Woodbury City Council — Agenda
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Community Planning and Development
Public Safety and Infrastructure
Local Ordinances, Policy, and Licensing
Financial Management and Contracts
Intergovernmental Relations and Recognition
Votes (20)
Update of 2026 City and County Property Valuations
Washington County Assessor Lisa Young presented an update on 2026 City and County property valuations. The Council engaged in questions and comments but provided no specific direction, as the presentation was for informational purposes only.
Presentation by Metropolitan Council Member Mark Jenkins
Metropolitan Council Member Mark Jenkins provided an overview of the Met Council's partnerships with communities, transportation services, planning, financing, and community engagement. Mayor Burt inquired about affordable housing services in Washington and Dakota Counties and the Met Council's revenue streams, including a property tax component. Councilmember Morris asked about LAHA funding.
Open Forum - Proposed ICE Resolution
City resident Catherine Wegener voiced strong concerns about the Council's inaction on a proposed ICE Resolution. She argued it was crucial to protect the City from federal government overreach and constitutional rights violations by federal agents during 'Operation Metro Surge', urging a definitive vote.
Open Forum - Backyard Chickens Ordinance
Multiple residents (Samantha Wolf, Shannon & Felix Johnson, Simon Johnson) spoke in favor of allowing backyard chickens, citing widespread approval in other municipalities, environmental benefits, and the educational value for children. Mayor Burt acknowledged the community interest and noted staff had been directed to explore recommendations for a Council workshop on the issue.
Approval of Marks Cafe LLC Liquor License
Moved by Councilmember Morris [May 13, 2026] · Seconded by Councilmember Stafford [May 13, 2026]
Staff recommended approval of an On Sale Intoxicating Liquor License, including Sunday and Patio Sales, for Marks Cafe LLC dba City Walk Cafe & Bar. Background checks showed no precluding violations. Councilmember Morris suggested including compliance check results for future renewals.
Presentation of 2026 Community Survey Results
Community Relations Manager Shelly Schafer and Polco's Jason Neumeyer presented the results of the 2026 resident survey, highlighting Woodbury's strong quality of life and city services. Key concerns identified included water quality, taxes, traffic, growth, and affordable housing. Opinions on backyard chickens were split. Mayor Burt emphasized the City's commitment to addressing the long-standing water quality issue.
Approval of Cottage Grove Drive Master Plan
Dissent: Councilmember Kim Wilson
Moved by Councilmember Stafford [May 13, 2026] · Seconded by Councilmember Morris [May 13, 2026]
Senior Planner Gina McCormack presented the Cottage Grove Drive Master Plan, focusing on housing diversity through smaller lots and townhomes, regional stormwater management, and woodlands preservation. Councilmember Wilson expressed concerns about the plan lacking sufficient safeguards (income requirements, resale caps) to ensure true 'attainable housing' on smaller lots, fearing it would primarily benefit developers. Councilmember Morris defended the plan as an innovative tool for facilitating attainable housing goals.
Approval of Issuance and Sale of General Obligation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2026A
Moved by Councilmember Morris [May 13, 2026] · Seconded by Councilmember Stafford [May 13, 2026]
Chief Financial Officer Jason Schirmacher and Senior Municipal Advisor Jason Aarsvold presented a proposal to authorize the issuance and sale of $41,295,000 in general obligation sales tax revenue bonds, Series 2026A. These bonds are intended to finance the public safety campus expansion project and are expected to be a 10-year issue sold competitively.
Recognition of Congressional Art Competition Awards
Mayor Pro Tem Santini recognized Woodbury residents Alyssa Wang and Will Kongdara for winning first-place awards in the Congressional Art Competition for the Fourth and Fifth Congressional Districts, respectively. Both students shared the inspirations and techniques behind their graphite and digital artworks.
Recognition of City Administrator Jeff Dahl’s Service on LMC Board
Luke Fischer, Executive Director, and Evan Vogel, Second Vice President of the League of Minnesota Cities, recognized City Administrator Jeffrey Dahl for his significant contributions and leadership during his service on the LMC Board. They highlighted his role in fostering strong partnerships between metro cities and the League.
Open Forum - Proposed ICE Resolution (Continued Discussion)
City residents Justin Ropella and Marni continued to press the Council for action on the proposed ICE Resolution, criticizing perceived mayoral misstatements and the Council's avoidance of a vote. They emphasized the need for transparency on 287(g) agreements and called for clear leadership to protect residents. Councilmember Wilson acknowledged differing community views.
Approval of 3rd Act Brewery LLC Liquor License
Moved by Councilmember Morris [May 27, 2026] · Seconded by Councilmember Stafford [May 27, 2026]
Staff recommended approving an expanded set of liquor licenses for 3rd Act Brewery LLC, including an On Sale Intoxicating Wine and Beer Liquor License (with Sunday and Patio Sales), a Manufacturer’s Intoxicating Liquor Brew Pub License, and a Brew Pub Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License. This expansion was prompted by the brewery's intent to offer wine and hard cider. No issues were found in background checks.
Approval of Life Time Liquor License
Moved by Councilmember Morris [May 27, 2026] · Seconded by Councilmember Stafford [May 27, 2026]
Staff recommended approving an On Sale Intoxicating Wine and Beer Liquor License, including Sunday Sales, for LTF Club Operations Company, Inc. dba Life Time. On-site manager Jeremy Sandigo stated the goal was to enhance member experience. Councilmembers discussed Life Time's primary business model and the City Attorney clarified the City's role in compliance with state alcohol laws.
