City Council - Regular Meeting

may be watching tonight. In addition, um, as is our standard, would you uh please stand and join me in the pledge of allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I turned around almost too quick. I'm not supposed to do that. I got to got to stay focused. Um Ashley, would you please do the roll call? Council member Santini here. Council member Stafford here. Council member Wilson here.

Mayor Bert here.

Four of us are here tonight. So we do have a quorum. We're able to conduct tonight's business. Uh so we will move forward with that. Um you know it's I'm going to do a proclamation for Arbor Day and I'm sure you're all here to be thankful that we have Arbor Day and we are a city of trees. So it's so good to see you here. Please come back again next year for that. But uh yeah, just kidding. I'm going to read it in just a moment, but prior to me reading this, I'm assuming some of you are here for the road re road assessment, many of you are here maybe for the open forum. And just to clarify, the our open forum uh policy is stated on the agenda. Um we will take three people for open forum. You get three minutes each. I understand uh John Sebastian uh did reach I don't know where you are. Are you There you are. Okay. You did reach out in advance, so we knew that you were coming. Um, if many of the others are part of you as well, we will allow three to speak. I'm assuming because you reached out, you may be a spokesperson for this. Um, but if uh if others are want to speak, and again, I'm up to three. So, John's one. There's two more if you want to decide which of you are going to be the ones if that's what you're here for or you're just here to support uh the your main speaker. Up to you. But we'll get to that in just a moment. What we're going to do is start with a proclamation for Arbor Month. Uh whereas in 1872 J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Ar a Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees. And whereas this holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska. Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world. Trees can reduce the erosion of top soil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce life-giving oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife. Whereas trees are a renewable resource, and give us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products. And whereas trees in our

city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. Whereas trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal. Now, therefore, I am W. Bert, the mayor of Woodbury, city of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota, do hereby proclaim the month of April, 2026 as Arbor Month in Woodbury, and I encourage the residents of Woodbury to celebrate Arbor Day all month and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands. Further, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations. So, um that's it for Urbay. You know, we are we love trees in Woodbury. Trees are in our logo and uh I know for me especially, I'm I'm a tree fan and uh the shade and the beauty they bring are amazing. So, um that's it for Arbor Day. Okay. So now we'll move on to this open forum portion of the meeting and I will read this um the open and this is our process how we do it every time uh except for in the month of January on the 14th we had very special uh situation where we opened it up for a longer period of time but we're going to stick tonight to our standard process uh so that we have standard processes that we follow. 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 part of the meeting agenda. Persons wishing to speak must complete a signup sheet prior to the start of the meeting. Uh and I have several of those here, but again we're going to take three. Um any person can also submit a question or comment virtually. So we'll check that too in case there's somebody there. Um, please uh when you come forward, please provide your name and just your city of residence with your question or your comment for the official record. Speakers are limited to three minutes each. We do have a timer set up over here. You'll have three minutes there. There is a red, yellow, green button there. So, when you see the yellow hit, you get one more minute. Um,

and then when it's red, you're we're going to ask you to to wrap up. Um the council will listen attentively to comments but in most instances we will not respond here at the meeting. Um I again I just based on uh Mr. Sebastian's desire to be here I understand what one of the topics is. I do have a few comments I will share um after after this open forum regarding that. Uh but there might be more followup that we need to do because I'm not sure exactly what y'all are going to say. So with that I would like to invite Mr. John Sebastian up to the podium. Welcome. Thank you. I'd like to submit the resolution that we're proposing along with some additional signatures.

So, I'm here to speak on behalf of the resolution we submitted to the city council. We were hoping you would consider this on the agenda, but I'm going to speak on behalf of it. On January 14th, hundreds of Woodbury residents filled this chamber in city hall beyond capacity to pose the construction of an ICE detention facility in our community. It was likely the largest expression of shared public concern on a single issue in this city's history. The turnout did not come out of nowhere. It followed highly visible enforcement activity, the closure of local businesses like Bebisto and Machete, the detention of residents such as Ryan Ecklund, and public uncertainty about how and where ICE operates in Woodbury. That night, many of us were relieved to hear that the property owner was no longer interested in selling to the federal government for this purpose. But relief is not the same as resolution. What's happened since? Since January, residents have waited for something more than updates. We've waited for leadership for a clear public position that this city does not support the construction of an ICE detention facility here or the use of city resources for ICE operations. Instead, we've been told there's no needed act, that opposition would be performative or that comments from representatives and simply statements that the city does not respond to. But silence is also a statement, especially on an issue residents care so deeply about. The end of the so-called surge does not eliminate the risk of a detention facility being built here in Minnesota. Federal funding for detention infrastructure remains in place and interest in citing a facility here existed before the surge began. Furthermore, the confirmation of Mark Wayne Mullen to lead the DHS, a man whom former fellow Republican Senator Ran Paul asked why the American public should trust a man with anger issues to lead DHS and set an example for ICE, gives us no confidence that the brutality of ICE will end anytime soon. The factors that made Woodbury

attractive in the first place, location, infrastructure, and available land, have not changed. And while a property owner or contractor may be uninterested today, that can change tomorrow. As more Minnesota communities take steps to formally oppose detention facilities, including many of our neighboring communities, our lack of action risks appearing as quiet acceptance. ICE operations have not ended. Officers continue to operate in Minnesota and including in Webbury. These operations often involve unmarked vehicles, masked officers, and heavily armed personnel. Until very recently, ICE enforcement officers received fewer than two months of training before being deployed, far less than what we require of our local police, raising public safety concerns. This resolution we propose does not defy federal law. It does not interfere with lawful enforcement. What it does state clearly and on the public record is that Woodbury does not support an ICE detention facility here, will not voluntarily make city- owned or control property available for ICE operations. Calling this performative misses the point. Establishing policy direction is one of this body's core responsibilities. You routinely pass resolutions and proclamations to signal this city's values and prop uh priorities such as today's adoption of Arbor Day month. This issues weren't no less consideration. As more communities act, Woodberry's silence grows louder and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I urge you to pass this resolution. Stand with the repres the residents you represent and make clear that our city does not welcome detention city facility here. In January, council members Morris and Santini urged us to use our voices and so today we stand here before you. Thank you.

Thank you. Um, okay. I have several green sheets and I can allow two more people. Is there someone that has a different topic or are all of these the same topic? And if so, do do two people want to be the ones to come forward and speak? Go ahead. And Mayor Bird, I just wanted to let you know if you can move your mic closer. So, sorry. Thank you. Is it not working in the I don't know. It was faintly. I can talk louder. Hi, my name is Robert Kohler. I live on 7833 Rimbley Road. It's one of the roads that are going to be redone this year. Oh, wait. Are you here for a road? Yeah. Okay. Sorry. Wrong. Wrong. You get to wait.

And Yeah. And you know what? There's no limit. There's no limit on how many people get to talk in that part because that's just how this is set up. So, somebody here wants to speak. Is that I mean, if y'all are okay with Okay, same topic. And All right. And I'm just going to find your Do I have your sheet up here? Okay. Just tell me your name.

Okay. Come forward. Go ahead. Yep. Got it. Good evening, Mayor Bert and members of the city council. My name is Susie Hun and I've been a Woodbury resident for 12 years. I want to begin by thanking you for your work in this community. I noticed tonight's Arbor Month proclamation which speaks of planting trees to promote the well-being of this and future generations. And that's why I'm here to speak about what kind of community we're building. I'm asking the council to consider the resolution limiting ICE and CBP activity within Woodbury. Many of you know the name Ryan Ecklund, a Woodbury neighbor who about two miles from where I live, was forcibly removed from his car, thrown to the ground, shackled, and held for 10 hours without ever being charged. Knowing that happened here makes me feel less safe, and that is not law and order. I know I'm not alone. When 600 neighbors packed this building on January 14th to oppose a detention warehouse on Hudson Road, it was one of the most powerful things I've witnessed in this community. I come to this with some background. 15 years as a history educator at the Minnesota Historical Society, and now I run a small consultancy focused on building a more human economy. History and economics are both at their core about people. So on economic grounds, I want Woodbury to thrive. But not a single dollar earned here from the detention industrial complex. Adding new centers puts pressure to fill them. On moral grounds, human rights conditions inside immigration detention facilities are extensively documented by journalists, medical professionals, and faith leaders

who have called these practices a violation of human dignity. On procedural grounds, our neighbors have already acted. St. Paul has passed an ordinance bringing ice barring ICE from city property joined by a coalition of over over Twin Cities sub suburbs including Maplewood. So the there's language that already exists and we don't need to reinvent the wheel. On historical grounds, Japanese American internment is now universally recognized as one of the gravest civil rights failures in American history. The overwhelming majority of those detained during the metro surge have no criminal record. And I cannot stay silent while mass indiscriminate detention of immigrants repeats in history. Due process is fundamental to our democracy. And what happened to Ryan Ecklund and too many others violates the principles this country was built upon. Woodbury plants trees for future generations. And I love the trees here. I love the trails here. My neighbors who I carpulooled here with tonight are asking this council to also protect the people who will live in their shade. Thank you. Thank you. And do I have a third person that would like to speak for the group?

