City Council

Minutes Woodbury City Council Wednesday, February 12, 2025 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 12th day of February 2025. Call to Order Mayor Anne Burt called the meeting to order at 7:30 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, Donna Stafford, Steve Morris (attending virtually via videoconference), 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; and Chris Hartzell, Engineering Director. Special Order of Business A. Arbor Month Proclamation Mayor Burt read a Proclamation in full declaring April 2025 as Arbor Month in the City of Woodbury. B. Approve City Administrator Recommendation to Dismiss City of Woodbury Employee Mayor Burt moved, seconded by Councilmember Santini, that Michael J Fletcher be dismissed from employment with the City of Woodbury effective February 12th, 2025 for but not limited to the reasons stated in City Administrator Clint Gridley’s letter to Michael Fletcher of January 29th, 2025. City Administrator Clinton Gridley stated at 6:45 p.m. tonight he received an email of three documents from the union representative for Mr. Fletcher that did not have new information. The union representative asked that the documents be printed and shared with the Council. City Attorney Kevin Sandstrom added that it is information that City staff has already considered in relation to the determination and recommendation that Mr. Gridley has made. Essentially, Mr. Fletcher is asking the Council to review the same information. At this stage, Mr. Fletcher is not entitled to a Public Hearing, and the Council is not required to review what Mr. Fletcher tried to resubmit. He recommended the Council go into a closed session if they wanted to review the resubmitted documents. Mayor Burt noted that the Council has been informed throughout the process. Mr. Sandstrom agreed and mentioned that the Council was apprised in detail due to the labor and employment legal counsel. Councilmember Wilson noted she struggles with reaching a conclusion based on what has been presented. Mayor Burt mentioned that Woodbury’s form of government under State Statute does not allow the City Administrator to dismiss or fire a City employee without Council approval. She asked Mr. Gridley to explain the process. Mr. Gridley explained that there is a lot of due diligence. In this case, it is a probationary employee which means that it is the early stage where full employment rights have not been conveyed. There have been multiple meetings and Mr. Fletcher has had representation by the union labor counsel. Administrator Gridley added that he has had a meeting with Mr. Fletcher’s union representative and with Mr. Fletcher. Mr. Fletcher has the right to attend a public meeting or a closed session and speak. Councilmember Wilson asked Mr. Gridley what documents he had received at 6:45 p.m. Mr. Gridley replied that it was documents that were consistent with the previous discussion regarding the basis of his termination. There was no new information. He explained that he provided an opportunity to have a hearing with the City Council and Mr. Fletcher has not appeared. There have been other opportunities for Mr. Fletcher to speak.  City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 12, 2025 Councilmember Wilson noted that the Council only has the City’s side of the story and not Mr. Fletcher’s side. Mr. Gridley stated that Mr. Fletcher had the opportunity to provide that. Councilmember Wilson asked the Council if they were interested in seeing what was provided at 6:45 p.m. Mr. Sandstrom suggested withdrawing the motion and moving to go into a closed session if the Council wanted to review the documents. Mayor Burt asked if Councilmember Morris was authorized to vote since he was attending the meeting online. Mr. Sandstrom replied that he was authorized. Mr. Gridley asked the Council to envision what their role is moving forward when there are City employees who are dismissed or fired. Councilmember Wilson stated she personally did not feel comfortable firing someone or terminating their employment without having any information besides a letter from City staff. The City Administrator has the authority to hire people. She explained she feels uncomfortable firing someone with limited information and that it is done in a public manner when it is a private issue. Councilmember Santini noted that the Council is limited to the information since it is an employment issue. Councilmember Wilson agreed and mentioned that she does not feel like the Council should be making those decisions. Mayor Burt stated that due to the State Statute, the Council does not have another choice right now. Mr. Sandstrom stated there needs to be three Councilmembers who desire to go into a closed session. Voting via voice: Kim Wilson – abstained Donna Stafford – aye Steve Morris – aye Jennifer Santini – aye Anne Burt – aye 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. Michelle Pasko, 2163 Vining Drive, Unit C, asked what programs were set in place to help immigrants within the City. Mayor Burt asked Mr. Gridley if he would