[15:54] Mayor Anne Burt: Good evening. Welcome to the city of Woodbury city council meeting for tonight. Uh it is January 14th. It is 2026. It is 7:30 p.m. This meeting is being held here in council chambers. We have overflow behind the chambers in the second floor behind the windows there. [16:12] Mayor Anne Burt: We have more people downstairs and I'm sure there's a lot of people watching online. So, uh a very important topic we're going to be addressing tonight and then I know many of you are here for. So, we're uh really grateful that you're here and looking forward to uh the discussion and to the meeting ahead. Um I have lots of notes and lots of things to say as as we get this whole thing going. But as is our normal practice, please stand and join me in the pledge of allegiance. [16:38] Mayor Anne Burt: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [16:57] Mayor Anne Burt: Um and um Ashley, our assistant city administrator and city clerk, would you please do the roll call? [17:00] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Morris. [17:02] Council Member Steve Morris: Here. [17:03] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Santini. [17:05] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Here. [17:06] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Stafford. [17:08] Council Member Donna Stafford: Here. [17:09] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Wilson. [17:11] Council Member Kim Wilson: Here. [17:13] Ashleigh Sullivan: Member Wilson is attending virtually. Uh and Mayor Burt. [17:17] Mayor Anne Burt: We are here. So we're all here tonight so we're able to conduct tonight's business. I also just want to take a moment and introduce we have other staff people and up here at the desks. Um so over here is Eric Surles, assistant community development director, city planner. Um, I already mentioned Ashley. Our city administrator is Jeff Dahl. Our city attorney is Kevin Sandstrom. And you've heard all of us uh be introduced and our names are all here. Um, I have again I got lots of things to say tonight. So please, you guys are going to be sick of hearing me talk. But um, let me just kick this off. [17:50] Mayor Anne Burt: So um, first of all, as I said before, welcome. We are really glad that you're here. We I can speak for all of us. We really are very honored and privileged to serve in this role as your city council. Um, we take seriously this role of what we do in local government and we realize in local government we are closest to the people. This is a place where you have to come and speak to us. [18:12] Mayor Anne Burt: It's much harder to get through to the state, much even harder to get through to federal um um officials, but we are here to hear you. So, uh we thank you for uh allowing choosing to have us serve in this role and are um just grateful that we can do it. Uh we do have a lot of people in attendance this evening and I do suspect and I think it's probably true that if almost all of you are here to speak about ICE in our community and to um and the report in the news that Woodbury is being considered for an ICE detention facility. [18:44] Mayor Anne Burt: Uh we uh appreciate you being here. I know we can count on you all to be very respectful. We have a lot of people in this room. It's going to get warm again. More people downstairs. I do see some signs. Um, signs are okay, but I'm just going to ask you to be respectful for those signs, whether you're in this room or downstairs. Please be considerate of those around you, and do not block their views if you could. Um, now I have more to say. I want to provide an update on a message that I shared with the community over social media this past Friday. A recent news report indicated that Woodbury may be included among potential locations for a future US Immigration and [clears throat] Customs Enforcement detention facility. Since that report, residents have contacted the city with [19:29] Mayor Anne Burt: concerns, and many have expressed strong opposition to a facility of this nature. In case you missed it, which perhaps you did, today we announced at 3:30 an update about this potential facility. City staff have verbally confirmed the property located at 11435 Hudson Road is not being sold or leased to the federal government or agents acting on their behalf. Representatives from the property also confirmed to city staff that the future use of the building will not be an ICE detention facility. [20:03] [applause] [20:09] Mayor Anne Burt: Some of us were doing cartwheels and everything also when we heard that news. So, I'm glad to hear the applause and appreciation for that. A few more things. Um, as in all real estate transactions, private property owners hold the initial decision-making authority regarding the future use of a building. And it's with this information we can publicly confirm that the rumored location in Woodbury will not be an ICE facility. [20:33] [applause] [20:35] Mayor Anne Burt: This news is the culmination of many efforts of Woodbury City staff to work every angle possible to identify the various parties involved in the plan and through collaboration, communication, and maybe just a little bit of pressure put an end to the possibility of this facility in our community. [20:58] Mayor Anne Burt: Let be clear. The federal government was looking specifically at this large warehouse at 11435 Hudson Road due to its size. Woodbury does not have any other large warehouse space to meet this purpose which have been reported by the federal government. Nor does this idea of a detention center fit in our community or meet our zoning codes and ordinances. That said, we are still planning on hearing from our community tonight. And normally our open forum process comes at the beginning of the meeting and is limited to three speakers. Given the heightened fears and concerns that the council is hearing from the community, we would like to make some modifications to the open forum portion of the meeting. I recommend that we move the open forum portion of the meeting to toward the end of the meeting. [21:44] Mayor Anne Burt: This will allow the council to conduct the swearing in of a new police officer tonight and a few other regular business items that we have on the agenda. We would also like to remove the limit on the number of speakers who can address the council. Uh normally we allow three speakers, three minutes each. That's our standard. Uh but tonight we're going to extend that and we're going to allow enough time for speakers to speak for one hour. Um if you wish to see—not each [laughter]—more guidelines on that shortly. Um, but if you wish to speak please fill out a green sheet. Now that said we already have nearly 30 or so of them. [22:31] Mayor Anne Burt: Um, we would hope if everyone's cognizant of their time and how long they speak that we could get through everybody. Um, if anyone else out there wants to uh speak or have an opportunity to speak or be on the record, there are green sheets around and there's some staff members that are collecting them and they'll make sure they make the way up here. Um, we ask that if you are here as part of a group that one person speak on behalf of the group. We will do our best to prioritize those in the room first and if time allows move on to share questions or statements from people online because this meeting is being broadcast uh live as well and we always ask and give the opportunity for people to address online. If we do not get a chance to get your question or your comment, please email it to us to the council email which is council@woodburymn.gov. [23:18] Mayor Anne Burt: So at this time I need to ask council this question. I now move to amend the agenda to move item five the open forum to just after the consent agenda which is item six. Do I have a second? [23:33] Council Member Steve Morris: Second. [23:34] Mayor Anne Burt: Motion to second. Any further discussion hearing? None. We do need to do a roll call especially with Kim who is remote. So everything is going to be done by a roll call vote. So Ashley... [23:45] Ashleigh Sullivan: We're still working on getting Kim projected on her screen too. [23:48] Mayor Anne Burt: Okay. Well, she—okay, she is over there. [23:51] Ashleigh Sullivan: Oh, there she is. [23:53] Mayor Anne Burt: She's over there. Yeah. Thank you. [23:56] Ashleigh Sullivan: Um, okay. Ashley, the roll call, please. Council member Santini. [24:00] Council Member Jennifer Santini: I. [24:01] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Stafford. [24:02] Council Member Donna Stafford: I. [24:03] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Wilson. [24:04] Council Member Kim Wilson: I. [24:05] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Morris. [24:07] Council Member Steve Morris: I. [24:08] Ashleigh Sullivan: Mayor Burt. [24:09] Mayor Anne Burt: I. Okay. So, we have now just adjusted the agenda. So, now we're going to take care of these things that we need to take care of first, and that is the very exciting um special order business, which is swearing in of the new police officer, Hannah Milander. And with that, I would like to welcome up public safety director Jason Posel. Jason. [24:33] Jason Posel: Thank you, Mayor Burt and city council members. This is an exciting night for our department, an exciting night for the community. Tonight, we're going to be swearing in a new police officer along with conducting a badge pinning. Our mission at Woodbury Public Safety is to serve all people with compassion and courage. What makes this possible is the hiring of people who serve in our values of integrity, trust, respect, and excellence. People have a servant's heart, who understand that these professions exist to serve others, and that we will often encounter people on their worst day and work to make them better. As mentioned, tonight we'll be conducting a badge pinning. A little bit about our badges. Uh, police badges are the most recognizable symbol of a police officer. They represent pride, honor, integrity, service, and self-sacrifice. [25:18] Jason Posel: They represent a commitment to our mission and to our values. Police badges have a unique number engraved on them. This number signifies each officer's place in the history of our organization. This number will never be duplicated in the future. Tonight, we'll be swearing in Hannah Milander. Her last name may sound familiar as her much much older cousin Scott [laughter] Milander is one of our longtime police sergeants. I think he knew that was coming. [applause] I think we can all draw inspiration on seeing a young person step up and step forward and choose a path of service to community above self. To Hannah, know that our department supports you. Our city administration, our city council supports you, and most importantly, the community supports you. This community support is not given, but earned on every interaction, every day. Next, we're going to have Hannah Milander come up for the oath, and I'd invite the mayor down for the swearing in ceremony. [26:37] Mayor Anne Burt: Absolutely. Well, and can I just—I don't want to put you on the spot, but we have a large contingent of female officers in our department. Do you want to say anything about that? I mean, I'm very proud and happy to know that um you everyone is so wonderfully... [26:50] Jason Posel: We do—we have double the national local average of of women police officers in in our organization. We're very proud of that. Uh we have approximately 25% of our police officers are are women. So yeah, we're very proud of that. [27:05] Mayor Anne Burt: Fantastic. [applause] Um and just on my way down, I'm going to respectfully ask the sign holder to—you're blocking views from people in back. If you want to like stand up against a wall where you can hold your sign up and you're not blocking anybody, please do so. But otherwise, I'm going to ask you to pull that down. Okay. [27:18] Mayor Anne Burt: Okay. So, you probably know how this goes. Please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I