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City of Woodbury
8301 Valley Creek Road Woodbury, MN 55125 (651) 714-3500 |
Most City Hall staff to vacate building as expansion project gets under way
Where and when City Hall departments are moving
Voters will elect mayor, two Council members Nov. 7
Council Perspective: Transportation Amendment on November ballot
Applications being sought for citizen advisory boards
Judges select winners of 8th photo contest
Volunteers needed for 3rd annual buckthorn busting Oct. 28
Applications available Oct. 16 for landscaping grant program
Are you prepared for a disaster?
What? No parking on city streets?
Cottage Grove Drive intersection at Valley Creek Road closing
No tricks, only treats at Woodbury fire stations
Most City Hall staff to vacate building as expansion project gets under way
If the bids for constructing a 13,850-square-foot addition to Woodbury's City Hall come in as estimated, the City Council is expected to award a construction contract at its Oct. 11 meeting. That action will touch off a series of department relocations, starting that same week, with the Building Inspections division slated to move first.
"Construction will require most of the departments currently housed at City Hall to relocate to neighboring city facilities such as the Public Works and Public Safety Buildings," said City Administrator Clint Gridley. "The departments will operate out of these temporary offices until the project is completed - hopefully by August 2007."
While the moves may disrupt department services temporarily, all city departments will remain operational during relocation. Citizens and others needing to conduct business with City Hall departments are advised to call ahead to verify the department's whereabouts if it is "moving week" for that area.
Project features
The addition will be primarily along the south and east sides of the existing building. The proposed addition incorporates a new public corridor that will offer views of the adjacent wetland to the south of City Hall, as well as an expanded outdoor public patio space next to the trail system for community use. The existing building façade that is familiar to the Woodbury community will remain untouched, with the exception of some minor maintenance items at the main building entrance. As part of the project, existing office spaces and the main lobby area also will be remodeled.
"The goal of the project is to provide more flexible and expanded work space to accommodate the growth in city staff that has been necessary to serve an expanding population," Gridley said. "The city's population has nearly tripled since City Hall opened in 1990, and staff has grown from 32 employees to 75."
The expansion project will incorporate some sustainable or "green" design elements, including high performance, energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems with a geothermal system for heating and cooling the building addition, permeable paver parking stalls and fire lanes, and a green roof. A new storm water treatment pond will treat all the existing and all of the new parking area that previously was emptied into the adjacent wetland.
The expansion and remodeling of City Hall have been under discussion since February 2005, when the Council authorized preparation of a schematic design and preliminary cost estimates. Subsequently, an architectural contract with KKE was approved and the company completed the plans, which were approved by the Council on Sept. 13.
New fire station
The city also plans to replace the existing Thames Road Fire Station with a new station that will bring the facility up to today's commercial standards. The station will be doubled in size and have an operation similar to the Afton Road and Fox Run stations constructed in 2002. During construction, station operations will be relocated, and firefighters and EMS personnel will respond from the city's other stations.
The existing station will be demolished, starting the week of Oct. 23. The new station is expected to open in July 2007.
Where and when City Hall departments are moving
Following is the schedule for relocation of the departments currently housed in City Hall. Dates are tentative and subject to change. Those needing to conduct business with City Hall departments are advised to call ahead and verify the department's whereabouts, particularly if it is "moving week" for that department.
Building Inspections: (651) 714-3543
Relocating to the old Public Works Building, 2300 Tower Drive, the week of Oct. 9-13. The division expects to be open for business in the new location by Monday, Oct. 16. The entrance to the temporary offices and customer parking are at the rear of the building.
Finance and Utility Billing: (651) 714-3503
Moving to the Public Safety Building, 2100 Radio Drive, Oct. 23-27. Residents making utility payments are strongly encouraged to use the drop boxes at City Hall, rather than paying in person, while the office is at Public Safety. The drop boxes are located in the lobby inside City Hall, and also in the driveway median (next to the U.S. Postal mailbox) in front of City Hall. The city also offers an automatic pay plan, through which your payment is deducted from your checking/savings account; call for details. The Information Technology (IT) Department will also be relocating to Public Safety as part of this move.
