The Roundabout

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Newsletter Editor: Pat Mack

Woodbury Weather via National Weather Service

Table of Contents

• School Board Debating Its Pay Tonight

• County Attorney: Force Justified in Shooting

• Woodbury Man Faces Theft Charges

• Major Crime Falls in Washington County

• Woodbury City Clerk Retiring

• City Council Candidates Overview

• Hope Breakfast Bar Ribbon-Cutting

• Alamo Drafthouse Reopening

• No Farmer’s Market This Sunday

• Woodbury Days Map

• Bike Helmets For Kids Giveaway

• Your Chance To Name A Street Sweeper

School Board Debating Its Pay Tonight

_{By Manali Shah}

Board members of South Washington County, a school district that serves part of Woodbury, will decide this evening whether to increase their pay from $5,700 to $10,000 per year. The pay increase was recommended after a discussion during a school board workshop on Aug. 8th.

“I have heard things in the community about how much we make. They feel we make a lot more than we actually do,” Board Chair Katie Schwartz said. “We haven’t had this conversation in a long time.” 

SoWashCo serves the whole or parts of seven cities: Afton, Cottage Grove, Denmark, Grey Cloud Island, Newport, St. Paul Park, and Woodbury. It has a current enrollment of approximately 18,700 students. SoWashCo has 16 elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools, and two non-traditional high schools. 

 “I always thought our compensation was really low,” Board member Patricia Driscoll said at the workshop. “This is not an easy job. We are not respecting ourselves, I would like to see a pay increase.”

Board member Melinda Dols added: “It would be nice to make a little bit more here.”

There is a significant difference in the number of school board members in each district and the number of students enrolled in each district. According to the latest figures with the Minnesota Department of Education, as of October 2023, Anoka-Hennepin had the highest enrollment with 38,631 students, Lakeville at 10th highest had 12,021, and SoWashCo had 19,560. 

Currently, SoWashCo, the sixth largest school district in Minnesota, pays each of its seven members $5,700 annually. Anoka-Hennepin has six board members and pays $15,600 to the chair and $14,400 to the other members.

From 2002-2017, SoWashCo school board members were paid $4,800 annually. This was increased to $5,400 in 2017. A stipend change increased it to the current $5,700 annually, in 2018. SoWashCo board members earn less than all of the ten largest districts in the state, except for Wayzata.

Driscoll said she would like to see a pay increase to $10,000 next month and possibly increase to $12,000 in January. “We have three high schools and four middle schools. That's a lot of legwork.” 

Simi Patnaik, member since 2020, would like to approach the issue in a more structured way with “logic behind the amount of pay increase.” She added that it might make sense for the board chair to be paid 10 percent more than members, as a reflection of the other duties of the chair. 

School board members are expected to attend external committee meetings like City of Woodbury meetings, Minnesota State High School League, and others. About a dozen internal ISD 833 District committees like the Citizens’ Financial Advisory Committee and Curriculum Advisory Committee require representation by a school board member, as well 

When contacted by email, Chair Katie Schwartz said that board members are not allowed to talk about this issue outside of a public meeting.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the District Service Center in Cottage Grove.

Editor’s Note: Manali Shah serves on the district’s Citizens Financial Advisory Committee, which was not involved in the pay increase recommendation.

County Attorney: Force Justified in Shooting

_{By Pat Mack}

The Washington County Attorney’s Office has determined that two law enforcement officers were justified in using force in a shooting in a Target parking lot in April.

Authorities say Donald Eugene Roche, 61, pointed a high-powered pellet gun that appeared to be a firearm at the officers. Woodbury Police Officer James Stoffel and Washington County Deputy Brian Krook fired at Roche when he did not comply with orders to drop his weapon. 

Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson stated in a news release that Roche admitted he wanted officers to kill him because he did not want to return to prison.

“Mr. Roche intentionally threatened the lives of law enforcement officers to exploit their trained reactions and compel the use of deadly force,” Magnuson said. “Fortunately, that force was not lethal here, but the effects of being forced to react with deadly force can be very damaging to law enforcement and their families. This ‘suicide by cop’ attempt is a reminder of the swiftly evolving and unpredictably dangerous scenarios they face on a daily basis.  I am grateful that there are brave people who nevertheless take these significant risks to assist and protect us.”

The county attorney’s office says Roche stole a wallet from a construction site in Oakdale and then made fraudulent purchases using credit cards he found in the wallet at two stores in Woodbury including Target. Police tried to arrest Roche in the store’s parking lot but backed off when they saw what they thought was a revolver. 

Roche got into his vehicle, while police set a perimeter and called in the county SWAT team. After negotiations of about an hour, Roche got out of his vehicle with the weapon. After he ignored police commands, officers shot him. He was treated for his injuries at Regions Hospital before being taken to the Washington County Jail.

