City Council

Minutes Woodbury City Council Wednesday, December 11, 2024 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 11th day of December 2024. Call to Order Mayor Anne Burt called the meeting to order at 7:46 p.m., and she welcomed those attending the meeting both in person and virtually. Mayor Burt 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. 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: Mayor Anne Burt, Councilmembers: Kim Wilson, Andrea Date, Steve Morris, and Jennifer Santini. Absent: None Others Present: Ashleigh Sullivan, Assistant City Administrator/City Clerk; Kevin Sandstrom, City Attorney; Clinton Gridley, City Administrator; Janelle Schmitz, Community Development Director; Jennifer McLoughlin, Environmental Resources Manager; and Chris Hartzell, Engineering Director. Special Order of Business A. Recognition of Retiring City Council Member Andrea Date Mayor Burt mentioned that Councilmember Date has been a Councilmember for eight years. Before she was on the City Council she was on the Parks and Recreation Commission and served on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan task force. Mayor Burt read Resolution 24-240 which recognized retiring Councilmember Andrea Date. She presented Councilmember Date with the gift of a clock. Mayor Burt noted that Councilmember Date has been focused on sustainability and environmental issues. She presented Councilmember Date with a tray of succulents in honor of Councilmember Date's desire to have green roofs and a mini solar panel. Councilmember Date shared parting words. She explained when she started asking people to vote for her she promised that she would run with the next 40 years in mind. She reflected on the small moments that she is hopeful will make a difference over time. She expressed her pride in her commitment to long-range and strategic planning, outdoor recreational opportunities, and environmental conservation. She explained that she received advice from a Council member in a different community to take the first six months after being elected to listen and absorb the information of the Council and City to understand how it operates. She noted that it was a valuable lesson in life for her. Incremental change and piloting are good government policies. Taking the time to get things done right and moving slowly is what leads to a longer-lasting policy. She emphasized the importance of public participation. Strategic and long- term planning has been one of the keys to Woodbury’s success and hoped that the culture and commitment would carry forward. She thanked the residents for allowing her to represent them. She noted that the Council has listened to her perspective and engaged in thoughtful and open dialogue. She thanked the Council for being open to new ideas, compromising, and offering new perspectives and added that it is what makes government better. She thanked the City staff for their work. She thanked her parents, and in-laws for their help with childcare. She thanked her husband and children for walking alongside her. She expressed her excitement for the work the City would continue to do and noted that she would continue to be involved in the community. Mayor Burt expressed her appreciation for Councilmember Date and mentioned that Councilmember Date has made the Council better. B. Presentation of Community Member Lifesaving Award Public Safety Director Jason Posel stated the Community Member Lifesaving Award is awarded to a community member who has demonstrated courage and bravery in saving a life. At times, individuals or bystanders provide lifesaving measures prior to the first responder’s arrival to an emergency. The Community Member Lifesaving Award provides the opportunity for Woodbury Public Safety  City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, December 11, 2024 to recognize the heroic and lifesaving actions of nominated individuals. He introduced Sergeant Brett Roddy and Officer Stephanie Wallace and expressed his appreciation for how they responded on October 6, 2024. Sergeant Roddy provided an incident report. In the very early morning hours of October 6, 2024, Ms. Pamela Khoury called 911 after realizing there was an adult male screaming for help in the pond near her home. Pamela took the courageous first action of calmly and quickly calling first responders for help. Prior to the first responders’ arrival, Mr. Gregory Uhls, a nearby neighbor, went to the pond and tried to loop a rope around the male in hopes of pulling the individual to the edge of the pond. Gregory was successful in looping the rope around the male and pulling him through the water and thick mud to a spot where first responders were able to enter the pond and pull the male onto the shore to begin providing care. When the male was pulled from the water, his clothes were soaked through, the outside temperature was 55 degrees, with the pond water being colder. With the assistance of Pamela’s first