Parks and Recreation: (651) 714-3583
The department offices, along with recreation staff, are moving to Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place (adjacent to the YMCA), Oct. 30-Nov. 3. (The parks maintenance staff is housed at the Public Works Building.) Residents are urged to take advantage of online registration options for recreation programs whenever possible. Call (651) 714-3583 to obtain a household I.D. number or for more information.
Engineering: (651) 714-3593
Moving to the new Public Works Building, 2301 Tower Drive, Nov. 13-17. Engineering customers should use the visitor parking lot next to the main entrance of the building.
Administration and Community Development: (651) 714-3500
These departments will remain at City Hall while the expansion project proceeds. However, they will be moving out of their existing offices and into the first floor meeting rooms and the lunchroom sometime in December.
City Council and Commission Meetings: (651) 714-3523
The Council Chambers will not be affected by the construction project. Council and advisory commission meetings will continue to be held in the Council Chambers.
Voters will elect mayor, two Council members Nov. 7
Three positions on the Woodbury City Council, including the mayor's seat, will be filled Tuesday, Nov. 7, when voters cast ballots in the state general election. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the city's 13 precincts (see map, page x).
All three city seats are for four-year terms that begin in January. Two persons have filed for mayor. They are Tim "Buck" Buche and Bill Hargis, who is the incumbent.
Five residents have filed for two City Council seats. The Council candidates, in alphabetical order, are: Steve Lagoon, Julie A. Ohs, Peter Rekow, Mary Giuliani Stephens, and John R. Witt. They are seeking to fill the Council positions currently held by Cheryl Hurst and Mike Madigan. Neither is seeking re-election.
In addition to the city positions, the November ballot includes the gubernatorial race, as well as contests for U.S. senator, U.S. representative, state senator in District 56, state representative in Districts 56A and 56B, various county offices, and a constitutional amendment (see mayor's column). Residents of school districts 834 and 622 also will find school referendum questions on their ballots.
Polling sites
Polling sites for the general election are the same as those used in the September primary (see list of sites, page x). If have questions about your precinct and/or polling site, call City Hall at (651) 714-3500.
Absentee Voting
Absentee voting for the general election began Oct. 6 and continues through Monday, Nov. 6. Woodbury voters who have a valid reason for voting absentee may vote in person at the Washington County Service Center, 2150 Radio Drive. Absentee voting hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional hours are offered on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
"This is a change from past practice," noted Kim Blaeser, city clerk. "Voters who were accustomed to casting absentee ballots at City Hall in previous years should take note of the new location."
Voters also may vote absentee by mail, provided there is adequate time for them to return ballots by Election Day. Call (651) 430-6175 for more information. Absentee ballot applications are available on the city's Web site, www.ci.woodbury.mn.us. Under the City Government heading, select "elections."
Registering to vote
To register to vote, an individual must be 18 years of age or older on the day of the election; a citizen of the United States; and a resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days prior to the election.
Pre-registration for the general election ends Oct. 17.
Voters not meeting that deadline may register at the polls on Election Day or when they vote absentee, provided they have proof of residence. All voters should be prepared to provide an updated Minnesota driver's license (with a Woodbury address) on Election Day.
To register to vote on Election Day, voters will be asked to provide proof of residence.
Acceptable proofs include:
- Minnesota driver's license or driver's license receipt showing address in precinct
- Utility bill* with your current address, along with a Minnesota photo I.D. card (may be driver's license or permit with a former address)
- U.S. passport with a current utility bill
- U.S. military I.D. card with a current utility bill
- Minnesota I.D. card showing address in precinct
- Registered voter from the same precinct who can vouch for your residency
- Prior registration in the same precinct
- Notice of ineffective registration from the election office, or
- Student I.D. or fee statement showing address in precinct
* Utility bill must be:
- cable TV, satellite, electric, gas, phone, cell phone, water, garbage, or sewer bill, and
- due within 30 days of the election, and
- have the voter's name and current address in the precinct.