“The officers’ quick and decisive actions in a high-risk situation ensured the safety of all involved and exemplified their dedication to public safety,” Woodbury Public Safety Director Jason Posel said in a statement. “I commend their courage and professionalism during this challenging encounter.”

In July, Roche pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree assault and one count each of financial transaction card fraud and third-degree burglary. He is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 30.

Woodbury Man Faces Theft Charges

A Woodbury man faces felony charges for allegedly stealing more than $400,000 from his father-in-law. The Minnesota Star Tribune reports that Mark A. Rippy, 56, is accused of taking control of  a bank account of his father-in-law, Peter van Leeuwen, 93. Court documents state investigators found a store credit card of Van Leeuwen’s at Rippy’s home as well as a blank check from his father-in-law’s account in his wallet. The criminal complaint states several credit cards and lines of credit opened in Van Leeuwen’s name were linked to Rippy’s address. Rippy told authorities that his father-in-law had agreed to pay tuition for Rippy’s four children to attend private school. Rippy’s first court appearance will be Sept. 16 on 14 felony counts of theft.

Major Crime Falls in Washington County

Most categories of major crime fell in 2023 in Washington County, according to the Uniform Crime Report issued by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension last week.

The Uniform Crime report for the last seven years is available here.

Woodbury City Clerk Kim Blaeser Retires

Kim Blaeser, the city clerk for Woodbury for almost 20 years, has retired. Blaeser joined the city staff as a utility billing technician in 1999. She worked in the finance department before moving to the administration department. She was promoted to city clerk in 2005.

The city council passed a proclamation during last week’s meeting that designated her final day, Aug. 16, as Kim Blaeser Day.

“I am filled with a mixture of emotions – gratitude, pride and a touch of nostalgia,” Blaeser told the council. ““My philosophy has always been that in life how you treat people will come back to you tenfold, and I learned quickly that serving the public is quite a gift.”

After her remarks, she received a standing ovation from the council and the audience.

“You’ve always been so thorough, so professional and so kind to everyone you interact with,” Mayor Anne Burt said. “Thank you for that. You’ve just set a high bar for how we all need to be acting in public service. You’re amazing. We’re going to miss you.”

City Council Candidates Overview

_{By Manali Shah}

Here is an overview of the campaign for two openings on the Woodbury City Council. Current council member Andrea Date did not seek re-election. The two winners in November will serve four-year terms that begin in January. We asked each of the eight candidate to introduce themselves and share their priorities if elected. We received responses from five of them.

TIMOTHY BREWINGTON: I am seeking a seat on the city council because, as our city grows, we need visionary leaders that will elevate all of the voices in our community.

Brewington’s priorities: My top priorities revolve around ensuring the highest quality drinking water, enhancing public safety measures, promoting environmental stewardship, advocating for attainable housing, upholding fiscal responsibility and transparency, and expanding the city council structure to effectively address the challenges brought by our population growth. Through proactive decision-making and community engagement, I am committed to fostering a thriving and sustainable environment for all residents of Woodbury.

Brewington’s website

DAVE HOELZEL: I am running for city council to apply my seven years of Economic Development and Planning Commission experiences to focus on safety, water implementation, infrastructure and strategic management.

Hoelzel’s priorities: Residents rate public safety as the top city concern. To address this issue, I will advocate for a reasonable expansion of the public safety campus at the corner of Radio Drive and Valley Creek Road. I will also advocate for new, cost-effective technologies for our police, EMS and Fire to deploy in the field to keep citizens healthy and safe.

Hoelzel’s website

TEMMY OLASIMBO: I am an 18+ year resident of Woodbury. I love my community and the people in it, which is why I have spent many years advocating and serving my community. Among other community activities, I initiated the first ever public safety and community event geared towards addressing issues related to public trust and engagement in 2012. I was the visionary behind the “One Woodbury “ initiative. I was an active participant and contributor to the city’s Community Engagement Initiative, and I serve as the current commissioner representing Woodbury on the Washington County Community Development Agency where I am currently the vice chairwoman. I am running to represent because of my passion and desire to further improve on our values and future proof us for the future.

Olasimbo’s Priorities: My priorities are water, ensuring our water quality is safe for consumption now and into the future; public safety, fostering trust between public safety and the citizens, fostering collaboration and transparency while ensuring resources for public safety are addressed and maintained; and equity, providing access, support and mitigating risks for businesses and individuals alike.

Olasimbo’s website

DONNA STAFFORD: My passion is giving back - whether public safety, military veterans, businesses, organizations - and providing for our community needs. I strive to keep Woodbury a premier place to live, work, play and stay. Not all giving back involves monetary donations. Our presence, time and involvement are invaluable.

Stafford’s priorities: A voice for all. Housing affordability; environmental stability; Recreational opportunities for the entire community regardless of ability, mobility, access or age; Transportation effectiveness for all.

Stafford’s website

KIM WILSON (incumbent): I offer a diverse voice and a different perspective to the council. I will continue to advocate for the residents and help shape and transform local government and policies to be more open, transparent and accountable.