phone call, and Gregory’s courageous actions to move the male closer to the edge of the pond, responding first responders were able to quickly begin caring for the man, move him into an ambulance, and transport him to the hospital for additional care. Officer Wallace explained that it takes the community to do this kind of work. Public Safety Director Posel stated Pamela and Gregory’s quick and courageous actions saved the male from life-threatening hypothermia. He presented Ms. Khoury and Mr. Uhls with the Community Member Lifesaving Award. Mr. Uhls stated Ms. Khoury’s ears saved the man’s life. He mentioned that Ms. Khoury heard the man screaming for help at 2:45 a.m. He added that because of the first responder’s quick response, they were able to save the man’s life. Open Forum The Open Forum is a portion of the Council meeting where a maximum of three persons will be allowed to address the Council on subjects, which are not a part of the meeting agenda. Persons wishing to speak must complete a sign-up sheet prior to the start of the meeting. Give the sign-up sheet to any staff person. Speakers are limited to three minutes each. The Council will listen attentively to comments but, in most instances, will not respond at the meeting. Typically, replies to the concerns expressed will be made via letter or phone call within a week. Discussion A. Truth in Taxation Public Meeting – 2025 Property Tax Levy and Budget Mayor Burt mentioned that she would allow public comment even though it is not a public hearing. City Administrator Clinton Gridley presented the 2025 property tax levy and budget. The budget public process includes all meeting agendas being publicly noticed and available online. The public input is welcome at each step of the process. The budget document is available at the library, City Hall, or online. Mr. Gridley noted that the budget development begins in January which is the new fiscal year. From February through June, the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is developed and the Council reviews and adopts the CIP. In July, the CIP is put together with the financial year-end results to provide key budget considerations that are then presented to the Council. Staff present to the Council the preliminary tax levy guidelines. In September, the preliminary budget workshop occurs and the Council adopts the Preliminary Property Tax Levy/Truth in Taxation (TNT) meeting date. In November and December, the budget update is provided in the newsletter, the TNT public meeting is held and the Council adopts the final budget. Mr. Gridley explained that the budget development process starts with the divisions/sections, then goes to the departments, then to the finance division, then to the City Administrator, to the City Council, and finally to the public TNT. Mr. Gridley shows a video on how Woodbury works and operates. Mr. Gridley noted that the budget theme is “Woodbury – a city government that – WORKS”. The formula to accomplish this is effort plus effectiveness which creates results and leads to success. Efforts can be accomplished by having stable and engaged leadership at all levels, a skilled and committed workforce, thoughtful policy formulation and implementation, and dedication to forming community and regional partnerships. In order to accomplish effectiveness, it takes creating the right systems and practices, overseen by the right people doing the right things, biennial community surveys and strategic initiative setting processes, annual performance measure assessment, and services performed at competitive tax and utility rates. Results can be accomplished through continued growth and prosperity. He noted Woodbury is in the Fortune top 50 cities in the U.S. number 12 national ranking, and number one in Minnesota. Results can also be accomplished by seeking the GFOA distinguished budget presentation and annual comprehensive financial report awards. The City has a Standard & Poor’s AAA bond rating. The City has received the League of Minnesota Cities Sustainable City award. Public trust shows how successful the City is. One of the ways that the City knows if it has public trust is through the community survey. 25 survey questions received higher ratings than the national benchmark. 