery continues.
Parks and Natural Resources
Congratulations Carole
After nearly 25 years advancing natural resource initiatives, Carole Gernes, our natural resource coordinator, is retiring.
Career highlights include:
- Running the annual Arbor Day events and tree sales
- Coordinating numerous grants
- Leading hundreds of student-centered nature programs
People are surprised to learn Carole is:
- an avid deer hunter, who loves to fish and harvest wild rice
- a rap/hip hop aficionado
- an accomplished artist
- a 2024 Fantasy Football League Champ
We wish her the best as she cruises the lake in 1956 Chris Craft Cabin Cruiser she recently restored.
Edgerton Community Garden
Season begins April 25
For returning gardeners, the exclusive registration period ends March 16. New gardener registration begins March 19.
The 70-plot organic garden includes:
- 58 in ground,
- 10 raised beds
- 2 ADA beds.
Fees remain the same as last year, from $30 - $40, depending on plot and city resident status. The city offers reduced rate garden plots for $15 for low-income households. Visit maplewoodmn.gov/communitygarden
Public Safety
Police Field Training Unit Receives Chief’s Unit Citation Award
The Maplewood Police Department's Field Training Unit has demonstrated exceptional initiative and professionalism over the past three years. They’ve trained a significant number of new officers as we responded to the nationwide law enforcement hiring crisis.
To create a more consistent experience for probational officers, the Field Training Unit updated expectations for the officers conducting the training. Their work has helped shape new officers into committed professionals who serve people in Maplewood with respect, dignity, and trust.
This award recognizes the Field Training Unit’s dedication, hard work, professionalism, foresight, and leadership—qualities that the department and the community expect.
Fatigue study to ensure firefighter health and wellness
Becoming an industry leader in health and wellness is a pillar of the Maplewood Fire Department’s strategic plan. One way the department is achieving this goal is by participating in a fatigue research project involving the University of Minnesota.
The research project kicked off this week and has broad staff support. Participants use a smart watch to monitor heart rate, sleep patterns, and activity levels throughout a firefighter's shift.
Real-time data collection provides valuable insights into the physical and mental strain firefighters endure, helping to identify signs of fatigue.
Fatigue can lead to impair decision-making and response times during emergencies. The research will help improve firefighter safety and overall health, while providing department leadership with valuable data to plan for daily and mandatory off-shift activities.
Public Works
Maplewood working to mitigate climate change
Maplewood is part of a coalition working to ensure Ramsey County’s most vulnerable communities are able to withstand climate change’s impacts.
Earlier this week, the Climate Action Workgroup (CLAW), a subcommittee of Ramsey County League of Local Governments (RCLLG), started planning an engagement and education event for the County’s 15 manufactured home parks, local government staff, and elected officials.
We’ll relay information for this June event as it becomes available.
A Minnesota Pollution Control Agency grant given to RCLLG is funding the work.
Rice Street Improvement Project
Wheelock Parkway to County Road B
Ramsey County project, scheduled for reconstruction in 2028
The county met with Public Works this week to discuss the project’s scope. They’re also developing a proposal for a consultant team to aid with design and public engagement.
Thank you, Mike