Approval of Main Event Entertainment, Inc. Liquor License
Moved by Councilmember Morris [May 27, 2026] · Seconded by Councilmember Stafford [May 27, 2026]
Staff recommended approval of an On Sale Intoxicating Liquor License, including Sunday Sales, for Main Event Entertainment, Inc. Legal Counsel Daniel Christians represented the business, which anticipated an opening date of August 3, 2026. No significant discussion occurred during this item.
Transportation Report: Construction Projects Update
Engineer Director Chris Hartzell provided updates on numerous ongoing construction projects across the city, including the Water Treatment Pipeline, Valley Creek Road Trail, traffic signal installations, roadway rehabilitations, and roundabout constructions. He detailed road closures and anticipated reopening dates. Councilmember Wilson inquired about coordination between overlapping road closures.
Electrical Inspection Services Agreement Renewal with Kohout Inspections, LLC
Moved by Staff Recommendation [June 10, 2026]
Staff recommended authorizing the Mayor and City Administrator to execute a five-year renewal of the Electrical Inspection Services Agreement with Kohout Inspections, LLC, an independent contractor. The agreement, effective July 1, 2026, maintains the existing contractual structure of retaining 25% of electrical permit fees and paying 75% to the contractor.
Acceptance of Woodbury Community Foundation Grant for Project Lifesaver
Moved by Staff Recommendation [June 10, 2026]
Staff recommended adopting RESOLUTION 26-72, authorizing the acceptance of a $3,612 grant from the Woodbury Community Foundation. This grant, supported by a donation from Mr. Gonzalo Medina, will fund Woodbury Public Safety’s Project Lifesaver initiatives, a search and rescue program for individuals prone to wandering due to cognitive conditions. The recommendation also includes an associated budget amendment.
2026 First Quarter Budgeted Fund Summary Report
Moved by Staff Recommendation [June 10, 2026]
Staff recommended that the City Council review and accept the 2026 First Quarter Budgeted Fund Summary Report, presented in accordance with Council Directive CD-FIN-5.14. This report provides an overview of the General Fund's financial status for the first quarter of 2026.
Approval of Labor Contract with Woodbury Police (Sergeants) LELS
Moved by Staff Recommendation [June 10, 2026]
Staff recommended adopting RESOLUTION 26-73 to approve a two-year labor contract (2026 & 2027) between the City of Woodbury and the Woodbury Police (Sergeants) Law Enforcement Labor Services union. The contract includes an 8.25% general wage increase for 2026 and 3% for 2027, along with an annual increase to the clothing allowance, with a 2026 budget impact estimated at $106,000 for wages.
Designation of Deputy Clerks as Responsible Authority
Moved by Staff Recommendation [June 10, 2026]
Staff recommended approving the designation of Deputy Clerks as the 'Responsible Authority' in the absence of the City Clerk, as per MN Statute 13.02 Subd. 16. This measure aims to provide continuity for responsibilities related to the collection, use, and dissemination of government data.
Notable Quotes (11)
Mayor Burt noted that the Met Council provides affordable housing for more than 7,200 qualifying low-income households, but Dakota and Washington County have their own HRAs.
The proposed Resolution is more than a Resolution specific to immigration. The Resolution proposes a thoughtful legal action to protect the City from the federal government. The administration sent an army of untrained, masked, and armed federal agents to the City, who then violated fundamental constitutional rights, committed human rights abuses, and believed themselves to be above the law.
92% of metro municipalities already allow chickens, and none of the cities that she has contacted have had significant issues or complaints regarding licensed backyard chickens. She added that it is included in the Woodbury Environmental Stewardship Plan.
Caring for animals requires patience, responsibility, and empathy. Animals teach that a living thing depends on a person, and actions matter.
She acknowledged that water quality has been an issue for years, and the City is working on a solution to fix the problem permanently. There is a temporary solution in place, but the City is currently building the long-term water treatment plant in order to provide the best quality water possible for the next century or more.
The Plan is intended to provide flexibility to allow either 45’ lots or townhomes, within the dark orange/brown areas , to ensure diversity of housing products and prices can be achieved regardless of market conditions.
She expressed her concern that the City is offering builders an opportunity to build more houses and make more money, instead of offering more attainable housing. There are no income requirements or a turnaround resale price on it.
He added that putting the tool into the City’s toolbox allows the City to facilitate the attainable housing goal and see projects to fruition, especially when the tools are used properly.
He pointed out City Administrator Jeffrey Dahl’s leadership and noted that he is well respected on the city management level. ... Mr. Dahl has been helpful in continuing the strong partnership between metro cities and the League to help cities work together effectively to address the issues that communities are facing.
Avoiding a vote on the record is not a strategy for risk management; it is an avoidance of responsibility and an absence of leadership. He asked the Council to bring the Resolution to an Agenda, state the position clearly, and vote on it on the record.
Mr. Sandstrom added that Life Time is required to comply with state law as it pertains to alcohol sales, and it is not the City’s job to educate them on the law.
Ordinances & Resolutions (9)
Authorizing the acceptance of the Woodbury Community Foundation Grant for Project Lifesaver.
Approving the labor contract between the City of Woodbury and the Woodbury Police (Sergeants) Law Enforcement Labor Services union.
A comprehensive plan for development, housing diversity, stormwater management, and open space in a 370-acre area.
A report on resident opinions regarding city services, quality of life, and key issues, administered by Polco.
Adopting the Cottage Grove Drive Master Plan.
Providing for the issuance and sale of General Obligation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2026A, in the amount of $41,295,000 for public safety campus expansion.
Repealing and Recreating Chapter 9 Franchises, Section 9-6 CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.-Gas Franchise Fee.
Proposed renewal with Kohout Inspections, LLC for a five-year term.
A non-profit search and rescue program to locate individuals with cognitive conditions who wander.