[0:01] Hello, I’m Woodbury Mayor Anne Burt, [0:03] welcome to my 2025 state of the city message. [0:06] I'm going to tell you about some of our key [0:07] accomplishments from 2024, and preview [0:10] some of our priority activities for 2025 and beyond. [0:13] Let's get started. [0:15] Every two years, the City Council selects [0:17] strategic priorities [0:18] that merit a special amount of analysis [0:21] based on resident [0:21] feedback collected through the biennial Community Survey. [0:24] The strategic initiatives for the 2025 to 2028 cycle are [0:28] related to water, environmental stewardship, and public safety. [0:32] Here's a brief progress update on each item. [0:36] As many of you are already aware, [0:37] the city is working with multiple state agencies [0:39] to construct a permanent water treatment plant [0:42] to address per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, [0:45] also known PFAS, in the city's drinking water. [0:48] In November, the city broke ground on the treatment plant, [0:51] which will be constructed [0:52] east of Radio Drive and south of Hargis Parkway. [0:55] It is the largest public infrastructure project [0:58] in the city's [0:59] history, and is expected to be operational in 2028. [1:03] State managed 3M settlement funds will cover a majority [1:06] of the construction. [1:08] Motorists should expect roadway and or lane closures, [1:11] travel delays, [1:12] as well as temporary closures of trails [1:14] along the pipeline routes this summer [1:16] and throughout the project. [1:18] We appreciate [1:18] your understanding, patience and support. [1:21] Meanwhile, as we construct the permanent water treatment [1:23] plant, a temporary treatment [1:25] facility is treating water from six impacted wells. [1:28] An additional temporary treatment is now [1:30] operational at three other well sites. [1:32] In addition, two new water production wells were added [1:35] to the city's water system in 2023 and 2024. [1:39] I assure you, water treatment is a top priority [1:42] and we are doing everything we can [1:44] to provide the highest quality [1:45] water possible today and for generations to come. [1:49] More information is available on our website. [1:52] Another strategic priority is environmental stewardship. [1:55] One of the focus areas of this [1:57] initiative is to begin implementing the vision [1:59] and goals outlined in the new Environmental Stewardship Plan, [2:03] which was adopted by the City Council in December 2020 [2:06] for alongside the Environmental Stewardship Plan. [2:09] A two year roadmap has been developed [2:12] incorporating community feedback and priorities. [2:15] Staff will focus on identifying and expanding key actions [2:18] to begin in the first two years. [2:20] Every two years, staff will collaborate with the Parks [2:22] and Natural Resources [2:23] Commission to update and adjust the roadmap. [2:27] Our last strategic initiative for this cycle focuses on [2:29] enhancing crime prevention efforts and increasing [2:32] public safety connections with the community. [2:34] Through the years, our Public Safety Department [2:36] has evolved in a proactive and forward thinking manner [2:40] while providing exceptional public safety services. [2:42] We regularly evaluate and adjust our services [2:45] to meet the changing needs and expectations of our community. [2:49] In 2019, Woodbury Police created the Community Support Team [2:53] to enhance the service and resources provided [2:55] in mental health crises. [2:57] Since creating this team, we have seen an increase [2:59] in calls related to mental health, [3:01] substance use disorders, domestic abuse, [3:04] and those experiencing housing insecurities. [3:07] In 2024, we added an additional detective [3:10] Sergeant and mental health practitioner to this team [3:13] to continue to provide the resources [3:15] our community needs at exceptional levels of service. [3:19] Public [3:19] safety continues to use data driven analysis, innovation [3:22] relationships, and proactive work to prevent crime. [3:26] We are working with local retail areas to spearhead [3:28] proactive efforts to address criminal activity [3:30] in those spaces. [3:32] These coordinated efforts not only help stop [3:34] criminal activity, [3:35] but they also strengthen [3:37] our relationships with our retail partners. [3:39] This work and strong [3:40] relationships, coupled with our increased