state your name. [27:26] Hannah Milander: I, Hannah Milander. [27:28] Mayor Anne Burt: Do solemnly swear under oath. [27:31] Hannah Milander: Do solemnly swear under oath. [27:33] Mayor Anne Burt: That I will support the Constitution of the United States. [27:37] Hannah Milander: That I will support the Constitution of the United States. [27:40] Mayor Anne Burt: And of the state of Minnesota. [27:42] Hannah Milander: And of the state of Minnesota. [27:44] Mayor Anne Burt: And faithfully discharge the duties. [27:46] Hannah Milander: And faithfully discharge the duties. [27:48] Mayor Anne Burt: Of the office of police officer. [27:50] Hannah Milander: Of the office of police officer. [27:52] Mayor Anne Burt: In the city of Woodbury. [27:53] Hannah Milander: In the city of Woodbury. [27:54] Mayor Anne Burt: In the county of Washington. [27:55] Hannah Milander: In the county of Washington. [27:57] Mayor Anne Burt: And the state of Minnesota. [27:58] Hannah Milander: In the state of Minnesota. [27:59] Mayor Anne Burt: To the best of my judgment and ability. [28:01] Hannah Milander: To the best of my judgment and ability. [28:03] Mayor Anne Burt: So help me God. [28:05] Hannah Milander: So help me God. [28:06] Mayor Anne Burt: Wonderful. And now, congratulations. [applause] [28:15] Mayor Anne Burt: So you need to know this is the biggest audience any police officer has ever had for swearing in. So a very very special day. Now, uh, who—what—you've got a family member coming to pin you? [28:30] Hannah Milander: My dad. [28:31] Mayor Anne Burt: Okay. Come on up, dad. The official pinning is occurring and then I'll ask uh council members and city administrator if you want to come down. We like to congratulate and then we'll do a photo. [28:51] Mayor Anne Burt: You've practiced this so you don't poke her right? Do you remember like, you know, pins and diapers back in way back in the day? [applause] [29:08] Mayor Anne Burt: On behalf of the city of Woodbury, I congratulate you and wish you well in your future. [29:13] Hannah Milander: Thank you. Thank you. [29:24] Mayor Anne Burt: All right, you're in the middle. [clears throat] Got to scooch in a little bit. Here we go. Perfect. Thank you. Congrats. [29:46] Mayor Anne Burt: Now, as is typical, uh, the new officer and her family and friends go off and do a celebration. They have all kinds of fun. They never invite us. We don't get the cupcakes or anything. So, carry on. And as they depart, there will be a few chairs that some people can come and move into. [30:31] Mayor Anne Burt: Okay, so now we will move on to the consent agenda. Um, just so you know, we we get a packet of information way ahead of time. We've reviewed all this in detail. So when you think we're voting super quick, uh, it's only because we've reviewed it all and had questions answered ahead of time. So I do need to read read this though. All items listed under the consent agenda are considered to be routine by the city council and will be enacted by one motion and affirmative vote by roll call of a majority of the members present. [31:13] Mayor Anne Burt: There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a council member or a citizen so request in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered a separate subject of discussion by the council. Now, normally I always flip to the audience here and ask if anyone wants anything removed. We often don't have anybody in the audience by the way. Um, if anyone has a passion about one of the consent agenda items, please let us know. I always turn to Ashley because she's monitoring online as well. And seeing—okay, I'm not seeing any hands waving or anything. So, with that, um, council members, I'll ask for a motion. [31:46] Council Member Steve Morris: I'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. [31:51] Council Member Kim Wilson: Colleen, sorry. Oh, sorry. If anyone wants anything removed... [31:58] Mayor Anne Burt: Sorry, council members. No. Does anybody—okay, back to the council members. Does anyone want anything removed? [32:02] Council Member Kim Wilson: I need 6A the minutes removed. [32:05] Mayor Anne Burt: Okay. Anything else? All right. Then a motion. [32:22] Council Member Steve Morris: I'll move to approve consent agenda items 6B through 6J. [32:27] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Second. [32:30] Mayor Anne Burt: Motion is second. Any further discussion? Hearing none. The roll call, please. [32:32] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Stafford. [32:33] Council Member Donna Stafford: I. [32:34] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Wilson. [32:35] Council Member Kim Wilson: I. [32:36] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Morris. [32:37] Council Member Steve Morris: I. [32:38] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Santini. [32:39] Council Member Jennifer Santini: I. [32:40] Ashleigh Sullivan: Mayor Burt. [32:42] Mayor Anne Burt: I. Those consent agenda items pass. And we will move item 6A to discussion, which is item number eight. So, since we have rearranged now the agenda, we are now going to move on to this open forum portion. and I have a lot to say so please have some patience with me. Uh before we start hearing from you I want to share a few brief thoughts of my own. First we recognize that the recently stepped up federal immigration enforcement efforts in Woodbury are creating fear and anxiety for many in our community. It is very troubling and not reflective of who who we are as a community. We've always taken great pride in being an inclusive and a welcoming community where everyone feels safe. We have received hundreds of [33:24] Mayor Anne Burt: emails and phone calls and letters and really appreciate you taking your time to share your thoughts. Um, I have to uh be honest and um a mayor friend of mine shared a few great things at her meeting recently. So, I'm stealing a few of just a few of her ideas, but they're worth reiterating. I have to give her credit for it. But she uh she she spoke sentiments that that really struck me. [33:48] Mayor Anne Burt: Um, this has been a really hard start to the new year. I grieve personally for the loss of life. I grieve for the anxiety that so many are experiencing. I grieve for the growing divide in our country and in our world. I grieve for the inhumanity toward each other and as fellow human beings. [34:12] Mayor Anne Burt: In these hard times, I challenge all of us to speak and to act respectfully, to listen, and to seek to understand. Individually and collectively, we should call for transparency from our state and federal governments. We should call for Congress to set aside their partisan rhetoric and to create systemic change to our citizenship process. I ask that we offer our best selves to each other and our neighbors and that we lower the level of discord and go about healing our country. [34:47] Mayor Anne Burt: We do continue to work with our partners, county, state, and federal officials to advocate for the rights of our valued immigrant communities during these challenging times. And in case you're just tuning in to this portion of the meeting, and I understand that maybe downstairs did not hear me state this, so I'm going to reiterate it all again. I will reiterate the public statement and press release that was shared midafternoon today. In case you missed it, we announced an update about the potential facility earlier today. City staff has verbally confirmed that the property located at 11435 Hudson Road is not being sold or leased to the federal government or agents acting on their behalf. Representatives of the property also confirmed to the city staff that future use of the building will not be an ICE detention facility. [35:50] Mayor Anne Burt: Let me just take a moment also and highlight what Woodbury is all about. For decades, previous city councils and staff have worked tirelessly with purpose and compassion to thoughtfully and strategically make this a welcoming and inclusive city that it is. Oh, it sounds like they just got the news. There's [laughter] a delay. Okay, there's a delay. Okay. Wow. All right. We have been recognized countless times for being one of the best cities in the state and indeed in the entire country as a wonderful place to live, to work, to learn, to recreate, to raise a family, and generally live a really good life. [36:28] Mayor Anne Burt: Really delayed down there. We pride ourselves on being a safe community with good schools, an abundance of parks, trails, and open space where we have thriving business community, nonprofit organizations, a vast variety of faith communities where health care and human care facilities abound. With all of these uh support for residents, neighbors, and one another. [36:51] Mayor Anne Burt: So, those are my remarks. I want to open up to city council if you have anything else you'd like to say before I go into the details of how we're [clears throat] going to proceed with this. Kim, anything from you? Doesn't look that good. Okay, then I'm gonna then I'm gonna go forward. So—oh, wait. [37:08] Mayor Anne Burt: Oh, she's—she's on delay, too. Um, Council Member Wilson, do you have something you'd like to add? [37:25] Council Member Kim Wilson: Um I'll I'll let the I'll let the public speak first and then um maybe something at the end if that's okay. [37:34] Mayor Anne Burt: Okay. So now we're going to kind of get into the procedure. So let me reiterate that our uh protocol for open form at council meetings is really just to listen. We're here to listen and to [clears throat] understand and we will not be responding to questions tonight. But we will update our FAQ page on the website that by the way did go live today. So you can look there for more information. We're also collaborating with the League of Women Voters of Minnesota to host an online webinar next Tuesday evening where people can submit questions ahead of time and hear directly from Chief Posel, our our public safety director, and other community leaders with this topic. So more information to come, more opportunities to to learn and uh and share. [38:20] Mayor Anne Burt: Um, but now let's get started. Here's how it's going to work. We will call up three speakers at a time to form a queue so we're not waiting wasting precious moments waiting for the next people to come forward. In addition, there may be people downstairs and since it's on delay, you know, we're going to keep this moving. Um, so we're going to always kind of have three one person speaking, two more and three more in the queue ready to go. We have dedicated one hour to this open forum and we do limit speakers to three minutes each. [38:51] Mayor Anne Burt: We are prioritizing residents over non-residents. And I just want to reiterate that the very first person that turned into a green sheet, unfortunately, you're a non-resident. So, you've been moved and bumped back. Apologize for that. But we do want to hear from residents first. Um, let's see, where else am I on my sheet? [39:08] Mayor Anne Burt: Um, three minutes each. I ask that speakers respect that time limit so as to give others an opportunity to share their thoughts. Here's how it works. We have a timer right there and a light system right in front of you. Green is good. Yellow says your time is nearing. And red means your three minutes are up. I hate to be that person that's going to catch you off, but out of respect for everyone else that wants a chance to speak, I'm going to have to do that. So, apologies upfront. [39:40] Mayor Anne Burt: We have chosen to allow some of our elected officials to speak first, and they too have a three minute limit. They each have their own channels and platforms to share their views. You can certainly look to them to share that in more ways or reach out to them uh in ways that they have available. As I said, we're here to listen and not respond. This is not a dialogue. If we run out of time to let you speak, you can submit comments to council@woodburymn.gov. [40:05] Mayor