22 survey questions received higher ratings than the Page 2 of 10  City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, December 11, 2024 last survey. There is an 85% approval rating for the job the Mayor and City Council are doing. There is an 86% approval rating of the job performance of the City Staff. Mr. Gridley mentioned in 1960 the population of Woodbury was 3,014 while now it is 82,000. Mr. Gridley reviewed the residential property tax distribution. The School District receives about half of the tax distribution. The City receives 24%, the County receives 20% and special taxing districts receive 3%. He reviewed how the property tax formula is calculated. The property tax levy is determined by subtracting expenditures from non-tax revenues. The Taxable Market Value is set by Washington County. The property tax levy is divided by the tax capacity (taxable market value multiplied by 62 class rates) to get the tax capacity rate. The tax capacity determines the tax rate. The tax capacity rate is then applied to a property’s taxable market value per thousand which determines the tax bill. Mr. Gridley explained the statutory property tax system. The system starts by converting the market value to tax capacity. It includes the property tax class rates. The class rate changes for homes over $500,000 assessed value. The tax burden is shifting from commercial and industrial to residential affecting the median value home impact. For homes under $517,200, there is a homestead market value exclusion. Mr. Gridley stated the City has a $121 million revenue budget which is a 9.9% decrease from prior budget. The City & HRA tax levy is $52.4 million which is an 8.3% increase from prior budget. The non-levy revenue is $68.4 million which is a 20.2% decrease from prior budget. Revenue amounts indicated exclude any offsetting inter-fund transfer-in and use of fund/reserve balances. He reviewed expenditures which include operating costs of $82.7 million, Capital at $39.5 million, and Debt Services at $5.3 million. These expenditure amounts exclude offsetting inter-fund transfers-out. The biggest driver in the budget is personnel. Staff has done a lot of deep dives on personnel and positions. This budget has 23 new positions with over half being non-levy paid money. The big area that is increasing is for personnel for the Public Safety department. Mr. Gridley explained the major capital projects including project timeframes are the Water Treatment Plant and Piping Project ($350 million 2024-2028), the Public Safety Campus Project ($60 million 2024-2027), the Central Park Renovation and Expansion Project ($42 million 2023-2025), and the Roadway and Trail Resurfacing ($23.3 million 2025). Mr. Gridley explained the valuation growth trend in the housing market. Typically home values increase in Woodbury but due to the great recession, there was a surge in buying interest in homes. Property values surged by 20%. Since then, the market has calmed down so there is a 3% retrenching of the market. The total market value has slightly reduced from last year. The median value of residential homes in Woodbury is $441,100. Mr. Gridley reviewed the 2025 property tax levy allocation: • General Fund: $40,391,410 • Capital Improvements: $3,326,056 • Street Reconstruction: $4,774,086 • Parks and Trails Replacement: $728,000 • Central Park Building Project: $0 • Deb Service: $2,908,126 • HRA: $250,000 Mr. Gridley mentioned the proposed levy is a 8.3% increase. The proposed property tax rate for 2025 is 30.984. Homes valued at $441,100 will pay an estimated $1,352 which is $73 more than in 2024. The monthly cost for residents is $112.67 a month. The funds are allocated to police, fire and EMS, Public Works operations and street reconstruction, parks, trails and recreation, debt service, administrative services, and housing and redevelopment. Woodbury is the 5th lowest of 20 cities in the metro in terms of tax capacity rates. In regard to the proposed tax levy percentage increase, Woodbury is below Minnesota's and metro average. Mr. Gridley explained that there are user fees which include water administrative fee, water tier rates (Tier 1), MCES fixed fee, MCES > 8,000 gallons, City sanitary sewer operating, irrigation, stormwater fee, street lighting (Group 5), and ambulance rate. Mr. Gridley noted that he receives many questions such as “If my property value has gone down, will my property taxes automatically fall too?” He explained that they will not. Property values are used to distribute the tax burden, it does not create the tax burden. Property values are set independently by Washington County. The City Council controls only the City levy. The levy amount is fixed and does not grow or fall based on changes in property valuation. Each home’s characteristics and valuation are unique; it is hard to compare home-to-home. The degree of change in property taxes will be impacted by the level of increase or decrease in home value compared to the average. Property value sets the proportionate share of the City’s tax dollars. There are a number of tax relief programs such as Property Tax Refund (PTR). It is based on income and property tax due. Another program is a Special Property Tax refund. There are no income requirements. It is for property owners whose taxes increased more than 12%, and the increase was at least $100. The refund is 60% of the increase over 12%. The individual must own and occupy the home on January 2, 2023, and January 2, 2024. The paperwork must be filed by August 15, 2024. Page 3 of 10  City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Jerry Dabe, 6633 Stratford Road, explained that his home is