Woodbury City Council — Agenda
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Public Safety and Federal Immigration Enforcement
Infrastructure Development and Maintenance
Environmental Stewardship and Resource Management
Housing and Community Development Programs
Fiscal Management and Operational Policy
Local Ordinances and Public Services
Votes (27)
Presentation by Metropolitan Council Member Mark Jenkins
Metropolitan Council Member Mark Jenkins presented an informational overview of Met Council services. No specific action was required from the City Council.
Open Forum Discussion on Volunteerism and Federal Immigration Enforcement (ICE/DHS) (April 22, 2026)
Moved by Councilmember Morris [2026-04-22] · Seconded by Councilmember Santini [2026-04-22]
Multiple residents addressed the Council during the Open Forum, with a significant portion dedicated to federal immigration enforcement (DHS/ICE) activities. Residents urged the Council to pass a formal resolution restricting the use of City-owned property, stating that previous proclamations were insufficient and lacked enforceability. Mayor Burt acknowledged community fears but indicated limitations on the governing body's actions, noting the alleged end of 'Operation Metro Surge' and absence of federal agent staging on city property. Councilmember Wilson reiterated her previous statements. Another resident also raised concerns about building inspection mid-point checks.
Approval of Edgewater Park Construction
Staff recommended approving a contract with Minnesota Roadways Co. for $354,396.21 for Edgewater Park site improvements. The project includes replacing the parking lot, tennis court, and basketball court, and adding one pickleball court. Public engagement yielded mixed feedback, influencing the decision for a single pickleball court.
Approval of Settlers East 4th Addition; Final Plat; Project No. 01-2026-00608
MSP Commercial requested Final Plat approval to create an additional commercial lot, splitting the existing Settlers East plat for future development. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions including easements and recording prior to building permit issuance.
Approval of Submission of the City of Woodbury 2026 Annual Action Plan and Substantial Amendment to the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Staff recommended adopting RESOLUTION 26-49 to approve the 2026 Annual Action Plan (AAP) and a substantial amendment to the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan. The AAP allocates CDBG funds for program administration and affordable housing activities by Two Rivers Community Land Trust (TRCLT), and prior year funds for a private ash tree removal activity (PATRA). The amendment adds 'Cleanup of Contaminated Sites' as a goal to the Consolidated Plan. No public comments were received during the 30-day comment period.
Approval of the Cooperative Agreement with South Washington Watershed District for Goldfish Management and Removal
Staff recommended adopting RESOLUTION 26-50 to approve a cooperative agreement with the South Washington Watershed District (SWWD) for goldfish management and removal. The initiative aims to protect water resources from invasive goldfish. The City will manage the project, and SWWD will reimburse 50% of the costs.
Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Woodbury and the Washington Conservation District for the Native Plant Rebate Pilot Program
Staff recommended adopting RESOLUTION 26-51 to approve an intergovernmental agreement for a Native Plant Rebate Pilot Program with the Washington Conservation District (WCD). The program offers up to $500 rebates for residents to install water-efficient native landscapes, aiming to meet water efficiency and greenspace goals. The City provides $50,000 in upfront funding, and WCD administers the program.
Approval of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Grant; Accepting and Executing the Grant Agreement and Approving Associated Budget Amendment
Staff recommended adopting RESOLUTION 26-52 to accept a $230,000 Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the Powers Lake Shoreline Restoration Project, Phase I. The project requires a $23,000 (10%) City match and focuses on restoring native vegetation and removing invasive species.
Approval of City of Woodbury Water Treatment 2025-2027 Pipelines Construction Grant Amendment #1: Authorize Acceptance; Budget Amendment
Staff recommended adopting RESOLUTION 26-53 to authorize acceptance of Amendment #1 to a grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) related to the 3M settlement for PFAS in drinking water. The amendment modifies the total grant obligation to $71,051,252, includes $25,000 for asset management, authorizes work on the Saint John Lutheran Stormwater BMP project, and provides a $5 million advanced payment to assist with cash flow.
