Maplewood council adopts $41,656.65 abatement assessment; approves liquor license, charitable awards and 7 Brew drive-through

Maplewood — The Maplewood City Council voted unanimously Monday to adopt an assessment of $41,656.65 to recover city costs for abating hazardous and nuisance conditions at 1830 Howard Street North.

City staff presenter Miss Parr summarized the site's history: after an administrative warrant and inspection on Jan. 11, 2024, the council previously found the property to be a public nuisance and authorized removal of the structure. Parr told the council the abatement cost totaled $41,656.65 and that statutory interest (5.5%) could apply depending on timing; she also said legal and administrative fees would be pursued separately through district court proceedings if needed.

“Once we've completed the first part of this, because we continue to need our legal assistance up to this point,” Parr said, explaining the separate process for recovering attorney and administrative costs.

Councilmember Juneman moved the resolution adopting the assessment; Councilmember Caves seconded. A friendly amendment to incorporate the county’s revised resolution format was offered by Councilmember Lee, seconded by Caves, adopted by voice vote, and the council then approved the amended assessment resolution.

In the same meeting the council took three additional final actions:

- Charitable gambling awards: Council approved the recommended distribution of $60,000 in city charitable gambling funds for 2026 — $20,000 for environmental and natural-resource programs, $20,000 for social supports and senior services, and $20,000 for youth programs and community engagement. City staff reported 33 applications requesting about $225,000; the council approved the awards as presented.

- Liquor license for Taco Shop Maplewood: The council approved an on‑sale intoxicating liquor and Sunday sales license for Taco Shop Maplewood at 1275 County Road D East, Suite 105. City Clerk Sint said a background investigation of the owner/manager showed no prohibiting issues. Inti Martinez Aleman, legal counsel for the applicant, and owner Angel Reyes Castellano were present; Lieutenant Hemke met with them earlier to review expectations for preventing underage sales. Councilmember Cave moved the approval; the motion passed unanimously. Staff noted the applicant must still satisfy building, fire and health requirements before the city will issue the license.

- 7 Brew design review and parking waiver: Council approved a design-review resolution and parking waiver for a 7 Brew drive‑through kiosk proposed for the parking area near Half Price Books at about 2982 White Bear Avenue North. Staff said the project would remove roughly 34 existing parking stalls, provide eight dedicated spaces, and create a ~510‑square‑foot kiosk with support space; the applicant agreed to a two‑lane stacking configuration and a lot‑line adjustment or easement to address a south setback. The community design review board recommended approval; the council granted the conditional approval by voice vote.

All votes on the actions described above were taken by voice and carried without recorded opposition. The adopted assessment carries the stated principal amount; statutory interest and separate legal-fee recovery were explained as subsequent steps by staff.

The council also handled routine consent items, approved corrected minutes from Oct. 27, and concluded the meeting after remarks from the mayor.