Woodbury City Council — Agenda
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Civic Recognition & Youth Engagement
Immigration Policy & Local Authority
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan
City Operations, Budget, and Infrastructure Updates
Litigation Status Update
Votes (7)
Recognition of Felix Johnson, League of Minnesota Cities' Mayor for a Day Essay Contest Winner
Fourth grader Felix Johnson was recognized for winning the League of Minnesota Cities' 'Mayor for a Day Essay Contest'. He wrote about allowing chickens and ducks in the city under specific rules, expressing a personal desire to have them.
Proclamation Affirming City Values and Action Related to Immigration Enforcement and Opposing a Federal Immigration Detention Center in Woodbury
Dissent: Public comments voiced strong preference for a Resolution over a Proclamation.
Mayor Burt read a proclamation opposing a federal immigration detention center in Woodbury and affirming the city's commitment to safety and inclusion. Public commenters and a Councilmember questioned whether a proclamation was sufficient, advocating for a legally binding resolution to restrict federal agencies like ICE from using city property, while another Councilmember emphasized the limits of local authority and called for respectful enforcement of laws.
Report on April 8, 2026 Workshop Closed Session Item Regarding the Lee Property Negotiation
City Attorney Kevin Sandstrom reported on the closed session regarding the active litigation, Raymond Lee v. City of Woodbury. He noted that the City Council provided direction on ongoing settlement discussions and strategies, confirming that any future settlement would require formal Council approval.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Moved by Councilmember Santini · Seconded by Councilmember Morris
The City Council approved a comprehensive consent agenda, including previous meeting minutes (March 25, 2026 Workshop and Regular meetings), acceptance of significant donations ($40,000 from Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists, $55,000 from Woodbury Rotary Club), resolutions for budget amendments and cooperative agreements with Washington County for the CSAH 18 (Bailey Road) and Settlers Ridge Parkway Intersection Improvement Project, contract awards for the 2026 Rejuvenator Project and Seasons Park Corridor Vegetation Restoration and Enhancement Project, authorization of a grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for a Water Treatment Plant project, and the creation of Senior Utilities Coordinator and Recreation Coordinator positions.
Open 30-Day Public Comment Period for 2026 Draft CDBG Annual Action Plan and 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan Amendment
Moved by Councilmember Santini · Seconded by Councilmember Morris
Following a presentation by Housing and Economic Development Manager Jamie Fritts, the Council opened a 30-day public comment period for the 2026 Draft Annual Action Plan. The plan allocates CDBG funds to support affordable housing through the Two Rivers Community Land Trust and a private ash tree removal project for income-eligible homeowners. An amendment to the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan to add 'Cleanup of Contaminated Sites' as a goal was also included in the public comment period.
City Administrator Update
City Administrator Jeffrey Dahl provided various city updates including the start of construction for the public safety building, with temporary relocation of police and fire/EMS public-facing services to City Hall. Other updates included the opening of Eagle Valley Golf Course, highlights of the Central Park art wall, and upcoming 'Woodbury Green Talks' events.
Transportation Report
Engineering Director Chris Hartzell presented updates on current and planned transportation and infrastructure projects. These included the Bailey Road water tower, the water treatment pipeline project, and new traffic signals. He outlined the 2026 construction projects such as roadway rehabilitations (e.g., Woodlane Drive), trail projects, intersection improvements, and the Intrepid Fiber 'Fiber to the Home' project. The report also touched on anticipated tree removal for utility/trail easements and communication plans for residents regarding construction impacts.
Notable Quotes (12)
Mr. Johnson explained that he won the Mayor of the Day essay contest because he wrote about chickens and ducks. He added that his mom and he want to have chickens, but they are not allowed in the City. He mentioned that there would be some rules to allow chickens, such as no roosters, a fence to keep coyotes away, and a maximum of six birds.
The City opposes the use of any buildings or property in Woodbury as a detention center and the City is committed to ensuring Woodbury is a place where everyone feels safe, supported, and included.
Councilmember Wilson explained that she was surprised that it was a Proclamation because the Council had decided a while ago not to have Proclamations since the Council was getting many requests. She wondered if it should be a Resolution instead.
A Proclamation is not a Resolution and is not enough. She added that it is about whether families and residents in the City are safe without wondering if City property is being used against them. The Resolution that the community submitted to the City clearly states that ICE and DHS may not use City-owned property as staging grounds for immigration enforcement.
He explained that the world does not need more politicians angling for more camera time and viral clips. The world does not need false hope and instead needs legitimate debate, discussion, and action.
State and local authorities cannot directly regulate the federal government, but they can stop the federal government from commandeering City property for federal purposes.
The City Council adopted a motion on February 25, 2026, identifying affordable housing as well as cleanup of contaminated sites as high priorities for the use of HUD funds.
The goal is to provide a pathway to homeownership for people in Washington County who would not otherwise be able to afford a home in the area.
Councilmember Wilson asked if people needed to be in a specific area to qualify for the ash tree removal program. Mr. Fritts replied that people do not need to be in a specific area since it is individual people qualifying.
He mentioned that one of the most dangerous intersections in the County is at Valley Creek Road and Eagle Creek Lane, which is why a traffic signal will be installed.
Mayor Burt pointed out that there is a lot of tree removal anticipated going east on Woodbury Drive. She asked if the tree removal was due to a utility easement or a trail. Mr. Hartzell replied that it would be due to both.
He noted that there will not be much impact on communities, but residents will notice the construction crews mobilizing around the City.
Ordinances & Resolutions (16)
A formal statement read by the Mayor outlining the City's stance on immigration enforcement and opposition to a federal detention center, subject to public debate regarding its legal weight.
Statute cited for a closed session related to litigation strategy.
Authorizing acceptance of donations from Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists and Woodbury Rotary Club, and approving associated budget amendment.
Authorizing use of funds and amending the 2026 budget for the CSAH 18 (Bailey Road) and Settlers Ridge Parkway Intersection Improvement Project.
Approving a Cooperative Agreement between the City and Washington County for Construction Cost Share of the CSAH 18 (Bailey Road) and Settlers Ridge Parkway Intersection Improvement Project.
Approving a Cooperative Agreement between the City and Washington County for Construction Cost Share for the CSAH 18 (Bailey Road) and Settlers Ridge Parkway Intersection Improvement Landscape Project.
Approving a Cooperative Agreement between the City and Washington County for maintenance of the CSAH 18 (Bailey Road) and Settlers Ridge Parkway Intersection Improvement Project.
Awarding the contract for the 2026 Rejuvenator Project to Corrective Asphalt Materials, LLC.
Awarding the Seasons Park Corridor Vegetation Restoration and Enhancement Project construction contract to Minnesota Native Landscapes.
Authorizing acceptance of City of Woodbury Water Treatment Plant and Pipeline Design Project Grant Amendment #3 Contract #223996 from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Approving the creation of Senior Utilities Coordinator (Grade 8) and Recreation Coordinator (Grade 4) positions.
A plan outlining specific investment strategies for federal HUD funds, prioritizing affordable housing and contaminated site cleanup. Subject to public comment.
The current five-year planning document for HUD funds, proposed for a substantial amendment to include 'Cleanup of Contaminated Sites' as a goal.
Previous workshop meeting minutes approved as part of the consent agenda.
Previous regular meeting minutes approved as part of the consent agenda.
Active litigation discussed in closed session.