Approval of Long-term Vegetation Maintenance Program; Authorizing Consultant Selection
Staff recommended adopting RESOLUTION 26-54 to authorize the selection of Stantec Engineering as the consultant for the 2026-2029 Long-term Vegetation Maintenance Program. This program addresses the specialized maintenance needs (mowing, spraying, prescribed burns) of native vegetation and habitat on City-managed public lands. The total contract value is $235,000.
Approval of Upper Afton Road Fire Station Exhaust System Project; Budget Amendment
Staff recommended adopting RESOLUTION 26-55 to approve a budget amendment for the installation of an exhaust system at the Upper Afton Road Fire Station, which currently lacks one.
Approval of Accepting the Spark Good Community Grant; Budget Amendment
Staff recommended adopting RESOLUTION 26-56 to authorize the acceptance of the Spark Good Community Grant and approve the associated budget amendment. Specific details of the grant's purpose or amount were not provided in the summary.
Approval of the Change of Polling Locations in the City of Woodbury for Precincts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 13
Staff recommended adopting RESOLUTION 26-57 to approve changes to polling locations for several precincts within the City of Woodbury.
Approval of July 2026 – December 2026 Employee Group Insurance Benefits
Staff recommended adopting five resolutions (26-58 through 26-62) concerning employee group medical insurance (Medica, with amended City contribution), self-funded dental insurance (HealthPartners), life and long-term disability insurance (Symetra), short-term disability administrative services (Symetra), and voluntary supplemental (AFLAC) and vision (EyeMed Vision Care) insurance offerings.
Approval of Marks Cafe LLC, dba City Walk Cafe and Bar, On Sale Intoxicating Liquor License
A public hearing was held to consider approval of an On Sale Intoxicating Liquor License, including Sunday and Patio Sales, for Marks Cafe LLC dba City Walk Cafe & Bar at 10060 City Walk Drive Suite 101. Staff recommended approval.
Presentation of 2026 Community Survey Results
Staff recommended that the Council review the results of the 2026 Community Survey and provide direction to staff for any necessary follow-up items. This was an informational item.
Approval of Cottage Grove Drive Master Plan
Staff recommended adopting RESOLUTION 26-63, approving the Cottage Grove Drive Master Plan. The Planning Commission had previously reviewed and recommended approval of the plan by a 6-0 vote on May 4, 2026, with staff concurring.
Approval of Issuance and Sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026A
Staff recommended adopting RESOLUTION 26-64, providing for the issuance and sale of General Obligation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2026A, in the proposed aggregate principal amount of $41,295,000.
Update on Drinking Water Strategic Initiative: Water Treatment Implementation (April 22, 2026)
Staff provided an update on the Drinking Water Strategic Initiative, specifically water treatment implementation. The Council directed staff regarding 2027 water rates, approving annual increases of 8% for water rates and 5% for sewer rates, plus a 4% MCES pass-through, totaling a 9% sewer-related impact. No further direction was given on the White Bear Lake Work Group.
Consideration of Ordinance, Helmet Requirement for E-Bike Users under 18 Years of Age (April 22, 2026)
Staff presented on a potential ordinance requiring helmets for e-bike users under 18. Council discussed the proposal and directed staff to present it at a future workshop, requesting Public Safety to provide further details on enforcement concerns and a memorandum for Council review.
Proclamation Recognizing Mike Madigan, Volunteer Recognition Week, Public Service Recognition Week, Police Week, and EMS Week (April 22, 2026)
Mayor Burt issued several proclamations: recognizing Woodbury resident Mike Madigan's 18-year tenure on the South Washington Watershed District Board, declaring April 19-25, 2026, as Volunteer Recognition Week, and May 3-9, 2026, as Public Service Recognition Week (including Police Week, Peace Officers Memorial Day, and EMS Week). Discussion included finding volunteer opportunities.