New residents who need to register at the polls are encouraged to obtain a driver's license showing their correct address prior to Election Day. The Washington County License Bureau, located at 2150 Radio Drive, can assist you.
Questions about the election, voting precincts or absentee balloting may be directed to City Hall, (651) 714-3500.
Election results
Election results will be available via the city's Web site at www.ci.woodbury.mn.us. In the navigation bar, click on "city government," select "elections," then click on "election results."
Woodbury polling sites:
Precinct 1:
Woodbury Junior High
1425 School Drive
Precinct 2:
Central Park
8595 Central Park Place
Precinct 3:
St. John Lutheran Church
1975 St. John's Drive
Precinct 4:
King of Kings Church
1583 Radio Drive
Precinct 5:
Valley Crossing Elementary
9900 Park Crossing
Precinct 6:
Woodbury High School
2665 Woodlane Drive
Precinct 7:
Woodbury Lutheran Church
7380 Afton Road
Precinct 8:
Bailey Elementary
4125 Woodlane Drive
Precinct 9:
Red Rock Elementary
3311 Commonwealth Avenue
Precinct 10:
Lake Junior High
3133 Pioneer Drive
Precinct 11:
St. Ambrose Church
4125 Woodbury Drive
Precinct 12:
Eagle Valley Golf Course
2600 Double Eagle Lane
Precinct 13:
Five Oaks Church
4416 Radio Drive
Council Perspective: Transportation Amendment on November ballot
By Mayor Bill Hargis
Among the many offices and questions that voters will decide in the Nov. 7 general election is a Transportation Constitutional Amendment placed on the ballot by the 2005 Minnesota Legislature. There has not been a great deal of information in the local media about this proposed amendment. Because the state's transportation system is a vital component of Minnesota's economy and quality of life, it's important for citizens to know more about the amendment and be able to make an informed decision this fall.
The motor vehicle sales tax
Minnesotans currently pay a motor vehicle sales tax when they purchase a new or used car or truck in Minnesota. In 1981, the Legislature passed a law dedicating all motor vehicle sales tax revenue to highways and transit. However, for 25 years, some of this money has been diverted away from transportation and used to pay for other state programs.
The Legislature currently appropriates 54 percent of the revenue from the motor vehicle sales tax for transportation; the remaining 46 percent goes to the general fund and is used for non-transportation purposes. The 2005 Legislature decided to give voters the final say on whether to return to dedicating 100 percent of this existing tax to funding highways, bridges, and transit systems.
The ballot question
The proposed amendment will ask the following question: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to dedicate revenue from a tax on the sale of new and used motor vehicles over a five-year period, so that after June 30, 2011, all of the revenue is dedicated at least 40 percent for public transit and not more than 60 percent for highway purposes?"
The question is asking voters to determine whether all of the revenue from the existing motor vehicle sales tax should go to improve the state's highways and public transit systems. If voters agree, a five-year transition period would begin with the fiscal year starting July 1, 2007. During this transition period, the percent of the motor vehicle sales tax revenues dedicated to transportation would increase each year until June 30, 2011. After that date, 100 percent of the revenue would be required to be used for transportation purposes.
In Minnesota, passing an amendment to the constitution requires a majority vote of all people voting in that election. If a voter leaves this question blank - either because he or she does not have an opinion on the issue or is simply uninformed about it - that is considered a "no" vote.
It is estimated that an additional $300 million in revenue per year would be available for improvements to the state's roads, bridges, and transit once the five-year phase-in is completed. Voters must weigh whether additional investment in transportation is desirable and, if so, should 100 percent of the vehicle sales tax be dedicated to funding improvements.
Who favors this amendment?