Anne Burt: Um and um I am also asking uh that we maintain decorum in these chambers. I hope all will be respectful of that. Um, and we don't have to stop the meeting uh because of misbehavior. I know you're all grown adults, so we won't have that. [40:21] Mayor Anne Burt: Um, so to begin with, I'm going to call up uh Senator Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger. Representative Ethan Cha will be in the queue next. And then uh if County Commissioner Michelle Clawson is here, I haven't seen her yet, but if she's here, she will be next. Um, and then—my Mayor Pro Tem will be calling up the next person. Listen for your name and then be ready to go. The 1 hour begins now. So we are at 7:55. We will go till 8:55. Welcome Senator. [40:51] Senator Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger: Thank you. Uh thank you so much again. My name is Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger. I am the senator for district 47 which includes South Maplewood and all of Woodbury. Um I also want to thank the council, mayor, and Woodbury PD for your statements supporting our community and for listening to the community. I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak before you tonight and um an additional thank you for being flexible and open by opening up your agenda to allow this hour to hear from our our constituents. And I want to say to all the people around downstairs online, thank you as well um for being here, our neighbors in the room and online. [41:29] Senator Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger: Our community is experiencing challenges that we could never fathom happening. In a matter of a few weeks, the presence of ICE has shook our community to its core. People are afraid to leave their home to go to groceries, to go to healthcare appointments, or to go to school. Um, I can say my husband just uh over at the Home Depot parking lot witnessed ICE agents with guns out and then a caravan of nine SUVs leaving the property. [41:55] Senator Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger: Extremely intimidating. Uh, we have heard stories of neighbors being forcibly removed from their cars, shoved to the ground, abducted to a detainment facility, and held there unlawfully for over 10 hours. I have another story of another constituent who is being held in custody in a hospital because he's an asylum seeker and needs to get the care he needs for very genetic disorder. [42:18] Senator Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger: I've also just heard today of a married couple that are now separated by an ocean because he's too afraid to be here with his spouse. And we have to also recognize the murder of Renee Good and we don't want that to happen here. In addition to its terrorizing presence, ICE—is rumored—the rumored detention facility caused a lot of fear. I'm grateful that that fear, we were able to get some confirmation that that is no longer happening. But I think it's important to recognize just what that causes in a community. Um, I'm grateful for the Washington County Board with their strong stance and their listening to the public yesterday. I continue to be grateful to you and we just need to recognize that this impact is real. School absences, work absences, economic activity and decline. These actions are intended to divide us as a community and the community is looking to us, city council, county board, state officials, federal officials to be strong and stand with the community. Our neighbors are doing their part by telling us to look around. They're engaging in peaceful protests. They're looking out for each other in their neighborhoods. And I am asking city council to recognize that ICE is bad for public safety. It's bad for business. It's bad for our neighbors. And we want them out of Woodbury. So, thank you. [43:41] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Representative Ethan Cha. And John Phillips can start to make his way up and since I don't see Commissioner Clawson—has anybody? Then Brenda Knudson as well. [44:15] Representative Ethan Cha: Thank you to the council and thank you to all the residents who are present here today. My name is Ethan Cha, representing 47B. I'm going to be real fast, but I'll start with this. In 1961, my father served the CIA in the secret war of Laos. In 1980, I came to America as a refugee of Laos. I became a naturalized citizen in the 90s, and today I am your state representative. [applause] [44:41] Representative Ethan Cha: I take pride in this city and the state because I was raised in St. Paul in neighborhoods of the Rondo neighborhood and I moved my family here in 1996 to Woodbury. For those that don't know, I've served this seat for the last three years and I will tell you something that the impact of the ICE presence and the activities that has happened in Minnesota since ICE have been here is an infringement on the American dream. [45:08] Representative Ethan Cha: For those of us like my mother who came here as a refugee, who studied two years to get her citizenship so she can vote today, she is in fear. She will not go to the grocery store. She will not leave the house because she's afraid that she will be deported, that she will be detained. That is a fear mongering that's happening in our community. Doesn't matter what nationality you are, the color of your skin. It's infringement of the American Constitution and the rights of every citizen in the United States of America. [45:43] Representative Ethan Cha: The community doesn't know where to turn. It's looking to its leadership. It's looking to the local government, to the federal, to the state. I applaud your investigation into the purchase of the property on Hudson Road, and I thank you for that. But the fight doesn't stop there. That we are fighting this every day within our communities, within our schools. And the impact of mental health onto our community is enormous. It is a price that we cannot pay. We cannot afford to have ICE in our community. And we as a community of Woodbury is not for sale. [46:28] Representative Ethan Cha: As your state representative, I want to work with you locally and at the federal level to ensure that our citizens are being heard, that the safety is the number one priority for everyone within our borders so that when somebody goes to school, goes to the grocery store, goes to a doctor's appointment, they're not being harassed. I want you to know that I believe in the Constitution. That's why I am here. I believe in our civil rights. That's why I serve. And I want Woodbury to know that the American dream lives here and it will be protected. Thank you. [47:17] Council Member Jennifer Santini: John Phillips. Jodell Miller can start to make her way up. [47:24] John Phillips: My name is John Phillips and I'm a resident of Woodbury and I'm strongly opposed to an ICE facility. While I'm grateful to hear the news about the property on Hudson Road, the threat is still there. If anything, the Trump administration has shown they don't like to lose. They don't back down, and in fact, they double down. So, I'm here tonight to say that with all due respect, the city's response to this threat to date has been, frankly inadequate. Let's not fool ourselves. [47:54] John Phillips: ICE didn't choose Woodbury just because we're next to a freeway and we have a big warehouse. They chose us because they see us as weak. They view our strengths, our nonpartisan governance, our pro business stance, and our welcoming values as weaknesses to exploit. ICE likes Woodbury. They like sleeping in our hotels and eating in our restaurants and avoiding the spotlight of protesters. This idea that we will quote "facilitate conversations with decision makers and invite them to participate in public discussions" end quote leaves us on the defensive. That's like bringing a pen and notepad to a knife fight. We are not dealing with some developer here. We are dealing with ICE, a militarized, combat ready occupying force. The only discussion they will have is the terms of our surrender. [48:40] John Phillips: This meeting may feel stressful, but is nothing like what is to come. Make no mistake, the full weight of the Trump administration and MAGA will be deployed upon us. Trump has shown us what is in his tool chest. He and Kristi Noem only know raw power and brute force. They will threaten to cut programs and funding, initiate investigations, and squeeze our businesses. They will militarize Woodbury and employ fear, intimidation, and violence up to and including deadly force. They will deploy MAGA and its online trolls and gotcha YouTubers to harass us and curate and spread misinformation about Woodbury. [49:26] John Phillips: This is not hyperbole. You know what I'm saying is true. They have shown us all of this. When this issue gets nationalized, and it will because everything goes viral now, the pressure on you will be enormous. If and when is now, already federal contractors are securing facilities. The Washington Post reported that in Social Circle, Georgia, an anonymous buyer has already purchased the only warehouse facility that would fit the bill. We need you to speak out and voice your strong opposition and to signal to everyone that the processes to stand up a detention facility will be so cost prohibitive that it's not worth the effort. You don't get to have it both ways. You don't get to say that you share our concerns and at the same time let things play out and say, "Oh well, we tried." You have to pick a side. Thank you. [50:41] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Brenda Knudson. Jodell is up next and then Kay Hendrickson. [50:48] Brenda Knudson: Madame Mayor, thank you so much for the news that you have for us today. I was pretty worried when I heard that there was this rumor or information or whatever going around um that this could happen in Woodbury. My name is Brenda Knudson, Woodbury. I've lived in Woodbury for over 20 years. However, I've never felt the need to attend a city council meeting until tonight. The city of Woodbury has long advertised and been recognized regionally as a wonderful place to live. I have just started hearing that the city of Woodbury is being considered for an ICE detention facility. Is this who we are morally? Or if that doesn't matter, how would that change our advertising or our reputation? Would there be a new sign on the freeway advertising on I-94: "City of Woodbury Detention Facility"? And again, I'm so grateful, Madame Mayor. [52:30] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Jodell Miller. Ellie Anderson can get ready as well. [52:36] Jodell Miller: Hi, my name is Jodell Miller. I'm a Woodbury resident. First of all, get ICE out of Woodbury. We elected you. It's time to show courage and protect all our neighbors. February 3rd, 6:30 p.m. is caucus night, and if you don't do what you need to do in this moment of change, we will vote you out. Thank you for doing your job. Thank you for showing courage. [53:20] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Kay Hendrickson. Ross Chavez after—no, Ellie Anderson and then Ross. [53:35] Kay Hendrickson: My name is Kay Hendrickson. I've been a Woodbury resident for about 30 years. I was on the city of Woodbury planning commission for five years a few years ago. I love the city of Woodbury. I love my city. For full disclosure, uh I am the chair of a statewide volunteer advocacy organization for senior citizens, the DFL senior caucus. ICE involvement in our city is not safe for senior citizens. Guess what? I don't run as fast as I used to. ICE involvement in our city is not safe for my grandsons. I babysit my grandsons every week and last week he told me—and with apologies to our amazing public safety people in Woodbury—he said, my three-year-old grandson said that "police with black and brown uniforms are bad." Last week at his daycare staff where he goes to daycare, legal citizens were dragged out of daycare in front of preschool children. So, my three-year-old