Council approves Wood Lane Drive pavement rehab resolution despite objection on transparency

The Woodbury City Council on June 25, 2025, adopted resolution 25-133 approving the preliminary report, ordering the Wood Lane Drive (Bailey Road to Wooddale Drive) pavement rehabilitation project, and authorizing preparation and acquisition of easements as necessary.

The motion passed by roll call with Council member Wilson voting no; Council member Morris, Council member Santini, Council member Stafford and Mayor Bert voted aye. Wilson said she would raise related questions in an upcoming workshop and reiterated that she had previously asked staff for the underlying tabulation spreadsheets used to calculate individual assessments.

Staff had previously explained to the council that the city posts preliminary feasibility reports describing project scope online but that post-bid assessment calculations are prepared as internal spreadsheet tabulations. Chris (city staff) said those tabulations “will be available probably following when the packets go out” and advised that posting full spreadsheets publicly can sometimes confuse residents who are unfamiliar with the city’s assessment policy.

What was approved: the council ordered the Wood Lane Drive pavement rehabilitation project, authorized preparation of plans and specifications, and authorized preparation, acquisition, and, if necessary, condemnation of easements to complete the work.

Next steps: staff will proceed with design, complete bid solicitation and tabulation, and follow the assessment hearing process established under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429. Council member Wilson said she will follow up in workshop to seek clarity on tabulations and the availability of updated feasibility-style materials.

All quotes and attributions are taken from the public meeting record of June 25, 2025.