valued at $440,000 and would have property taxes increase by 5.7%. He noted that his value went down 3.4% and asked where the money would be generated to make up for the money lost. Mr. Gridley explained that there are some properties that are increasing in value, while other homes are decreasing in value. He added that it all nets out in the end since not all homes are decreasing in value. The City does not lose money when a portion of the homes have a decrease in value. He explained when there is a value appeal, it is important to bring something comparable to show that the home was overvalued. Mr. Dabe replied that the County helped him with that. Councilmember Date explained that this is not the first time the Council has seen the presentation and discussed the budget. Councilmember Date moved, seconded by Councilmember Santini, To adopt the following resolution Resolution 24-241 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota approving the various fund budgets, setting the tax levies, and canceling various debt levies for next year. One resolution has been prepared to adopt the twenty-seven resolutions so the resolutions may all be adopted at one time. Councilmember Morris added that the Council has discussed the budget for hours and thanked the finance team for their work. Councilmember Wilson agreed and noted that during previous discussions, she has expressed concern that the City continues to add things to the budget. She mentioned she urged the Council to look at areas that could be decreased. She offered some suggestions during the September 11th meeting. She stated her vote would reflect that. Voting via voice: Kim Wilson – no Andrea Date – aye Steve Morris – aye Jennifer Santini – aye Anne Burt – aye Mayor Burt thanked the finance team for their work on the budget. Consent Agenda All items listed under the consent agenda are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion and an affirmative vote by roll call of a majority of the members present. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Councilmember or citizen so requests, in which event, the items will be removed from the consent agenda and considered a separate subject of discussion by the Council. Item A Approval of Council Minutes – November 20, 2024 Item B To adopt the following resolution Resolution 24-242 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota authorizing the acceptance of program sponsorship totaling $28,255.00 from Woodbury businesses, organizations, and individuals, and $7,500.00 from individuals for Memorial Bench donations. Item C Adoption of Council Directive CD-COMDEV-3.26 Master Plans. This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and moved to the Discussion portion of the meeting. Item D To adopt the following resolution Resolution 24-244 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota approving the South Washington County Telecommunications Commission’s lease agreement at Central Park and authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to execute same, subject to review and approval of final. Item E 1. To adopt a motion approving the Trebesch Addition, Final Plat, Project No. 01-2023-00537. 2. To adopt a motion authorizing the Mayor and City Administrator to execute the Development Agreement with all approvals subject to the conditions as outlined in Council Letter 24-306. Page 4 of 10  City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Item F To adopt a motion approving the Wooddale Heights Second Addition, Final Plat, Project No. 01-2023-00534. To adopt a motion authorizing the Mayor and City Administrator to execute the Development Agreement with all approvals subject to the conditions as outlined in Council Letter 24-307. Item G To adopt the following resolution Resolution 24-245 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota authorizing application to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Implementation Grants for Community Resilience for battery storage at Fleet Services. Item H To adopt the following resolution Resolution 24-246 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota prohibiting parking of motor vehicles on both sides of Fox Run Road from Woodbury Drive to Eastview Road, and Eastview Road from Fox Run Road to Settlers Ridge Parkway for submittal to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Item I To adopt the following resolution Resolution 24-247 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota authorizing the use of funds from the Phase II Major Roadway Special Assessment Fund to amend the engineering consulting services agreement with WSB for the Dale Road improvements from Radio Drive to Copper Ridge Drive and authorizing advertisement for bid. Item J To adopt the following resolution Resolution 24-248 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota awarding the 2024-2025 Stormwater Maintenance construction contracts to Fitzgerald Excavating, authorizing the use