Woodbury City Council approves restaurant liquor license, adopts street‑lighting and compensation resolutions; continues second license hearing

The Woodbury City Council on Nov. 19 approved an on‑sale intoxicating liquor license for a restaurant, adopted two resolutions and continued a second liquor license hearing to Dec. 10.

Ashley Sullivan, assistant city administrator and city clerk, told the council that Pezzo Woodbury LLC, doing business as the restaurant applicant, submitted an application for an on‑sale intoxicating liquor license that would allow Sunday and patio sales at 8505 Valley Creek Road, Suite 200. Sullivan said the business owner is Chris Christiansen and that a criminal‑history check of the owner returned clear; staff recommended approval. The council closed the public hearing with no public speakers and voted to grant the license; Council members Santini, Stafford, Wilson, Morris and Mayor Bert voted Aye and the motion passed.

The council opened but did not conclude a second liquor license hearing for Woodbury Ice LLC (doing business as Woodbury Ice), located at 2122 Wooddale Drive. The hearing was continued to Dec. 10 so the public record remains open until that date.

On consent, the council removed two items for separate consideration. The first was resolution 25‑187, a council directive labeled CD‑FIN‑5.15 establishing a street‑light and utility capital asset funding and reserve policy. After brief discussion and reference to prior workshops, the council adopted the resolution. The roll call showed Council member Stafford voting No while Council members Morris and Santini and Mayor Bert voted Aye; the resolution passed.

The second removed item was the 2026 classification and compensation plan for unrepresented employees. City staff summarized the plan as including a recommended 3% general adjustment for unrepresented positions (described as a general adjustment informed by CPI and market comparisons) and eligibility for merit‑based performance increases. Council members questioned timing relative to final budget action; staff said the measure creates classifications but does not authorize filling positions or release funding until the council approves the 2026 budget. The council adopted resolution 25‑189, establishing the 2026 plan contingent upon council approval of the 2026 budget; the roll call was unanimous in favor.

City staff also delivered routine reports: a K‑9 graduation (Officer Matson and canine Victor) scheduled at the mHealth Sports Center, a reminder that the Truth‑in‑Taxation meeting is set for Dec. 10, notice of a special election for State House Seat 47A (primary Dec. 16; general Dec. 27), an update that the city’s $10,000 donation helped spur a community food drive for Open Cupboard (more than 1,000 pounds collected), and plans for the city’s first tree‑lighting at Central Park on Dec. 4.

The council adjourned the public meeting and noted a workshop session that would continue downstairs.