The Minnesotans for Better Roads and Transit Coalition is an organization urging voters to support the amendment. This is a broad-based group consisting of nearly a thousand business, non-profit, and trade organizations from around the state, ranging from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce to the Sierra Club. Numerous cities, counties, and townships belong to the coalition, including the City of Woodbury. The Woodbury City Council has adopted a resolution in support of the amendment.
On its Web site, the coalition outlines the benefits it believes will come from an increased investment in roads and transit. They include: less time stuck in traffic for metro commuters; more efficient transport of products for businesses and for farmers in Greater Minnesota; safer travel for motorists using some of the state's most dangerous rural roads; more jobs for those working in construction or related industries; a cleaner environment through transit investments; and more travel options for all Minnesotans.
Opponents to passage of the amendment cite that this level of detail should not be in the State Constitution. Opponents also are concerned that money would be diverted from other state-funded programs, or that all the money could go for transit.
If you would like more information about this proposed amendment, I encourage you to visit the coalition Web site (http://voteyesmn.org) where you will find a list of frequently asked questions. Take a few moments to learn more about this proposed amendment, weigh the pros and cons, and make an informed decision in November.
Applications being sought for citizen advisory boards
Applications are being accepted through Monday, Nov. 13, for openings on Woodbury advisory boards and commissions. Citizens appointed to these groups serve on a volunteer basis. The term is for three years unless noted otherwise.
"Citizens who are members of advisory groups assist the City Council by making recommendations regarding parks, development proposals, environmental issues, and much more," said Mayor Bill Hargis. "Their contribution to our community is an important one."
This year, there will be 11 openings on the city's advisory boards. In some instances, incumbents are eligible for reappointment. The groups include:
Economic Development Authority - The EDA studies and analyzes economic development needs of the city and implements programs to attract business. The EDA also administers several financial incentive programs and reviews the financing of major public projects proposed by the city. EDA members serve six-year terms.
Economic Development Commission - The EDC acts as a coordinating body and resource agency for economic development matters. Its general purpose is to study, review and prepare recommendations for the City Council regarding economic development policy. One of its primary duties is developing and implementing a strategic plan, which includes long-range strategies for economic development.
Environmental Advisory Commission - This commission advises the City Council and other advisory commissions regarding issues that affect sustainability in Woodbury. Areas of focus include solid waste, air quality, water quality, energy and preservation of natural resources.
The EAC also sponsors events such as the annual Earth Day Recycling Event and Landscape Workshop.
Park and Recreation Commission - The Park Commission works to protect natural resources, studies park site planning and reviews recreation programs. It makes recommendations relating to the location of parks and the layout of amenities within city parks. The commission also monitors operations at Bielenberg Sports Center, Eagle Valley Golf Course and Central Park.
Planning Commission - The Planning Commission is responsible for all questions relating to planning, zoning and sign regulations. It reviews all applications for development and recommends approval or denial based on conformance with the comprehensive plan and zoning regulations.
Woodbury residents who are interested in serving on any of these advisory commissions may call the Administration Department, (651) 714-3523, to request an application. The deadline for returning completed applications is Monday, Nov. 13.
The City Council will interview applicants on Saturday, Dec. 2. Criteria for evaluation include: personal and professional experience which may relate to the subject areas of the board or commission; knowledge of the community; knowledge of city government process; contribution to creating or maintaining a diversity of membership with respect to geographic location, gender or race; experience from similar appointments. New appointees begin their terms in January.
Judges select winners of 8th photo contest
The judging is completed and 27 photos have received prizes in the eighth "Focus on Woodbury" photo contest.
First place winners are Joseph Johnson in the nature category; Sandra Stephens, people and personalities; Kevin Wood, city scenes; and Richard Peterson, digitally-modified images. Each will receive a check for $100.
Second place winners, who receive $50, are Kevin Wood (nature), Joe Sobota (people), Tom Pinkerton (city scenes), and Ed Gabel (digitally modified). Taking third place honors were Tom Pinkerton (nature), Amanda Dixon (people), Barry Schalkle (city scenes), and Heidi Pinkerton (digitally modified). They will be awarded $25.