of the Central District Trunk Storm Sewer Fund, and authorizing the Mayor and City Administrator to sign contracts. Item K To adopt the following resolution Resolution 24-249 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota authorizing use of East Mississippi Trunk Storm Sewer funds for Professional Engineering Services for the Ria Lake Infiltration Basin. Item L To adopt the following resolution Resolution 24-250 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 $89,000 and approving budget amendment. Item M To adopt the following resolution Resolution 24-251 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota authorizing acceptance of the City of Woodbury preliminary engineering report and Pilot Grant Amendment No. 4, Contract #204381 from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Item N To adopt the following resolution Resolution 24-252 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota approving the Labor Contract Between the City of Woodbury and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 49 and Authorize Required Signatures. Item O To adopt the following resolution Resolution 24-253 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota authorizing the acceptance of the Woodbury Community Foundation Grant in the amount of $2,033.24 and approving the associated budget amendment. Page 5 of 10  City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Item P To adopt the following resolution Resolution 24-254 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota authorizing the acceptance of the Walmart Community Grant in the amount of $2,000 and approving the associated budget amendment. Item Q To adopt the following resolution Resolution 24-255 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota for approval of the renewal agreement between the City of Woodbury and Washington County Community Services for Coordinated Mental Health Response. Item R 1. To adopt the following ordinance Ordinance 2065 Ordinance of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota Creating Chapter 2, Article X of the Woodbury City Code Enacting a Local Sales and Use Tax 2. To Authorize staff to publish the Summary of Ordinance 2065, an ordinance of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota Creating Chapter 2, Article X of the Woodbury City Code Enacting a Local Sales and Use Tax. Item S To adopt a motion to renew the cannabinoid product license of the businesses on the list attached to Council Letter 24-320 for the period of January 1 through February 28, 2025. Item T To adopt the following resolution Resolution 24-256 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota Certifying Curb Stop Repair for 3240 Leyland Trail to the Washington County Auditor. Item U To adopt the following resolution Resolution 24-257 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota approving the labor contract between the City of Woodbury and Law Enforcement Labor Services. Item V To adopt a motion approving that the member (City) does not waive the monetary limits on municipal tort liability established by MN Statute § 466.04. Item W Annual Updates to the Fee Schedule for 2025; Adopt Ordinance Amending Sections 2-3, Fees for Various Services of Article I of Chapter 2, Administration. This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and moved to the Discussion portion of the meeting. Item X To adopt a motion approving the 2025 City Council meeting schedule as listed in Council letter 24-325. Item Y To adopt a motion adopting the three Strategic Initiatives for 2025- 2028. Item M 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 November 15, 2024 in the amount of $1,402,607.29, November 22, 2024 in the amount of $5,338,893.58 and November 27, 2024 in the amount of $1,907,970.08. Councilmember Date moved, seconded by Councilmember Santini, to approve the Consent Agenda items with the exception of items 7C and 7W. Voting via voice: Kim Wilson – aye Andrea Date – aye Steve Morris – aye Jennifer Santini – aye Anne Burt – aye Public Hearings Page 6 of 10  City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Discussion (Continued) Consent Agenda Item 7C Adoption of Council Directive CD-COMDEV-3.26 Master Plans. Councilmember Wilson pulled this item for discussion and stated she would be voting differently because the plan requires adding staff which increases the budget. Councilmember Date moved, seconded by Councilmember Santini, To adopt the following resolution Resolution 24-243 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota adopting Council Directive CD- COMDEV-3.26 Master Plans. Voting via voice: Kim Wilson – no Andrea Date – aye Steve Morris – aye Jennifer Santini – aye Anne Burt – aye Consent Agenda Item 7W Annual Updates to the Fee Schedule for 2025; Adopt Ordinance Amending Sections 2-3, Fees for Various Services of Article I of Chapter 2, Administration. Councilmember Wilson pulled this item for discussion and stated she would