grandson is scared. [54:43] Kay Hendrickson: I did not know until recently that the HERO Center, jointly run by Cottage Grove and Woodbury, have ICE training in Cottage Grove. And it would be really nice if uh the ICE training at the HERO Center should be more transparent. What does this mean? How much money do we get? How much money do we participate in? What actually happens? It would be nice to know. I believe that the city of Woodbury should support the Minnesota state lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. I believe that the city of Woodbury should support what Washington County Board of Commissioners is doing to oppose ICE in the county. I love my city of Woodbury. I do not want ICE in Woodbury. Kay Hendrickson, Woodbury resident. [55:45] Ellie Anderson: Hi. Um, I'm Ellie Anderson, also a Woodbury resident, and I'm a newer resident. So, one of the things about Woodbury, even your website—"Welcome to Woodbury." When we moved here, we were invited to the new resident celebration at the M Health sports center. Hockey rink is what I think of. Um, and there's the One Woodbury Festival. There's parks and there's bike paths and there's so many things that say welcome. Everything exudes welcome to Woodbury. I'm so happy to hear that the information about the Hudson Road has been handled for now. But um I think that there's nothing that says you're not welcome like masked men with weapons in unmarked vehicles. Um so I'm asking you to continue to keep ICE out of Woodbury, keep the detention center out of Woodbury. Let's move the people out of Woodbury. Thank you. [57:12] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Ross Chavez. Emma Casky and then Kevin Dolder. [57:22] Ross Chavez: Good evening, council members. Mayor, city staff. It's good to see you all again. Uh, my name is Ross Chavez, resident of Woodbury. Thank you for this time. Um, I wrote something, but I think this is a time for testimony because we've heard the news, we've heard your positions, which we're very grateful for, but I think you need to hear the resident's story. Um I don't think my story is necessarily unique, but it is mine, and it goes into why I'm here in Woodbury. Uh my family chose to move here to Woodbury for the schools, for the community, for the sense of belonging, for the opportunity to be involved. I've served my community as a paramedic firefighter. I continue to work in the community in the capacity of healthcare which I'm extremely proud of. [58:45] Ross Chavez: I almost left public safety after George Floyd was murdered because it was very difficult to be BIPOC, to have a Latino surname Chavez and continue to work in that field. I was embraced by my peers by the city. We've done a ton of work for DEI and inclusion and for us to be talking about this again and facing this is extremely disheartening. I can't believe that we're here again after all this work. And I think that we need to realize what we're up against. We're up against an adversary who is drawing out—who is removing all stops. They're playing by different rules. We need to think three steps ahead and be prepared. My family, we're in particular danger. [59:11] Ross Chavez: My neighbor, community members have been snatched up by ICE, have been deported. Were they criminals? No. They were loving family members working towards the American dream, supporting their kids. And now I have to tell my children why their friend's father is no longer here. Now my children are afraid of the police. Why can't they talk to who we've always told them are the helpers? My wife and I—she is a naturalized citizen. I'm second generation Mexican-American. We now carry our passports for fear that we may be ripped out of our cars and away from our children. My kids were here with me tonight and they had to go home. But I wanted them to see democracy in action because I bring them to the voting polls every time we vote. They know you. They know you by faces and names. Who are we voting for? This is who we're voting for and this is why. Because they're going to protect us. They're going to keep us safe. They're going to keep our community safe. I implore you to please hold up your end of the bargain so that I can protect my family. Thank you. [1:00:35] Emma Casky: My name's Emma Casky. I live in Woodbury. And to be honest, I don't have anything written down on a piece of paper. I'm only 17. And I'm here because my school has ICE. I've seen elementary school kids riding their buses get followed. I have seen my friends scared to go outside. People I grew up with, that I went to kindergarten with, these brave, amazing people. I stand here because I want to use my voice because they can't. Because my generation is scared, because we are too young to voice what we believe. That we are brave. And I hope that maybe one day we will be in peace again. [1:01:54] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Kevin Dolder. Patty Blair, Ryan Ecklund, and then Tim Wagner. [1:02:02] Kevin Dolder: Uh, my name is Kevin Dolder. I'm a Woodbury resident. Uh, I also come here as a stranger in this land, but um, unlike some of the people here, I don't have to uh carry the passport in my pocket in order to ensure my safety in this community. Um, a lot of concerned residents and myself came together to form the Woodbury Defense Coalition. Uh of the members of the council that joined the you know our community is so concerned about their safety and their biggest concerns were that it's not inclusive to protest in Woodbury because we don't want to disturb our residents and the hotel owners here. Policing the language of the people in our group, saying that "Gestapo" was inappropriate for what we're seeing today. I just don't think that that's appropriate here today. [1:03:08] Kevin Dolder: I think like everybody else has said, this is not a back the blue issue. Um this is not a local policing issue. Um but we made the group because the community doesn't feel backed by the blue. My son, who is also a 5-year-old, is basically saying, "Why don't we call the police on him?" And I can't understand a good thing to tell him why. Other than what, we live under a king now? I mean, come on. Um what we're facing in Woodbury right now and what we're viewing and just like living besides is ethnic cleansing. And if you don't believe me, try to go to one of the ethnic restaurants in our town and tell me why they're closed. [1:04:09] Kevin Dolder: If you wonder why they picked Woodbury, why are they in all their restaurants, why are they in all of our hotels, it's because of compliance. It's because of our willingness to sit back and be quiet and not allow the town to voice their concerns. So, what I propose is that we allow in the city of the Woodbury to actually protest and be loud. We're not allowed to use instruments. We're not allowed to use whistles. If we use whistles while we're trying to alert members of the ICE activity, then basically we could be stopped by our own police for doing that, for disturbing the peace. That's all I want to say today. So, um, last thing, I brought this battle flag because not only are we a nation in distress, but we are a town in distress directly in our neighborhood. Thank you. [1:04:53] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Ryan Ecklund. Patty Blair is up next. If not, Tim Wagner, then Cheryl Fong. [1:05:03] Ryan Ecklund: Good evening everyone. Uh I'm really excited to speak tonight and I'm really encouraged that everyone is here. Thank you for the opportunity. My name is Ryan Ecklund. I'm a Woodbury resident. Have been for 10 years. A lifelong resident of the East Metro. Uh, I want to speak firsthand about my experience. On Monday the 12th, uh, I took my seventh grader to school and was headed to the grocery store where I encountered an ICE vehicle in the Cub parking lot in Tamarack Village. Something within me wanted to do something. I think so many of our community members feel anxious and paralyzed at the same time. wanting to do something but not knowing what to do. What I did is what I know is constitutionally correct, which is grab my phone and record that ICE vehicle. [1:05:56] Ryan Ecklund: Um, I'll skip to the end where an additional ICE vehicle began—came into the mix approximately 8 minutes after following them and being warned by ICE agents that what I was doing was wrong and not legal, which I immediately replied, "It very much was legal." Um, I was boxed in with these two ICE vehicles on the corner of Parkside Drive and Radio at approximately 9:45, at which point five ICE agents opened my door. Another one reached into the back seat, climbed in with a chokehold over the armrest, clicked my seat belt, and removed me from my vehicle and put me to the ground. You can see the scratches on my face right now. I was quickly handcuffed and put into an unmarked white van and whisked away to the ever famous Whipple detention center. [1:06:43] Ryan Ecklund: Um I was released later that evening without charge. Uh I made it very clear to them that I was a US citizen and that they were detaining unlawfully a US citizen. By the end of that evening, there were eight other US citizens in the one cell that I was in. Again, all of them US citizens unlawfully detained. What I see happening in our community is anxiety and fear. And I think everyone here shares that sentiment. I just want to say that it is our responsibility to protect our community. And that responsibility is one that is the responsibility of those in charge. So, I encourage you to do what you can. I encourage you to listen to the other community members tonight. Uh, our children are scared to go to school. My children are worried that their friends in their neighborhood will be removed from their homes. I stand here not as a victim, but as somebody who knows my rights, which is why I wasn't arrested or detained or charged with any crime. Those who are in authority have a lot of responsibility because of that authority. And along with that authority comes accountability and only people who are scared of accountability need to wear masks in our community. [1:08:27] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Tim Wagner. Cheryl Fong and then Andrea Hobley. [1:08:35] Tim Wagner: My name is Tim Wagner. I'm a resident of Woodbury. Um the courage from Ryan Ecklund um I I think needs to be recognized. The courage of people who are willing to be observers and to to to watch what is happening to to citizens and to our members of our community. Um I think they earn our thanks and our praise. There's in addition to this room I just want everybody to understand downstairs there's a room it's full. I think the limit on the room is 110 it's beyond that. The hallway downstairs is completely full. [1:09:23] Tim Wagner: Um and I'm sorry I'm jumping around. Two things. It's great news. I appreciate everything you guys did to make sure that there's not an ICE facility here in Woodbury. Um, I would encourage you, this isn't enough. Um, plan ahead, be proactive. Um, they're going to come back. This isn't the end of it. Have a plan. Um, that's number one. Number two is, and you've heard it from other community members, get ICE out of Woodbury, PLEASE. You've heard from a citizen who was—unlawfully detained doesn't begin to describe what happened to him. It's an atrocity in this country that a United States citizen is dragged from their car by an occupying force that has no authority in this place at all and they're allowed to do it. [1:10:13] Tim Wagner: I hear reports that when residents call police around the metropolitan area and they tell them that ICE is involved that the police ignore it. I don't know if that's happening here or not, but I would encourage you guys to have a plan and to let the police force here know that they're here to protect us. You guys are here to protect us. There are reports tonight of another ICE involved shooting in North Minneapolis. That is going to happen here if we allow this to continue. How many dead people is it going to take for our representatives at the local level, at the state level? God knows we're not going to get it at the federal level, but enough is enough. They need to be out of here. We need to be allowed to tell them to get out of here. Thanks for the time. [1:11:19] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Cheryl Fong. Andrea Hobley and then Chris Hullbrook. [1:11:29] Cheryl Fong: Hello, my name is Cheryl Fong. I'm a 25-year resident of Woodbury. Thank you for letting me speak. Uh I was literally nauseous all day today thinking of this council meeting happening and and potentially discussing this very issue. So I was relieved as everyone um that this sale is not going through. I also agree with our previous speakers who say take care. This is not the end. Um I am an archivist curator and so my first task is to look at what's on the shelves. So in 1933 there were hundreds of detention centers in the chaotic early years of the new regime. They evolved. They grew as the camp system matured. Transit camps, women's camps, men's camps, work camps, and finally death camps. But they all engaged in torture. Woodbury cannot add this distinction to our record. It is a title we would never shed. An ICE detention center will impact us economically, psychologically, and destroy the investment we've all made in the community. So go to your library, go to inter library loan Minitex, and educate yourselves on what detention centers turn into. Thank you. [1:13:37] Andrea Hobley: I'm Andrea Hobley from Woodbury. I'm speaking tonight as the president of the League of Women Voters of the Woodbury Cottage Grove area. Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. Um, I'm reading tonight from a letter that was previously sent to all of you. Um, our league is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening democracy through informed civic participation, transparency, and the protection of fundamental democratic principles. We understand that the city has not had any direct contact with ICE and that rumors have dissipated about the specific location. Nonetheless, because decisions at the federal level can move rapidly without local initiation or involvement from local communities, we believe it is important to clearly state our concerns and values. [1:14:51] Andrea Hobley: Now, first of all, we thank Mayor Burt for your statement from last week. We also strongly value transparency and we thank all of you for this commitment. Second, we oppose ICE deployment in our community. Minnesota's immigrant communities are integral to the economic strength, social fabric, and cultural vibrancy of our state. Federal actions that create fear, fracture families, and erode trust in local institutions are unacceptable and fundamentally at odds with the values that sustain a healthy and functioning democracy. We stand unwaveringly with immigrants, refugees, and all members of our community who deserve safety, dignity, and equal treatment under the law. We believe in the rule of law, due process, and that fair administration of justice must be upheld for every person. [1:15:43] Andrea Hobley: We call on local, state, and national leaders to prioritize policies that safeguard civil liberties, strengthen community trust, and ensure that every Minnesotan, regardless of immigration status, can live, work, and participate fully in our democracy without fear. Third, we believe these same principles—safety, dignity, rule of law, due process, and fair administration of justice are significantly at risk in our community if an ICE facility becomes reality. Reports have shown physical and sexual abuse, medical neglect, intimidation, unsanitary conditions, and other violations of law in immigration detention facilities. Woodbury is a safe and welcoming community and we believe that practices which undermine safety, dignity, due process, and community trust do not belong here or anywhere. [1:16:46] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Chris Hullbrook. Tim Horton and then Krista Stalker. [1:16:55] Chris Hullbrook: Hi, my name is Chris Hullbrook, resident of Woodbury. My wife and I moved out here in 2020 after all of the events that we went through in our neighborhood in the St. Paul Midway, having armored vehicles, Blackhawk helicopters, fires, vandalism. We moved out here 5 years ago and we absolutely love it. And I just want to thank this community and thank you as our leaders for standing strong. I vehemently oppose even the notion of an ICE detention facility here. The chaos, the danger it brings is something that's traumatic to a lot of people who've lived through a lot of experiences. [1:17:48] Chris Hullbrook: As a lifelong independent, I'm not here to make political points. But I also want to echo the need to be proactive. This is not going to stop and we need to be prepared. We need to stay strong and I urge everyone who's watching and attending to be vocal and don't let um don't let this incursion upon our lives, liberties, and happiness uh take that from us. So, and lastly, I want to thank the police and the the EMTs of Woodbury. They've all they've been fantastic in the experiences I've had with them and in no way, shape or form are they to be maligned as what these uh unconstitutional unlawful agents that that uh Kristi Noem is sending in are doing. So that's my statement. [1:18:28] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Tim Horton. Krista Stalker and then Bill Ty. [1:18:35] Tim Horton: Good evening. My name is Tim Horton. I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner here in Woodbury, Minnesota. I created and own People First Clinic here in Woodbury, a business that I am deeply proud of where I treat children and adolescence and lead a team that serve families in our community every day. All of your children. I'm standing here shaken by what I'm seeing today. Right now, I'm treating adults who witnessed the recent shooting in Minneapolis. I'm treating children who are deeply traumatized. Children witnessing people being pulled out of their car. They're having acute nightmares. And I'm treating them with medicine because of how sick they are. Children who know that their friends, families, and grandparents are gone. And they are afraid that the same thing will happen to them. These are American citizens. Every single one of them. [1:19:47] Tim Horton: The fear is not abstract. It is not political. It is living in children's nervous systems every single day. It's sleep loss. It's panic and constant hypervigilance. I am sitting with parents trying to help them explain the unexplainable reality that we have to convince their children that they're safe. As a clinician, I know this: when children do not feel safe, their brains stay in survival mode. Learning stops, healing stops. The effects can last a lifetime. As a parent raising a child here and as a mental health provider, Woodbury needs to do more. Neutrality tells frightened children that no one is standing between them and harm, and that is every one of your responsibility. Woodbury needs to stand up loudly enough that it is felt. Woodbury needs to draw a line that makes people pause, that makes them hesitate, because hate is not welcome here. Thank you. [1:20:48] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Krista Stalker. Bill Ty and then Marty Borchart. [1:20:56] Krista Stalker: Thank you. My name is Krista Stalker and I've lived in Woodbury for over 20 years. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment and I want to also thank everybody else who has provided comment tonight. Mayor Burt indicated that the property located at 11435 Hudson Road would not be sold or leased for use as an ICE facility, which is great news. However, Woodbury must continue to oppose any ICE facility within our within our city. ICE agents are using unlawful and abusive tactics and we want ICE out of Woodbury. They do not belong here. Thank you. [1:21:40] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Bill Ty. Marty will be up next and then Carrie Bwick. [1:21:46] Bill Ty: Hi, William Ty. Uh Woodbury, Minnesota. I live in the seasons development. Um, I'm not a good public speaker, so I'll try my best. We must take immediate action to stop ICE operations in our state and in our city. Citizens are being snatched off the streets, beaten, and whisked away. This is a federal invasion of Minnesota by Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Kristi Noem. This is unacceptable, and it must stop. They're breaching the constitutional rights of citizens and non-citizens alike. This invasion is fueled by lies of extensive fraud. It is fueled by racism against our Somali neighbors. It is fueled by the ire of a president who insists that he has won Minnesota three times in some magical alternate reality. [1:22:38] Bill Ty: Convicted felon Donald Trump hates Governor Walz. He hates Representative Omar. He hates immigrants and he hates us. This is a hostile attack on Minnesota designed to sow fear and chaos and to punish us. Punish us for our diversity, punish us for our progress, punish us for our innovation, and punish us for being better. WE MUST pursue every possibility, no matter how small, to push back. If there is any mechanism of non-compliance or resistance that can be employed against Trump and ICE, it must be explored, activated, and employed. [1:23:14] Bill Ty: On a personal level, one of my friends is now hosting one of his Mexican friends because they are too afraid to be alone right now. And in the seasons in my neighborhood, we have people, our neighbors, who are afraid to leave their homes and who carry their passports wherever they go now, including in a backpack of a child. We must take a stand against the enemy administration. We are being made an example of for the nation. What's happening here is a prototype for federal invasions elsewhere. Let's set an example for other states to follow and other cities to follow and hit back in ways that send Trump, Vance, Noem, and the rest of the bullies scurrying back into the swamps and cesspools from which they came. Thank you. [1:24:29] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Marty Borchart. Carrie Bwick, and then Rocio Fona. [1:24:34] Marty Borchart: Hi, Marty Borchart, resident of Woodbury. Um, I'm not much of a speaker, but uh I'm glad to hear the news that you told us earlier today. And uh one thing about using warehouses, warehouses are designed to store supplies, products, not people. And um all I can say is I let ICE melt away. Thank you. [1:25:29] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Rocio Fona. Joe Gustier, Barbara Whittington and then Barb Prokop. [1:25:52] Rocio Fona: Hello. Thank you for this opportunity. My name is Rocio Fona. I am a Woodbury resident since 2007. I am an immigrant and I am scared—not just me but a lot of my friends um we are living in fear. Um I came out to this meeting with fear. I was not sure about what I was going to see and if there were people outside from ICE that will be against us. But I am feeling that this community it's strong. We are strong. [1:26:44] Rocio Fona: I came to this country in 2007 um with the strong belief that I was going to build my family here. My children came with me. We work hard. We believe in the humanity and the values of this country. This is why we are here. Um I think that when I see what is happening today, I feel that sometimes it's like to come back to the time in my country where I was living in a dictator situation and I don't like this. I think that we have an opportunity. We cannot be silent. Silence is against all that is happening today. Um, I am here because I believe that I will not continue accepting what is happening and I will believe in you. You are my representative. You are the ones I vote for you and I need your voice. I need you to represent our community today more than ever. So, thank you. Thank you everybody. [1:28:15] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Barbara Whittington. Joe—did Joe come up? Barbara Whittington and then Barb