Maple Plain OKs assessment for reconstruction project

The Maple Plain City Council approved a special assessment as part of the 2026 Downtown Reconstruction Project at its Oct. 26 meeting.

It was another difficult vote for the councilmembers in attendance, but all four were in favor of the assessment, which will help pay for improvements to infrastructure originally built between 1930 and 1960.

“This is my 12th year as an elected and my seventh assessment hearing, and I’d say they’re always the hardest for me,” said Maple Plain Mayor Julie Maas-Kusske. “Knowing that every single person sitting in this room will be assessed at one point or another; it is not easy, it is hard, and I know everyone works hard for every dollar they have.”

The city can assess specials at a rate of between 20 and 50 percent but has traditionally tried to split the difference at around 35 percent.

“In particular with this project, the city covered everything we possibly could,” the mayor said.

Most of the pavement throughout the project area has deteriorated to the point that traditional maintenance is no longer effective. Additionally, water main pipes are fragile and subject to breaks, according to a staff report. Also, the sewer pipes are susceptible to infiltration.

According to the report, the project includes full reconstruction and mill and overlay work; replacement of water main and water services within the right-of-way of reconstructed streets; replacement of sanitary sewer mains and services within the right-of-way; replacement and addition of storm sewer; addition of stormwater quality treatment; replacement and addition of sidewalk; streetscaping; lighting; and burial of power lines.

Said Councilmember Rochelle Arvizo: “While not everybody may agree with the outcome before us, I do appreciate the engagement from the residents throughout this process.”

Councilmembers Andrew Burak and Nathan Pearson also voted affirmatively. Mike DeLuca was not present.

In other business, the Council approved resolutions for delinquent utility assessments and special assessments for the 2026 Industrial Street Reconstruction Project and accepted the purchase of the taxable grant anticipation revenue note of $200,850. The Minnesota Lead Service Line Replacement Program Grant agreement was also approved.

Resolutions to participate in the Local Housing Incentives Account Program, under the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act, and approving a fire relief supplemental benefit ($1,000) also were approved.

During the staff reports portion of the meeting, City Planner Mark Kaltsas noted the Planning Commission reviewed a new application for cannabis processing and manufacturing at 5901 Highway 12. The application will be considered at the November Planning Commission meeting.

Leading off the meeting was recognition of former Councilmember Connie Francis, who was presented with a street sign with her name on it. Francis resigned in July and was praised by Maas-Kusske for her service and for the reasons she decided to step away.

“You led with your heart. You truly care about this community and the people, and you did an incredible job,” the mayor said. “l personally respect and honor your decision to take care of your mental health. … I want to personally apologize on behalf of the residents who did not treat you with kindness and treat you the way you deserved to be treated.”

Francis said leaving before her term ended was difficult and not a “knee-jerk” reaction. She thanked her fellow councilmembers past and present and city staff and made a plea for civility from the public toward elected leaders.

“I urge residents to be aware of who you’re talking about when you’re writing, and of the tone that comes across in social media posts or in phone calls. Doing personal attacks is never OK.”

Francis urged the council to “Go forth, keep the city running and don’t let the bullies win.”