The following actions were taken at the Nov. 4, 2025, Washington County Board of Commissioners meeting at the Government Center in Stillwater, Minnesota.
County Board makes Workforce Development Board appointment
The Washington County Board of Commissioners made an appointment to the Workforce Development Board Nov. 4.
The board appointed Antonio Franklin Jr. to a first term as a Business Representative starting Nov. 5, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2028.
Contact: Megan Carlson, Administrative Assistant, 651-430-6001
County Board sets public hearing for November 25 on Lodging Ordinance #221
The Washington County Board of Commissioners set a public hearing for Nov. 25 on the county’s Lodging Ordinance #221.
The county is proposing revisions to the current Lodging Establishment Ordinance #181 to include statutory references to state law and to advance efforts to prevent human and sex trafficking from occurring in lodging settings within Washington County.
The proposed ordinance revisions will:
- Update and simplify defined terms used throughout the ordinance.
- Require that establishments be licensed if they are advertised for use.
- Adopt the Minnesota Sex Trafficking Prevention Training requirements and apply it to all licensed establishments.
- Permit the county to offer annual ordinance training and require attendance by establishment staff.
- Require closure of parts of establishments which are impacted by an imminent health hazard.
- Require that an establishment develop and implement a sex trafficking prevention plan when recommended by law enforcement.
State law requires at least 10 days of notice to be given prior to a public hearing to consider an ordinance for adoption. Notice of the public hearing will be published in the county's official newspaper, Country Messenger, on Nov. 12, 2025.
Contact: Caleb Johnson, Public Health and Environment Senior Community and Environmental Health Program Manager, 651-430-6680
City of Woodbury to perform landscaping along county highways and roads
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a cooperative agreement Nov. 4 with the City of Woodbury allowing the city to perform yearly landscaping work along County State Aid Highways and County Roads.
The cooperative agreement outlines the expectations for landscaping activities within the county right-of-way. Under the agreement, the city’s work will be limited to landscaping performed by city staff and will not include plowing, trail maintenance, or utility work.
The agreement was originally approved by the City of Woodbury in April 2024. Washington County chose to delay its own approval to allow for two full summers of collaboration and field-testing with the City. After two successful seasons, the process has proven to be effective. Landscaping operations have been conducted safely and efficiently, and the City of Woodbury has expressed satisfaction with the arrangement. Together, both agencies have worked to create a clear and effective approach to roadside landscaping that supports safety and enhances the community.
Contact: Michael Kline, Public Works Engineer I, 651-430-4304
Reimbursement agreement approved with Northern Natural Gas Company for Lake Elmo Avenue/Highway 36 improvement project
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a reimbursement agreement Nov. 4 with Northern Natural Gas Company for work related to the County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 17 (Lake Elmo Avenue) and Trunk Highway (TH) 36 intersection improvement project.
As part of the improvement project, a new frontage road will be constructed on the south side of TH 36. This new roadway will cross over an existing underground natural gas pipeline owned and operated by Northern Natural Gas. Currently, the pipeline is protected by a steel casing where it passes beneath TH 36. To maintain consistent protection and meet safety standards, the casing must be extended to cover the portion of the pipeline beneath the new frontage road.
Extending the casing is a standard engineering practice that provides several important benefits:
- Protects the pipeline from surface loads and construction activity.
- Improves access for future inspection and maintenance.
- Reduces environmental risks in the event of a leak.
- Ensures compliance with applicable safety regulations.
The total estimated cost for the casing extension is $486,166. Washington County is responsible for reimbursing a portion of this cost, currently estimated at $196,487, for the work located outside the existing right-of-way. Final reimbursement will be based on actual costs incurred upon completion of the work.
This effort highlights the importance of a collaborative approach between the county and Northern Natural Gas to ensure infrastructure improvements are completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with long-term planning goals. By proactively addressing utility coordination and investing in protective measures, the county continues to demonstrate its commitment to public safety and responsible infrastructure development.
Contact: Andrew Giesen, Public Works Engineer III, 651-430-4336
Local business owner donates land survey records to Washington County
Ryan Peterson, proprietor of Lake and Land Surveying Inc., a firm that has a long-established presence in Stillwater and Washington County, is donating land surveying records and related copyrights from his business to Washington County for inclusion in the County Surveyor’s records.
The County Board of Commissioners accepted the donation, valued at $15,000, Nov. 4
The records to be donated include the documents of his predecessor proprietors dating back to the 1900s and represent a significant fraction of the original survey work done during some of the county’s most rapid land development periods. Having these records publicly available will be an invaluable reference resource for the county, real property professionals, and the public.
Contact: Michael McGuire, Public Works Assistant County Surveyor, 651-430-6892
County approves agreements with Stillwater, Grant for traffic signal at Manning Avenue and 62nd Street
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a construction cost agreement with the City of Stillwater and a maintenance agreement with the cities of Stillwater and Grant Nov. 4.
The agreements are for the installation and maintenance of a permanent steel-pole traffic signal system at the intersection of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 15 (Manning Avenue) and 62nd Street, near the planned Lakeview Hospital site.
The cost agreement outlines design responsibilities and cost-sharing arrangements. The maintenance agreement defines long-term maintenance roles.
Washington County installed a temporary wood-pole traffic control signal system at the intersection in May 2025 to support the Lakeview Hospital development and ensure safe traffic operations along Manning Avenue. This interim solution was critical for managing construction traffic and facilitating site development while maintaining safe and efficient traffic flow for the community.
