--- title: MINUTES author: Oehlke date: D:20260611132613-05'00' --- ## Minutes ## Woodbury City Council Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Pursuant to the due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting was duly held virtually and at the Woodbury City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Road, on the 27 th day of May 2026. ## Call to Order Mayor Pro Tem Santini called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m., and she welcomed those attending the meeting both in person and virtually. Mayor Pro Tem Santini explained that members of the public may attend the meeting in person and may also join the meeting using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. She stated public comments will be accepted during the meeting both in person and virtually. Virtual questions should be submitted via the online Q&A feature within the virtual meeting link. Questions regarding the meeting will also be taken between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. via email at council@woodburymn.gov or at 651-714-3524. Questions received after 4:30 p.m. will be responded to in the next three to seven business days. Mayor Pro Tem Santini stated that meetings are recorded through True Lens Community Media and are broadcast live and replayed on cable channel 799. Meetings are also available on the City of Woodbury’s YouTube channel. Members of the public are welcome to join and have an opportunity to speak in person, or can watch virtually. Virtual questions can be submitted online, and the City Clerk will monitor them throughout the meeting. ## Pledge to Flag Audience, staff, and Council pledged allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. ## Roll Call Upon roll call the following were present: Councilmembers: Kim Wilson, Donna Stafford, Steve Morris, and Jennifer Santini. Absent: Mayor ## Burt Others Present: Ashleigh Sullivan, Assistant City Administrator/City Clerk; Kevin Sandstrom, City Attorney; Jeffrey Dahl, City Administrator ; and Chris Hartzell, Engineering Director. ## Special Order of Business A. Recognition of Woodbury Residents for First-Place Congressional Art Competition Awards Mayor Pro Tem Santini noted that there are two City residents who have earned first-place awards for the Congressional Art Competition. Every year, Minnesota’s eight Congressional District Offices participate in the annual Congressional Art Competition sponsored by the Congressional Institute. The competition is open to high school students, and each district selects one winner to have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol building for a year. Mayor Pro Tem Santini stated that this year, the City of Woodbury has two residents who were selected as first-place winners. Alyssa Wang of Woodbury was selected as the first-place winner in the Fourth Congressional District held by Congresswoman McCollum. Alyssa attends East Ridge High School and won for her graphite piece entitled “Color Me Happy.” Woodbury resident Will Kongdara previously attended East Ridge High School but is currently a student at the Perpich Center for Arts Education. Will was selected as the first-place winner in the Fifth Congressional District held by Congresswoman Omar for his piece entitled “Bowl of Unity.” She congratulated the winners and asked them to share about their artwork and what inspired it. Alyssa Wang, City resident, shared that she used graphite for her piece, and it was inspired by a photo that her mother took at a Chinese spring festival. She noted that the photo was a picture of her face painting a girl’s face, and she wanted to capture the moment when the girl went completely still while getting face paint, even though the girl had been full of energy before the face painting began. She noted her preference is to have a reference photo to be able to create copies of elements from it. Will Kongdara, City resident, shared that he created his piece digitally and explained that the piece demonstrates that food brings his family together. Mayor Pro Tem Santini asked about the school Kongdara attends. Kongdara replied that he attends Perpich Center for Arts Education and has enjoyed the experience. He added that he was able to live in the dorms and liked the community and the teachers. B. Presentation by the League of Minnesota Cities Recognizing City Administrator Jeff Dahl’s Service on the LMC Board ## City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Page 2 of 6 Mayor Pro Tem Santini introduced Luke Fischer and Evan Vogel from the League of Minnesota Cities. Mr. Fischer noted he is the Executive Director of the League of Minnesota Cities, and introduced Mr. Vogel as the Second Vice President of the League of Minnesota Cities Board of Directors, who serves as the City Administrator for the City of Cambridge. The League of Minnesota Cities represents 842 of the State's 852 cities. The