Prokop and Ava Lee. [1:28:28] Barbara Whittington: Hi, Barbara Whittington. I've lived in Woodbury for 27 years or so. Um, thank you for being here tonight. I understand that the Hudson Road Woodbury property is no longer being targeted for use as an ICE detention facility. I understand there's verbal confirmation. We want to also see the written confirmation. [1:28:54] Barbara Whittington: Um, also, you know, I I see our elected leaders here. Um, obviously state of Minnesota. Um, I I really want to make a point that I'm tired of words and lawsuits. Okay, folks. We got to take action. We've got to take action. Anybody who is in a position of leadership, it's great that you've got the words coming out to support, but action is what we need from everybody at all levels of government. Please, that's what we need. This will happen again in Woodbury. We know, we've heard the stories. Just because it's private property doesn't absolve us from disputing the indecencies and lawbreaking activities that happen within that private property. [1:30:20] Barbara Whittington: Furthermore, to address human rights and constitutional violations, we know that there will be many more ICE raids throughout this city through racial profiling. Our friends, family, and neighbors have been terrorized, slammed around, yanked out of cars, teargassed—dismissed all human rights and human dignity by rounding up masses of people and literally throwing them into these detention centers. Eyewitness testimony and interviews conducted with survivors are coming from our citizens, by the way, because they're the only ones that make it out to talk about this. Their experiences of the horrific conditions in which people have been penned up with dozens of others into tiny spaces without drinking water, without the use of toilet facilities. Think of what our immigrant neighbors and friends are going through right now in these places. They're concentration camps. [1:31:13] Barbara Whittington: Folks, we can't we cannot allow this any longer. Please. Um just from this tiny little microcosm of Woodbury which is so small in the whole grand scheme of things. We have to know what is your action plan here. Our elected officials, what is your action plan? Action plan, not words, not lawsuits. How many abductions have there been so far? And what will you as city leaders do to help protect our residents? Um the elections are coming up, the precincts are coming up. We're going to decide um at the voting booth. Thank you. [1:32:20] Barb Prokop: This will be short. Previous Barb said a lot of stuff I was thinking of. My name is Barb Prokop. I'm a resident of Woodbury 42 years. My impetus for signing a form was really a question. I understand you're not taking them. Um I don't know a lot about law. They seem to be broken anyway. But my concern is about eminent domain and any force like our very first speaker came saying we have to be ready. So as you communicate with us, if you can also help educate us. I think we need that. That's a big fear that's out there and I look forward to hearing about how we can stay updated. So, we'll be looking to the website and to feedback from you. Thank you. [1:33:23] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Ava Lee. Reverend Anastos George and then Aiden Danbury. [1:33:31] Ava Lee: Hello honorable people. Law enforcement officers, we love you. My name is Ava. If I turn my back, can you still hear me? [1:33:43] Mayor Anne Burt: You need—your voice needs to get projected through that microphone. [1:33:48] Ava Lee: Um, so I am the executive director of the Frederick Douglass Project and I am currently helping folks that are being detained. They want me to stick this in my face. Um, so when I heard and I have spoken to Representative Cha who's awesome. And then also Kim Wilson. I've spoken to her as well. And they hear me. They really hear me. So, thank you so much. [1:34:24] Ava Lee: Here's the situation. The reason I came today—I am a Stillwater resident, but I do spend most of my money here, so that should count. Um, but the reason I'm here today is because um I had one of my—example of a person that was uh detained was um Vietnamese. Okay? And I love the Hmong. And um they took her and um because ICE does not have a long-term facility here in the state of Minnesota—and they're here and they're doing it whether we like it or not—she was sent to El Paso because there is no facility here. [1:35:34] Ava Lee: Hear me out, guys. Please. It's very hard for me to tell a family member that their family member has been taken to another state. I have to get them a lawyer in another state. I have to get them translators in another state. So, I know that you don't like ICE. I get it. And they're doing some stuff we don't like. I get it. But think about the families that are being ripped apart from their families. At least when they're being ripped apart [locally], they can go visit them. There's lawyers that they know. All I'm saying is guys, this is happening whether we like it or not. Let's keep the families as close to each other as possible. Okay. Thank you so much. It's Ava with Frederick Douglass Project. [1:36:36] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Aiden Danbury. [1:36:44] Aiden Danbury: Thank you for letting me speak. My name is Aiden Danbury. I live in St. Paul, but my roots are here in Woodbury. I graduated from Woodbury High School, which I could not have done without the support of this community, as well as the safety this city has provided me with. Unfortunately, Woodbury has become a safe haven for ICE agents. These agents are untrained and unvetted, and no matter what the federal government says, Renee Good was unjustly shot and killed by these goons. [1:37:16] Aiden Danbury: Additionally, I have seen footage of ICE infringing upon the majority of our amendments—the first, second, fourth, fifth, and eighth amendments of our country. I have seen footage of an ICE agent walking into a porta-potty with a detainee. And unlike our local police, they hide their shame behind their masks. And those masks could give criminal opportunists a blanket check to kidnap anybody they want. Personally, I have witnessed masked men kidnap my neighbor, a mother of a young girl who is on her way to the bus stop across the street. It is unconscionable that these perpetrators may be staying in my hometown. It is clear that Woodbury is no longer a safe place it once was. Local businesses are closing their doors and many residents regardless of citizenship now live in a state of terror. I understand that the city council does not have the authority nor ability to fully amend the chaos that is happening. I would like to thank you for the decision in rejecting the possibility of an ICE detention facility in our neighborhood. But I would also like to ask how might we as a community ensure that the federal government stop infringing on the rights and safety of our people. [1:38:56] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Patty Blair. Nathan Boening, Sharon Parker, and then Aaron Shane. [1:39:35] Patty Blair: Hi, my name is Patty Blair. I'm a resident of Woodbury. I'm a US citizen, a Native Hawaiian, Korean-American, and Chinese American. I'm the mother of two grown sons, and one who serves proudly as a captain in the US Space Force. I'm here as a member of Afton Indivisible, St. Croix Valley Indivisible, and Woodbury Defense Coalition. I'm here to speak for my family, neighbors, and to stand up for those who live in fear and cannot be here to voice their concerns. I'm adamantly opposed against any detention facility here run by ICE in Woodbury, in Washington County, and in the state. [1:40:40] Patty Blair: I just can't stand the human rights violations that are happening in these facilities. I feel that by allowing an ICE facility here in Woodbury, it'll be complicit for us in the abuses that will happen. I recommend that the city begin right now the determination of what type of zoning requirements might be required—any other city permissions that would be required for a facility like this to be built or leased in Woodbury—and commit to enforcing them. I recommend to the city and county commit to holding a public hearing prior to giving any permission or approvals for an ICE facility to be built or leased. [1:41:44] Patty Blair: I would also like to hear and see the Woodbury Police Department's stance on protecting our citizens against ICE constitutional violations regardless of immigration status. I implore the help of the city of Woodbury and Woodbury police. Thank you so much for your service. Um I implore that you protect the human rights of our community from our ICE agents who have flooded the city. We are living in fear. I live in fear every day. And I never thought as a US citizen—you know, my dad, my uncles, many of my relatives serving in World War II, Vietnam, Korea—my son is currently serving and this is just horrendous that's happening, what's happening to our country. We appreciate your help and the opportunity for me to speak today. Thank you. [1:43:05] Sharon Parker: I vehemently oppose having this ICE detention center in Woodbury. My name is Sharon Parker. I've lived in the city of Woodbury for the last 25 and a half years. I've been so upset since I've heard about it. Um, I know you think you've been resolving this issue, but I as a real estate attorney in another life, I'm looking at the business aspects of this. You said you hadn't been notified of the sale. Do they have to notify you? What kind of notification is required under in the city of Woodbury? Do we have to accept a lease or a sale of the whatever property if they're going to keep doing this? I mean this is zoned as a commercial warehouse—it's not zoned for people, a place for storing people, for becoming a prison. How do we know the parties you are talking to are not covered by confidential non-disclosure agreements and can't tell the truth? [1:44:32] Sharon Parker: Also, putting aside the moral implications of having this here, is there maybe to convince people who think "oh this is a good idea"—think of the financial ramifications. When this building becomes a federal building according to KARE 11 it is tax exempt and for this property you would lose $770,000 in taxes. And that doesn't even include the cost to Woodbury of having more police and other services to support this location. They've spent since Renee Good's death $2 million in the city of Minneapolis and the state. If this comes to fruition anyway, are they going to set up a trust or an escrow for maybe $10 million to cover extra police costs going forward? I want for you to fight for us. Fight for the city of Woodbury. We do not want it here. [1:46:13] Nathan Boening: Nathan Boening, city of Woodbury. A father of three. Just like other people have said before, um I don't typically come to these types of meetings. Um but the way that my family members and my friends are feeling scared to go out in public. Um I have friends and family that immigrated here—it took 13 years to become US citizens—and now they're afraid to go shopping, to go see friends and family members because of how other people have been treated by this administration. It just it's very upsetting and I don't want to have to go to a party or go hang out with friends and have someone ask me, "Do I need my enhanced ID or do I need my passport to go out to the grocery store?" That shouldn't be something that a US citizen should feel obligated to ever ask. I have three kids. 8-year-old is the oldest. Just thankful that it's not going to be happening in Woodbury, but also want to block it everyone else as well. So, uh, thanks for hearing me. [1:47:34] Aaron Shane: My name is Aaron Shane and I've lived in Woodbury for 13 years. I'm also a social worker in the community. The current administration is practicing in an unlawful and unconstitutional manner. They are taking people off the streets without cause and without care. ICE is not allowed legally to perform traffic stops without at least reasonable cause. Yet, they are not only doing that, but using violence against anyone who they deem unworthy. Their actions are inhumane and intolerant, and we do not want a detention center that would symbolize this intolerance in our city. [1:48:30] Aaron Shane: I have family members and good friends and incredible co-workers that are naturalized citizens and they are so afraid not only for their own illegal deportation or placement in one of these detention centers but for their children. It does not feel like we live in a democracy at this time. Instead it feels like we are in a literal war zone and adding a detention center to that here in Woodbury, my home, is unacceptable to me. I work with many immigrant families, both first, second, and third generations, that regardless of their immigration status—and many are here legally—are frightened to leave their homes to get basic needs such as food due to the current ICE operations unchecked violence. Supporting an ICE detention center in Woodbury goes against every fiber in my being, and ICE needs to leave our city and our state. [1:49:19] Leslie Lebeau: Um, thank you. I didn't plan to be here. My daughter encouraged me to come and I'm so glad she did. Leslie Lebeau, Woodbury, 30 years in Woodbury. Um, watching World War II movies, I just couldn't understand how the Germans allowed the Holocaust to happen. And I vowed I would never be one of those people. But I can see it starts with compliance and requests to be silent and be "good citizens." We cannot allow that to happen. So after hearing everybody, I'm asking if we can elect a safety czar to protect us from ICE in Woodbury. I think this safety czar would show solidarity and also make a statement. In addition, we need to include businesses. 