And your name is? Good evening. My name is Larry Wixs. I'm a resident of Woodbury. Live a couple blocks from here. Actually, I moved here in 1987 and I built a house here in 1988 and I've been a proud member of this community ever since and impressed by what most of what the city has done. Maybe not all. We've got a little problem at the entryway to Interlock and Parkway that's not so great, but we're figuring it out.

Okay. So, and I have a daughter and son-in-law that live here in the community and three grandkids that graduated from Woodbury schools and went on. One of them's graduated now from college. Two more are in process. When I first moved here in 1987, this community was not diverse. It was white as white can be. I was gone from the community for a few years and came back. I kept my house all the time. Came back and it was much more diverse and it's much more diverse today. And well, I have seen statements about welcoming all and things of that nature. That's great. That's great. That's the way it should be. But what have we have experienced here in the last several months is not a welcoming environment and it would add insult to injury to allow a detention facility to buil be built in this community. It would be in my opinion reprehensible. I think it's time to be clear that our city has imp gone for the better since 1987. Much better. But we're not perfect. And there are some things that we can do that would make sense. One would be passing this resolution to make a clear statement. not to finesse it, not to dodge it, not to pretend that it'll be okay, but to make a clear statement. I urge you to pass the resolution out of respect for all members of our community, not just some members of the community. When we took the pledge of

allegiance to start this meeting, we talked about liberty and justice for all. I don't believe there can be liberty and justice for all if we allow a facility such as a detention facility to be built built in this community. That is not a function of liberty and justice. That is something else. I urge you to pass the resolution. Thank you very much.

Great. Thank you. Well, thank you for that. And now I'm just going to share a couple of comments. So, first of all, um, of course, we can't talk about a resolution or review. It hasn't been on the agenda and we haven't read it. So, we can't pass a resolution tonight, but we will review the resolution without without a doubt and then get back to you. But let me just I know many of you are fully aware of some of the things the city has been doing and many that are maybe listening in or will follow up on this are not. So I do want to share some things. It's just so it's clear that we're not just sitting on our hands. Um I also just want to thank you for taking the time tonight to come and share your thoughts and concerns as also many of you were here uh back in January and it means a lot to to have you show up and speak publicly. One of the things that many of us that are here that serve in in uh local government appreciate is that we are closest to the public and we do have the opportunities for you all to come and speak your voice and share your concerns more intimately here than you would at uh many other levels of government. Um as um I said early on in our opening statement about how we operate this forum uh is that the st staff will follow up with response in coming days and again we'll have to review that resolution and take a look at what that's all about. Um but again I just want to take a few minutes to update you and others in the viewing audience on some things that we have been doing. So, as I think you know, and and I've heard some of you tonight just speak about the detention center, but uh Woodbury did become uniquely involved in this topic with the report of Department of Homeland Security that was considering Woodbury as a location for the ICE detention facility. This, of course, was something we did not welcome. I don't think any of us in our

community welcomed this idea for a v for a variety of reasons. and we quickly began doing research as to what available tools that we had as a city to stop this from taking place. In the end, thanks to a lot of work behind the scenes and pressure from the city and community members, business owners decided not to pursue it. And we continue to be in dialogue and understand and do what what we are capable of in preventing that from happening with the private business owner. Uh so that said, the impact of operation metro surge went beyond just the detention center. While the sidi while the I'm sorry. While the city supports our local law enforcement efforts and their approach to serve our community with compassion and courage, the tactics that were happening at the federal level were unprecedented in our community and caused many of our residents to have fear and anxiety. As a result, we took several actions in response to ICE presence in our community, including the following examples. and these were things we felt that we had within our control and ability. Public safety director Posan and I each released public statements on these topics. We also created a list of FAQs on the city's website regarding immigration enforcement and the resources available. We coordinated with the League of Women Voters to host an online forum with our city administrator Jeff Dah, chief of police from Woodbury, Cottage Grove Chief of Police, uh, one of our police superintendent, the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, and the president of the Woodbury Community Foundation. Officials spent about an hour answering previously submitted questions to help provide clarity and allow the community to hear from them directly. City leadership in collaboration with Washington County staff delivered food door to tour to residents in our East African community. We had thoughtful conversations with public safety's multicultural advisory committee about the topic and to answer questions,

provide information and listen. We held community conversations with their immigrant communities and public safety to give updates, answer questions, and reassure them that our public safety members serve all communities members with compassion and are not in collaboration with ICE and that they can feel comfortable calling 911. We hosted a breakfast for faith leaders to address the impacts to our community because of the operation metro surge and discuss ways that we could collaborate to support and meet the needs of our community. City leadership met with Washington County leadership and the Washington County Sheriff to begin discussions about recovery efforts, including rental assistance and other ways to support the community. We had several meetings and discussions with business owners and operates operators to understand the impact on their employees and businesses. That's especially with restaurants, some of our hotels as well. Um, so again, I just want to take this moment and say thank you for being here. Thank you for sharing your voice. That's what we're here. We're here to listen to you. We do appreciate your engagement in this issue and we will continue to look for ways to support our community and connect them to resources as needed. Um, I'll just add and uh in addition uh this is my personal opinion and again when we're usually up here we do not we usually speak as a as a group or but I'll just share my own. We have a messed up immigration system. I mean without a doubt this system has been around for 30 40 50 years and it's messed up. We clearly have a lot of people here that uh have come uh in various ways and have been here for a whole bunch of years and have built lives and uh and created community and families here. Uh and because of our laws and the way things have been um enforced or not enforced, uh things have just gotten out of hand. So, um, I urge, and I said this before at our November, or sorry, our January 14th meeting, that I urge us all to work with the federal government and our

federal government representatives to fix the immigration system. It belongs in their hands, and we are all facing and dealing with the consequences of an immigration system that has gone arry. Um, regarding, you know, what is really within our control. Um, you know, I would like to turn to maybe our attorney or or city administrator to talk about what we as a community or a city have the ability to do when it comes to federal government supremacy clause constitutional authority.

Mayor Bird, I'll just uh chime in real quick and then maybe look over towards uh city attorney Sandstöm. Uh we're, as you mentioned, we we are we have a unique experience with the with ICE and what has happened over the past few months, not only because of their presence in our community and um really creating a lot of fear and harm in our community, but also because of the detention center. Uh that that was a a real proposal. The federal government was working to build a detention center in Woodbury. I'm not going to go into the details of how we were able to get them to go away, but in that process, we learned uh pretty quickly that uh we are very limited in scope of what we can do, what we can impede, and what we can enforce. Federal pres uh supremacy laws are real. Um ultimately, we um have limited ability to say, "Hey, get out of our community. get you cannot build a jail in our community if they really wanted to be here. Now, that doesn't mean they would because of the community support we have. Um yesterday we were just in Washington DC with Senator Clolobachar, Senator Smith, uh Representative um Craig and Representative um

McCollum. Thank you.

We'll cut you some slack. You just came from the west side. They're different people over there. Thank you. It was a long day too and we just got back today. But immigration, ICE, the detention center, the presence in our community was brought up in every one of those conversations and they along with our state friends, along with this community are the ones that ultimately can work together to keep them out of uh our community in terms of causing harm and fear. Um so my my uh point there is that um um our federal similar to you mayor uh our federal um representatives are the ones that really have a say in this. Um, unfortunately because of federal supremacy laws, there's uh little that we can do in terms of the detention center and other laws. Doesn't mean we can't um work together to serve our community and make sure everyone's treated the same and with compassion and care.

Attorney Sandstöm, could you as our legal expert, can you share any add any more to that? Sure. Thank you. Um actually I'll use a song over there so I can face towards the evidence a little bit more. Um I would echo exactly what the mayor and city administrator have said. I think they've said it well. Um and in terms of the supremacy clause and what the city has the forced power to compel is fairly limited. I think what the city had ability to do was more persuasive in nature and I think as the mayor has laid out uh we did everything within our persuasive powers to uh stop that uh facility from being built here and frankly was effective and I think that we did what we could and it was successful.

