Prior to the agenda items K9 Ruby was recognized on her medical retirement.
Engineering Director Chris Hartzell presented a status update with proposed resolutions for the Central Park Renovation Project. The board passed resolutions to accept bids and financing allowing documentation for the project to proceed. Preparations for construction will begin in February/March, with the project to be in full swing in the second quarter. A temporary entrance will be constructed for the library. The YMCA entrance is not expected to be affected. A link to the Central Park project is here.
A resolution presented by City Planner Eric Searles transferring the property of the Woodbury Service and License Center from Washington County to Woodbury was passed. The plan is to repurpose the building when the Woodbury Public Safety Department (Police, Fire, Emergency Services) is updated/expanded. A new Washington County Service Center is to be built near the end of the future Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). This will be a no cash swap: in exchange for the building, the city will construct a sidewalk/trail along Woodlane Drive for pedestrian access. A link to the BRT project is here.
City Administrator Clinton Gridley reported that in 2023 the Woodbury Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) issued 26 loans, while the First-Time Home Ownership Program issued 12 loans. With interest rates approaching 8% in 2023, this was a significant increase for both programs. A link to the First-Time Home Ownership Program is here.