3M where half this community comes from needs to be involved as do other businesses. I think we need to solidify it and I'm asking for your support on that. Thank you. [1:50:26] Mayor Anne Burt: Um I just want to say just a few things. First of all, I'm so impressed. Thank you for respecting the time. Everyone did three minutes and you made your points and it was wonderful. I was just so glad to have you all here to hear from you. Uh our other elected officials—to hear from you. It's very important. So thank you for that. Um in terms of somebody said how to get more information stay updated on our website, our social media channels. I also want to share that um as we've said, we've been in conversation again with our state legislators, with our county. Um I also had personal phone calls this week with Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Angie Craig. Very pleased for their participation and involvement and their knowledge about what's happening here. In addition, Congresswoman Betty McCollum—her office has been very involved as well and has forwarded a letter to Kristi Noem and others on this whole topic. So, um again trying to work together in collaboration with all these other government agencies and just want to let you know that's some of the work we're doing. [1:51:28] Mayor Anne Burt: Um, I do want to just open this up to council members now for any comments you'd like to share after hearing and reflecting. Um, Eric, if you have anything else you want to say, if you need to clarify anything regarding the information we learned today. Uh, and city administrator Dahl, if you have anything you'd like to add. Um, and of course, Council Member Wilson as well, who's still on the screen. So, I I'll turn to Mayor Pro Tem first. Um, Jen, if you'd like to say any words. [1:51:55] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Just very very briefly. Um the courage that all of you took—I'm not even comfortable sometimes speaking to a group like this. So um just know that that is more impactful than than you probably understand. Um I I do feel the struggle about um how to navigate out of this current status quo. I am normally the optimist up here um that everybody knows. Um we are working outside the legal norms. Um so it is really difficult um to figure out what those next steps are. Um and obviously what we have witnessed has been very troubling. [1:52:34] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Mr. Ecklund is the one that's headed about knowing your rights and that is something I really want you all to be armed with. Um I think for me what worries is that the actions that are occurring are occurring in full public view as well as them being aware that people are being armed with cameras. So what scares me is if those cameras were not on um and what would possibly be transpiring. So um and if no one was watching... I do believe that change is driven by people. So I urge you to continue raising these voices. Um you obviously have us here. You have your state representatives. I know that the county is also very passionate and is listening. Um but it is really important also to go beyond to the people that have some of that federal authority. Um, and obviously we do have an election that is coming up in November. So, um, I know that we are committed to restoring safety, trust, and dignity in our community—not only for our residents, but also our visitors. So, thank you. [1:53:35] Council Member Steve Morris: I usually have something funny to say, but tonight is not that night. Um, and so I I want to just thank you, Mayor, for your leadership in the last since the rumors. Um, we've tried to chase these rumors down and that's really where this was started with a report and we had no reports. Staff has done a very very diligent job and I appreciate all that staff has done—staff that's here tonight in front of you and staff that's behind the scenes that has worked hard to confirm this information, confirm what we can confirm and then as fast as humanly possible get that out to the public because you deserve to know what's going on. [1:54:23] Council Member Steve Morris: This council has a history of—and we will continue to have a history of—making sure that all of the state and local processes for developments or whatever it may be are followed. And that's our expectation is that the public—this is done in full public view and that we hold public hearings and the public has a right to weigh in on things and that that remains steadfast. Um, I will say this too to all the people that spoke here tonight, to the maximum overflow rooms downstairs, the extra folks, the folks that are standing in the hallways, the folks that are watching online, and the folks that will watch this later. Take a look around at you. Look around at the folks that not just spoke tonight, but the folks that are sitting next to you, that are standing next to you. The community is supporting you. The community is supporting each other. [1:55:09] Council Member Steve Morris: And this gives me hope. Uh many in our community are absolutely terrified and I understand that. But look around. You're not alone. This community takes care of each other and this is this standing room only at city hall and every nook and cranny here is evidence of that. And for that I thank the city of Woodbury in our community. Thank you for being here tonight and thank you for using your voice. [applause] [1:55:43] Council Member Steve Morris: Continue to use your voice. Continue to show up. Continue to be present because that's how change happens. And whether or not we can see it, um being seen is part of that change. And we are here as a city council to help you be that change. We may not have the power or authority to do everything that you want, but we are here and we will tell you the truth and we will work with you and we will help guide you and we will be standing right next and beside you and lead where we can. But part of our job is to be honest with you of what some of our limitations are and how we can work either around that to fix that or work with those that can. That's what we're here for. And so we as a city council continue—I ask and I know my fellow council members and the mayor—continue to be seen, continue to be heard, continue to communicate because that's how change happens. [1:56:45] Council Member Donna Stafford: You're a hard act to follow. I am just overwhelmed and almost brought to tears by the outpouring of community support here tonight. This is what we're all about. We want to hear from you. We do hear you. We may not be able to give you the answer that you're looking for, but know that we care. We need, as was said very often tonight, we do need to stay active. Do that with—I don't like the word protest—do it with kind community gatherings, but we need to be heard and continue to be heard because we care about each other. [1:57:26] Council Member Donna Stafford: I have to echo the mayor's message is that yes, I grieve with everything going on in this country right now. It's very, very difficult time, but we've been through them before. And we in our little bubble of Woodbury, we're going to make it happen because we are good, loving, caring people. Know that I am here, that the whole council, the mayor are all here. We want to hear what you have to say. Finally, um the last couple weeks have been stressful for everybody on many levels and I want to thank and express my deepest gratitude to our staff. They have expended hours and hours and hours of time staying on top of this situation and communicating with us so we can communicate with you. Our Woodbury public safety department—they have put everything into action to make sure that if they're not working with ICE, they're working for you, to protect you. If you come up against a situation, they're there to take care of you. So, I am grateful to be able to serve you in this city of Woodbury. Take care, my friends. [1:58:48] Council Member Kim Wilson: Unmute. I first of all, I don't get to see the entire crowd, but it's my understanding that that entire city hall is filled with constituents—both residents of Woodbury and outside. So, I really want to thank everybody for coming tonight and voicing your opinion. This is a difficult situation to be in. Um I always feel I am odd man out when it comes to things on this council which in some instances could be good or it could be bad. Every single council person that spoke tonight, I can agree with some aspect of it and I can go through the lists of everybody who spoke tonight and say, um, John Phillips, I understand what you're saying. Rosio Fona, I hear you. I see you. Um, I appreciate our elected representatives being there tonight and voicing their positions on this also. [2:00:34] Council Member Kim Wilson: But you know, I have been a long supporter of public safety, not only at the local level, but at the county level, state level, and and this will also go to the federal level. ICE is not new. ICE has been operating for many, many years, decades, as a matter of fact, in our community also. We just haven't known about it or seen it until it has hit the news under this administration. So, ICE has a job that they need to do and that job is to—am I good? Can you hear me? [2:00:54] Mayor Anne Burt: Yeah. Go ahead. Go ahead, Council Member Wilson. We need to give her an opportunity to speak as well. We're here to hear everyone's voice and opinion. So, please let her speak. [2:01:09] Council Member Kim Wilson: ICE has a job that they have to uphold, too. They have to uphold the laws that the federal government has in place, our local government. I first of all I want to say that I've sat here and respectfully listened to everybody that has spoken and I can't believe the push back that is being given to a differing opinion. Um the federal laws need to be upheld. Our local law enforcement officers cannot uphold federal laws. And I'm hoping that our community is going to start coming together and keeping in mind that if we're going to be protesting restaurants and hotels that those businesses are going to suffer under your protests and your boycotting of those businesses. So, I'm hoping that we can come together as a community and show support for our local