largest city they serve is Minneapolis, and the smallest city is Barry. One of the ways the City has contributed to the League of Minnesota Cities is through legislative advocacy. There are 175 legislative policies that impact what cities do. Every year, 250 members from across the State come together to help craft and shape the policies. He noted that they also advocate for cities through the National League of Cities. The League of Minnesota Cities board includes 19 members from across the State. He pointed out City Administrator Jeffrey Dahl’s leadership and noted that he is well respected on the city management level. Mr. Fischer recognized Mr. Dahl for his service on the League of Minnesota Cities Board. He emphasized Mr. Dahl’s impact through collaboration and his thoughtful participation. 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. The League is grateful for Mr. Dahl’s leadership and perspective. Mr. Dahl thanked Mr. Fischer and Mr. Vogel for the work they do and noted that it was a privilege to serve on the board. Mayor Pro Tem Santini added her gratitude and explained that it is helpful for the community to hear about what the League of Minnesota Cities is doing. ## Open Forum Justin Ropella, City resident, spoke about the proposed ICE Resolution and explained that the City has been lacking governance around the Resolution. The Mayor has said some objectively false things, such as “Operation Metro Surge has gone away”. He noted that there are 230% more border patrol agents in the Twin Cities than before the surge. The Mayor also said, “You’re asking the City to do something that no other cities have done”, despite there being formal ordinances and local protections put in place in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Richfield, Mendota Heights, Chicago, Boston, Portland, San Jose, and other communities. The Council has a responsibility to the citizens of Woodbury to take action when the residents demand protection from the egregious federal actions now and in the future. In addition to the statements, the community has heard justification in defense of the current Proclamation, which is unable to establish a single binding piece of policy. The Council has expressed concerns about legal risk and enforceability. If the Resolution does not seem to be able to be enforced, then it should be put in a workshop to discuss. 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. Marni, City resident, thanked Mr. Ropella for his comments and explained that it is a large issue in the City and urged the Council to take it seriously. She expressed her concern about the lack of response from the Council regarding the proposed ICE Resolution. She added that she is concerned about ICE and 287(g) agreements. She asked law enforcement in the City had 287(g) agreements in place. She explained that she saw a social media post on the City’s page that noted that there would be plenty of space for law enforcement partners, and wondered if one of the partners was ICE. She noted that it is important to know where the Council stands on the issue. Councilmember Wilson stated there are residents in the City who feel the opposite on the issue. It is up to the Council that everyone is heard, not just one group. She added that as far as she knew, there were no 287(g) agreements with ICE and the City or the County. ## Consent Agenda Item A Approval of Council Workshop Minutes— May 13, 2026 Item B To adopt the following resolution Resolution 26-65 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota approving the replacement purchase of one Ford Utility Police Interceptor Vehicle for an amount not to exceed $83,865 and approving budget amendment. Item C To adopt the following resolution Resolution 26-66 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota authorizing Highway Safety Improvement Program Grant Application submittal for Lake Road 4-3 Lane Conversion (Tahoe Road to Woodlane Drive) Project and Active Transportation Grant Application for the Hudson Road Trail Gap Project. Item D 1. To adopt the following resolution Resolution 26-67 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota authorizing acceptance of Coordinated Capital Improvement Program Grant from South Washington Watershed District for purchase of a replacement street sweeper and amending the 2026 Capital Improvement Fund Budget. 2. To adopt the following resolution Resolution 26-68 ## City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Page 3 of 6 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota authorizing acceptance of Coordinated Capital Improvement Program Grant from South Washington Watershed District to purchase a hydromulcher. 3. To adopt the following resolution Resolution 26-69 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota authorizing acceptance of Coordinated Capital Improvement Program Grant from South Washington Watershed District for the Interlachen Parking Lot Improvement Project and amending the 2026 Parks and Trails Replacement Fund Budget. 