Madame Mayor, if I may ask a question as a followup. Um um Commissioner or um I'm sorry, Administrator D. You said we have limited ability to say basically get out or stay out or whatever it is that we do. And attorney Sandstöm, I'm I guess I've been asking for a legal uh opinion on what we can or cannot do, you know, since January, if not before. So, is there anything the city can do? You It was stated we have limited and I'm wondering what are our limits if any? Essentially there the city has no zoning control power over what the federal government decides to do. Uh essentially the federal government has the power of condemnation much like the city does and and the councils like the familiar with that concept of taking of private property for public use. Uh the law says that a federal government can take property for their use and essentially that process of the federal government taking property overrides any zoning control that the city would have over the issue and so we cannot say that it violates our zoning rules and and try to stop it. It's simply within the government's federal government's power to do that.

Do we have the authority to say ICE cannot use our city property uh for their staging or whatever there is? Uh some cities have done that and we probably have some ability to request that or or enact that uh simply because there are um abilities to the the federal government cannot usurp uh local government and control what the local government does. They can take property and use it for federal purposes, but that's a condemnation process in terms of coming onto public city property and just doing what they want. I I think we could uh enact a ban in that regard. how it gets enforced is is maybe a challenge in that regard. If ICE was on the park, are our law enforcement officers really going to be able to oust them from the park is um a different challenge.

Is there anything else the city can or cannot do regarding ICE? Well, we certainly looked at a lot of different options and and you know, a lot of that is confidential litigation or or attorney work product at this point as far as um how that might be utilized and I I wouldn't discuss it publicly at this point.

Okay. Mayor, can I say something please? you

as commissioner because you talked about Washington County so many times in your responses I want to have an opportunity to respond to you. I really appreciate it. Hi Michelle Clawson, Washington County Commissioner District 5. You and I and staff worked very hard at coming to um an agreement on opposing this ICE detention center. We um have a lot of ideas in which we were going to push forward if an ICE detention center were to be possible. At that time we did not know. Now things have changed. We actually know that those detention centers have become actual jails. So they've had to get certifications from counties now. And so that's actually a lot more expensive than I actually initially thought. We're talking millions and millions of dollars if a detention center comes here. And what the county board did was did a letter of opposition. That's what we're asking you guys to do is just what the county board did, which is a letter that says no, you're not going to come here because you're going to have to fight opposition from the public because we work for the constituents. That is why we are elected. So, I'm asking you to please consider the resolution. like other cities have done. And yes, we've all talked to our representatives, McCullum, Clobashar, and they're saying we're so sorry, but they're not here. And I'm getting the emails, too, Mayor Bert. They're CCing me. I have hundreds saying we must do more. We have to do more. I'm reading them. Are you Are you reading them, Commissioner or Council Member Wilson? Are you reading every email? Council member Santini, are you reading every email? Anne, are you reading every email? Council member Sanford, because

when I read them, they're tearing me apart. And I listened to almost an hour of testimony yesterday. I didn't give people three minutes. We let people talk and I cried listening to them telling me they can't get new they can't even get new medical equipment. like a wheelchair and people are upset. So, I'm asking you, please do a resolution like the other cities are doing like your friends that you know other cities are doing. Staff, please. Thank you. Thank you. We do again appreciate all of you being here and sharing your thoughts and we will take all this into consideration. Again, we haven't read the resolution, but we will review it. Uh at this point, we're going to move on to the consent agenda. All items listed under the consent agenda will be considered by to be routined by the city council and will be enacted by one motion and an affirmative vote by roll call of the majority of the members present. There'll be no separate discussion of these items unless a council member or citizen so requests in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered a separate subject of discussion by the council. So I have uh consent agenda item 6A through 6H. Um again I always turn to the audience if you've been following and you have something you want to pull. We're more than happy to do it at this point in time. They always check to see if anybody's online and seeing none I'll turn to council members. Anything to be removed? Nothing to be removed. I just have a point of clarification on something. And I know we didn't I we didn't

Is it related to the consent agenda? Yes, it is. Okay. Yeah. Okay. Don't worry. I'm not saying anything. Um we didn't get an opportunity to discuss it during our workshop. Um but the liquor license renewals when we renew these liquor licenses, do any of them have uh previous violations or do we not know? Ask Ashley. Who am I looking for? Ashley. I know. I'm looking around. That is part of the process for um issuing a new license and issuing renewals is to check whether they have a history of violations. All right. Thank you. That was it. That's it. So I'll move to uh approve consent agenda items 6A through 6H. Second.

Motion a second. Any further discussion or questions? Hearing none. The roll call, please. Council member Santini. I. Council member Stafford. I. Council member Wilson. Hi. Mayor Bert.

I. that those consent agenda items pass. We will now move on to the public hearing portion and we've got a couple items for public hearing tonight. This is uh we'll be considering the approval of special assessments and I do have some I've got two green sheets on those and then the gentleman that came up before is this what you're one of these green sheets. Okay. So I have to like this portion we can take several. So, if I've got two, Karen Balman, I think you're the other one. Is if there's someone else that needs a green sheet that wants to speak out road assessment, please let me know. But only have two. Um, for this part, we uh this is just how our process is set up. Remarks may not exceed 10 minutes, so we'll put a 10-minute thing up. If you need to talk that long, usually usually people don't. Um, uh, okay. Um, I could read all the detail, but you're going to be able to come up and speak when it's your turn. Uh, just announce your name and your city. Uh, for the record, um, remarks should be limited to the subject at hand. Speakers are encouraged to coordinate presentations. Again, I think we only have maybe two or three people to speak. So, I will, uh, avoid all the extra rigor. It's on the agenda if anyone needs to read it, but we're just general uh, respect here as we listen to you. So, the first item is 7A. considered the approval of special assessments for the 2026 roadway rate rehabilitation project. And with that, the hearing is now open. Mayor B.

Yes. Point of point of something order. Could um I I am I would like to take 7A and 7B se different in different order. I don't know how we can assess without awarding a contract. Oh, I think we can because of Yeah, Chris says we can because it's based on the bid. What? So you do one and the and then the other. Correct. So what are we doing first? Move forward with the project and the assessments. You don't move forward with the project. That's why we do that. Yeah. But we've always gone in that order. And I always felt it was wrong if I don't know how we can assess based on if we haven't awarded the contract, but go ahead. But it's based on Well, you'll explain it. Chris will explain it. So who's is Colton gonna explain? Yes.

Hi, Colton. Welcome from the engineering staff. We're going to be talking about this project. Thank you.

Yes. Thank you, mayor, members of council. So today the purpose of this meeting is to or this presentation is to hold the assessment hearing um go over our project background uh accept written objections certify the assessment role and then approve the associated resolution. So this map here is just a highle image of the neighborhoods that we are improving. Um they are generally bounded by Aptton Road, Steeple View Road, Tower Drive and Ojiway Park. And then we are also improving a section of Aptton Road that is between Tower Drive and Radio Drive. Uh real quick, I'll just go over some of the public engagement that we have done to date. Um over the past couple of years, we have held multiple neighborhood meetings and also held a neighborhood questionnaire where we were able to receive feedback from 38 residents on impacts that they would like to see uh addressed with these projects and including a numerous amount of emails that and phone calls that we've received from the public. Um, at those meetings, we've had quite a good attendances where we've had over 70 attendees over the course of our meetings. And to better inform the public, we have mailed roughly 4,500 or so letters, if not more, just to give people updates on our project. Uh, to go over a little bit on the public process to date as well, um, back in February of 2024, uh, we came to council to authorize our preliminary report. Um, following that in May and June of 25, we held our public improvement hearing to move forward with final design. And um, today we are here for that assessment hearing.

Excuse me, Colton. I think some people in the back are having a hard time hearing. Sorry. Sorry. Go ahead.

Um, and other interactions to date that we've had. Um, back in January of 25, um, staff presented at a council workshop regarding some trail and sidewalk improvements and then followed up with a memo for affirming the Aton Road Trail alignment that following month. So, a brief general project scope for the adjoining neighborhoods that we are improving. Um we are looking at full depth pavement replacement with spot curb repairs. Um ADA improvements and trail replacements for city own trails. Um we are also doing some minor storm sewer improvements, drain tile installation in areas where been identified as necessary. And then also doing some water main and sanitary sewer realignment um in particular locations and with some sanitary and water main service connections in those areas. And along Aptton Road, it's a very similar situation. We are looking again at full depth pavement replacement, spot curb repairs, uh more ADA improvements. We'll be doing some minor water main sanitary and storm sewer improvements with some utility adjustments. And then we will be um replacing the existing trail and then extending that trail further east to connect to Radio Drive.