be voting differently because it affects the budget and she would like to keep her voting consistent. Councilmember Date moved, seconded by Councilmember Santini, To adopt the following ordinance Ordinance 2066 Ordinance of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota amending Sections 2-3 Fees for Various Services of Article I of Chapter 2, Administration. Staff further recommends Council authorize staff to publish the Summary of the Fee Ordinance in the City’s designated official newspaper, the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Voting via voice: Kim Wilson – no Andrea Date – aye Steve Morris – aye Jennifer Santini – aye Anne Burt – aye A. Adopting the Environmental Stewardship Plan and Two-Year Implementation Roadmap (2025-2026) Environmental Resources Manager Jennifer McLoughlin thanked the Council for their vision and guidance and the Parks and Natural Resources Commission (PNRC) for taking on the project. She recognized the consultant for the project, Ted Redmond from paleBLUEdot. Ms. McLoughlin explained since the City Council’s last update in September 2024, staff and paleBLUEdot have finalized the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Plan (ESP), and staff has completed the two-year implementation roadmap for 2025-2026. The final draft plan, prepared for adoption, may be viewed online. The ESP serves as a strategic framework for advancing Woodbury’s environmental goals over the next decade. Aligned with the City Council’s adopted Environmental Stewardship Strategic Initiative, the plan prioritizes actions focused on mitigation, adaptation, and community equity. Ms. McLoughlin stated achieving the goals outlined in the ESP will require ongoing assessment and refinement of its actions. To ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach, the resident planning team applied specific criteria to evaluate and prioritize proposed plan actions, with community input gathered from community members through both online and in-person sessions. Regular evaluation will ensure that actions are effectively implemented and remain aligned with Woodbury’s environmental objectives. Every two years, staff will update the implementation roadmap and adjust priorities in collaboration with the Parks and Natural Resources Commission (PNRC). Page 7 of 10  City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Ms. McLoughlin noted the second part of the Environmental Stewardship Strategic Initiative is: Education and Engagement for Property Owners. The proposed ESP includes a “What You Can Do” page, outlining what individuals, households, or businesses can do to support the plan. This information will also be presented in one online resource, with the final ESP at www.woodburymn.gov/environment. Additionally, staff developed the following action, included in the two-year implementation roadmap, to ensure an intentional approach to community engagement: Develop an inclusive Community Engagement and Communications Plan that aligns with the principles of the city’s Community Engagement Guide. This plan will support environmental stewardship education efforts across various sectors, providing a structured approach, goals, and timelines to effectively engage the community. Ms. McLoughlin explained that the action plan was developed and identified by the planning team, and specific City staff, and prioritized by the community. Staff received feedback that the plan was comprehensive so they created a high-level summary of the plan. One of the first tasks for the next strategic initiative is to work with the community relations department to develop an online dashboard that will track the City’s progress toward plan implementation over time. She introduced Parks and Natural Resources Commissioner Chuck Eckberg who also served on the resident planning team for the environmental stewardship plan. Mr. Eckberg commended Ms. McLoughlin for her leadership. In 2022, the Council adopted the Environmental Stewardship Strategic Initiative which directed staff, the PNRC, and residents to commence a two-year effort to formalize a plan that the Council would consider adopting. The process is meant to be directed by residents. The plan empowers resident participation in order to ensure that the wisdom and experiences of residents would drive the process. During the December 3rd PNRC meeting, the commissioners formally recommended that the Council adopt the Environmental Stewardship Plan and the two-year implementation road map. The Commission has consistently emphasized that the goals and actions outlined in the plan are tailored specifically to Woodbury’s needs. The draft plan has been well received by the community and stakeholders. The development of the plan was a highly collaborative effort that included the PNRC, City staff, the resident planning team, and the community. The two-year road map was selected based on priorities identified by the resident planning team and the community. Mayor