News From the Woodbury City Council

In a relatively brisk meeting last week, the Woodbury City Council revised its environmental ordinance, heard about the likelihood of reduced federal dollars for a loan program and announced that Woodbury will not intervene in the state’s lawsuit against 3M regarding groundwater contamination.

Environmental Management Ordinance

The council voted 4-1 to make a few changes to its environmental-management ordinance, with a few changes that were sparked by comments from a community meeting held in early February.

Councilman Christopher Burns voted against the changes, most of which relate to buffers for wetlands and tree removal. Burns, who attended the community meeting, said he would have done some things differently but didn’t elaborate further during the meeting. He did not return a follow-up phone call from Woodbury Patch.

For a look at the ordinance, click here.

Federal Grant Program

The city is planning for the same $187,000 from a Community Development Block Grant and $74,000 in HOME Investment Partnerships Program dollars it received during the last cycle, but as the federal government has yet to adopt a budget it’s unclear exactly how much the city will receive.

The bulk of the funds would be administered through the city’s Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) loan program.

Karl Batalden, housing specialist/associate planner, told the council that those numbers would likely come down, but because the city must adopt its plan for the funds by May 15, the city should go ahead with opening a 30-day comment period and set a March 22 community meeting. The council approved both measures last Wednesday.

The city reduced its HRA levy in recent years because the federal funds supplemented its programs, Batalden said. If the funds are reduced, or cut altogether, there will be less money for the HRA loans, he said.

3M Lawsuit

Relaying results from a closed session held after the Feb. 23 council meeting, City Attorney Mark Vierling reported that the city will not intervene in the state’s lawsuit against 3M regarding groundwater contamination in south Washington County.

Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) have been found in groundwater in Woodbury, Oakdale, Lake Elmo and Cottage Grove. When the , Woodbury Mayor Mary Giuliani Stephens said the city's drinking water has always tested below contaminant levels and residents should have no concerns about water quality.

Fired City Worker

The council went into a brief closed session on Wednesday to discuss the possible termination of a city employee. Members emerged and decided to fire a city mechanic by a unanimous vote. A city staffer said the man was not doing his job up to expectations.

Next Meeting

The city’s next workshop meeting, set for March 16, will include discussions of a solar cell system at the city’s new public safety building and possible expansion at the , among other matters, City Administrator Clint Gridley said.

Gridley also reported that the city’s finance department earned an award for accounting and fiscal management. It is the 14th time the city has received the award, he said, but only 5 percent of cities earn the recognition.