So talk briefly a little bit about the funding sources that we have for the project. Um after our low bid was received um our total project cost came out to roughly $7.8 million and with our adopted budget we anticipated $8.4 $4 million necessary for the improvement. So that brings us to a position where we have uh roughly $600,000 um that we were able to retain through this process. That was pretty nice and um to cover the total funds for the project, we have uh calculated that 25% of the project is being funded through our special assessments. So, to quickly talk over the special assessments, um for single family properties, there is a slight range for the costs. Um we're ranging from $3,200 to just over $7,000 per unit for single family homes. Um with multif family properties, we are looking at a range of just shy of $300 to $2,300 per property. And then for those um properties that will also have those utility service connections will be receiving an additional $2,700 assessment for that work. And then the commercial and public semi-public properties with them varying they are um in our assessment role. So the big big topic always is what is the assessment? So, our special assessment is a levy that we use as a city to help finance or partially part partially finance public improvements that directly benefit those properties adjacent. Um, it is something that we have that is imposed for those certain properties for those improvements. Um, in doing so, uh, staff follow the

funding policies and guidelines that were provided to us by council in our policies, which we have, um, labeled up here. And then we also utilize a third party special assess or benefit appraiser to also create a a benefit appraisal where we will compare his values with our calculated assessments and choose the lower of the two. So once the once we have this assessment hearing is held um afterwards there is a 30-day nointer interest payment period that is offered to those property owners to make their interest or to make their assessment payment in full. Um after that they have the ability to make those payments over a course of 15 years that will be put onto their taxes and that would start in 2027. um those do incur an interest and the interest rate set by our finance department was found to be 4 and a.5%. So talked through a lot. So definitely would encourage um residents to um connect with us and reach out. Uh highly recommend to connect to our Woodbury InTouch where we will provide weekly updates on construction progress and things of that nature and can definitely contact me directly with my city work and phone number on this uh on this slide here. So with that, we have a recommended actions. So recommended actions that city staff are proposing is to hold the assessment hearing. Um we also want to take a moment to acknowledge the objections of the special assessment that we've received to date. Um want to certify the assessment role and then adopt our following resolution to award the construction contract. Um amend the budget and then uh authorize an agreement with Boltman for construction services.

So with that any questions?

Thank you. I ju just to just to clarify the uh everything you explained was in great detail but the the big point of the whole thing is that a policy has been established that's been in existence since what Chris for 2015 or 2014 2014. The policy is followed every year. It's done the same way every year. Every every year we have road rehabilitation projects that we need to do because we had to keep our roads up to up to par and keep you know doing the replacement. So we follow the same thing every year and it's it's again it's following a policy so you guys don't come up with new rules every year and apply things differently. We're we're consistent since uh since 2014. So just want to clarify that at this time the hearing is open which means we are able to take public comment. So I'm going to start with Bob Kohler. If you would like to come forward again just on with your own voice speak your name in your uh place of resident your city of resident and then we just have information on how to reach you.

My name is Robert Kohler. I live at 7833 Rimbley Road. Uh little street that nobody knows about, but uh doesn't need much repair, but we did a project there about 18 or 19 years ago where we put in new streets, new curbs, and uh new cement slabs up front, 10-ft slabs. And so I went through and took a look at the 42 or 44 driveways that we did that to the 10-ft slab. Mine is the only one that has a crack in it. Now, if you're going to go through and redo my road again, I'm still going to have the same crack that I got 18 years ago when you replaced my driveway before. I have a new drive we put in last year to show what was done by whoever did your project 18 years ago, what their what their project did and how that crack ended up being there. So, I just thought I would leave the pictures for you that you can see. You can view them. You can do whatever you want to with them, but I would believe that that crack might want to be fixed.

So, is this this is like the apron of your drive close to the street? Yep. Uh can engineering communicate what what the plan is for that this go round? Yep. So, with our project, um while we're doing our repairs to the roadway, um I did mention that we'll be doing spot curb repairs. So, in situations where we do see cracked panels in different locations, we will be looking to address those with this project to repair.

I had no idea that you guys were going to do that. All I know is that you're going to do their streets and put it put in asphalt on asphalt that doesn't have to be moved because nobody drives on it except for the 44 residents that live there. It's one of the streets that just does not get the traffic. But if you need to do you, you have to do it. But mine is the only apron that needs to be fixed. So it sounds like it's going to be addressed. Didn't know that that's what you were going to do. I thought you were just replacing the street. So I just thought I'd take a picture and let you know them. Would you like them? Is that Is that how is the apron going to be replaced? Is that the plan or do we usually replace aprons or do we just do curbs?

We only do aprons if the curb needs to be a section needs to be cut out. Correct. Right. So, and we're going to have another meeting here where we're going to talk about actual construction impacts because it's not necessarily the same in every block. And we'll also have a construction inspector that they're going to put um a notice on your door and they'll be able to address kind of specific concerns like that um during the construction process. So, right now, I don't know that I can say whether or not that's part of the project without taking a look at it. Um but we'll have opportunities where you can meet with staff and with our construction team. Um we can look at it. I took these pictures for you people with a name and everything else. So, you've got a contact. Would you like that? Sure. Yes. Yes. Thank you.

Thank you. Uh, and next I've got Karen Bowman on the roadway assessment project.

Hi, I'm Karen Bowman in Woodbury. Um, so as I've come before you guys before with, you know, like when you don't shovel the stuff right and the trees are in the way and the medium, I care about what things look like. So I'm just going to make a plea here. It's just simple. I want to make sure that when you guys take out our grass that you guys are responsible to get it back to looking like grass, whether it takes you a couple times coming out. I walk Steeple View. I walked that whole neighborhood with my dog. Steeple view was a mess after Montros. It was weeds up to our kneecaps. And so that's my simple plea is that you guys keep coming out checking our lawn. I want our lawn back. My mom and dad taught me you break something, you fix it. We're paying you. So fix our lawn, please. Thank you.

Great. Thanks, Mary. Uh is there any other green sheets on this topic? Oh, here's one. Is that yours? We got one back here. A on road assessment. Okay. And then did someone did I hear There's another one over here. Okay. And then you'll be checking online as well. You guys can come up.

Yeah, come on up. If you can just if you bring me your green sheet all the way to the front. Thank you. Okay. We live at 32 2232 Tower Court and we're in a town home. And my question is, we we don't own the street. We don't own the parking area. It's like for our association, we pay rent. We only own the inside. So, should we be assessed the same as a a homeowner that can park on a street because we have no parking for our street? Or should our association dues cover some of the associate or the assessment? Or should our board be paying some of our assessment for our road part? because we don't really have no access for parking or that's our kind of our question for for town homes because we don't have no outside parking and we don't we pay association dues which are quite they just keep raising them. So that's like renting the outside. So should we be the same as a homeowner that can park in the street you know and and use the street? We can't really use our street. That's and we're kind of in the mi that's a middle unit that we're in. So that's that's our question.

Is that clear? Can you address please? By the way, this is Mike Ka Engineering. Uh thank you, Mayor Mayor Bert. Um so we assess based on the policy which says any property that either has direct access um or private street access to the public roads is assessed per the policy. Um but there is a different rate for multifamily properties um because they have kind of less frontage generally. Um so the there is a reduced rate for multif family but they're all assessed as part of the city's policy. There is a reduced rate.

Yeah. Okay. That's what we were kind of wondering if the it was reduced or if they kick in, you know, our association part our board kicks in. So, so and then how how long do you got before it has to be paid? Can you make payments like two payments or do does this all have to be paid in 26 or do we can we go to 27 to to pay the You can go even longer. Well, they'll explain. Yeah, you have two choices.

Yeah. Yeah. So, um, right. So, you can either pay within 30 days and then there's no interest. So, you'd pay whatever your rate is, um, or you have the opportunity to, um, not do anything with it and it would automatically be applied to your property taxes and you can pay it over 15 years. Chris, Chris also mentioned that you can pay any portion of it. So, if you can't pay the whole assessment, you can pay a portion of it and the remaining balance can be uh, financed over 15 years. Okay. So you're you're your whatever you don't pay off would be the interest on that part of it. Correct. But not the whole thing. Correct. Okay. Thank you so much. You're very welcome.

