Structure of city government

Structure of Government

The Mayor and Council

The mayor and four at-large council members make up Woodbury’s elected city council.

The mayor serves a four-year term; the council members serve four-year staggered terms. Local elections take place in November of even-numbered years. The mayor receives a salary of $8,520 per year; council members are paid $6,540 per year.

As a council member, the mayor’s official power is no greater than any other council member, and the office has no veto power. The mayor executes official documents, makes appointments subject to the approval of the council and presides at council meetings. As the official head of the city, the mayor serves as spokesman for both the government and the community.

In January, each council member is appointed to quarterly assignments as liaisons to various city boards and commissions. These include the planning, parks and recreation, economic development and environmental education commissions.

The city council exercises the following powers and duties:

• Legislates for the city, passes ordinances, sets administrative policy.

• Directs enforcement of ordinances, determines the level of service, purchases equipment for city use.

• Approves the hiring of personnel.

• Manages financial operations by levying taxes, approving budgets, auditing expenditures, borrowing money.

• Guides development in accordance with the comprehensive land use plan.

• Appoints people to administrative roles, as well as advisory boards and commissions.

• Conducts city inter-governmental affairs.

• Protects the long-range welfare of the city and its residents.

• Provides community leadership.

The city council has identified seven components that are essential to the success of the community. These are the guiding principles that govern the council’s strategic, future planning:

• Safety

• Quality of Life

• Positive Economy

• Education

• Community

• City Services

• Sustainability

Advisory Commissions

The Woodbury City Council is assisted in its decision-making process by appointed advisory commissions that work on a volunteer basis:

• Audit and Investment Commission — assists the city council in reviewing the city's financial affairs. The commission also serves as a communication link between the council and the city’s independent auditor.

• Economic Development Authority – made up of city council members, the authority is an advisory board for economic development financing matters for the city. It has access to financial resources to assist businesses to create new jobs, increase the local tax base and improve the economic vitality of Woodbury.

• Economic Development Commission — acts as a coordinating agency for economic development. Its general purpose is to study, review and prepare recommendations for the city council regarding matters of economic development.

• Environmental Advisory Commission — advises the city council and other advisory commissions regarding matters relevant to environmental education issues, including solid waste, air, water, land, energy and other natural resources.

• Housing and Redevelop-ment Authority — directs redevelopment projects with the specific purpose of removing blight and promoting affordable, safe and decent housing. The City Council serves as the HRA, a common practice among cities.

• Park and Recreation Commission — works to protect natural resources, studies park site planning and reviews recreation programs. It makes recommendations relating to the location of parks and the layout of amenities within city parks.

• Planning Commission — is responsible for all questions relating to planning and zoning regulations. It reviews all applications for development and recommends approval or denial based on conformance with the comprehensive plan and zoning regulations.

Meeting Times

All meetings are held at Woodbury City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Road.

• City Council — second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Meetings begin at 7:30 p.m.

Agendas are posted online the Friday before each council meeting at the city’s web site: www.ci.woodbury.mn.us

• City Council workshop

A workshop meeting is scheduled the Wednesday evening following the first council meeting of each month. Workshop meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. Agendas are posted online.

• Economic Development Authority — typically meets on the second Wednesday, generally at 6:45 p.m., prior to City Council meetings. Meetings are cablecast at 6:45 p.m. on Channel 16 and rebroadcast throughout the week.

• Economic Development Commission — meets quarterly at 7:30 a.m. Contact Community Development at (651) 714-3533 for specific dates. These meetings are not cablecast.

• Environmental Advisory Commission — fourth Monday of each month, as needed. Meeting times vary, call (651) 714-3733. These meetings are cablecast quarterly at 7 p.m. on Channel 16.

• Housing and Redevelop-ment Authority — meets several times per year, generally at 6:45 p.m., prior to City Council meetings.

• Planning Commission — the first Monday of each month, with the ability to meet more frequently if necessary. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

• Park and Recreation Commission — first Tuesday of each month. Meetings begin at 7:30 p.m.

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