City Council - Workshop Meetings

City Council Workshop Meeting November 29, 2023 | Ash North and South Conference Rooms Following City Council Meeting Approximately 8:00 p.m. This City Council Workshop meeting is taking place virtually and at Woodbury City Hall in the Ash North and South Conference Room. Members of the public may attend the meeting in person and may also join the meeting using a computer, tablet or smartphone and accessing the virtual meeting link at woodburymn.gov/VirtualMeetings Watch the Live Meeting 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 be also taken between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 651-714-3524 or at council@woodburymn.gov. Questions received after 4:30 p.m. will be responded to in the next three to seven business days. Please note that all agenda times are estimates. Workshop Agenda 8:00 p.m. 1. City of Woodbury Legislative Priorities 23-276 8:30 p.m. 2. Administrator Comments and Updates1 8:35 p.m. 3. Mayor and City Council Comments and Commission Liaison Updates1 8:40 p.m. 4. Adjournment 1 Items under comments and updates are intended to be informational or of brief inquiry. More substantial discussion of matters under comments and updates should be scheduled for a future agenda. The City of Woodbury is subject to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by public entities. The City is committed to full implementation of the Act to our services, programs, and activities. Information regarding the provision of the Americans with Disabilities Act is available from the City Administrator's office at (651) 714-3523. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons are available upon request at least 72 hours in advance of an event. Please call the ADA Coordinator, Clinton P. Gridley, at (651) 714-3523 (TDD (651) 714-3568)) to make arrangements.  1 City of Woodbury, Minnesota Office of City Administrator Council Workshop Letter 23-276 November 29, 2023 To: The Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council From: Clinton P. Gridley, City Administrator Subject: City of Woodbury Legislative Priorities Summary Every year, the City of Woodbury creates state and federal legislative priorities to focus on, addressing specific policy issues that affect the City. Below are the proposed priorities for the 2024 legislative session: State: • $7,408,190 of state aid to support the construction of a $14.8 million water tower. This project must be expedited due to effects from polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our water. The water tower will hold the City’s treated water for peak demand while the permanent water treatment plant is being completed. The water tower will also build capacity and resiliency in Woodbury’s water system for generations to come. • Evaluating Local Circulator Bus System. Furthering dialogue with the Metropolitan Council and Washington County to review the feasibility and opportunities for future circulator bus systems, whether as part of the proposed METRO Gold Line or on a standalone basis. Funding resources from the State of Minnesota for further strategic planning and analysis will accelerate the timeline for this important work. • Continued Discussion of the School Resource Officer Program. The City supports the League of Minnesota Cities’ call to the legislature and governor to work with stakeholders, including law enforcement, local government, and education organizations to clarify laws pertaining to the authority SROs have in schools. Federal: 2023 1 • $850,000 2 in Congressionally Directed Spending to help fund the infrastructure improvements along Weir Drive. Weir Drive exists as a dead-end roadway and improvements are needed to ensure the safety of those in the area and prevent landlocking during 100-year storms. The total cost of the project is $4 million. 1 Funding for installation of solar panels of Woodbury Fleet Services facility to lower energy costs and carbon emissions was not accepted or preliminarily funded. 2 Reduced by Congress from initial $3.2 million request. Council Workshop Letter 23-276 November 29, 2023 Page 2 • $670,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for in-vehicle and body- worn cameras. The funds would go towards replacing 45 older in-vehicle and 90 body- worn cameras for the City of Woodbury police as many of the older cameras have become obsolete. 2024 • The City will begin to look at organizational needs and identify Congressionally Directed Spending and other federal grant opportunities by the beginning of next year. Recommendation Staff recommends Council review the proposed legislative priorities and offer feedback through discussion. Planned adoption would be December 13, 2023. Governance Mode • Strategic - Setting priorities, reviewing and modifying strategic plans, and monitoring performance against plans. Focus is the “ends” rather than the "means”. • Generative - Identifying key questions, anticipating future challenges, framing of issues, development of options. Problem-framing. What to pay attention to, what it means, and what to do about it. How does it fit with our mission, vision and values? Fiscal Implications There are no cost obligations with this item. If the City were to be successful with the funding requests at the state and federal levels, it could mean millions of dollars in revenue to put towards City specific projects and equipment needs. Policy The legislative priorities identified can be tied to the City’s water and public safety strategic initiatives as well as the safety and quality of life critical success factors. Public Process This is the first public process for this item. Background Identifying legislative priorities each year is an opportunity for the City to reflect on the needs of the City and identify ways in which the state or federal levels could support projects or increase efficiencies. In the 2023 state legislative session, the City was successful in passing several priorities identified, with the support of local elected officials. At the federal level, the Congressionally Directed Spending requests are identified at the beginning of the year and are determined when a budget is passed for the following year, which