Okay. I have an a pink sheet. Glenn Olsen, is that you? Are you coming up to the microphone? Yeah. Do you would you want Yeah. Or do Oh, we would How about if we bring a mic to you? Um cable commission, do we have a floating mic that we can get? Thank you.

Is it on? Should try it. Is it on? Yeah, it is. Thank you. Um, when he mentioned the interest rate was approved by the finance department, I'm curious to know is that the city finance department or the state finance? So that's um defined by our city finance department. Okay. And it's determined based on what? Because again that follows a policy. Chris, just so I don't mess this up, I'm going to read the policy as it's written. Okay.

For roadway rehabilitation projects, the assessment rate will be based on the project cost, including the estimated rate of interest on bonds at the time the project is assessed. No sir charge shall be placed upon the interest rate to finance bond administration or issuance costs. So purely it's the cost for the city to finance the assessed portion of the project. Okay. So you've sold bonds for this correct. Okay. Yeah. Do you have other questions too? Do you remember what they all are or do you need your sheet back? Uh I need the sheet back. Okay. Michelle will get it. Sorry my body is falling apart. I don't remember things anymore. You're doing great.

Okay. So, we answered the question concerning the injury. Can you put the mic put the mic up to your mouth? Thank you. And because I was curious being the federal government has calculated the cost of living at 2.8. I was wondering how do you justify the 4.5% interest rate which is tied to the bonds. I understand that.

Okay. Now, I live on a culde-sac. So, we have a one way in, one way out. So, when the street gets repaired, you know, redone, I'm assuming there's going to be a number of days involved before we can drive on it. So, then like where I live is across from the public works, so I could park on Tower Drive, but then my concern is parking out on the street overnight. Will the police patrol those areas just in case we have breakins or car stolings? Can you address how we do that?

Yeah, so again, we'll have more details. Um we'll have a pre-construction meeting where we'll have information regarding access to specific residents. Um but generally with this project, we expect um access to be maintained um for most properties. So the only issue is the only exception would be if you had curb replaced in front of your driveway. Um and again we we can accommodate people that have you know mobility concerns and they need access. We can do half of a driveway at a time um to ensure people can get get in. But um generally if even if we do the curb in front of your driveway, it's about a week where you'd have to park on the street um and you would park right in front of your driveway. So, um, we do our best to try to minimize concerns, but again, there will be information, um, during the pre pre-construction, uh, neighborhood meeting here in about a month. And then we'll also put door hanger notices, um, before the project starts. Chris,

Mike answered pretty much like I would answer, but I would also say that if you have concerns during the course of the day and work is going on, please work with the construction administration professionals that are in the field and they'll accommodate your interest as best as possible. And don't you usually have a phone number for which they can reach out to you and touch base? We'll have a hotline. So, if there's work scheduled to be in front of your place, we'll make sure we coordinate that with both door hangers, but also inerson visits. Terrific. more questions over there. Okay. I was a little confused there. You said we can park in front of our driveways. I don't understand how that's possible because that's the street.

So, I can answer um while the work is occurring, it's difficult to have someone parked in front of their driveway, but generally in the mornings and in evenings, you'll always have access to your properties. But there may be certain portions of the day where if work is occurring, they'll have you'll have to work around the construction equipment that's that's operating on the site. But generally, you'll have access at any portion of the day, but there may be certain times where construction activity is.

Okay. So, if I elect to park on Tower Drive, so I don't have to deal with driving in and around the construction, then my concern is, you know, will those streets be patrolled? I'm not 100% sure, but I believe Tower Drive um there are no parking restrictions. So, um, besides in the winter months, so I I I'd have to verify, but I don't think that, um, it's illegal to park on Tower Drive, at least the portion that I think you're talking about.

I I think a lot of this too becomes more once you see it all in the works, it all becomes more evident of how it all takes place over a period of time. And and it's hard hard to to see it without a map in front of us. This is something where we do have an construction openhouse and if you have specific concerns, we can walk through the project and how it might directly impact you and how the construction activity might occur, who to contact and we're very accommodating to residents to make sure, but the work's got to get done. So, there'd be definitely some times where you're going to have inconveniences. I think his question is more if he parks his car out on the street, can we have extra patrols during the neighborhood through the neighborhood during that time uh to to just patrol for um So, we'll coordinate with public safety.

I'm sure that that's an easy request that can be made to the public safety department. Yeah. Yeah. Great. That'll be good because I drive a pickup and with people stealing the catalytic converters, it's real easy to get underneath my pickup to take it. So, that's my concern. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Is that all your Okay. And I I don't Is there anybody online? Otherwise, we're out of green sheets on the topic and any online? Okay. Then I make a motion that we close the hearing.

Can I just answer this gentleman? Uh because I I just want to let you know uh because I'm in the HOA and we've done work where car we've had our neighbors park uh outside of their driveways and I've just called the police department and said, "Hey, this is going on." I was the president at the time. I just called and said, "Hey, you know, could you come through our development?" They're very good about it. These police are great here in Woodbury. So, um, you yourself could just call the police and say, "Hey, you know, they're doing my project. Could you just go up and down tower a little more often? They're very accommodating. As president of an HOA, I worked with them a lot. So, I just wanted to let them know." Yeah. I see them because they always drive by the seed property, the gas cars.

That's right. They do. Yep. Yep. They do. I just want to ease your mind. Very good to hear come out. Okay, back to my motion. I make a motion we close the hearing. Second motion. Oh, we're closing just I'm going to object. Motion in a second. Hang on. Okay, you're allowed to I was going to say comment or question. Okay. I just want to make sure that we do. Um this is the opportunity for any resident who who wants to object to their assessment. They have to have it in before we close the hearing. So, if you object to your assessment, you write it down on a piece of paper that you object, write your name, your address, and turn it in before we close the hearing. And we do have And we do have four of them here.

Any others? That's what I wanted to make sure we did. Thank you. Yeah. Council member Wilson. All right. We have a motion, a second. Is there any further discussion or comment hearing? None. All in favor? I Okay, the hearing is now closed. Um, we'll now move on to council member comments or questions or pass the resolution. I have a few questions. Um, can you I I'm looking through my stuff. Can you tell me the um assessment on the single family homes? Is this a combined project Afton Road and um this is one project and it's split up or is it

Yeah. Uh yes. So the project is one combined project um with two general locations. We have all the neighborhood roadways and then we have that section of Aptton Road. Um the reason why there is a slight difference in the assessments is due to the classification of Aptton Road. It's not considered a residential street, but it's a collector. So following our policy, we have to follow a slightly different um process to calculate that assessment. And could you just um remind me what the assessments are for the single family homes on Afton and in the neighborhood? Yes. So for the neighborhood, the single family home was 3,242. Do

you want to go back to go back to the slide on the screen? Yeah. Yes. I'll have that right here. Yes. 3,242 for those single family properties in the neighborhoods. And then for Aton Road, based on the property types, um, some prop some single family homes are assessed to 3,517 while there were a couple of properties that are assessed at 7,000 and that's due to their size.

Okay. So, I'm looking at the updated report and the So, I'm trying to that's where I was trying to figure out where these numbers are coming from because it's not matching what my updated report is showing. Yeah. So, Council Member Wilson, I I looked at this, too. So, I was just uh looking quickly. So, it looks like the there's a typo there on that first one. So, it's actually 3424. Okay. For the Yeah. So, apologize for that one. That's okay. Just Just trying to make Just trying to make sense. Okay. Good catch. Yes. The assessment was right. That's what I'm here for. So, so you know, road is my favorite.

Yeah. And so, the so this PowerPoint Yeah. So that number is incorrect, but I the assessment role has the correct value which matches the feasibility report.

Um I I can be done. Okay. I have a quick question where we've got like I think it's Royal Oaks Elementary and then we have the single family homes across the street. How is that on Afton Road? How is that divided? Royal Oaks Elementary. So this so this is the section of Afton Road between tower and radio. So this is not in front of Royal Oaks Elementary. Yeah. Do you want to just go back to the to the diagram to make that clear? Yep. Right. My mistake. Sorry. N that portion. Mhm. I think the other portion was done previously, but I don't know. Yeah, you're right. Yeah. Okay.

