Woodbury City Council — Minutes
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Immigration Enforcement and Opposition to Federal Detention Center
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan
City Infrastructure and Construction Projects
Resident Complaints and Police Conduct
Votes (4)
Proclamation Affirming City Values and Action Related to Immigration Enforcement and Opposing a Federal Immigration Detention Center in Woodbury
Dissent: Multiple residents voiced strong opposition to the Proclamation being insufficient and demanded a formal vote on a Resolution with property use restrictions.
Moved by N/A · Seconded by N/A
Mayor Burt read a Proclamation affirming City values and opposition to a federal immigration detention center. Councilmember Wilson questioned if a Resolution would be more appropriate for policy. City Administrator Dahl explained the Proclamation clarifies the City's stance given recent community events. Councilmember Morris expressed support for the Proclamation while acknowledging limitations on city authority over federal laws. Residents during Open Forum strongly advocated for a legally binding Resolution, especially concerning the use of City property by federal immigration enforcement agencies, citing examples from other cities and legal precedents, and expressing concern over the lack of a formal vote on the proposed property restrictions.
Consent Agenda Approval
Dissent: None
Moved by Councilmember Jennifer Santini [8:20 p.m. Consent Agenda] · Seconded by Councilmember Steve Morris [8:20 p.m. Consent Agenda]
The Consent Agenda included multiple resolutions for accepting donations, approving budget amendments and cooperative agreements for intersection improvement projects (CSAH 18/Bailey Road & Settlers Ridge Parkway), awarding construction contracts for the 2026 Rejuvenator Project and Seasons Park Vegetation Restoration, authorizing a grant amendment for the Water Treatment Plant Project, and creating new Senior Utilities Coordinator and Recreation Coordinator positions.
2026 Draft Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan and 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan Amendment
Dissent: None
Moved by Mayor Anne Burt [8:45 p.m. Public Hearings] · Seconded by Councilmember Steve Morris [8:45 p.m. Public Hearings]
Housing and Economic Development Manager Jamie Fritts presented the 2026 AAP, outlining the allocation of $406,639 in CDBG funds for affordable housing (Two Rivers Community Land Trust) and a private ash tree removal project for income-eligible homeowners. The plan also includes a substantial amendment to the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan to add 'Cleanup of Contaminated Sites' as a goal. Executive Director Jamar Smith from Two Rivers Community Land Trust provided details on their program for permanent affordable homeownership. Council discussed funding details, eligibility, program promotion, and the role of the HRA. The Council voted to close the public hearing and open a 30-day public comment period.
Open a 30-day Public Comment Period for 2026 Annual Action Plan and 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan Amendment
Dissent: None
Moved by Councilmember Jennifer Santini [8:55 p.m. Public Hearings] · Seconded by Councilmember Steve Morris [8:55 p.m. Public Hearings]
Following the public hearing on the 2026 Annual Action Plan and the substantial amendment to the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, the Council moved to officially open a public comment period. This period allows residents and stakeholders to submit feedback on the proposed allocation of CDBG funds and the new goal for contaminated site cleanup before final adoption.
Notable Quotes (7)
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.
A Proclamation raises awareness while a Resolution establishes policy or gives a position of the City.
A Proclamation is not a Resolution and is not enough... The community needs formal and official action by the Council that carries legal weight. There is nothing in the proposed Resolution that is beyond the City’s authority.
The City government does not have special authority or jurisdiction to dictate the application of State or federal laws. What the City can do is to implore all government officials to treat the community and those who visit it by honoring the rights of people and to treat everyone with respect.
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 goal is to implement reasonable and meaningful restrictions that would prevent Woodbury from being complicit with ICE’s activities.
The draft 2026 AAP allocates CDBG funds to the following: • $224,000 of the CDBG for a Two Rivers Community Land Trust project to benefit income-eligible homebuyers. • $121,639 of CDBG for a City-administered private ash tree removal project to benefit income-eligible homeowners.
Two Rivers Community Land Trust provides permanent affordable housing for low to moderate-income individuals, families, and households earning up to 80% area median income in the County. 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.
Ordinances & Resolutions (15)
Student essay contest won by Felix Johnson
Document read by Mayor Burt affirming the City's stance
Authorizing acceptance of donations from Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists and Woodbury Rotary Club
Authorizing use of funds and amending the 2026 budget for CSAH 18 (Bailey Road) and Settlers Ridge Parkway Intersection Improvement Project
Approving Cooperative Agreement between City of Woodbury and Washington County for Construction Cost Share of CSAH 18 (Bailey Road) and Settlers Ridge Parkway Intersection Improvement Project
Approving Cooperative Agreement between City of Woodbury and Washington County for Construction Cost Share for the CSAH 18 (Bailey Road) and Settlers Ridge Parkway Intersection Improvement Landscape Project
Approving Cooperative Agreement between City of Woodbury and Washington County for maintenance of the CSAH 18 (Bailey Road) and Settlers Ridge Parkway Intersection Improvement Project
Awarding contract for the 2026 Rejuvenator Project to Corrective Asphalt Materials, LLC
Awarding 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 creation of Senior Utilities Coordinator and Recreation Coordinator positions
Federal HUD plan for specific investment strategies
Five-year plan being amended to include 'Cleanup of Contaminated Sites'
Federal funds received by Woodbury from HUD
Federal funds accessed by Woodbury as a sub-recipient