4. To adopt the following resolution Resolution 26-70 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota authorizing acceptance of Coordinated Capital Improvement Program Grant from South Washington Watershed District for upgrading roadway pre-treatment equipment. Item E To adopt the following resolution Resolution 26-71 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota amending the Storm Water Utility Fund Budget and authorizing use of the Ramsey Washington Metro Trunk Storm Sewer Fund for the Windwood Passage Stormwater Lift Station Project. Item F To adopt the following ordinance Ordinance 2078 Ordinance of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota Repealing and Recreating Chapter 9 Franchises, Section 9-6 CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.-Gas Franchise Fee, Schedule A, Franchise Fee for Com/Ind B 1,500 > or < 5,000 therms/yr. Item G To adopt a motion to review and accept the 2025 Fourth Quarter Budgeted Fund Summary Report as provided with Council Letter 26-115. Item H The abstract of bills includes payments made from the operating or project budgets for expenses of the city. The expenditures are from all funds of the city. Any purchased contracts requiring signature of the mayor and City Administrator is hereby approved. Staff recommends approval of the abstract of bills for May 8, 2026 in the amount of $3,053,771.58. Councilmember Morris moved, seconded by Councilmember Stafford, to approve the Consent Agenda items. Voting via voice: Kim Wilson – aye Donna Stafford – aye Steve Morris – aye Jennifer Santini – aye Anne Burt – absent ## Public Hearings A. Consider Approval of 3rd Act Brewery LLC dba 3rd Act Brewery, 4120 Radio Drive, On Sale Intoxicating Wine and Beer Liquor License including Sunday and Patio Sales, Manufacturer’s Intoxicating Liquor Brew Pub License, and Brew Pub Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor ## License Mayor Pro Tem Santini declared the public hearing open. ## Assistant City Administrator/City Clerk Ashleigh Sullivan stated Ms. Sullivan noted that 3 rd Act Brewery LLC dba 3rd Act Brewery has submitted an application for an On Sale Intoxicating Wine and Beer Liquor License, including Sunday and Patio Sales, a Manufacturer’s Intoxicating Liquor Brew Pub License, and a Brew Pub Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for their business located at 4120 Radio Drive. Ms. Sullivan shared a location map showing the location of the business. Sullivan noted the business has been operating with a Micro Brewer License, Tap Room On-Sale Sunday License, and Brewer Off-Sale License since 2018, but intends to begin offering wine and hard cider, which requires the business to apply for new license types. Ms. Sullivan explained that 3 rd Act Brewery LLC has two owners: Stephen Long, 50 percent, and Debra Long, 50 percent. As required by City Code, a criminal history check as it pertains to liquor licensing was conducted on each owner with a financial interest, and no violations that ## City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Page 4 of 6 would preclude the owners from obtaining a liquor license were found. The applicant has submitted the license fee and background investigation fee. The City Attorney has reviewed the application and has found it to be in order. Mayor Pro Tem Santini moved, seconded by Councilmember Morris, to close the public hearing. ## Voting in Favor: Wilson, Stafford, Morris, Santini ## Absent: Burt Mayor Pro Tem Santini opened opportunity for discussion and questions from the Council. Councilmember Morris moved, seconded by Councilmember Stafford, to approve an On Sale Intoxicating Wine and Beer Liquor License, including Sunday and Patio Sales, Manufacturer’s Intoxicating Liquor Brew Pub License, and Brew Pub Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License to 3rd Act Brewery LLC dba 3rd Act Brewery located at 4120 Radio Drive. Voting via voice: Kim Wilson – aye Donna Stafford – aye Steve Morris – aye Jennifer Santini – aye Anne Burt – absent B. Consider Approval of LTF Club Operations Company, Inc dba Life Time, 675 Commons Drive, On Sale Intoxicating Wine and Beer Liquor ## License including Sunday Sales Mayor Pro Tem Santini declared the public hearing open. Ms. Sullivan stated LTF Club Operations Company, Inc., dba Life Time, has submitted an application for an On Sale Intoxicating Wine and Beer Liquor License, including Sunday Sales, for their business located at 675 Commons Drive. Ms. Sullivan shared a location map showing the location of the business. LTF Club Operations Company, Inc does not have any owners with 5% or more interest in the business, but a background check was completed on the onsite manager with no findings. The applicant has submitted the license