Do you have a question? I just I didn't have a question. I guess I would say I was happy the gentleman asked about the um interest rates because for they the interest rate did strike me a little bit this time. Um and I uh don't know if in years past what we've historically been at but to know what it's tied to but it just it did seem higher this time. I was thinking the same thing actually. But go ahead mayor members of the council I actually asked our finance CFO controller about this. Uh the interest rate at the last assessment hearing was 3.5%. So it has gone up 1%. Right. Okay. Any other

information to that? I'm a retired state of Minnesota employee. I worked at the Department of Finance. Every time the state was going to sell bonds, I had to prepare a financial statement of the state's general fund and that is sent to the bond rating companies in New York. They review that and based upon the history of the ongoing year after year and projections for the future, they come up with an interest rate that they will charge the state of Minnesota when the state of Minnesota will sell bonds bring in money to yield these projects. Good similar similar process. And then just build off that we are still AAA bond rated. Correct.

That is correct. Okay. And all of these numbers are not just provided by finance, but finance and their and our bond council. Right. Correct.

And then just one more question regarding the neighborhood. I'll call it the neighborhood, not Aftton Road. There were some properties that are being assessed a little bit higher for their water main um moving. Correct. We're moving the water main. So, and reconnecting up to those um I I believe they're town homes or are they single family homes? I think I asked before, do those town homes then each have their own water shut off or is it one shut off to the entire building? I'm trying to figure out how how we're assessing those town homes if it's one shut off or do you have to go into each individual?

Yes. So um for those 14 properties that are having the additional water main and sanitary connections um there is a combination of single family and multifamily homes that are having this um improvement and there were is quite a variety of ways that those homes had those connections. There were a couple of properties that did have one that main that would go to that home and then was split and then there were others that did receive their own individual service connection. So with the calculations again following our policy was looking at the total cost and then dividing that evenly to all properties having that improvement. So even though um a a town home has one connection, you wouldn't take that one property and divide that by four. The connection rate made by four. You're just taking the entire project and dividing it by how many properties? Even though you only have to hook up one to one water man.

Um let me just Okay. Um, I'm good. Thank you. Well, I'll move to adopt resolution 26-28, a resolution approving the special assessments for the 2026 roadway rehabilitation project.

Second. Motion is second. Any further discussion? Madam Mayor, if we could just acknowledge, I'm not sure if we did, um the fact that the city clerk did get a written objection in advance from the Grove Church and just so that for the matter of the record, the council received that a copy of that as well and has considered that as part of the process of adopting the objection or the assessment. And then we have three others too which are look like private residents. Do you need me to state what those are or we just have? I would read off their names just so that it's acknowledged that you've considered those objections in the process of adopting the assessment.

Okay. Kimberly Simmons 7874 Dunore Road. Katherine Durell Darell 7583 Dunore. Karen Bowman 7894 Dunmar and of course the Grove which you just mentioned. Yes. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Uh what do we have? We had a motion, second discussion. Anything further hearing? None. Roll call, please. Council member Stafford, I. Council member Wilson, no. Council member Santini, I. Mayor Bert, I.

That uh passes. We'll now move on to considering the approval of the 2026 roadway rehabilit rehabilitation project and the award of the contract, etc. Is this back to Colton or Mike or Chris? One of you the trio. So, so typically this is one presentation even though there's two letters, right? And and so the recommended actions were to have the hearing, adopt the assessment role, and then award construction contracts and authorized professional services. Perfect. Can you go back to the uh uh the chart that shows the dollars?

Thank you. That's it. Yeah. And by the way, congratulations on having it be less than the adopted budget. It's always good to see a decrease in that. So, perfect. Thank you. So, I'll move to adopt resolution 26-29, a resolution awarding the construction contract to Northwest Asphalt Incorporated in the amount of 6,292,540.31 for the 2026 roadway rehabilitation project and authorizing the mayor and city administrator to sign said contract, amending the 2026 street reconstruction maintenance fund budget and authorizing the mayor and city administrator to execute a professional engineering services agreement with Bolton and M Inc. in the amount of $600,8 or yeah 600,8 68,218 for construction administration services for the 2026 roadway rehabilitation project.

Second motion a second. Any discussion or questions hearing? None. Roll call, please. Council member Wilson, I. Council member Santini, I. Council member Stafford I. Mayor Bert I. That resolution passes. All right. One more project coming our way. We hope it's a successful season. Not a lot of rain. Get the project done.

Although I do feel like we should have mentioned to the public while this seems like this is a confined and unfortunately as somebody who's lived through road rehabilitation quite a bit recently, I know it will be impactful. Unfortunately, the rest of the city will have additional construction projects related to the pipeline project. So, while it might seem that we have limited roadway rehabilitation, it's happening. Look forward to more work on Valley Creek Road and Valley Bailey Road this summer.

Um, okay, moving on to our discussion item. Item 8A that is consideration of the adoption of ordinance amendment chapter 16 parks and wreck and chapter 14 motor vehicle and traffic. and Michelle Okata is here, a director of parks and recreation to talk about this important topic that's uh impacted cities the statewide addressing the use of emoto transportation and other things on our trails. Yes. Thank you. Good evening, mayor and members of council. Um I am pitch hitting today. Pin pinch hitting. Am I saying that right? We're baseball season. Yeah. Okay. You're a football family. Your football family, not baseball, right? I know baseball too, but that just didn't

didn't stick with me that time. Um Reed Smith has been our um staff member who has um championed this work with our parks and natural resource commission. Um so, a couple of things before we get started. We do have the chair of our parks natural resource commission to specifically address the council on the one item that was in the letter about the helmets. Um if it's okay with you, mayor, I'll go through the presentation on the ordinances that have been proposed and we can conclude. Is would that be acceptable?

Okay. So, just um to ground us in the direction that was provided at the 2025 or excuse me, February 25th uh council workshop, update the ordinances using the PNRC recommendations except for the helmet provision and then finalize with city attorney uh review and recommendations. Follow the standard public process for ordinance update. Clarify language with examples of prohibited modes. So, for example, golf carts related to the recreational motor vehicles. Review ordinance language related to authority to restrict devices during large events and tournaments. And then lastly, review ordinance language related to rental type operations on city- owned property and right ofway. Does that

all sound like what we were talking about on the 25th? Okay.

Um so with that, um one clarification, we are also going through, as you all know, that um recotification. So, as part of that, working with our city attorney, um she did recommend that we take this opportunity to put these um a couple of these ordinances in chapter 14, it doesn't change the intent and there is reference to both of those, but I just wanted to point that out. If you had when we have been talking about them, we've been only talking about chapter 16. This does include chapter 14, but the spirit of the um requested changes and the recommendations stay the same. They're just in different chapters. Um so um moving those things to chapter 14. The first is the bicycle as defined u by state statute with the electric assisted bicycle defined that is increasing um to be the whole uh sub uh section 27 for all three classes. Um next is the definition as um listed in the state statute for motorized foot scooters. And then lastly the motor vehicle as defined um in state statute. and then updating in chapter 14 um the public site public site and open space just to make it understood and broad what that means in our community um in chapter 14. So the red areas are the proposed changes and these are the changes that were posted publicly for um that review. And so um section A did not change. Section B offers that um definition of motor vehicle taking out recreational vehicle to include but not limited to. So this was the direction to add some context of what's prohibited. And then lastly um exempting the motorized foot scooters from that section. So allowing those on our trails as was prescribed. And I'll just keep going but you let me know if you have questions you want me to stop. Um next um was direction to

make sure that during large events or um tournaments that we could prohibit in areas and there is statute that does authorize that. Um we do have authority in statute and then to just bolster that because we are taking things out into chapter 14. the attorney recommended that we add that language so that there's no question if we do say you know walk your wheels and we've already started on some some posters and things uh signage that we'll use for that that those are always or that our authority goes into chapter 14 as well. So just to clarify that was the need to like when we have things at the sports center large tournaments and we've got trails and lots of people using them with all kinds of things just to correct same thing with like a Woodberry Days event or way park or whatever.

Correct. Yep. We we want to be pretty specific um that we're not getting into neighborhoods calling and saying we shouldn't have these in our neighborhoods. Um so it would be very specific. We have talked about the busyiness of the sports center um in a couple of the the wheel areas. So the the bulk we may post it for the majority of the season um just because really on a weekday evening when all all ball fields are utilized that main thoroughfare isn't isn't a good place for for these apparatus or or really bikers to go through there either. So, and I love the tagline that you would say, the walk your wheels.

Walk your wheels. That's really common language across municipalities. Um, Woodbury has used it for several years. So, I just wanted to confirm that based on the direction, we did review ordinance and we do have that authority to temporarily um change that use. Okay.