like to comment or send a formal response. Mr. Gridley replied that he would prefer a formal response. Laura Norlander, 3493 Sunbury Drive, mentioned that she had questions regarding the most recent City update. She noted the Lake Park Restoration Project required bonding and asked why the City was borrowing money to fix a park when it is not a vital infrastructure. She asked what would boost the area’s ecological health and the connectivity in the area. Mayor Burt asked if Ms. Norlander was referring to the La Lake Project. Ms. Norlander agreed. Ms. Norlander asked if the City has committed to housing diversity. She pointed out the 50/50 guideline and wondered if it would eventually change the mix of property owners to renters and change the voter representation and property owners may not have their votes represented the same in decision-making. She expressed her concern about the 50/50 proportion. She noted the update talks about increasing State financing for affordable housing. She stated financing to her means asking money from the taxpayer which ultimately means someone wants her as a taxpayer to pay for someone else’s housing. She requested more information about that. She asked how the federal funding request is congressionally directed and what the federal delegation is. She asked for additional information. Mayor Burt mentioned that State bonding is a process. The City sends a lot of money to the State and at times, the City asks the State for the money back for the community. The State does bonding to help pay for large infrastructure projects. Bonding happens all over the State and the City wants to ensure that they get a portion of it. Ms. Norlander asked if the City pays interest on it. Mayor Burt replied that they do not. Mr. Gridley added that there is a process where the Governor asks cities if they have projects that are looking for State participation. He mentioned that the City received bonding for Central Park and received the money in cash. He stated the improvements on La Lake have a regional benefit. Mayor Burt explained that connectivity for La Lake is adding a trail system to connect with Newport. Boosting ecological health would include having paved trails, and nature trails, and preserving open space. Mayor Burt explained that the 50/50 housing split is a split in the type of housing between single-family homes and multi-family homes. It is not a split between homeowners and renters. She stated that the City desires for it to be a place where all kinds of people can have the ability to live in the City. Community Development Director Janelle Schmitz added that over the last 10 years, it has been almost an equal split between detached single-family homes and attached townhomes or apartments. Ms. Norlander noted that there Page 2 of 7  City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 12, 2025 was been a change in the last 20 years of more renters and mentioned that it changes the community. Mayor Burt mentioned the data shows that the split has been fairly equal for the last 40 years. Mayor Burt noted that the State gets money from the federal government and the State gets to choose how they want to use the funds. There is a call for more affordable housing all over the State. The City sees that there is an opportunity to improve the process to free up money to build affordable housing. She mentioned that the Congressional Delegations are Betty McCullum and Angie Craig for Representatives and Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar for the Senators. 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 1. Approval of Council Workshop Minutes – January 22, 2025 2. Approval of Council Minutes – January 22, 2025 Item B To adopt the following resolutions Resolution 25-18 and Resolution 25-19 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota accepting the Livable Communities Demonstration Account grant funds from the Metropolitan Council and authorizing the execution and delivery of documents in connection with a Livable Communities Demonstration account grant from the Metropolitan Council with respect to a 252-unit multi-family housing project Item C To approve the Westwind Third Addition, Final Plat, Project No. 33-2024-00568 and to authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to execute the Development Agreement with all approvals as listed in Council letter 25-32. Item D To adopt the following resolution Resolution 25-20 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota amending the 2024 adopted Eagle Valley Golf Course Fund and Water and Sewer Utility Fund and budgets. Item E To adopt the following resolution Resolution 25-21 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota awarding the construction contract to McNamara Contracting Inc., authorizing a professional services agreement with SEH Inc., and amending the 2025 Water and Sewer Utility Fund and Storm Water Utility Fund budgets for the Tamarack Wellfield Raw Water Collector Pipelines Project Item F To adopt the following resolution Resolution 25-22 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota awarding the contract for the Bailey Road Water Tower Project and authorizing use of the Trunk Water and Sanitary Sewer Fund. Item G To adopt the following resolution Resolution 25-23 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota indicating municipal support for the proposed County State Aid Highway 18 (Bailey Road) and Settlers Ridge Parkway Intersection Improvement Project. Item H To adopt the following resolution Resolution 25-24 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota awarding the construction contract to A1 Excavating LLC in the amount of $6,142,122 and authorizing a professional services agreement with WSB for the South Wellfield Raw Water and Distribution Pipelines project. Item I To adopt the following resolution Resolution 25-25 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota authorizing acceptance of City of Woodbury Water Treatment Plant Construction Grant Amendment #1 in the amount of $2,227,037 Page 3 of 7  City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 12, 2025 from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and approval of budget amendment to the Water and Sewer Utility Fund. Item J To adopt the following resolution Resolution 25-26 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota authorizing acceptance of City of Woodbury Water Treatment Plant PreProcurement Grant Amendment #2 reducing the grant in the amount of $1,282,706 from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and approval of budget amendment to the Water and Sewer Utility Fund. Item K Establishing a Private Ash Tree Removal Assistance Program and Approval of Associated Budget Amendment. This item was removed the Consent Agenda and moved to the Discussion portion of the meeting. Item L To adopt the following resolution Resolution 25-28 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota authorizing the Mayor and City Administrator to sign an agreement between the City of Woodbury and the Health and Emergency Response Occupations (HERO) Center for vehicle lease and approving a budget amendment. Item M To adopt a motion to renew the tobacco sales license of the businesses listed in Council Letter 25-42 for the period of April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026. Item N To adopt a motion to renew the liquor licenses of the businesses listed in Council Letter 25-43 for the period of April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026. Item O To adopt the following ordinance Ordinance 2068 Ordinance of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota Amending Chapter 2 Administration, Article I In-General, Section 2-3 Fees for Various Services. Item P 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 January 17, 2025 in the amount of $2,546,759.76, January 24, 2025 in the amount of $1,056,423.54 and January 31, 2025 in the amount of $6,602,769.70. Councilmember Santini moved, seconded by Councilmember Stafford, to approve the Consent Agenda items with the exception of item 6K. Voting via voice: Kim Wilson – aye Donna Stafford – aye Steve Morris – aye Jennifer Santini – aye Anne Burt – aye Mayor Burt explained that the Council reads the packet days before the meeting so they have an understanding of the items in the Consent Agenda. She provided the public with more information regarding the funding for the water project. There were several items in the Consent Agenda relating to the water treatment plant and storage projects. The actions included $30 million with $20 million of that coming from the State’s settlement money from 3M. The City is constructing a new water treatment plant to meet drinking water regulations. In order to treat the entire water supply, the City must connect existing wells to the new water treatment plant which requires 17 miles of new water main to be installed throughout the existing roadway corridors over the next three years. In 2025, construction is anticipated to occur on Radio Drive, Valley Creek Road, Bailey Road, Cottage Grove Drive, Settlers Ridge Parkway, Interlachen Parkway, and Pioneer Drive. The construction will be disruptive and will impact roadways and travel times. She encouraged residents to learn more at an open house on Wednesday, March 19, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Ash Conference Rooms and Woodbury City Hall. For residents who are unable to attend and would like to learn more, there is a water treatment plant project information hotline at 651- 448-7127 or email at watertreatment@woodburymn.gov. She encouraged residents who need assistance with language or accessibility to reach out three days in advance so accommodations can be made. Updates will be maintained through InTouch and residents can sign up to receive updates at woodburymn.gov/InTouch. Public Hearings Page 4 of 7  City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 12, 2025 No Items Scheduled Discussion Consent Agenda Item 6K. Establishing a Private Ash Tree Removal Assistance Program and Approval of Associated Budget Amendment Councilmember Wilson pulled this item for discussion