Amendment to CenterPoint Energy Gas Franchise Fee (April 22, 2026)
Moved by Councilmember Morris [2026-04-22] · Seconded by Councilmember Stafford [2026-04-22]
A public hearing was held to consider an amendment to Chapter 9 Franchises, Section 9-6, to provide an exemption from the CenterPoint Energy gas franchise fee for a property at 3160 Manning Ave (grain dryer operation) due to significant fee increases. Staff recommended the exemption after review and CenterPoint Energy concurrence, noting similar exemptions by other cities.
Approval of Special Assessments for 2026 Pavement Rehabilitation Project – Woodlane Drive (April 22, 2026)
Dissent: Councilmember Wilson
Moved by Councilmember Santini [2026-04-22] · Seconded by Councilmember Morris [2026-04-22]
A public hearing was held regarding special assessments for the Woodlane Drive Pavement Rehabilitation Project, which includes lane conversion, pavement replacement, pedestrian enhancements, and utility improvements. Attorney Kevin Shoeberg filed objections on behalf of commercial property owners, arguing the project is for a major arterial road and should not be specially assessed, that assessments would decrease property value, and questioned the fairness of calculation and grant allocation. Councilmember Morris defended the city's consistent assessment policy, while Councilmember Wilson expressed concerns about the policy and specific project details, noting past deviations.
Woodlane Drive Pavement Rehabilitation Project Contract Award (April 22, 2026)
Moved by Councilmember Stafford [2026-04-22] · Seconded by Councilmember Morris [2026-04-22]
Following the special assessments decision, the Council considered awarding the construction contract for the Woodlane Drive (Bailey Road to Wooddale Drive) Pavement Rehabilitation Project to McNamara Contracting for $5,687,344.06. This also included amending the 2026 budget and authorizing a professional engineering services agreement with SEH, Inc., for construction administration services at $662,900.
Transportation Report - Active and Upcoming Construction Projects (April 22, 2026)
City Engineer Tony Kutzke provided an update on various active construction projects including the Water Treatment Pipeline Project, Valley Creek Road Trail Project, Bailey Road and Fairway Drive Traffic Signal, and the 2026 Roadway Rehabilitation Project. He also detailed upcoming projects like Woodlane Drive Rehabilitation, Bailey Road and Settlers Ridge Parkway Intersection Improvement, and Intrepid Fiber. Discussions included road closures, project coordination, and pedestrian safety.
City Administrator’s Report - Community Events and Fire Station Update (April 22, 2026)
City Administrator Jeffrey Dahl provided updates on upcoming community events, including an 'Electrify Everything Workshop' on April 27th and a joint meeting with Cottage Grove on April 29th. He also announced that the Lower Afton Fire Station is being recommissioned to accommodate new 24-hour shifts, with an open house scheduled for May 14th.
Joint Workshop with City of Cottage Grove (April 29, 2026)
The Woodbury City Council held a joint workshop with elected officials and staff from the City of Cottage Grove. The workshop included introductions, a trivia competition, a meal, and partnership updates from various organizations (South Washington County Schools, True Lens Media, HERO Center, South Washington Watershed District) and city departments (Water Treatment, Public Safety, Development/Planning). No direction on future actions or discussions was provided during this informational workshop.
Notable Quotes (7)
A proclamation is not a policy and does not create meaningful change. ... Resolutions establish policy, and the City Attorney confirmed that the Council has the legal authority to restrict the use of City-owned property.
The Council has given the community verbal assurances, but the City has not disclosed the arrangement regarding the ICE detention center. She explained that it does not provide clarity or assurance of how new locations could be dealt with.
The original draft Resolution was designed to do what a Proclamation does not. It included explicit directives to restrict the use of City-owned or City-controlled property for the purposes of staging or supporting civil immigration enforcement activities. ... Choosing to withhold a home base for federal agent tactics is a valid and lawful policy choice.
It has been an agonizing time in the community and noted that the Council agrees with the resident. She added that the question is what to do as a governing body. There are some limitations. ... One of the challenges in City government is to look at where to spend time and effort on what needs to be accomplished. She noted that the Council has felt that what they have said and done thus far is working.