use of technology [3:43] over the past two years, helped keep our residents [3:46] safe and prevent crime from occurring in our community. [3:49] In the EMS Fire Division, we are working to restructure [3:52] the staffing schedule to 24 hour working shifts. [3:56] This will help us build a sustainable staffing model [3:58] given the increasing [3:59] number of calls for service, particularly for EMS. [4:03] It's also important our staffing model ensures [4:05] we have the appropriately trained staff [4:07] to respond to fire, rescue and hazardous materials incidents. [4:11] This model will assist with our recruitment [4:13] and retention efforts, [4:14] enhance our EMS fire [4:16] response time, and better serve our growing community. [4:19] Our Public Safety Department continues to evolve [4:21] to the benefit of our residents. [4:23] I'm proud of our progress, and I'm looking forward [4:25] to the continued enhancements and initiatives [4:27] ahead, like expanding our public safety campus, [4:31] recognizing the need to accommodate [4:32] our growing community, and increasing demands [4:34] on our staff programs and emergency services. [4:37] We are renovating and expanding the Public Safety campus. [4:41] In November 2024. [4:42] Woodbury voters approved funding this project primarily [4:45] through a half cent local sales tax beginning in April 2025, [4:49] allowing residents to share the burden [4:51] with our visitors and our nonresidents. [4:54] We're looking forward to breaking ground on this project [4:56] in 2026, with plans to open the campus by mid 2028. [5:01] Stay tuned for updates on our website [5:02] and in the Woodbury City Update newsletter. [5:05] Thank you for supporting our first responders. [5:08] Moving along to another [5:09] significant improvement project underway, the city [5:12] is currently renovating Central Park, a popular indoor [5:15] gathering space that originally opened in 2002. [5:19] This versatile facility plays a vital role [5:21] in connecting people and resources [5:23] by providing a welcoming space for community gatherings. [5:26] The city secured $7.5 million in State of Minnesota bonding, [5:30] along with other legislative support [5:32] to help fund these enhancements. [5:34] Construction began in April 2024, [5:37] with the facility expected to reopen this fall. [5:40] A grand reopening celebration is being planned, [5:42] with more details to be shared as the date approaches. [5:45] Additional project information, including renderings [5:48] and progress photos, are on the city's website. [5:51] Now, let's talk about why [5:52] so many of us chose to live in Woodbury. [5:55] Our extensive parks and trail [5:56] system, recreational amenities, and recreation programs. [6:00] We've been busy renovating existing facilities and building [6:03] new parks, [6:04] including a new park in the Copper Hills neighborhood, [6:06] renovated steps from the parking lot [6:08] to the lake at Carver [6:09] Lake Park, and updated Evergreen East and Woodland Hills parks. [6:13] Currently, a planning study continues [6:15] to identify and prioritize potential improvements [6:18] and state funding opportunities for Lake Park, [6:21] including a request for $2 million to support [6:24] improvements at La Lake. [6:26] This year, we're excited [6:27] to continue enhancing our parks with court resurfacing [6:30] pedestrian trail improvements throughout the community. [6:33] Playground replacements at Pioneer Park [6:35] and the small structure near the beach at Carver Lake Park. [6:38] Additionally, we look forward to the art [6:40] installations coming to Hassenbank Park this summer. [6:43] More details and timelines on playground replacements, [6:46] vegetation management [6:47] and other park improvements are available on our website. [6:51] Our recreation team also continues to introduce [6:53] new programs to the community. [6:55] Explore our diverse recreation offerings by joining [6:58] a program, Adult League [7:00] or special event or enjoying a free park performance. [7:03] In 2024, we expanded the opportunities [7:05] for community members with varying abilities, [7:07] with a particular focus on our adults and senior [7:10] community members. [7:12] Another exciting project includes [7:14] the significant expansion of the community garden [7:17] located at Andy Bark Park. [7:19] In 2025, we are increasing the number of available in-ground [7:23] nine