In addition, judges awarded honorable mention to 15 photos. Winners were: Tom Bray, Amanda Dixon, Ed Gabel, Joshua Jensen, Brad Mischler, Steven Shor and Ciara Wohlford in the nature category; Richard Peterson, Joseph Johnson and Sheri Batterman-Azcona, people and personalities; Dave Hagel, Collin Nelson and David Pointon, city scenes; and Joseph Johnson and Sandy Fritz, digitally modified.
This year's contest drew 193 entries, the most ever submitted in the competition. Judges were Jason Guldbrandsen, the official photographer for Woodbury Days 2006; Melinda Redmann, a local portrait photographer; and Jeff Syme, senior communications specialist with the Metropolitan Council.
Winning photos will be displayed at Central Park Oct. 30 through Nov. 12. In addition, all contest entries will air on "Inside Your City," cable Channel 18 (SWC-TV), beginning Oct. 15 through Nov. 14. For exact air times and dates, visit the South Washington County Telecommunications Commission Web site at: www.swctc.org.
Volunteers needed for 3rd annual buckthorn busting Oct. 28
For the third year, Woodbury's Environmental Education Commission (EEC) is sponsoring a buckthorn removal effort in Colby Lake Park. Adults and teens are invited to join the ranks of the "buckthorn busters" on Saturday, Oct. 28, to continue eradicating the invasive plant.
In 2004 and 2005, volunteers cleared buckthorn from about 2,000 feet of land between the lakeshore and the trail around the northern area of Colby Lake. But much more needs to be done.
"Buckthorn is widespread in Woodbury parks," said Brett Anderson, EEC chair. "There are many sites where this invasive plant needs to be removed. The commission is returning to Colby Lake, however, in an effort to completely clear this area and demonstrate the difference it makes in the landscape when buckthorn has been eradicated."
Seeds of destruction
Buckthorn is a non-native plant that is devastating Minnesota parks and open spaces by invading the understory of native plants. Buckthorn spreads easily to new areas when birds eat the berries and distribute the seeds in their droppings.
Once established, the buckthorn grows into a dense wall of vegetation. Native plants cannot compete and eventually disappear. Wildlife habitat is destroyed.
Buckthorn must be cut down and removed. The volunteer crew will pull or cut the buckthorn, stack it for later disposal, and treat stumps with herbicide. Volunteers should bring work gloves and wear protective clothing (work shoes, long pants, long sleeves). Adults who can bring their own trim saw or tree pruner are particularly needed.
The buckthorn busting will start at 8:30 a.m. with volunteers gathering at the Colby Lake Park shelter, 9715 Valley Creek Road (just west of Valley Crossing School in the northern area of the park). The project will conclude by 12:30 p.m.
For more information or to volunteer, contact environmental education coordinator Julie Lehr at (651) 714-3525.
Applications available Oct. 16 for landscaping grant program
Woodbury residents, businesses, and organizations once again can apply for grants to assist with the costs of landscaping that helps improve water quality in city lakes. Examples of acceptable projects include:
- Replacing turf grass with native plants
- Reducing impervious surfaces (concrete, rock, asphalt) and replacing with native plants
- Creating buffer areas around ponds and wetlands by using native vegetation
- Creating rain gardens
Grants up to $500 will be available to reimburse homeowners for the cost of native plants. Property owners, neighborhood associations, businesses, schools and educational institutions, non-profits and other community organizations are also eligible to apply.
"The city received 32 applications for the first round of grants in March 2006, and six projects were funded," said Sharon Doucette, environmental resources coordinator. "As a result of the strong interest in this program, we are moving ahead with a second round next spring."
Applications, which will be available starting Oct. 16, must be submitted to the city by March 19, 2007. They can be picked up in the Community Development Department at City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Road. For more information, contact Doucette, at (651) 714-3533.
Are you prepared for a disaster?
Do you have a disaster kit in your home or business? Do you have a family disaster plan?