usually happens near the end of the year. Therefore, because the federal government has not approved a 2024 budget at this time, the City has not learned yet whether or not it will receive the 2023 funding requests. However, the City has had the support of the federal elected officials who represent Woodbury. Council Workshop Letter 23-276 November 29, 2023 Page 3 Written By: Shelly Schafer, Community Relations Manager Approved Through: Clinton P. Gridley, City Administrator Attachment: 1. City of Woodbury 2023/2024 Legislative Priorities Handout 2. Draft Bill for Woodbury Water Infrastructure 3. Water Tower Project Overview 4. League of Minnesota Cities’ School Resource Officers Legislative Priority Overview  2024 State City Council Strategic Legislative Initiatives Priorities | 2022-2024 WATER TOWER & WATER MAIN CONSTRUCTION GOAL The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has established health standards for specific per- and We must expedite the design and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and has issued health risk construction of a 2-million-gallon advisories on ten of Woodbury’s 20 wells since 2017, with water storage facility (tower) and additional advisories likely in the future. approximately one mile of water main to increase distribution and As part of ongoing efforts to treat PFAS in the community’s drinking storage capacity for treated water by water, the city is currently in the process of developing a long-term 2025. This effort was not identified water treatment plant to be constructed in 2028. In the interim, a in the State of Minnesota's temporary emergency water treatment plant is treating 6 of the 20 Conceptual Drinking Water Supply most impacted wells; interim well treatment equipment buildings Plan. are under construction at three well sites; and the city enforces one of the most restrictive outdoor watering policies in Minnesota. The estimated project cost is $14.8 million. This effort was not identified in the State of Minnesota’s The centralized water treatment plant and a portion of the water Conceptual Drinking Water Supply distribution piping is being funded via the settlement between 3M Plan, therefore is not covered with and the State of Minnesota; however, the settlement restricts settlement dollars. We are asking for funding for collateral impacts, such as a new water tower to safely $7,408,190 of State Aid to help cover store treated drinking water. The community has been inadvertently this expense. disadvantaged without dedicated funding from the settlement for this component of the essential infrastructure. EVALUATING LOCAL GOAL CIRCULATOR BUS SYSTEM Ensuring residents have reliable options for mobility Furthering dialogue with the within the City of Woodbury, and the broader region, is an Metropolitan Council and Washington important priority that addresses an identified need in the County to review the feasibility and community. Within the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the city opportunities for future circulator committed to regularly monitor and evaluate programs that serve its systems, whether as part of the residents to ensure the transportation needs of those without proposed METRO Gold Line or on a vehicles are met. standalone basis. Funding resources from the State of Minnesota for further The Gold Line is proposed to open in 2025 and further evaluation of strategic planning and analysis will how to support an efficient and effective feeder bus network to serve accelerate the timeline for this the broader Woodbury community is warranted. Further planning important work. should occur in the near term to plan and implement a local circulator bus system. CONTINUED DISCUSSION: SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAM Following legislative action in the 2023 legislature, the city temporarily suspended the school resource officer program at the two high schools in town until new language in the state law could be addressed. While the city reinstated the program following clarification from the attorney general, there are still discrepancies in the new law that must be addressed. For more local government legislative priorities, please see: • Washington County - co.washington.mn.us/286/legislative-priorities • Municipal Legislative Commission - mlcmn.org/advocacy • League Of Minnesota Cities - lmc.org/advocacy/legislative-policies/current-legislative-policies-priorities/legislative-priorities/ • Metro Cities - metrocitiesmn.org/legislative-policies  2023/24 City Council Strategic Federal| Legislative Initiatives 2022-2024 Priorities IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCY ON WEIR DRIVE GOAL Weir Drive exists as a dead-end roadway serving the We must improve the infrastructure Woodland Pointe apartment complex (approximately 300 along Weir Drive to ensure the units), E-STEM Middle School, and several businesses. safety of those in the area and prevent landlocking during 100-year Flooding along Weir Drive is a growing concern. Over the last storms. several years, Woodbury has experienced some of the wettest summers on record. High water during flood events poses a The estimated project cost is $4 health and safety threat, creating challenges for egress and million. We are asking for $850,000 emergency response. of Congressionally Directed Spending to help fund the project. A 2020 scoping study recommended elevating the profile of Weir Drive to minimize the potential for roadway overtopping and flooding. The addition of a culvert and creating an increased flow area will also help reduce flooding at known low points. Additional enhancements for motor vehicles and pedestrian safety along the corridor will be included, as well as curb, gutter and stormsewer improvements. Federal investment will protect underserved residents in Northwest Woodbury, an area of growing diversity. Built in 1974, the Woodland Pointe apartments at the end of Weir Drive serves diverse and low-income households in Woodbury. IN-VEHICLE AND GOAL BODY WORN CAMERAS In-vehicle, body-worn cameras, and interview room We are seeking $670,000 of cameras are helping the Woodbury Police Department Congressionally Directed Spending improve officer safety, increase evidence quality, and to replace 45 older in-vehicle and 90 reduce civilian complaints. Availability of recorded footage also body-worn cameras for our police helps improve transparency and accountability. services division. Our existing cameras are older and becoming obsolete. New models have enhanced technical features, improved durability, and better video quality. Upgrading will also allow integrations with Public Safety’s digital evidence management system, improving operational efficiency. CONTINUED DISCUSSION: 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES As we enter the fourth quarter of 2023, we will work internally with department heads to develop and determine our priorities for Congressionally Directed Spending requests for 2024.  