Burt explained that the plan is online and is written as a ten-year plan. She emphasized the importance of the community being involved in the process. She mentioned that she is pleased by the work that has been done. She asked Ms. McLoughlin if this plan would allow the City to ask for additional grant money. Ms. McLoughlin replied that it would allow the City to ask for more grant money. Mayor Burt explained that she would allow for public comment on the item. Laura Norlander, 3493 Sunbury Drive, expressed her perspective regarding the residential water plan. She noted that going from three days of watering a lawn to two has made it difficult for her to maintain her lawn which is part of her property value. She explained that she is a recent widow who works a medical job and is not always home within the hours allowed. She added that the restriction is burdensome. Andrea Hable, 6049 Kalen Circle, stated she is the president of the League of Women Voters of the Woodbury/Cottage Grove area. She stated she is in favor of the Environmental Stewardship Plan and the two-year implementation roadmap. She added that her letter of support is included in the Council’s meeting materials. The league members asked her to be present at the meeting in order to emphasize their strong support. Immediate action is needed to protect natural resources, native habitats, biodiversity, human health, and built communities. She added that the League of Women Voters looks forward to working with the City. Lynne Markus, 9175 Pinehurst Road, mentioned she was on the resident planning committee. She emphasized that the Council should be proud of the City staff. She explained that the process was impressive and comprehensive. She stated she hoped the Council felt good about voting for the adoption of the plan. Linda Walling, 6391 Crackleberry Trail, stated she has been impressed with Woodbury’s focus on the environment. A strategic focus is required in order to pull all of the environmental efforts together under one roof so it can work collaboratively. She urged the Council to adopt the motion presented. Wallace Wadd, 2530 Queensport Road, expressed being in favor of the Environmental Stewardship Plan. He added that he is on the Parks and Natural Resources Commission and worked on the team that drafted the plan. He thanked the Council for the environmental work that has been done over the last 20 years and for establishing the environmental stewardship strategic initiative. The Comprehensive Plan states “We are interconnected and interdependent on the natural world.” He mentioned that this should guide decisions on the environment moving forward. The Environmental Stewardship Plan will help the City take the next steps now and prepare for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. Environmental stewardship is a responsibility inheriting good citizenship. He asked that the Council approve the Environmental Stewardship Plan. Mayor Burt explained the Council has been in support of this and recognized that a strategic initiative was needed several years ago. Councilmember Wilson explained that it has been a long process. She mentioned that feedback was asked in the community survey and there was different feedback that was shown. She noted that she does not know a single person who does not love the environment. She expressed her concerns about adopting the plan due to the repercussions of what could happen such as fiscal responsibility. She Page 8 of 10  City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, December 11, 2024 explained that Woodbury is a leading community in environmental stewardship. She added that there are elements of the plan she likes and does not like. Councilmember Date mentioned that Woodbury has done a lot and the Council has been champions for environmental stewardship. She understood Councilmember Wilson’s concerns and believed that Woodbury would be wise stewarding financial obligations. She acknowledged Ms. Norlander’s comments regarding the watering policy. She mentioned watering grass two days a week is better for the grass. The policy was meant more for people who have built-in irrigation systems. She added that Ms. Norlander’s comments are worthy of future discussions with the Council. Councilmember Date moved, seconded by Councilmember Santini, To adopt the following resolution Resolution 24-258 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota adopting the Environmental Stewardship Plan and Two-Year Implementation Roadmap (2025-2026). Voting via voice: Kim Wilson – no Andrea Date – aye Steve Morris – aye Jennifer Santini – aye Anne Burt – aye City Attorney Kevin Sandstrom explained that the Council discussed during the Council workshop the process of recommending the South Washington Watershed District representative. During the November 20th meeting, the Council made a motion about a process that the Council hoped to undertake to figure out who they would recommend