The meeting began with a discussion about traffic enforcement in Maplewood Village, driven by the Police Chief’s report of increased parking violations and moving violations. The Chief revealed that enforcement efforts had intensified with the addition of a new part-time parking enforcement officer. In October, 160 parking tickets and seven moving violations were issued, with the numbers slightly reduced at the start of November. The Council expressed concerns about illegal parking, particularly vehicles occupying handicap spaces without permits. One attendee shared an anecdote involving a driver in a construction vehicle parked illegally, justifying their actions due to limited parking availability. This highlighted the broader issue of delivery drivers from services like Uber Eats and GrubHub contributing to street congestion and pedestrian hazards.

To address these challenges, Council members debated the potential for designated short-term drop-off zones to alleviate parking strain, especially during the holiday season. Acknowledging the difficulty in enforcing these zones, they suggested increased law enforcement presence might enhance driver compliance. Moreover, the removal of outdoor dining structures, or “streeteries,” was seen as an opportunity to enhance parking regulation enforcement. The Council emphasized the need for collaboration with the Village Alliance to explore solutions beneficial to both businesses and public safety.

In another significant part of the meeting, the Council discussed a proposal from the Springfield Avenue Partnership to reduce the speed limit. A consultant recommended lowering the limit to 30 miles per hour, while others favored 25 miles per hour to align with actual driving speeds. Advocates for the lower limit argued that reducing speed even by five miles per hour could impact pedestrian safety. The Council resolved to gather further input from traffic engineers before making a final decision.

Linked to speed regulation was the issue of e-bikes and e-scooters on sidewalks, prompted by safety concerns expressed by the Springfield Avenue Partnership. The Police Chief supported an ordinance to regulate these vehicles, noting the prevalence of young riders unaware of traffic laws. A neighboring town’s ordinance served as a model, prohibiting sidewalk riding and allowing bike confiscation for violations. The Council acknowledged challenges in balancing delivery service needs with pedestrian safety, noting businesses’ concerns over customer safety. The discussion also touched on the absence of designated bike lanes, raising questions about safe operating spaces for cyclists.

The meeting also covered bike safety and regulations, emphasizing the importance of engaging local biking advocates. Council members discussed the visibility of cyclists and proposed a town-wide campaign to educate drivers about shared road awareness. They recognized different safety needs for various cyclist groups, including school children and delivery personnel.

Subsequently, the Council reviewed crime statistics, noting a significant reduction in crime rates, including a marked decrease in auto thefts. The Police Chief attributed this to improved enforcement and community awareness. The Council acknowledged the police department’s efforts in maintaining low crime rates and managing resources effectively, with a reduction in overtime costs. They also discussed the swearing-in of a new officer and plans to recruit additional personnel.

The meeting concluded with updates from the Office of Emergency Management, which is collaborating with the county on a hazard mitigation plan. The plan aims to identify projects eligible for federal funding to address potential hazards in Maplewood. Discussions considered penalties for excessive false alarms, noting a decline due to technological advances like Ring cameras.