by 14 foot garden plots from 48 to 96 [7:27] and adding 12 wheelchair accessible raised beds [7:30] and 30 raised bed garden tables. [7:34] Updates about our upcoming performances, special events [7:37] and other recreation options are available on our website [7:40] and the Woodbury Parks and Recreation Facebook page. [7:43] Thanks to an extended golf season, Eagle Valley again [7:46] surpassed 44,000 rounds played in 2020 for [7:49] the favorable weather in March and November helped overcome [7:52] the impact of fewer rounds in May and June [7:54] due to an abundance of rainfall. [7:57] The clubhouse renovation project continues [7:59] to have a positive impact throughout the year. [8:01] Staff received unprompted feedback [8:03] on how much they liked the new bar, [8:05] and the new sliding wall feature that opens up to the patio. [8:08] Having the ability to open the doors [8:10] and bring the feel of nature inside was a welcome addition. [8:13] Our M [8:14] Health Fairview [8:14] Sports Center continues to host our local [8:16] athletic partners throughout the year, [8:18] as well as many casual walkers and runners who use the climate [8:21] controlled field house for regular exercise. [8:24] The sports center also welcomes more nontraditional events [8:27] such as Navratri, [8:28] a Hindu festival [8:29] that celebrates the Goddess Durga [8:31] and the victory of good over evil. [8:33] In addition, [8:34] the facility hosts a variety of Expo events, [8:36] including the biannual “Just Between Friends” consignment [8:39] sale. [8:40] Last year, I introduced Destination Woodbury, [8:43] the city's new destination marketing organization, or DMO. [8:47] DMO’s are used all over the state for attracting visitors [8:50] and generating economic benefits to local communities. [8:54] Today, I'm excited to share with you [8:55] the launch of the Destination Woodbury website. [8:58] Website is really the heartbeat of a DMO, [9:00] and it will be a great source of information [9:02] for the [9:03] thousands of out-of-town guests who visit Woodbury each year. [9:07] The website will also be a connection point for major [9:09] tourism drivers [9:10] such as the M Health Fairview Sports Center, Central Park [9:14] and Eagle Valley Golf Course [9:15] to hotels, restaurants and shopping destination. [9:18] Woodbury is funded through a 3% [9:20] lodging tax on most Woodbury hotel stays per state law. [9:24] These resources can be used only [9:26] for attracting visitors to the community. [9:28] The City Council oversees the funds. [9:30] The Economic Development Commission [9:32] provides recommendations and establishes [9:34] strategic priorities moving forward. [9:36] Destination Woodbury will also be producing [9:39] a new park and trail map and visitor guide, [9:41] and will have a presence at the renovated Central Park. [9:44] Woodbury has experienced [9:45] continued commercial development activity in 2024. [9:49] Building permits were issued for seven [9:50] new commercial buildings, [9:51] totaling more than 260,000ft² of space, [9:54] which will add to the city's tax base and employment. [9:57] The city now has more than 13 million [9:59] square feet of commercial development, [10:01] with more than 60% of that being in the non-retail sector. [10:05] I also want to take a moment to highlight [10:07] a couple of the new commercial developments. [10:10] We're excited to welcome Top Golf to Woodbury, [10:12] which is being constructed along Bielenberg Drive [10:14] just south of the former Hartford building. [10:17] Additionally, a new Washington [10:18] County service Center is under construction, [10:21] located on Woodlane Drive across [10:22] from the new park and ride ramp for the Metro Gold line. [10:26] The city also saw several new residential developments [10:28] continue construction throughout the community. [10:31] These projects deliver on the city's commitment [10:33] to providing a diversity of housing types [10:35] to accommodate people of all ages, [10:37] income levels, and family status. [10:39] One of the results of this decades [10:40] long commitment to housing diversity [10:42] is that the city has maintained an approximate 5050 split [10:46] between single family detached [10:48] housing units and detached housing units in 2024. [10:52] The city council [10:53] also approved two affordable housing developments, [10:56] which will provide additional housing opportunities [10:58] with low to moderate incomes [11:00] and within close proximity to our Northeast Business Park. [11:04] We're hopeful [11:04] that both projects will begin construction in 2025. [11:08] I encourage you to look at the city's [11:10] development map on its website. [11:11] If you have any questions about the new developments, [11:14] we anticipate a busy 2025 roadway construction season. [11:19] Work continues on Metro Transit [11:20] new Gold Line bus rapid transit route [11:22] along the Bielenberg and Guider drives. [11:25] The ten mile Gold Line, which opened in March, connects [11:27] Saint Paul and Woodbury. [11:29] In 2024, construction included Bielenberg Drive, Guider drive, [11:33] two bus stations, and the Woodland Station Park and Ride. [11:37] In 2025, work [11:39] will focus on landscaping, lighting, and final cleanup. [11:42] Woodbury Public Safety is working with Metro [11:44] Transit police and other local partners [11:45] to assure the Metro Transit Gold Line is ready and safe [11:48] for writers, local businesses and our community. [11:51] We are proactively leaning [11:53] into a leadership role with the safety of the Gold Line [11:55] research and how we can leverage technology, [11:57] best practices, knowledge [11:59] learned from other cities and relationships [12:01] to create a positive transit experience for all. [12:04] Metro transit also is now piloting a new on demand [12:07] shared ride service in a 13 square mile area [12:10] in Woodbury and parts of Oakdale and Lake Elmo. [12:13] Metro micro works similarly to other ride share services. [12:17] Only It uses ADA accessible mini busses [12:20] that allow other customers to be picked up [12:22] and dropped off anywhere within the service area [12:24] during their trip. [12:25] Because it is a shared ride, the bus may pick up or drop off [12:29] other passengers along the way. [12:31] To book a ride, download the free Metro Micro app. [12:35] Back to local roadway projects. [12:37] The 2025 roadway rehabilitation project in the Fox Run [12:41] neighborhood will include pavement replacement and minor [12:44] utility repairs, with completion expected in the fall. [12:48] This summer, the Woodlane Drive Trail project will add a ten [12:51] foot wide trail on the west side of Woodlane [12:53] Drive and small sections on the east side to close gaps. [12:57] Some impacts to roadway travel, including shoulder or short [13:00] term lane closures, are expected on the southeast side of town. [13:04] The Bailey Road water tower project will start this year, [13:07] while most work will occur off road. [13:09] A trunk pipeline crossing Bailey Road West of Settlers [13:13] Ridge Parkway will require a temporary full closure. [13:16] Dale Road will be reconstructed between Radio [13:18] Drive and Copper Ridge Drive, requiring a full closure. [13:22] Improvements include a center median, left [13:24] turn lanes and trails on both sides. [13:26] Tamarack road will be rehabilitated [13:28] between rear drive and radio Drive, [13:30] including Tamarack Bay, Coller Way, and Seasons Parkway. [13:34] A new trail will connect [13:35] Bielenberg Drive to Radio Drive on the north side, [13:38] while the trail on the south side will be reconstructed. [13:41] Lastly, significant traffic impacts are anticipated [13:44] with the construction of the city's water treatment [13:46] plant and pipeline project mentioned previously. [13:49] Lane and roadway closures will impact [13:51] vehicle travel on Valley Creek Road, Interlachen Parkway, [13:54] Pioneer Drive, Rodeo Drive, Bailey Road, [13:58] Cottage Grove [13:59] Drive, and Settlers Ridge Parkway [14:00] for the installation of water pipes. [14:03] Construction activities have been phased [14:05] to coordinate the work in these roadway corridors. [14:07] City staff has worked with South Washington County school staff [14:11] to provide access to adjacent schools during construction. [14:14] We encourage residents to review the planned roadway [14:17] closure phasing, which is available [14:18] on the project website for more details. [14:21] Next, I'd like to share a little bit [14:23] about how we conduct our business at the city. [14:25] I'm honored to serve [14:26] with a group of council members who work together [14:28] to address our priorities and achieve our goals. [14:31] Our role as a city council in Woodbury is focused on policy [14:34] and oversight, not the day to day