And then lastly, the rental operation. Um, in the parks and recreation um ordinance section and section 16, unlawful sales. So no person shall sell, offer for sale, lease objects. This covers that. So they couldn't set up operation within our parks. And then working with the community development team to ensure that um businesses could take on this commerce, but there would be restrictions on how they could do it, where they could store these items. Um they believe that in a couple of different areas there are restrictions and oversight that would allow staff to ensure um that this this isn't impacting right of ways all of those different things that there's a few statutes that or excuse me ordinances that go together to protect that making sure they can hold a business or or use rental. They can go through our parks. Um they just can't start the business or hold the business within the parks. Okay. Any questions on that? So, those are the the ordinance recommendations that are before you. Um, and before we go to um Oh, the last slide. Um, the proposed language or consideration for further discussion on a potential helmet uh provision.

Wait, do you have more to say about the helmet thing?

We'll get to the helmet thing. I just want to I just want to say a couple of things. This is not the last time we're going to be before you. This is evolving so quickly. There is state legislation that's being proposed to help bolster some of these different apparatus. Uh we did connect with our bordering cities. Um as it relates to the helmet, Cottage Grove um did hear from their public safety team last just last council meeting. They are considering a helmet ordinance. Oakdale has talked about it. um they're kind of waiting to see what border communities do as well as the state potentially. And then um we did not get any other information um affirming that any other communities bordering us. The county is not looking at it with hosting, you know, so many communities within the county. It would be very challenging uh to enforce anything countywide.

Uh but at at the council's question, we did look into that. Uh re made connections with most of those as well. But even looking at, you know, different communities that are talking about these things, they're already listing other apparatus that we haven't even talked about. So, I do think that this is evolving technology, evolving uses. Um, as we've talked about a lot, there's good things that are coming from it. I don't know that it we're going to be ahead of it necessarily. It's a little bit of a response and then again waiting to see what um the state might do in a couple of areas. Well, of course, we talked about that at our workshop. and discussed this extensively and we do appreciate the parks and natural resources commission recommending that.

I think we as just general what's good for young people or anybody riding these heavier pieces of equipment or on scooters it is a great idea to wear a helmet. As a parent I would know my kids are a little gone from the house now but you know would require that as a parent. We did talk extensively about if the state's going to do it. It's easier if it's done broadly everywhere. So, we held off on that hoping and I know we've got state representatives here and if you've got any updates on what's happening with that those bills, maybe there isn't. I don't know. But if you do, you're welcome to come and speak to that. Um, but that was that was one reason why we held off because we thought if the state's going to address it, we'll let them do it. Um, and not just confuse things. So, we're taking it kind of peace meal, but as you said, that's one piece. there's other things that might be coming or changing or so we'll have to keep looping back to this probably over time.

Yeah. So, two ways that we could approach this. Uh, mayor and council members, we do have the proposal for the ordinance amendments that you you know directed staff to to go through the process and then we would like to hear from our parks natural resources commission as it relates to that further consideration. So would you like to do that first or would you like to um make a motion or or proceed with the um what correct? I think we can go ahead with or do you want to hear I would like if Anna's going to speak I'd like to have Anna speak. Yep. But that's on a that's un that's beyond the existing ordinance that's before us. Correct.

Correct. So this is an opportunity to make an amendment to the ordinance but then that would have to be published. Correct. Legal. Sure. So, you're talking if a specific helmet issue was added to the ordinance. Um, you know, because that's not at all included in your uh current ordinance and we'd want to make sure the language is accurate and correct, we'd probably do that in a future amendment. Yeah. Rather than trying to add it tonight on the fly, right? So, we could address what we have before us because this is what we've agreed to. This is what we knew was coming before us. This is what we planned with our uh council documents. and then let Anna speak for what again it would be a future consideration. So

can I just can I just Michelle just for just for clarity purposes and I apologize because it's my mind shuts off sometimes but we did talk extensively on the workshop but I just want for anybody who's here or listening online or coming back later we had to address this because there were there were there was a lot of confusion on what is or isn't acceptable. there was maybe gaps or misunderstandings. Um there is a helmet law in place for under 18 on motorized foot motorized foot school stools scooters scooters. Correct. Stools. Correct.

Yes. So So even though it it might not be in our ordinance, it is a Minnesota law. It might not be spelled out specifically. Correct. But we do have a reference back to the Minnesota law. So that is something that I think is an educational piece that we do need to put out to the public that lets lets people know that is a law. It's a state law. Correct. And uh Yeah. Yep. Absolutely. That is on state law. Thank you. Mayor Bird, it sounds like Senator Hemington Jagger does have a an update or kind of a status update anyway.

Okay, that'd be great. Welcome, Senator. So, good evening. For the record, Senator Amanda Hemingson Jagger for the district. Um, I can really just only speak in general terms. I know a couple senators from some neighboring communities and I are also talking about it in the Senate. But, um, as with everything this session with the tide house, with the one vote majority in the Senate, um, it's really it's been really challenging to get some, um, anything passed this year. So, I would just encourage um Woodbury, no no reason to not be the leader and really like, you know, be being the biggest community in the county in the east metro that um this is a really cool opportunity, especially with the recommendation from the commission um to go ahead and do something and who knows, maybe it'll become the model language that we can then adopt for the state. So, that's kind of my update. So,

great. Okay. Thank you. I have a lot more comments about the helmet thing. So that's I'll wait until we then are going to address that. I do too. So go ahead. We're just going to take this away. Yeah, I guess we're just going to take this. Yeah. Yeah. Which I guess I would say before I move to adopt it. While I do support these changes, I don't think that they go far enough and we will address that. But um I think the changes that we are adopting are important. So, I will move to adopt ordinance 2076, an ordinance amending city code chapter 16, parks and recreation and chapter 14, motor vehicles and traffic. Second. Motion second. Any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll call, please. Council member Centini, I. Council member Stafford,

I. Council member Wilson, I. Mayor Bert, I. That ordinance passes. Okay. And now we could have our chair of parks and natural resources come forward and share a little bit more. And again, this could be an ongoing topic for weeks and months to come.

Thank you. Um, good evening, mayor and council members, and thank you for the opportunity to address you as a representative of the Parks and Natural Resources Commission. My name is the Reverend Anna Dhy. I live in Woodbury and I currently serve as the chair of the commission. Last fall, the Parks and Natural Resources Commission worked with city staff to review existing ordinances alongside state statutes related to e transportation. As outlined in recent commission and council letters, that review focused on a few key areas: public safety, enforcability, clarity for users, and public education while keeping in mind the positive impacts these devices provide. And after several months of discussion and careful refinement, the commission worked to strike a balance between safety, education, and practical enforcement, we recommended updating regulations to include class 3 electric assisted bicycles and per permit motorized foot scooters as defined by state law. And I want to thank you for taking those recommendations and moving them forward. In addition to those, the commission strongly recommends requiring helmets for riders under the age of 18 using electric assisted bicycles. We acknowledge the challenges of enforcement and the fact that we share borders with neighboring communities. We are also aware that class 3 electric assisted bicycles can reach maximum speeds of up to almost 30 miles per hour and there are safety standards for other vehicles reaching those speeds such as seat belts and cars etc. The commission spoke with Commander Arinberg and representatives of public safety and in terms of enforcing this requirement, we understand that public education and the positive reinforcement of those following the rules is far more effective than citations. And we also understand that many current public

safety standards also function in this same way and are primarily focused on the establishment of expectations and the communication of community values rather than citation. The commission feels that this requirement appropriately falls under those same standards of enforcement. And in terms of our shared borders with other communities, the commission feels that this is a way for our city to be a leader in educating and requiring safety standards for young writers. In other words, the commission feels the benefits of this helmet requirement for our community far outweigh the challenges. This requirement supports the overall safety of riders while also aligning with similar rules for motorized foot scooters. Following council's initial consideration of this recommendation, the commission revisited the topic and after further discussion unanimously requested that the staff return it to council for additional consideration. On behalf of the Parks and Natural Resources Commission, we respectfully ask council to reconsider this recommendation to include a helmet requirement for riders under the age of 18 using electric assisted bicycles in support of rider safety. Thank you for your time today, for listening, and for your continued consideration of this recommendation.