fee and background investigation fee. The City Attorney has reviewed the application and has found it to be in order. A hearing notice was published in the City’s official newspaper, and hearing notices were mailed to the property owner within 500 feet of the establishment. The on-site manager, Jeremy Sandigo, was present and addressed Council. Mr. Sandigo stated the intention is to elevate the member experience by offering beer and wine sales throughout the week. Mayor Pro Tem Santini moved, seconded by Councilmember Morris, to close the public hearing. ## Voting in Favor: Wilson, Stafford, Morris, Santini ## Absent: Burt Mayor Pro Tem Santini opened opportunity for discussion and questions from the Council. Councilmember Morris asked if this was Life Time’s first application for a liquor license. Mr. Sandigo replied that it is the first license for the Woodbury club, but that other locations have licenses and serve alcohol. Councilmember Stafford asked if the patrons were asking for the liquor license. Mr. Sandigo replied that there are some patrons who have expressed that they would enjoy it, but there is no strong opinion on it. Mayor Pro Tem Santini noted that there are spaces at some Life Time facilities that are meant for work or lounge spaces. Councilmember Morris asked if the license is allowed within the commercial or business district. City Attorney Kevin Sandstrom replied that the commercial and business district does not specify hospitality versus non-hospitality uses in the zoning. Councilmember Morris explained that Life Time’s core business is fitness and not hospitality and asked what was in place to ensure that they were in compliance and that they were running the liquor license by State and law enforcement standards. Ms. Sullivan replied that the City would conduct compliance checks at the business, along with other licensed businesses selling alcohol in the city. 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. ## City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Page 5 of 6 Councilmember Stafford asked if there would be training for the people who would be serving the beer and wine. Mr. Sandigo replied that all State laws are followed, and there would be training. Councilmember Wilson asked if there would be a designated spot where the alcohol would be consumed. Mr. Sandigo replied that there would be designated areas in the café and workspaces. Councilmember Morris moved, seconded by Councilmember Stafford, to approve an On Sale Intoxicating Wine and Beer Liquor License including Sunday Sales to LTF Club Operations Company, Inc dba Life Time located at 675 Commons Drive. Voting via voice: Kim Wilson – aye Donna Stafford – aye Steve Morris – aye Jennifer Santini – aye Anne Burt – absent C. Consider Approval of Main Event Entertainment, Inc dba Main Event, 540 Bielenberg Drive, On Sale Intoxicating Liquor License including ## Sunday Sales Mayor Pro Tem Santini declared the public hearing open. Ms. Sullivan stated Main Event Entertainment, Inc., dba Main Event, has submitted an application for an On Sale Intoxicating Liquor License, including Sunday Sales, for their business located at 540 Bielenberg Drive. Ms. Sullivan shared a location map showing the location of the business. Main Event Entertainment, Inc does not have any owners with 5 percent or more interest in the business, however a background check was completed for the onsite manager with no findings. The applicant has submitted the license fee and background investigation fee. The City Attorney has reviewed the application and has found it to be in order. A hearing notice was published in the City’s official newspaper, and hearing notices were mailed to the property owner within 500 feet of the establishment. Legal Council for Main Event Entertainment, Inc., Daniel Christians, was present and addressed the Council. Mr. Christians expressed excitement to be in the City. Councilmember Stafford asked when the anticipated opening date would be. Mr. Christians replied that it would be August 3, 2026 and the business is already working on bringing on staff and training them to work at the Woodbury location. Mayor Pro Tem Santini moved, seconded by Councilmember Morris, to close the public hearing. ## Voting in Favor: Wilson, Stafford, Morris, Santini ## Absent: Burt Mayor Pro Tem Santini opened opportunity for discussion and questions from the Council. Councilmember Morris moved, seconded by Councilmember Stafford, to approve an On Sale Intoxicating Liquor License including Sunday Sales to Main Event Entertainment, Inc for their business located at 540 Bielenberg Drive. Voting via voice: Kim Wilson – aye Donna Stafford – aye Steve Morris – aye Jennifer Santini – aye Anne Burt – absent ## Discussion No items scheduled Transportation Report (2nd meeting of the month, May-October) Engineer Director Chris Hartzell stated the current construction projects