A major highlight of the meeting was the council’s proclamation for Transgender Awareness Week and Day of Remembrance. This initiative was underscored by a commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for the LGBTQIA+ community in Maplewood, with a particular emphasis on supporting transgender individuals. The proclamation was presented against a backdrop of recent election outcomes perceived by some members as potentially threatening to the rights and safety of transgender people, especially youth.

Council Member Dean Dafis delivered impassioned remarks, highlighting the urgency of the proclamation. He expressed concern about the incoming administration’s stance towards the LGBTQIA+ community, stating that there is no question they will target transgender individuals. Dafis emphasized the council’s role in safeguarding the community’s values, declaring, “we will not compromise our values.” The proclamation featured contributions from several community members, including Amani Hayes from Project T and Ash, who spoke about the statistics of violence against transgender people, particularly those of color.

Community figures like Laura Hogg, a mental health facility owner, and Reverend Jessica Dixon also shared personal experiences and called for legislative action to protect LGBTQIA+ rights. Hogg stressed the need for further progress in legislation, and Dixon highlighted the importance of acknowledging the violence faced by transgender individuals, urging the community to remember those lost to transphobia.

Presented as a strategic move to address flooding and improve stormwater management, the ordinance proposes a dedicated budget funded by fees based on the impervious surface area of properties. This initiative is expected to generate approximately $900,000 annually. The council discussed the ordinance’s potential pushback from larger property owners and emphasized the importance of educating the community about the fee structure and credit system that incentivizes stormwater runoff mitigation.

The meeting also featured discussions on a public art project along Springfield Avenue. This initiative is funded by community events and received submissions from eleven artists. The council unanimously supported advancing the project, recognizing it as an opportunity to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area.

In addition to these discussions, the council voted on several ordinances related to local development. This included the passage of bond ordinances to amend previous allocations for a greenhouse furnace, fund Springfield Avenue improvements, and finance a new library’s construction. An ordinance was also adopted to lift parking restrictions on Inwood Place, and another was introduced to modify term limits for the community board on police, with a hearing scheduled for later in the year.

The council appointed Nancy Bui, an experienced structural engineer, as an alternate member of the Historic Preservation Commission. Her expertise is anticipated to contribute to the discussions on Maplewood Village’s redevelopment and private home preservation.

Reports from various departments and officials rounded out the meeting. Plans for an early voting location and local events like the Winter Market and Small Business Saturday were also discussed, emphasizing community engagement and support for local businesses.