In partnership with Lakeview Hospital and the cities of Stillwater and Grant, Washington County is now preparing to replace the wood-pole system with a permanent steel-pole traffic signal system. This upgrade will be constructed in conjunction with roadway improvements planned by Lakeview Hospital in the summer of 2026.
A budget amendment has also been proposed to reflect increased project revenue, accounting for the City of Stillwater’s contribution to both the temporary and permanent traffic signal systems.
Contact: Michael Kline, Public Works Engineer I, 651-430-4304
County Board approves Emergency Housing Services Building agreement, contract with Stepping Stone
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a license agreement and service contract with Stepping Stone Emergency Housing to be the service provider in the county’s soon to open Emergency Housing Services Building (EHSB) Nov. 4.
The license agreement allows Stepping Stone to occupy and use the premises to provide emergency housing services for adults aged 18 and older. Under the terms of the license, the county will provide Stepping Stone with exclusive access to all areas of the EHSB, as well as designated parking spaces, to facilitate services for up to 37 individuals at one time. Stepping Stone will operate in accordance with all requirements outlined in the approved service contract.
Under the service contract, Stepping Stone Emergency Housing will provide 24/7 staffing and support for up to 37 adults aged 18 and older at the EHSB.
The contract will utilize a combination of state funding sources. These funds will support day-to-day operations, including staffing for case management, kitchen services, and on-site supervision.
Contact: Sarah Tripple, Community Services Division Manager, 651-430-6480
County Board approves agreements, construction contract for 58th Street extension project
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved several agreements and contracts Nov. 4 for the 58th Street Extension / County Highway 15 South Segment Project.
The project is to construct a new segment of County Highway 15 (58th Street) from Manning Avenue to Stillwater Boulevard on the south side of Trunk Highway (TH) 36. It will complete a gap in the County Road 15 system and eliminate dependency on TH 36. The project also includes a new segment of the Central Greenway Regional Trail.
The board approved a cooperative agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to allow construction work within the TH 36 highway easement.
Additionally, the board approved a cooperative agreement with the Brown’s Creek Watershed District and Lakeview Memorial Hospital Association, Inc. for stormwater runoff management.
The board also approved a construction cost share agreement, a highway maintenance agreement, and a signal maintenance agreement with the City of Stillwater.
The board approved a $58,802 contract amendment with SRF Consulting Group, Inc. for additional work with the final design phase. The additional work includes additional coordination with businesses, staging plan revisions, incorporation of grading construction into the highway plan set, and additional coordination with adjacent projects.
Finally, the board approved a $5,213,877.24 contract with Forest Lake Contracting for highway construction of the new roadway. Bids for the construction contract were opened on October 8, 2025, with Forest Lake Contracting coming in as the lowest bidder.
Construction is scheduled for 2026.
Contact: Ryan Hoefs, Public Works Engineer II, 651-430-4314
County to install permanent all-way stop at Lake Elmo Avenue and Hudson Boulevard
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved the installation of a permanent all-way stop at the intersection of County State Aid Highway 17B (Lake Elmo Avenue) and Hudson Boulevard Nov. 4.
Hudson Boulevard functions as a major collector street, providing direct access to a wide array of businesses and acting as a primary corridor for school bus routes serving the surrounding community. In response to increased traffic volumes stemming from the temporary closure of County Highway 10 (10th Street North), a temporary all-way stop was installed late this summer at the intersection of County Road 17B and Hudson Boulevard.
The temporary stop control proved effective, with drivers quickly adapting to the revised traffic pattern. With current traffic volumes already elevated and further growth anticipated in the area, a permanent all-way stop at this intersection was recommended.
The change reflects a proactive and safety-focused response to evolving traffic demands, while preserving the operational improvements made during the temporary implementation.
Contact: Zachery Raven, Public Works Engineer I, 651-430-4349
County to observe Operation Green Light for Veterans November 4-11
From November 4-11, Washington County will illuminate several county buildings in green for Operation Green Light for Veterans.
Operation Green Light for Veterans is a nationwide initiative led by the National Association of Counties (NACo) to honor veterans and raise awareness about resources available to them and their families. The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution in support of Operation Green Light for Veterans Nov. 4.
Throughout the week, the entrances of the Washington County Government Center, County Courthouse, Law Enforcement Center, and service centers in Woodbury, Cottage Grove, and Forest Lake will be lit green. This visible show of support aims to recognize the contributions of veterans and highlight services provided at the county, state, and federal levels.
Washington County is home to approximately 13,000 veterans, many of whom face challenges related to employment, housing, education, and healthcare. The Washington County Veterans Service Office assists veterans daily, handling approximately 11,000 inquiries last year and making a significant impact on the lives of veterans within our community.
For more information about the Veterans Service Office, visit WashingtonCountyMN.gov/VeteransServices, or contact staff at mailto:VSO@WashingtonCountyMN.gov or 651-430-6895.
Residents, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to participate in Operation Green Light for Veterans by simply changing one light bulb inside or outside their home to a green bulb. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported, and we open conversations about the needs of veterans and the services that support veteran communities.
Contact: Tina Elam, Office of Administration Communications Manager, 651-430-6004 (office), 651-592-5989 (after hours)