in the City include the Water Treatment Pipeline Project, the Valley Creek Road Trail Project (Colby Lake Park underpass to Dancing Waters Parkway), Bailey Road and Fairway Drive traffic signal, 2026 Roadway Rehabilitation Project, Woodlane Drive pavement rehabilitation project, Bailey Road and Settlers Ridge Parkway intersection improvement, and the Bailey Road and Manning Avenue intersection improvement. Mr. Hartzell updated the Council regarding the projects. The Water Treatment Plant and Pipeline Project is impacting traffic on Valley Creek Road. East of Woodbury Drive is reduced to one lane through the end of June. Westbound Valley Creek Road is closed from Woodbury Drive to ## City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Page 6 of 6 Interlachen Parkway with phased reopening throughout the summer. Side streets north of Valley Creek Road along the closed section will be closed intermittently. Colby Lake Drive is closed from Valley Creek Road to Courtland Road until late June. Bailey Road has been reopened to traffic. Southbound Pioneer Drive is closed from Bailey Road to Hargis Parkway and is anticipated to reopen to traffic in the next week. Radio Drive is closed between Bailey Road and Cobblestone Ashford Road through early June. Work on Hargis Parkway is scheduled to begin on June 8 th and will be completed before school starts in the fall. The project will be conducted in two phases to maintain access to East Ridge High School driveways. Mr. Hartzell stated a new trail will be constructed on the north side of Valley Creek Road. The project has been in the CIP for almost seven years. The Bailey Road and Fairway Drive traffic signal utility work, lane modifications, and paving are complete. The signal mast and signal mast arms will be installed over the next month, and the signal will be operational in July. Mr. Hartzell reviewed the 2026 Roadway Rehabilitation Project. Phase two of the project is in process and is anticipated to be completed in early July. Phases one and three are anticipated to begin. The Woodlane Drive pavement rehabilitation project began on May 26 th between ## Wooddale Drive and Courtley Road. Starting June 8 th , construction along Woodlane Drive from Courtley Road to Bailey Road will begin and be completed before school starts in the fall. One-lane traffic will be maintained along Woodlane Drive. Councilmember Wilson asked when the Radio Drive and Bailey Road intersection would open. Mr. Hartzell replied that next week it will be opened. Mr. Hartzell noted the Bailey Road and Settlers Ridge Parkway intersection improvement project and explained that a new roundabout is under construction, and it is a Washington County project. Updates for the project can be found at Washingtoncountymn.gov/County18. The Bailey Road and Manning Avenue intersection improvement project is an MnDOT project, and a new roundabout is being constructed. Bailey Road will be closed to traffic in mid-June and will open in October at the earliest. Mr. Hartzell stated residents can view current road and trail closures and detours on the water treatment plant project web page at woodburymn.gov/WaterTreatment. He encouraged the community to sign up for InTouch to receive updates on projects in the City. Councilmember Morris asked about rejuvenation projects. Mr. Hartzell replied that he did not know when they would begin. Mr. Dahl noted that staff could send the information to the Council on Friday. Councilmember Wilson asked if there would be coordination on the roads closing at Woodlane Drive, and Radio Drive, and Bailey Road. Mr. Hartzell replied that his staff would coordinate the detours between the projects. ## City Administrator’s Report Mr. Dahl stated the City hosted a Memorial event on Monday and thanked those who attended and who led and volunteered for the event. Mayor Pro Tem Santini threw the first pitch for the Miracle League at the M Health Sports Center. The City will host an educational Juneteenth trail walk behind City Hall with additional displays at Colby Lake in Ojibway Park. The holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the US and was first celebrated in 1865, and became a State holiday in 2023. The walk will be available starting June 1 st and offers community members an opportunity to learn more about the holiday. City offices will be closed on June 19 th in observance of Juneteenth. The City is looking for volunteers for a weed pulling event at Hasenbank Park, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on May 28 th . ## Adjournment Mayor Pro Tem Santini moved, seconded by Councilmember Morris, to adjourn the meeting at 8:29 p.m. ## Voting in Favor: Wilson, Stafford, Morris, Santini ## Absent: Burt Respectfully submitted, ________________________________________________ ## Kimberly Lucio Wegele, Executive Assistant/Deputy Clerk Approved by the Woodbury City Council on June 10, 2026.