Wilson’s priorities: Cut wasteful spending; work towards proper staffing of our Public Safety Department; ensure our basic infrastructure has adequate funding today and into the future; continue to advocate for carefully managed growth as we wait for our water treatment plant to be constructed.

Wilson’s website

We have yet to hear back from three of the candidates who filed:

• Murid Amini (website)

• Michael Burke

• Benjamin Sherrard

Hope Breakfast Bar Ribbon-Cutting

_{By Lyndsay Zadnik}

The chef behind Hope Breakfast Bar has had a busy summer. Brian Ingram competed in a Food Network episode that aired Aug. 1, and Tuesday he celebrated a ribbon cutting for his new location in Woodbury. The event was organized by the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce.

“We’ve opened 17 restaurants across the Twin Cities in the last few years, and no city has shown up more than Woodbury,” Ingram said at the ribbon-cutting in thanking the community for the support.

The Woodbury location is at the corner of Radio Dr. and Valley Creek Rd. Ingram is CEO of Purpose Restaurants that operates Hope Breakfast Bar locations, Apostle Supper Club in St. Paul, and The Gnome Craft Pub in St. Paul.

On the Food Network, Ingram appeared on the “Beat Bobby Flay” program. Ingram said he was impressed by the caliber of the guests that included TV personality Gayle King. One of the judges also caught him off guard. “Joe Sasto was on the judging panel,” Ingram said. “Joe’s a really good buddy of mine, and I didn’t know that he was going to be on our show.”

Ingram smashed the first round against Day Joseph, winning the judges over with his take on Cara Cara orange French toast. He advanced to the final round against Flay, where they both coincidentally made the same dish, pancakes, Ingrams’s specialty, a fact corroborated by the syrupy sweet pancake tattoo on his shin.

Although the judges gave the win to Flay, Ingram said his friendship with Sasto remains as strong as ever.

One thing he would’ve changed about his experience? ”I kind of wish they would have talked about our heart for community,” he said “I wish some more of that would’ve came out.”

Ingram said giving back is part of his company’s DNA, dedicating three percent of sales for meals, food and donations for the needy.

For diners looking for a delicious breakfast with a side of altruism, Hope Breakfast Bar provides just that.

Alamo Drafthouse Reopening

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is reopening its Woodbury theater on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

The Woodbury location was one of six that closed in June when the franchise owner filed for bankruptcy. But now the Woodbury location and theaters in the Dallas, Texas area are reopening under the ownership of Sony Pictures.

Several people posting on social media were shocked when the theater closed and were happy to hear the cinema is coming back. Several said they loved Alamo for date night, while one person said her friends from across the metro would come to Woodbury to see movies there.

Nate Sherman is a local college student who was laid off when the theater closed. He’s missed the employee culture where “all of us literally eat, sleep, and breathe movies.” He’s excited to be returning and noted the new management team is really hands-on. “You can clearly tell that they care about bringing the Alamo back,” he noted. “I know I can speak for the entire Woodbury Alamo team to say that we are thrilled to be open to the public again.”

Each location begins with a soft opening for two weeks with $5 tickets and 25 percent off select food and beverages. Films are expected to include Deadpool & Wolverine, It Ends With Us, Alien: Romulus and Blink Twice. People who bought tickets before the shutdown will receive free ticket rainchecks via email.

No Farmer’s Market This Sunday

The Woodbury Farmers Market won’t take place this Sunday, Aug. 25. Instead its normal spot, the parking lot at Red Rock Elementary School, is needed as a gathering place for parade entrants for the Woodbury Days Grand Parade, which begins at 11 a.m. The farmers market will return on Sunday, Sep. 1.

Woodbury Days Map

Our newsletter earlier this week included an event map for Woodbury Days but it was from last year. The map above is for 2024 and will help you navigate the community celebration Friday through Sunday in Ojibway Park.

Bike Helmets For Kids Giveaway

M Health Fairview Community Advancement will distribute free bike helmets for children during Woodbury Days. The giveaway will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Children and parents can also learn about bike safety. Members of the Woodbury Public Safety Reserve will hand out police and fire stickers and safety certificates.

The bike helmet giveaway and bike corral, where people who bike to Woodbury Days can safely check in their bike, is sponsored by Woodbury Thrives, a grassroots program of the Woodbury Community Foundation that connects our community to inspire health and wellbeing for everyone.

Your Chance To Name A Street Sweeper

Can you top "Obi-Wan-Cleanobi?” That’s the name given to one street sweeper in Woodbury. And now the city wants your ideas to name another one.

The Public Works Department, in partnership with South Washington Watershed District and Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, will unveil a new street sweeper this fall. It will remove phosphorus that collects on roadways before it enters the stormwater system.

But don’t get swept away by your imagination and fail to enter on this website by the Sept. 2 deadline.

Update on Woodbury News Net:

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