The properties would decrease in value due to the proposed lane conversion. ... There are no aspects of the project that are going to add special benefits to any of his clients.
The assessment policy cannot be changed individually by project because it is not fair. If the policy were to be changed, it would need to get feedback from taxpayers because it would completely change how roadway repair is done. He added that it would negatively impact taxpayers because everyone is going to have to pay more if there are no assessments.
She noted that there is a policy in place and was approved in 2015. It was supposed to be relooked at in 2024 to be implemented in 2025. She agreed that she is not a fan of special assessments and noted that while there is a policy in place, the City has deviated from the policy on some occasions based on the feasibility reports.
Ordinances & Resolutions (35)
Approving the Award of Bid and Execution of a Contract with Minnesota Roadways Co. for Edgewater Park Construction.
Final Plat approval for Settlers East 4th Addition.
Approving the City of Woodbury 2026 Annual Action Plan and Substantial Amendment to the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan.
Identifies specific investment strategies for CDBG and HOME funds for Program Year 2026.
Long-term plan for housing and community development, amended to include 'Cleanup of Contaminated Sites'.
Approving the Cooperative Agreement with South Washington Watershed District for Goldfish Management and Removal.
Defines roles, responsibilities, and cost sharing for goldfish management and removal.
Authorizing Execution of the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Woodbury and the Washington Conservation District for the Native Plant Rebate Pilot Program.
Agreement for the Native Plant Rebate Pilot Program between the City and Washington Conservation District.
Identified eight water efficiency programs, including the Native Plant Rebate Program.
City plan with goals for water usage and conversion of turf to native vegetation.
Accepting the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Partners Legacy Grant, Executing the Grant Agreement, and Approving Associated Budget Amendment.
Grant for the Powers Lake Shoreline Restoration Project.
Phase I of a project to restore and enhance native vegetation and remove invasive species.
Authorizing Acceptance of City of Woodbury Water Treatment 2025-2027 Pipelines Construction Grant Amendment #1, Contract #262247 from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Associated Budget Amendment.
Amends the grant for the Woodbury Water Treatment Plant pipelines construction.
Authorizing the Long-term Vegetation Maintenance Program Consultant Selection with Stantec.
Approving a budget amendment for the Upper Afton Road Fire Station exhaust system project.
Authorizing the acceptance of the Spark Good Community Grant and approving the associated budget amendment.
Approving the change of polling locations in the City of Woodbury for Precincts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 13.
Authorizing the purchase of group medical insurance from Medica and amending the City contribution toward the employee group medical insurance program.
Authorizing the City to self-fund dental insurance benefits, hiring HealthPartners as the administrative service organization and amending the City contribution toward the Employee Group Dental Insurance Program.
Authorizing the purchase of life and long-term disability insurance from Symetra.
Authorizing the purchase of short-term disability advice-to-pay administrative services from Symetra.
Authorizing the offering of voluntary supplemental insurance from AFLAC and voluntary vision insurance from EyeMed Vision Care.
License for Marks Cafe LLC, dba City Walk Cafe and Bar, including Sunday and Patio Sales.
Results of the city's 2026 community survey for Council review.
Adopting the Cottage Grove Drive Master Plan.
Master plan reviewed by the Planning Commission and recommended for approval.
Providing for the issuance and sale of General Obligation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2026A.
Proposed aggregate principal amount of $41,295,000 for city financing.
Amending Chapter 9 Franchises, Section 9-6 CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.-Gas Franchise Fee, Schedule A, for an exemption.
Approving the special assessments for the 2026 Pavement Rehabilitation Project – Woodlane Drive.
Awarding the construction contract to McNamara Contracting and authorizing a professional engineering services agreement with SEH, Inc., for the Woodlane Drive Pavement Rehabilitation Project.
Grant for Woodbury Water Treatment 2025-2027 Pipelines Construction, amended to reflect current obligations.