The Maple Grove City Council convened on December 2, 2024, to address several pressing community issues, including a proposal for a homeless settlement and the upcoming 2025 budget. The meeting began with public comments regarding the Open Door Sacred Settlement proposal, which has raised concerns among local residents.

Mickey Efelmbine, representing the Chapelwood Homeowners Association, urged council members to attend an action meeting scheduled for January 7, where over 300 homeowners plan to voice their opinions on the settlement. Efelmbine questioned the necessity of a municipal permit for the settlement, citing state statutes that suggest local governments may have limited authority over such developments. City Attorney Bruce Templin clarified that while the city can require a permit, it cannot impose additional conditions beyond those established by state law.

Residents Raj Kankari and Heidi O'Brien also expressed their concerns. Kankari highlighted the potential negative impact of the settlement on property values and neighborhood safety, while O'Brien raised alarms about the implications of housing homeless individuals near a school, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of community safety.

Following the public forum, the council moved on to the next agenda item, which was the public hearing on the 2025 budget. City staff presented the budget details, noting that previous work sessions had laid the groundwork for the proposed tax levy. The council plans to finalize the budget on December 16, following the required public hearing process.

Overall, the meeting underscored the community's apprehensions regarding the homeless settlement and the city's fiscal planning for the upcoming year. The council's next steps will involve further investigation into the legal aspects of the settlement and continued discussions on the budget.