Learn how to develop one at this free workshop which will be held on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. at the Eagle Valley Golf Course clubhouse, 2600 Double Eagle Lane.
“Severe storms, winter weather and the potential for pandemic flu are all around us. Many believe a disaster won't happen to them. We hope it won’t; but it can,” said Terri Smith, branch director of the Response, Recovery and Mitigation office in the Minnesota Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Smith will be the featured speaker at the workshop, sponsored by the Woodbury Public Safety Board. Her presentation will teach you what to include in your disaster kit and how to develop a family disaster plan.
There is no charge for this workshop, and refreshments will be provided. Those wishing to attend are asked to register in advance so the appropriate number of handouts can be prepared.
For more information, or to register, call Chris Murphy at the Woodbury Public Safety Department at (651) 714-3688; you may leave your name and the number that will be attending. You also can register by sending an e-mail to: cmurphy@ci.woodbury.mn.us.
What? No parking on city streets?
That's right! Starting Nov. 1, no parking is allowed on city streets between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. as Woodbury's winter parking regulations go into effect once again.
The parking restrictions, which begin Nov. 1 and continue through April 1 each year, are designed to facilitate snow plowing. In addition to the overnight restrictions, city ordinance also prohibits on-street parking any time two or more inches of snow have accumulated, until after the street has been completely plowed. The two-inch guideline applies to any hour of the day, any time of year.
"Cars parked on the street present a hazard because they can be difficult for the plow operator to see," said Tim Thurmes, assistant streets supervisor. "Snowbirds also are obstructions that prevent clearing the road from curb to curb. When vehicles are off the street, residents get more effective plowing."
Parking regulations are strictly enforced throughout the winter season to help ensure the city can provide the most effective snow and ice control service possible. Residents are reminded to tell relatives and guests who may visit your home about the winter parking restrictions, so they will not receive a citation either.
Residents also are asked to check their mailboxes now and make any repairs necessary to ensure the mailbox can withstand the winter plowing season.
The winter parking ordinance does not apply to private streets, only to public roadways. Questions about the winter parking regulations or snow removal procedures may be directed to the Public Works Department, (651) 714-3720.
Cottage Grove Drive intersection at Valley Creek Road closing
Access to Valley Creek Road from Cottage Grove Drive in eastern Woodbury has been eliminated with the start of construction on a cul-de-sac that will close off the northern end of Cottage Grove Drive and return the road to residential street status.
"The city's long-term plan always has been to close off access to Valley Creek Road from Cottage Grove Drive," said Public Works Director David Jessup. "As growth has occurred in this area, we have consistently told residents and developers that Cottage Grove Drive eventually would end in a cul-de-sac at Valley Creek Road."
During the summer, Settlers Ridge Parkway, which is just east of Cottage Grove Drive, was completed and is now serving as the major north-south thoroughfare from Bailey Road on the south to Hudson Road on the north. The opening of Settlers Ridge Parkway provides ample access to area developments for residential and construction traffic. As a result, it is no longer necessary for motorists to use Cottage Grove Drive.
The closure of Cottage Grove Drive is necessary to accommodate grade changes that will be required when Valley Creek Road is upgraded in the future, Jessup said. At that time, the current steep hill will be lowered more than 20 feet to make Valley Creek Road safer through this area.
Questions can be directed to the Engineering Division at (651) 714-3593.
No tricks, only treats at Woodbury fire stations
Hey kids, when you're out collecting treats on Halloween, don't forget to stop by Woodbury's fire stations. The firefighters will be handing out candy between 5 and 8 p.m. on Oct. 31.
While you're there, you can check out the fire trucks and the firefighters' gear too.
Three of the city's fire stations will be open. They are located at 2100 Radio Drive, 6301 Upper Afton Road and 1275 Woodbury Drive (at Fox Run Road). The Thames Road station is being reconstructed and will not be open this year.
Halloween treats at the fire stations have become an annual tradition for the Woodbury Fire Department over the past few years. Call (651) 714-3600 with any questions.