09/19/23 09:00 am ​ HOUSE RESEARCH RK CG199-2​ 1.1 A bill for an act​ 1.2 relating to capital investment; appropriating money for water infrastructure in the​ 1.3 city of Woodbury; authorizing the sale and issuance of state bonds.​ 1.4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:​ 1.5 Section 1. WOODBURY; WATER INFRASTRUCTURE.​ 1.6 Subdivision 1. Appropriation. $7,408,000 is appropriated from the bond proceeds fund​ 1.7 to the Public Facilities Authority for a grant to the city of Woodbury to acquire property​ 1.8 for, design, and construct a water storage facility and water main infrastructure to store​ 1.9 drinking water for the city of Woodbury that has been treated for per- and polyfluoroalkyl​ 1.10 substances (PFAS) contamination.​ 1.11 Subd. 2. Bond sale. To provide the money appropriated in this section from the bond​ 1.12 proceeds fund, the commissioner of management and budget shall sell and issue bonds of​ 1.13 the state in an amount up to $7,408,000 in the manner, upon the terms, and with the effect​ 1.14 prescribed by Minnesota Statutes, sections 16A.631 to 16A.675, and by the Minnesota​ 1.15 Constitution, article XI, sections 4 to 7.​ 1.16 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.​ Section 1.​ 1​  Water Tower Project Due to ongoing contamination impacts of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), we must expedite the design and construction of a 2-million-gallon water storage tower and approximately one mile of water main to increase distribution and storage capacity for treated water by 2025. This infrastructure is essential now to provide adequate treated water during peak demand while the water treatment plant is being completed. It will also limit the need for additional interim treatment facilities and build resiliency in the municipal water system for generations to come. For Woodbury’s planned PFAS treatment plant, the city is facing a significant funding gap of up to $40 million to complete the projects required on the expedited schedule. This project is in addition to that work and bonding is needed to expedite construction of the water tower, allowing the city to manage peak water demand until the water treatment plant is fully operational in 2028. We need your support! The capacity of the planned water The estimated water tower project cost is $14.8 million. tower will be similar to the current tower located at Lake Road and We are asking for $7,408,190 from the state to help fund the project. Manning Avenue. Key Project Outcomes Provide Safe and Reliable Add Necessary Storage Eliminate Need for Additional Water for the Community for Treated Water Treatment Facilities Why is the project needed? This project is the result of a coordinated response to PFAS contamination in the drinking water supply, which includes several new treatment and infrastructure investments. Woodbury is challenged with meeting peak water demand with ten of our 20 wells out of service due to PFAS and will be further stressed to meet demand when the needed health index changes are released by the Minnesota Department of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency later this year. The centralized water treatment plant and a portion of the water distribution piping is being funded via the settlement between 3M and the State of Minnesota; however, the settlement restricts funding for collateral impacts. The goal is to support a safe and reliable source of potable water for residents and businesses within Woodbury. This project supports the interim treatment facilities and proposed long-term centralized water treatment plant that are necessary remove PFAS from the city's water supply. In addition, the water storage facility and associated Project Contact infrastructure will ensure adequate Mary Van Milligen | Woodbury Public Works Director water supply and pressure is available 651-714-3720 | mary.vanmilligen@woodburymn.gov in the city's distribution system. 8301 Valley Creek Road, Woodbury MN 55125  Water Tower Project Continued Project Location Map Project Background The city currently provides drinking water to more than 25,000 homes, businesses and schools, supporting our community of 82,000 residents through an extensive water supply and distribution system. As of July 2023, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has issued health advisories on 10 of the city's 20 wells due to per-and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminating the drinking water supply. As part of ongoing efforts to treat PFAS in the community’s drinking water, the city is currently in the process of developing a long-term water treatment plant to be constructed in 2028. In the interim, a temporary emergency water treatment plant is treating 6 of the 20 most impacted wells; interim well treatment equipment buildings are under construction at three well sites; and the city enforces one of the most restrictive outdoor watering policies in Minnesota. Despite the city's quick action and ongoing efforts, the water system continues to be under operational duress to meet community peak day water demands. Based on the proposed Environmental Protection Agency and MDH regulations anticipated at the end of the year the city must continue to act quickly to mitigate the impact of these future regulations to support the community's water demand with an anticipated eight additional wells receiving health advisories in the future. woodburymn.gov