Great. Thank you. Thank you, chair. Well, again, as new information keeps coming in and in light of what uh the senator just shared, if things are not moving forward in the state legislature, which I guess, yeah, we don't know it maybe it's things are whatever. Um, you know, it's something again I think we were leaning toward allow that to happen. We were hoping that was going to happen from that angle because that just makes it consistent across all communities and it doesn't make a we've got one thing, someone else's another thing. Um, but I think uh if things are looking difficult to pass in the state legislature, maybe that's worthy of coming back for a brief discussion at a workshop so that then we can move forward with it if that's something we want to do. So just a thought

I guess knowing that yeah I think right now a lot of the discussion probably we have had it I was one that did support it even at that time. I do think it is worthy. Um my understanding actually from the commission was the fact that too is like on the west metro you know it was a band of communities that came together and passed it to you know connect those communities that would have shared borders. Um I think to senator's point I think it is important for some of these communities to band together to enact it to show I think at a higher level. Um obviously we have our senator support um but to have other communities to you know see that obviously communities are wanting it and they are willing you know they're wanting to enact it clearly our commission that we've appointed and they are supposed to be our voices and representatives have clearly and I will say as I said at the meeting you know the the disappointment when they heard you know our conversation was palpable. So that was a you know I felt bad for that for sure. So I would like to have it brought back to us and hopefully maybe because of some um new information we will give different direction

and I don't have uh a problem uh discussing it further. I think we did discuss it and I think we um I shared some valid concerns which is I know it makes it easier for parenting if there's just a you know uh some somebody that says well we can't uh you have to wear a helmet. That's what that's the Woodbury law. Unfortunately, we're we're not elected to be parents. We're elected to represent um what's best for the city. And my kids wore helmets. You know, I grew up skiing. Oh, yeah. I know.

Um I never wore a helmet skiing. Um and it's not mandated, but I do wear one now. Um motorcycles in the state of Minnesota do not wear helmets. Um but there is an opportunity um for the e- scooters that is a law 18 and under. But how old do you have to be to ride an ebike? 15. 15. And 12 is the motorized foot scooter. Oh, okay.

And just a point of clarification for if if I understand it correctly and again these ordinances how they intertwine are a hairball. So, I'm not claiming to be an expert, but I believe that for motorcycles under 18, there is a helmet law as well. There is under 18. Correct.

Um, but for the record, I would not get on my bike or ski or get on a motorcycle without a helmet, but I don't need a law to tell me that. Um, I also find it, you know, a tad bit, um, problematic when we do try to enforce when when our ordinance is different than our surrounding communities. Um especially when we have the gold line, maybe somebody's hopping on the gold line and coming here just riding across the new bridge from Oakdale. You know, these are things that then make us separate and basically make someone, you know, I hate to say it, a lawb breaker just because our laws are different than our neighboring communities. So, not that our I don't I don't believe our public safety would be out issuing citations. I hope I hope it would be an educational purpose, but nonetheless, it it's not fun um to to have an encounter

um when you're doing something wrong. So, I just find the for me it's the consistency. It's more of just from a rationale, it it's just not logical to have them be different. So, that for me is wanting if we are going to have it for the scooters, I just don't know why you wouldn't have it for the bikes. Well, the the scooters are Minnesota law, correct? And what I'm saying is I don't really know why on the state level. And so I think that that's showing that's why they should be consist state needs to do it. I know. Well, yeah. And that those are all the debates we had for over an hour I think in our meeting and trying to work through it. So um clearly we would encourage all people riding emoto transportation on trails to please wear helmet. It just makes common sense. So

I'm going to follow and any bike. And the senator had to say and Michelle I think if we took the lead in the helmet ordinance restriction I think our neighboring communities are waiting to see what we're going to do and they would follow right behind us. Could be. Yes. Okay. Um, wait. So, do we want do we have direction or do you know what are we bringing this back? Yeah, I was just going to say it'd be nice to have some consensus on on if we're bringing it back and you know it'll be a workshop I think first uh and then timing. I think what we had decided was we were going to wait to see what was going to happen at the state and when then we were going to revisit at the end of the year or beginning of next year.

That is what we discussed at our last workshop. But that doesn't mean we can't introduce it again at an upcoming workshop the next and whatever and readress it knowing that we don't know for sure what's going to happen at this state but things who knows as as uh at our earliest convenience. How about that? That sounds good. Okay. Yeah. Uh Michelle, just while we're here, can you clarify a speed limit regarding trails or whatever exists around that, whether it's state or our own? There are there's no state and there is no city specific speed limit. The ordinance does list that you need to ride to the conditions of the space that you're riding in.

Great. Great. Thank But then the um tools I guess I'm going to say the vehicles the motor they have limits of what they can max at. Correct. So um to be classified as an um electric assisted bicycle it is there there are specifics um in how fast they can go. If they go faster than that they are considered a different mode of transportation. Great. And those are defined in state statute. So even though you may buy a certain class you and you make modifications to it if you're exceeding that it it should be considered a different class of of e transportation

but hard to recognize as they're going down the trail. So yeah again the complexity of the whole thing this ordinance doesn't have any effect on the golf carts at our golf courses. Thank you uh council member Stafford. No. Um, so those are approved uses on the golf courses, but we did get specific. They've always been prohibited on trails, but now newly in the ordinance per your direction, we listed them as prohibited in the on the trails. Great. Thank you. Great. Um, okay, that wraps up most of our regular meeting, but I'm going to turn to our city administrator for your city administrator's update, Mr. Jeff Dah.

Thank you, Mayor Bert. Uh, a couple things here real quick. Just wanted to uh promote the big event that we have on Saturday, if I can find it here. Uh is of course the Woodbury Community Expo that is being hosted by the chamber as always. It's the 17th annual. Uh this year it'll be at the M Health Fairview Sports Center. Lot going on. There'll be 170 local businesses and organizations uh that represent the community. A lot of entertainment. Uh good time for the kids. good time to learn and meet uh all about uh our community, about what's going on. Uh I know the council will be there, staff will be there talking about a lot of the projects that are going on. So, um encourage everybody to come out. Uh it's a good event. It will be my first expo, so I'm really looking forward to it. So, didn't want to forget about that uh important annual event for our community. Uh, next I wanted to mention uh just acknowledge that one of our patrol K-9 um Victor has had a real rough week. Maybe it's been eight days or so, but a rough few days. Anyway, uh he has been battling a significant internal in injury. Uh it the positive news is that he's looking like he's going to make a full recovery. Uh, just wanted to acknowledge and thank officer uh Matson who is his handler for a quick reaction uh to get Victor to the vet. I want to thank the vets uh or the veterinarians. Um I don't know what the name of the the facility is, but it's the one um in in Oakdale right adjacent to the former um

yeah former movie theater. Uh they took great care of him. He's going to make a full recovery as I said. Um, but also thanks to the K9 Foundation as well and everybody that's on that who support our Kines's both um financially and um through other ways as well. Um so we appreciate that. Uh and we look forward to seeing Victor out on the streets very soon. Uh we had an open house staff held a open house uh yesterday at the um uh Central Park. We announced the uh this year's water treatment pipeline and plant project. Uh more of the details of timelines uh locations etc. Uh and as well as another big project in town that people are going to see that's fiber optic cable uh that is is going to be um constructed to serve our community. Uh last night the the meeting was well attended. Uh it's not the only time we're going to be communicating about what's going on. Uh the council's going to get an update from the water about the water treatment both plan and pipeline uh late uh not later this month in April. Uh there's also going to be more updates at the uh future workshops, council meetings, social media, our newsletter of course, in touch emails. Uh we'll even be talking about at the expo on u Saturday as well. So, if you didn't weren't able to attend that open house, there'll be a lot more communication coming your way as we uh ramp up for a busy construction uh season once again. I was going to say unfortunately another busy scene, but it's all good. It's all to have the best and the cleanest drinking water uh and and great streets as well. So,

yeah. Uh lastly, you know, I mentioned the um uh as it relates to ICE in our community, the impacts on our community about going to DC. We just came back in addition to talking about ICE and the impacts it's had on our community with our representatives. Uh we also had an opportunity to thank them for uh getting us just under $3.5 million this year for our public safety building uh for Weir Drive. Um and I think that was it. Yes, those those two big projects. Uh now we're advocating for just under $10 million this year and those are for public safety uh technology enhancements and security. Uh the trail along Weir Drive uh that still is yet to be funded. It's going to be very expensive, but it's a needed connection between the uh the highdensity housing up on towards the freeway and Costco and the schools and all that. um as well as our public water infrastructure, making sure we have the best, cleanest uh drinking water. So, we're hopeful, we're grateful for their advocacy, and we're hopeful that they'll bring back some money from Washington as well. So, thanks to all of our representatives for for giving us the time. It was nice. And thanks, mayor, for uh for um advocating for the community as well. That's it.

Yep. That's great. Thank you. All right. Uh that covers our meeting for tonight. I make a motion that we adjourn. Yes. Motion a second. Any comments? All in favor? I. We are adjourned. Thank you every