and explained that the City would like to financially assist homeowners in removing ash trees. There is a special assessment policy that will be 2% over the prime rate and will be put into taxes and paid off over the years. Road assessment policies are paid back over 15 years with a deferment for people who are retired and on a fixed income. She wondered if the terms could be increased since there is no deferment for the ash tree removal assessments. She recommended that the terms be five, seven, and nine years instead of three, five, and seven years. Mr. Sandstrom added the assessment statute that the City is using relates to nuisance or hazardous conditions on a property which allows for the assessment for a period of up to ten years. He mentioned that Councilmember Wilson’s recommendation would be allowable. He noted that it may be possible to provide some sort of deferment to senior citizens. Councilmember Wilson asked if the senior citizen deferral could be past 10 years. Mr. Sandstrom replied probably not since the full payment would need to be paid by 10 years. Councilmember Wilson stated she would stick to her original recommendation. Mr. Gridley stated that staff do not have any concerns with Councilmember Wilson’s recommendation. He added that there will be a chance in a year to change the program and get an update on how the policy is going. Mayor Burt asked if staff would need to bring the changes back to the Council or if the Council could make the change now. Mr. Gridley replied that the Council could make the changes now. He added that staff are comfortable with the change. Councilmember Morris mentioned that there could be a cash flow concern in the future by extending the terms. He explained that the Council does a good job managing the budget and requesting funds. He added that the City is by no means having a problem with cash flow but has concerns that extending the terms could have unintended consequences. He stated before he voted on it he would want to see what the long-term impacts could be. He added he would not be comfortable extending the terms until he has the information. Councilmember Santini stated she supports Councilmember Wilson’s proposal. She expressed her concern that it would be harder to tighten up the terms in the future if it was already extended to others. Mr. Gridley explained that the program would have up to $500,000 to use and would be first come first serve. Councilmember Wilson pointed out in her notes that it would be reduced for lower income. Mr. Gridley replied that it was discussed but it would be a part of the phase two conversation. Councilmember Wilson noted that there are big assessments coming in 2027 in a neighborhood with big ash trees. The loan program is over market interest rate and not something every homeowner will use. Mayor Burt clarified that it was 2% over prime, not the market rate. She added that the City is offering a loan program that would be cheaper than loans elsewhere. Mr. Gridley suggested using the terms three, five, and ten years to allow more time for the costliest tree removals. Mr. Sandstrom stated the average prime rate is 7.5%. Engineering Director Chris Hartzell noted that the last time they did roadway assessments it was around 3.5% which is cheaper to borrow from the City. Councilmember Stafford mentioned that it cost her under $10,000 to remove three ash trees on her property. She mentioned that not all tree removals will be $25,000. Councilmember Wilson noted she received a phone call from someone who received bids for $6,000 per tree. Mayor Burt encouraged residents to get three to four bids before deciding. Mr. Hartzell encouraged residents to engage the engineering department before removing trees in areas planned for future roadway improvements. Councilmember Wilson moved, seconded by Councilmember Santini, To adopt the following resolution Resolution 25-27 Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota establishing the Private Ash Tree Removal Assistance Program and approving the associated budget amendment with the amendment to the terms to be three, five, and ten years. Voting via voice: Page 5 of 7  City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 12, 2025 Kim Wilson – aye Donna Stafford – aye Steve Morris – aye Jennifer Santini – aye Anne Burt – aye A. Afton Road Trail Gap Completion; Motion to Affirm Trail Alignment Mr. Hartzell stated staff are looking for a motion to affirm a trail alignment ahead of public engagement efforts for Afton Road. The Afton Road Rehabilitation Project is part of the 2026 Roadway Rehabilitation Project. On January 24, 2025, the Council received a staff memorandum titled Afton Road – Trail Extension Analysis following the Council direction from the January 8, 2025, City Council Workshop. The memorandum outlined an evaluation of two potential alignments for the Afton Road trail extension that closes a critical 850’ trail gap between Radio Drive and the trail just west of Timberlea Drive, which connects to the trails surrounding the wetland complexes on the municipal campus