for the position. South Washington Watershed District has its own application and interview process. He mentioned that the Council has wondered if they picked someone too quickly if there was already a process in place. Mayor Burt corrected Mr. Sandstrom and mentioned that the County has the application process. Mr. Sandstrom agreed. He recommended the Council make a motion to rescind what was done during the November 20 th meeting. He mentioned the Council would need to restate the motion that was said during the November 20 th meeting and then do a follow-up motion. Mayor Burt moved, seconded by Morris, to rescind the adopted motion from the November 20, 2024 meeting that directed staff to amend the process for selection of a City representative for the South Washington Watershed District by preparing a revised application that would consider qualifications for the position, instructing the Watershed District to give the Council a work plan outline, re- interviewing of the applicant candidates after their revised applications are submitted, and having a more extensive interview process, and having the full Council participate in the process. Councilmember Wilson wondered if it was even possible to do the motion. Mr. Sandstrom clarified that under Robert’s Rules, the rules stated that a motion to reconsider a matter needs to be made at the same meeting where the original meeting was made. A motion to rescind a prior action can happen at any later meeting so long as there has been no detrimental action already undertaken on the motion that was made at a prior meeting. For example, if the Council made a motion to approve a contract during the meeting. The Council could still make a motion to reconsider even though an action had already been conducted so long as it was within the same meeting. Once the meeting is passed and the contractor has been notified of the award, the Council cannot make a motion to rescind the motion at a later time because something has already been undertaken and vest rights have been given to the contractor. The Council can rescind the motion during this meeting because there has not been any action taken on the Council direction. Councilmember Wilson mentioned on the League of Women Voter’s website it says if a person has been appointed to or expelled from a position and has been officially notified, the action would result in the violation of a vested right. Mayor Burt noted that the person was not officially notified. Mr. Sandstrom added that no one was appointed during the last meeting. He agreed that the Council would not be able to rescind the vote if the person had been officially notified and appointed. Voting via voice: Kim Wilson – no Andrea Date – aye Steve Morris – aye Jennifer Santini – aye Anne Burt – aye Mayor Burt moved, seconded by Morris, to direct staff to send a letter to the candidates asking them to apply through the County’s application process set to occur in Q1 of 2025. Page 9 of 10  City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Councilmember Wilson clarified that anyone can apply for the position. Voting via voice: Kim Wilson – no Andrea Date – aye Steve Morris – aye Jennifer Santini – aye Anne Burt – aye Councilmember Wilson noted that the item was not on the Agenda so the public was not necessarily informed and therefore not able to provide input on the matter. Mr. Sandstrom replied that it was not a public hearing action item and therefore no need to have any public input. He added there is no entitlement for the public to put input into it. Councilmember Wilson mentioned that it was a part of the Consent Agenda and the public has a right to pull anything from the Consent Agenda and provide comments on it. Councilmember Morris pointed out that it was not on the Consent Agenda and instead was a discussion item during the November 20th meeting. Councilmember Wilson replied that the item was not on the current agenda. Councilmember Morris mentioned that during the Council workshop, there was a consensus to add to the motion. Mr. Sandstrom added the Council has leeway to take action on an item on its regularly scheduled meeting agenda, and it was discussed at the Council workshop that it was an action item Council wanted to address at the meeting tonight. Transportation Report (2nd meeting of the month, May-October) No items scheduled City Administrator’s Report Mr. Gridley gave a verbal update of upcoming City meetings. • December 12, 2024 – Neighborhood Meeting, Math and Science Academy, 6:00 p.m., Woodbury City Hall City Council Chambers • January 8, 2025 – Council Workshop Meeting Adjournment Mayor Burt moved, seconded by Councilmember Date, to adjourn the meeting at 9:26 p.m. Voting in Favor: Wilson, Date, Morris, Santini, Burt Absent: None Respectfully submitted, _________________________________________ Ashleigh Sullivan, Assistant City Administrator/City Clerk Approved by the Woodbury City Council on January 08, 2025. Page 10 of 10