Woodbury City Council — Transcript
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Coins for Canines Proclamation
Delinquent Utility Bills
On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Approval
Financial Assistance to Open Cupboard Food Shelf
Election Update and Community Service Recognition
Votes (4)
Adoption of Coins for Canines Proclamation
Initial clarification was made on whether to proceed with the proclamation or defer it. Officer Nick Waggner, a K9 unit decoy, spoke about the importance of the Woodbury Police K9 Fund and Donna Stafford's leadership in establishing the 'Coins for Canines' initiative to secure vital funds for K9 unit operations, training, and equipment, reducing the cost burden on the city. The Mayor then read the official proclamation.
Adoption of Consent Agenda Items 6A through 6J (including discussion on delinquent utility bills)
Moved by Council member Santini [0:10:40] · Seconded by Council member Stafford [0:10:44]
A council member raised concerns about a substantial increase in delinquent utility bills, inquiring about the reasons and consequences. Staff explained that the increase was not abnormal given community growth and rate increases, and that administrative fees and late fees ensure the city is ultimately reimbursed, with unpaid bills assessed against property taxes. Further discussion centered on potential trends related to rental units and the possibility of implementing security deposits for utilities.
Approval for Seelad Enterprises LLC DBA Good Bites Mexican Grill for On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License
Moved by Council member Morris [0:17:40] · Seconded by Council member Santini [0:18:18]
The city staff presented the application for a new on-sale intoxicating liquor license, including Sunday and patio sales, for a restaurant under new ownership. The presentation confirmed all necessary checks (criminal history, fees, public notices) were completed, and the city attorney found the application acceptable. Council members found the item straightforward as it represented a change of ownership for an existing business location.
Authorization of Financial Assistance to Open Cupboard Food Shelf
Moved by Council member Morris [0:31:39] (amending Wilson's initial motion) · Seconded by Council member Santini [0:32:15]
Staff presented the urgent need for financial assistance for Open Cupboard Food Shelf due to federal SNAP benefit delays and reductions. The food shelf requested $10,000, with staff recommending $20,000 (initial $10,000, with up to $10,000 contingent on future need). Discussion revolved around the use of the lawful gambling fund, its restricted nature for charitable purposes, and the community's role versus government funding. Council member Wilson expressed a preference for community-led donations and hesitated on the full $20,000 without a clear date for the second disbursement. Ultimately, an amendment was passed to provide an initial $10,000, with Open Cupboard needing to return for additional funds if necessary.
Notable Quotes (10)
This initiative was started, for those of you that don't know, uh, by the Woodbury Police K9 Fund under Donna's leadership as a creative way to partner with businesses in order to, um, raise much needed funds that help us keep our K9 unit operating at the highest level.
Whereas the fund's purpose and mission is to purchase canines, equipment, and train officers in Woodbury. And whereas to sustain the fund to remain true to the vision and mission, the coins for kines's program was established.
I mean it's in the it's in the uh historical comparison it's in here 2023 was 457,000 and 2025 we are up to 727,000
Is there some reason why we don't I mean, I hate to prolong this meeting. I know. I'm sorry. Is there some reason why we don't in rental units, if these are in fact rental units, the whole swath of a certain street or numbers, why we don't collect uh an upfront fee?
As required by city code, a criminal history check as it pertains to liquor licensing was conducted um on the owner and no violations that would preclude the officers of the corporation from obtaining a liquor license was found.
And this was a former business. This just had a change of ownership and a change of name.
Open Cupboard, the food shelf that serves uh predominantly Woodbury and Oakdale, uh a growing number of community members as a result of this shutdown. Uh specifically, there were 2400 just over no north of 2400 visits from Woodbury households in September.
financial decision or donations make a huge impact because we're able to use those at the the food banks mostly uh at Second Harvest Heartland um where we can we can get $8 worth of food for a $1, um donation.
The restrictions include an expectation that these funds can and should be used for charitable purposes, particularly donations to nonprofits and even more particularly donations towards organizations that help with poverty and specifically with food shelves by statute.
I'm happy to to say yes to the 10,000. And if there's if we go into if the government stops their shutdown and we don't need the extra 10 or if we do need the extra 10, can we come back absolutely November 19th at our next meeting and say we need the we think we're going to need the extra if you think you're going to need it.
Ordinances & Resolutions (2)
Official declaration designating a month for K9 unit fundraising.
Authorizing financial assistance to Open Cupboard Food Shelf.