operations. [14:37] Each council member and I have part time roles. [14:40] We balance our professional careers [14:42] while doing our best to serve our community. [14:44] When it's appropriate. [14:45] We also seek ways to involve the community [14:47] in key decisions about city operations, [14:49] policies, and projects. [14:51] We engage the community [14:52] through an equity lens so that we can ensure [14:54] we are hearing from diverse perspectives [14:56] and being intentional with our outreach. [14:58] When decisions are before the City Council, [15:01] we hope this approach also will lead [15:02] to increased involvement from our community members. [15:05] Also, as the city continues to grow and become more diverse, [15:09] we are intentional [15:10] about fostering an inclusive and welcoming community. [15:13] We hosted a Welcome to Woodbury event for new residents [15:15] in November, [15:16] and in September, worked with other community [15:18] leaders and organizations [15:20] to host the second annual One Woodbury event, [15:23] which celebrated the diverse people, [15:24] perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences in Woodbury. [15:28] The city also hosted an educational Juneteenth [15:31] walk around the trail behind City Hall. [15:33] Now, let's take a quick, broad look at the city's [15:35] 2025 budget and cost for city services. [15:39] City taxes on a residential home valued at $441,000, [15:43] the median value for taxes payable in 2025 [15:46] increased an estimated $73 for the year. [15:49] This is for the city portion of your tax bill. [15:52] About 24% of that total bill. [15:55] About 53% of your property [15:57] tax bill goes to your school district. [15:59] 20% goes to Washington County, and the remaining 3% [16:02] goes to other special taxing districts. [16:05] Most of your city tax money goes to maintaining [16:07] streets, parks, trails and providing public safety. [16:11] The estimated monthly cost to provide city services [16:13] to residents in 2025 is approximately $113 [16:17] per household. [16:19] That's a pretty good value when you compare [16:20] that to a monthly smartphone or cable TV bill. [16:24] We're also increasing some fees for 2025 to help cover costs [16:27] for utility infrastructure replacement activity. [16:30] Some of you are noticing these changes [16:32] on your first quarterly bill of the year. [16:34] You can view these changes on our website. [16:36] Moving along, Woodbury [16:38] will be hiring a new city administrator in 2025. [16:41] That's right, our longtime city administrator, Clint Gridley, [16:44] is retiring on June 6th [16:46] after serving our community for more than 20 years. [16:49] Our community and organization have evolved [16:51] considerably during Clint's tenure. [16:54] He's done an outstanding job [16:55] guiding us through multiple capital [16:57] improvement projects and initiatives, [16:59] including the current construction [17:01] of our water treatment plant. [17:02] On behalf of our community, [17:04] thank you, Clint, for your tireless dedication [17:06] and leadership over the past two decades. [17:09] You are leaving us [17:10] in an excellent position to ensure a smooth transition. [17:14] The city is working with Baker Tilly, a recruiting firm, [17:17] to conduct a national search for clients replacement. [17:20] We expect to have the new person on board sometime this summer. [17:23] Finally, there are lots of ways that residents and businesses [17:26] can stay connected with the city of Woodbury. [17:28] You can visit our website or follow us on Facebook [17:31] and Instagram. [17:32] You can also sign up for In touch email notification [17:35] service. [17:36] Our Woodbury City Update [17:37] newsletter is mailed to all businesses [17:39] and households 11 times per year, [17:41] and our recreation brochure is mailed out three times per year. [17:44] And lastly, you can watch city council [17:46] and commission meetings, as well as other programing at [17:50] SWCTC.org and our city YouTube channel. [17:54] We need can also be viewed on SWCTC channel 16, and additional [17:59] programing is available on channel 18 or HD channel 859. [18:04] That wraps up this year's video. [18:06] Thank you for being engaged in your community [18:08] and watching this year's update. [18:09] It's truly an honor to serve our community in my role as mayor. [18:13] I look forward to seeing you out and about.