with the 2026 Roadway Rehabilitation Project. Mr. Hartzell mentioned that finalized decisions will be requested from the Council following public engagement efforts and at the public improvement hearing. He displayed a graphic of where the curb would be shifted, where the trail would be, and areas that would be intended for restoration. Mayor Burt mentioned that the process is different in that staff are going to the Council to get grounded in the guidelines before going to the public. She explained in the past staff would follow the Council’s direction and communicate it to the public. After receiving public feedback, staff would bring it to the Council and the Council would typically change the policy. The new process should eliminate the issue of the Council changing the policy. She clarified that staff looked into the south side of the road and found that it would be much more expensive and extensive to do and are now asking the Council to move forward with the north side of the road. Mr. Gridley added that staff included an additional option of not including a trail and to keep the road wider. Councilmember Wilson noted that the northside residents have not been notified yet, so staff do not know how residents will feel about a trail going through their driveway and shortening their driveways. Mr. Hartzell agreed and noted that it would be a part of the public engagement efforts. Mayor Burt mentioned that the policy includes looking at pedestrian improvements when roadway improvements are looked into. She noted that whenever a trail is enhanced, it impacts those living by it. Councilmember Wilson agreed and noted that she thinks a trail would be nice there, especially since the trail behind the public safety building will be relocated. She mentioned that she would prefer the south side alignment so that there would be less impact on the north side. Mr. Hartzell stated from an engineering perspective, they looked at the logical connection, cost, and impact to pedestrian safety. Staff ultimately decided on the north side alignment because the cost is significantly less, and a midblock crossing would expose pedestrians to traffic where it was not expected if the trail alignment was constructed on the south side. Councilmember Wilson noted that the estimated cost on the south side if $250,000 but did not see an estimate for the north side. Mr. Hartzell replied that it would be about $150,000. Mayor Burt moved, seconded by Councilmember Stafford, to affirm a trail alignment on either the north, south, or neither side of Afton Road connecting the trail between Radio Drive and the trails surrounding the wetland complexes on the municipal campus. Staff’s specific trail recommendation continues to be as listed in Council Letter 25-45. 1. Provide a trail connection per our three adopted Council policy documents referenced below. 2. Continue the trail on the north side of the road, consistent with the current trail section alignment and best pedestrian safety practices. 3. Should the council select option three, no trail, then the roadway width should revert to 32’ wide, instead of the recommended 28’ plus trail. Voting via voice: Kim Wilson – no Donna Stafford – aye Steve Morris – no Jennifer Santini – aye Anne Burt – aye Transportation Report (2nd meeting of the month, May-October) No items scheduled. City Administrator’s Report Page 6 of 7  City Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 12, 2025 Mr. Gridley mentioned that the single-family permits for 2025 are almost identical to how many were issued last year. He noted there is a record for commercial permit valuation at $150 million. He noted the community relations report and mentioned it would be on the City’s website. He referenced all of the events the Parks and Recreation Department has put on. Mr. Gridley stated that the City continues to bring new employees into the EMS Fire Academy. He recognized Officer James Stoffel for being awarded the 2025 Public Safety Worker of the Year. He is being deployed next year so he will not be with the City next year. He noted the DWI statistics and expressed his appreciation for the officers who kept the streets safe. Mr. Gridley stated a record number of trees were planted in 2024. Prior to 2024, the record was 732. In 2024, 1,245 new trees were planted. He mentioned that there would be tree removals with the water pipe project. Mr. Gridley gave a verbal update of upcoming City meetings. • February 18, 2025 – Neighborhood Meeting: Slick City • February 24, 2025 – Red Rock Elementary Farmers Market, 6:00 p.m., Council Chambers • February 25, 2025 – Economic Development Commission, February 25, 7:30 a.m., Ash Conference Rooms, City Hall • February 26, 2025 – Council Workshop Adjournment Mayor Burt moved, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:41 p.m. Voting in Favor: Wilson, Stafford, Morris, Santini, Burt Absent: None Respectfully submitted, _________________________________________ Ashleigh Sullivan, Assistant City Administrator/City Clerk Approved by the Woodbury City Council on February 26, 2025. Page 7 of 7