businesses before they suffer under this planned boycott that we have going on here. And regarding the processes that are going on, if the city can do anything, it will be open and transparent. Of course, it will be. But we need to also have an understanding, a very clear understanding that the federal government is above the city. We can like it or not like it. It doesn't matter. They probably have authority to do things that we don't have any control over. [2:03:06] Eric Surles: Uh, thank you, mayor. Uh, nothing significant to add. I I would like to let the residents that are in attendance—if there are additional zoning questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to staff. We're happy to assist you the best that we can. But thank you for being here this evening. [2:03:36] Jeffrey J. Dahl: Thank you, Mayor. Uh just a real quick statement from a staffing perspective. You know it was great to see people here tonight. Uh we acknowledge what we heard. We acknowledge the concerns we've gotten in addition to the hundreds of people that are here tonight—hundreds of emails, calls. Uh we're trying to get back to you as soon as we can, but please give us some grace. [2:04:16] Mayor Anne Burt: Can I just add also—we have gotten several just comments and we appreciate it. I can't promise that we're going to respond to every comment because we're hearing your voice. You're not really asking a question. You don't often want feedback. So we hear you. We've got it all recorded but you may not be getting an individual response because oftentimes you don't even ask for it. You just want to be heard and we hear you. So I just want to clarify that. [2:04:47] Jeffrey J. Dahl: Thank you mayor. Well said. From my perspective in leading on this organization on behalf of the council, 400 plus people that serve the community, we really serve every 80,000 residents that are here. We take our roles very seriously and we remain apolitical. We leave that at the door. We don't care about national politics. What we care about are the people who represent the community, all the people, regardless of your political beliefs, where you fall, and regardless of where you came from. Um and regarding the insurgence of ICE in our community, just a couple quick things that were alluded to tonight. The mayor mentioned regarding uh FAQs to help people that are looking for answers whether it's the role of Woodbury public safety... sorry, I haven't done that one time. [2:05:32] Mayor Anne Burt: He just came from Wayzata just a few months ago... [2:05:35] Steve Morris: But he's lived here for 10 years. Talk about community right there. [2:05:38] Jeffrey J. Dahl: I'm a Woodbury resident. I love this town more than anybody. Um but we do have FAQs for all community members who are fearful and want to know their rights. Go to woodburyminnesota.gov/ICE. We are also putting—this has had a big impact on staff as well and there's a lot of unknowns. So, we are working internally on putting together information and guidance for all of our employees who are wondering what they should do and what's their role as public servants and how they can help and what's appropriate. And obviously our public safety teams who are out on the streets continue to balance what's going on both in Woodbury and really throughout the state with the ultimate mission of serving with compassion, integrity for everybody in our community and keeping most importantly everybody safe. I just want to reiterate, we've got the best staff here and we're working for all residents to make sure that they feel safe and they're getting the public services that they need. And that goes from getting the information about the detention center—ultimately regardless of what political entity is driving it, it's a jail, it's a prison, it's a detention center, we have no desire, plans, or accommodation for that in any of our city documents. So that's easy for us to get more information and say that's not appropriate for our community. And just so you may not see all the work that goes behind the scenes, but we're working tirelessly to make sure that we're serving our residents appropriately. [2:07:22] Mayor Anne Burt: Thank you. And again, thank you. Uh it was just good to hear from you. I hope you feel heard. Uh we really appreciate it. and um it's it's been a good experience. Thank you. [applause] So, we do need to wrap up the conclusion of our meeting. We did have an item from consent agenda that got moved forward to discussion. We'll take that now. Item 6A was removed from consent. Council member Wilson, I'll turn to you. Since you removed this, can you please share your thoughts. [2:08:16] Council Member Kim Wilson: Unmuted. Okay. I'm appearing from Alabama. It was not intended that there would be this meeting. If I had known all of this was going to be going on tonight, I I would have changed my arrangements. But regardless, 6A are the minutes from the last meeting. I would like to make a motion that we table this until the next meeting and I can get a more detailed information on what is missing—what I believe is missing from the minutes to preserve the record. I can get you the time stamp if you want to go back and listen to verify. But I'm making a motion that we table the minutes until the next council meeting, which I believe is the 28th. [2:09:17] Mayor Anne Burt: Can you be a little more explicit on what the issue is, Council Member Wilson? [2:09:22] Council Member Kim Wilson: Sure, I can. There was this conversation—a statement I made at the end of the last meeting, I think it was on an agenda item I pulled regarding the commission appointments. I was hoping we wouldn't have to get into it here, but that's fine. The commission appointments—and I had read that statement and um there are some misstatements in the minutes that were not necessarily said the way they're presented in the minutes. One of them is that the person in question received three positive votes and that is not true. They received two positive votes, two negative votes and one was indifferent. So that would be the first thing. The second thing is I was urged by council member Morris to file a lawsuit if I felt um that there was slander or defamation. And so, um, those were the two things just off the quick reading of the minutes that came out on Friday that I was hoping to get to preserve the record on. [2:10:44] Steve Morris: Mayor, that's page nine of the minutes, the first paragraph of the PDF. [2:10:48] Mayor Anne Burt: There's been a motion. Do I hear a second? I'm not hearing a second. Is there a different motion? [2:11:13] Council Member Kim Wilson: Well, I'd make a motion then that we amend the minutes to reflect that. [2:11:20] Mayor Anne Burt: Yeah, I took that as your motion, Council Member Wilson, originally. So, I'm waiting for a second. If nobody's going to second that, then I would make a motion that we—city staff go back, listen to the timestamp where it starts and do it verbatim, then that would be the best way to do it as opposed to eliminating important facts. [2:11:55] Mayor Anne Burt: We've never done verbatim. We've talked about this countless times. The minutes are not verbatim. The videos are online. [2:12:05] Council Member Kim Wilson: The videos are only online for 3 months. And that and that is part of the problem. And so the minutes often um are the only record that we have when things get carried forward for 6 months or nine months and we're still in the midst of something that's going on. So, um I think that we all have a recollection of that going on. It was a very thorough discussion. And I'm sorry that those comments always seem to be eliminated. If we want to keep the videos up longer than 3 months then, like other cities do, then that would be an option also. But that is something that I'm also met with resistance on. [2:12:41] Council Member Jennifer Santini: I'm trying to decide... I feel like we keep—we come back to this a lot and to me it's a precedent setting that if we start doing verbatim on these things then every time that this issue comes up... I just feel like it opens—you know, if we have a policy that they capture the essence. I'm trying to figure out also if the sentiments that council member Wilson is wanting included affect the record. [2:13:50] Council Member Steve Morris: I'll call the question to move on. [2:14:15] Mayor Anne Burt: Anyone—and I'm open for any other motion. Do we have to note that? So the second motion to amend has failed for a second. Right. So there's no active motion to call. [2:14:27] Council Member Steve Morris: I will move to approve item 6A. [2:14:29] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Second. [2:14:30] Mayor Anne Burt: Motion a second. Any further discussion? Hearing none. The roll call, please. [2:14:46] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Wilson. [2:14:48] Council Member Kim Wilson: Uh, no. [2:14:49] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Morris. [2:14:51] Council Member Steve Morris: I. [2:14:52] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Santini. [2:14:53] Council Member Jennifer Santini: I. [2:14:54] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Stafford. [2:14:55] Council Member Donna Stafford: I. [2:14:56] Ashleigh Sullivan: Mayor Burt. [2:14:58] Mayor Anne Burt: I. That consent agenda item does pass. We'll now move on to City Administrator Dahl. Your city administrator's report. [2:15:04] Jeffrey J. Dahl: Thank you, Mayor. Uh, real quick, just want to give some props to our staff. Um, I think a week ago, our new city newsletter was delivered to all the homes in our community. Uh, it looks great. Thanks to our IC team, community relations for leading that. Uh you saw in the city administrator's report that overall for 2026 our building permits were significantly up over the previous year. Uh you know that's good for for a lot of reasons. Um but I just want to point that out because that doesn't go without a lot of hard work from our community development department. Shout out to them. Also, it's been a very interesting year with snowfall or precipitation, I should say, in this winter— [2:16:00] Mayor Anne Burt: And there's more to come. [2:16:02] Jeffrey J. Dahl: There's more to come. And our public works crew—I get compliments. Normally, city administrators, in the winter all we hear is negative energy about plowing because you can never do it right. Uh and typically people don't actually call and say, "Hey, great job." Uh but I get those calls. Uh so props to our public works crew. They do a great job and it's been a tough year and they're still motivated. Lastly, just want to one more shout out to our public safety teams. There was a lot of really special and meaningful engagement events that our public safety teams held throughout the holiday season that really provided benefits to our community, especially those in need. So, they were out in the community and really giving back a lot to those that particularly needed it this holiday season. So, thanks to them. It really means a lot. [2:17:06] Mayor Anne Burt: That's part of their motto to serve with compassion. Wonderful. I appreciate it. That wraps up our meeting tonight. I think just to be formal, I was told everything's got to be a roll call vote. So, I make a motion that we adjourn the meeting. [2:17:24] Council Member Jennifer Santini: Second. [2:17:25] Mayor Anne Burt: Motion is second. Any further discussion? Hearing none. The roll call, please. [2:17:28] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Morris. [2:17:30] Council Member Steve Morris: I. [2:17:31] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Santini. [2:17:32] Council Member Jennifer Santini: I. [2:17:33] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Stafford. [2:17:35] Council Member Donna Stafford: I. [2:17:36] Ashleigh Sullivan: Council member Wilson. [2:17:38] Council Member Kim Wilson: I. [2:17:39] Ashleigh Sullivan: Mayor Burt. [2:17:41] Mayor Anne Burt: I. The meeting is adjourned. Thank you everybody.