Council approves ordering Woodbury Heights reconstruction project, sets assessment process

The City of Woodbury on Wednesday voted to order the 2027 Woodbury Heights roadway reconstruction project and engaged Bolton & Menk to complete final design, plans and specifications.

Assistant City Engineer Mike Hain told the council the project calls for full street reconstruction across the Woodbury Heights neighborhood, including replacement of water mains and services, sanitary‑sewer lining or replacement, storm‑sewer upgrades and stormwater quality improvements. The scope also includes trail rehabilitation, a pedestrian crossing enhancement at Martha Lane and rehabilitation of two parking lots (Upper Afton Road fire station and Shawnee Park).

Hain said the neighborhood’s average pavement condition index is about 26 out of 100, and staff documented recurring water‑main breaks and root intrusion in sanitary lines that make open‑cut reconstruction the only practical option for replacing services. He estimated the combined project costs in several buckets: roughly $8.6 million from the street reconstruction/maintenance fund, about $2.8 million from the stormwater utility fund, and nearly $8 million tied to water and sanitary work; assessments were estimated at about $5 million (roughly 20% of project costs) but the special‑benefit appraisal produced a lower individual assessment figure used for billing purposes.

On amounts and timing, staff said the independent benefit appraisal produced a lower assessment than the calculated engineer’s estimate; staff explained that under city policy and statute the assessment billed to properties is the lesser of the calculated assessment or the special‑benefit appraisal. Officials said the most common residential assessment shown in the feasibility material is about $12,350 per property after the appraisal, while commercial parcels vary more widely and could range up to six figures depending on parcel size.

Councilors and residents pressed staff on alternatives, the appraisal method, project phasing, tree removal and replacement, driveway impacts and options for homeowners who have already done sewer or water work. Hain said the city will replace utilities to the property line and address most legacy issues under the street; homeowners who want additional private work beyond the property line may pursue that separately while the roadway is open. Hain also said staff aims to replant as many trees as feasible though replacements may not be at the original location to avoid future root intrusion.

Staff outlined schedule milestones: the council’s action tonight allows the city to finish final design and solicit bids, with bids scheduled to open in January 2027. An assessment hearing is planned for March 2027, neighborhood meetings and notices will precede construction, and work is expected to begin in May 2027 and extend into 2028, with phasing similar to the city’s recent Royal Oaks project (roughly two months per phase, maintaining access except where crews are working behind specific driveways).

Council adopted Resolution 26‑87, which a member moved and another seconded, authorizing the preliminary report, ordering the project and approving the Bolton & Menk engagement for $374,450 for final design. A roll‑call vote recorded five ayes and the resolution passed.

Residents in the hearing urged careful communication, advance notice of staging, and consideration for homeowners who have recently replaced services. Staff said detailed one‑on‑one meetings will be scheduled in final design to address special circumstances and that a no‑interest, 30‑day payment window and 15‑year assessment financing option will be available when assessments are finalized.

The council’s order advances final design and the city’s competitive procurement process; it does not yet set final assessments for individual parcels, which will be established at a later assessment hearing after bids and additional appraisal details are confirmed.