Woodbury City Council — Minutes
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Metropolitan Council Partnership and Funding
Proposed ICE Resolution and Federal Overreach Concerns
Advocating for Backyard Chickens
2026 Community Survey Results and City Performance Evaluation
Votes (4)
Approval of Consent Agenda Items B-M
Dissent: Councilmember Kim Wilson voiced objection to the land banking portion of Resolution 26-49 but voted in favor of the overall Consent Agenda.
Moved by Councilmember Jennifer Santini [No Timestamp] · Seconded by Councilmember Steve Morris [No Timestamp]
The City Council approved a comprehensive consent agenda comprising multiple resolutions covering various city operations, infrastructure projects, environmental initiatives, and employee benefits. Councilmember Wilson expressed objection to the 'land banking' portion of Resolution 26-49 (2026 Annual Action Plan) but ultimately voted 'aye' for the overall Consent Agenda.
Approval of On Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Marks Cafe LLC dba City Walk Cafe & Bar
Dissent: None
Moved by Councilmember Steve Morris [No Timestamp] · Seconded by Councilmember Donna Stafford [No Timestamp]
The Council considered and approved an On Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Marks Cafe LLC, operating as City Walk Cafe & Bar. Staff confirmed successful criminal history checks for the owners and compliance with City Code. Councilmember Morris emphasized the importance of regular compliance checks for liquor licenses, suggesting that results be included in future renewal agenda packets.
Approval of Cottage Grove Drive Master Plan
Dissent: Councilmember Kim Wilson voted against the approval due to concerns over insufficient safeguards for attainable housing.
Moved by Councilmember Donna Stafford [No Timestamp] · Seconded by Councilmember Steve Morris [No Timestamp]
The City Council approved the Cottage Grove Drive Master Plan, a framework for a 370-acre development focusing on housing diversity, including small lots (45-49 feet) with an anticipated sale price cap (110-120% AMI) for attainable housing. The plan also incorporates regional stormwater management, woodland preservation, and integrated park/trail networks. Councilmember Wilson opposed the plan, arguing it lacked sufficient safeguards to guarantee attainable housing, while other councilmembers emphasized its innovative approach to addressing housing goals.
Approval of Issuance and Sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026A
Dissent: None
Moved by Councilmember Steve Morris [No Timestamp] · Seconded by Councilmember Donna Stafford [No Timestamp]
The Council approved the issuance and sale of $41,295,000 in General Obligation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2026A. These bonds are designated for financing the City’s public safety campus expansion project. The plan aims for a 10-year issue, with anticipated revenues exceeding debt service, and the bonds will undergo rating and competitive sale.
Notable Quotes (8)
She expressed her objection to the land banking portion of the plan.
He suggested that for license renewals, that the compliance check results be included in the Agenda Packet moving forward.
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.
Anticipated range to be between 110-120 percent Area Median Income (AMI). Firm price range is not recommended, establish with each development.
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.
Mr. Dahl mentioned that the idea is innovative, and it is not guaranteed that it will work the way the City hopes it will, but at the end of the day, since the lots are smaller, they will be less expensive than a 65-foot lot.
The bond sale is being done as part of the financing plan for the City’s public safety campus expansion project.
He noted that they would be able to keep the bond down to a 10-year issue. He added that they anticipate that the revenues are going to exceed the debt service.
Ordinances & Resolutions (22)
Approving the Award of Bid and execution of a contract with Minnesota Roadways Co. for Edgewater Park site improvements.
Approving the City of Woodbury 2026 Annual Action Plan and Substantial Amendment to the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan. Noted for Councilmember Wilson's objection to land banking portion.
Approving the Cooperative Agreement with South Washington Watershed District 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.
Accepting the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Partners Legacy Grant, executing the grant agreement, and approving the associated budget amendment.
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.
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.
Adopting the Cottage Grove Drive Master Plan.
Providing for the issuance and sale of General Obligation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2026A.
Mentioned as including backyard chickens.
References for liquor licensing requirements.
Established a vision for housing choices and diversity in the city.
Provides policy requirements and direction for master plan creation.
The project for which the General Obligation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds are being issued.