City Council

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL December 13, 2022 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Oakdale was held on December 13, 2022, at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Paul Reinke at 6:01 PM. CALL OF ROLL On a call of roll, the following were present: Mayor Paul Reinke Council Members: Jake Ingebrigtson Susan Olson Colleen Swedberg Kevin Zabel Staff Present: Christina Volkers, City Administrator Sara Ludwig, City Clerk Jim Thomson, City Attorney Brian Bachmeier, Interim City Engineer Andrew Gitzlaff, Community Development Director Nick Newton, Police Chief Lori Pulkrabek, Communications Manager Jim Romanik, Public Works Manager Kevin Wold, Fire Chief Jason Zimmerman, Finance Director Others Present: Bill Burns, Economic Development Commission Chair Andy Morcomb, Council Member-Elect Frank Orsello, Former Host of Oakdale Update Matt Yetzer, Development Manager at MWF Properties PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA City Administrator Chris Volkers explained the amended agenda includes an updated RCA for the Sale of Tobacco licenses (Consensus Motion d). She noted that the amended agenda will be uploaded immediately following the meeting. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWEDBERG, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED FOR THE MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2022. 5 AYES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2022 PAGE TWO TRUTH IN TAXATION Mayor Reinke opened the Truth in Taxation meeting. Finance Director Jason Zimmerman began by stating, “Per Minnesota State Statute §275, cities with a population greater than 500 are required to hold a meeting between November 25th and December 28th to discuss the 2023 property tax levy and budget. This “Truth-in-Taxation” meeting was enacted by the legislature in 1988 to enhance public participation in Minnesota’s property tax system. Following the presentation this evening, the City Council will open up the meeting for public input before considering the adoption of the final 2023 property tax levy and city budget. It is important to note that the final levy cannot exceed the proposed tax levy, which was approved at the September 13, 2022 City Council Meeting, and then used by Washington County to generate the proposed tax statements that property tax owners received in November 2022.” He continued with the presentation discussing budgetary principles, prioritized objectives, key definitions, the general property tax timeline, and reasons why property taxes change. He noted that a common misperception is that the decisions made by City Council about taxes needed to deliver essential city services is the only reason that property taxes change. Mr. Zimmerman shared the 2023 levy and assessment highlights and the 2023 preliminary budget highlights. He noted that the debt levy has been reduced for the third consecutive year, and to its lowest level since 2017. Additionally, the City has absorbed a $260,558 reduction in Local Government Aid (LGA) revenue from the State of Minnesota. He moved on to discuss valuation changes and tax impacts. Mr. Zimmerman noted that 99.5% of all residential parcels experienced an increase in 2023 taxes and property valuation. The next topic in the presentation was the 2023 proposed budget and city based property tax levy. Mr. Zimmerman covered the levy components, budgeted general fund revenues and expenditures, and the equipment certificate debt reduction. He noted that City Council continues to take strategic action to reduce the overall debt levy and plan for capital outlay. The last slide in this section covered the historical values and city property taxes. Mr. Zimmerman moved on to discuss the Truth in Taxation statement that is mailed out to residents in November each year. The notices include estimated market value, taxable market value, and preliminary taxes for all jurisdictions; it does not include impacts of voter-approved referendums during the current year. He noted that the proposed tax levies on the Truth in Taxation Notice can be reduced, but not increased. A recently passed amendment to Minnesota State Statute §275.065 requires that a supplemental budget information insert accompany the Truth in Taxation Notice. The final portion of the presentation covered property tax relief programs and provided action items for the public and Council. Mayor Reinke opened the public hearing for the Truth in Taxation meeting, and asked for public comment. He explained the public hearing process and asked again for public comment. A third time he asked if there was anyone in the audience who would like to speak. No comments were heard. Mayor Reinke closed the public hearing and the Truth in Taxation meeting, and reopened the regular meeting. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2022 PAGE THREE REGULAR MEETING 2023 BUDGET, LEVY, AND CIP ADOPTION A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2022-139, ADOPTING THE 2023 PROPERTY TAX LEVY AND 2023 GENERAL FUND, SPECIAL REVENUE FUND, DEBT SERVICE FUND, AND ENTERPRISE FUND BUDGETS. 5 AYES Mr. Zimmerman reminded Council that the Truth in Taxation presentation encompassed the funding requirements for the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). He encouraged the public to look at the transparent portal and interactive budget content that has been created on the City’s website in regards to the budget and the Capital Improvement Plan. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWEDBERG, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2022-136, ADOPTING THE 2023-2027 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND AUTHORIZING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023 PROJECTS. 5 AYES In response to Mayor Reinke’s question about the availability of the Truth in Taxation presentation, Mr. Zimmerman indicated it is available under the Finance Department on the City’s website. The public is encouraged to reach out to Mr. Zimmerman to discuss anything that was presented or to ask questions. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Workshop, November 22, 2022 Regular Meeting, November 22, 2022 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWEDBERG, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSON TO APPROVE THE WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 22, 2022. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWEDBERG TO APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 22, 2022. 5 AYES PUBLIC HEARING a) Smoke Kingz LLC Tobacco Sales License Mayor Reinke opened the public hearing for the issuance of a new tobacco sales license to Smoke Kingz LLC, and asked the applicant to speak about their new business. Almira Rainer, 1162 Lawson Avenue East, addressed Council about why she wanted to open a tobacco shop in the community. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2022 PAGE FOUR Mayor Reinke asked for public comment. He explained that if the license is approved tonight, it is contingent on the Oakdale Police Department’s background check results. He asked again for any comments from the audience. No comments were heard. Mayor Reinke closed the public hearing. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON TO APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF A NEW TOBACCO SALES LICENSE TO SMOKE KINGZ LLC AT 1237 GENEVA AVENUE NORTH, UPON COMPLETION OF THE OAKDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S BACKGROUND CHECK WITH NO DISQUALIFYING FACTORS. 5 AYES b) Oakdale Senior Apartments/Tartan Crossing 5th Addition – PUD Amendment, Preliminary Plat, and Site Plan Community Development Director Andrew Gitzlaff stated MWF Properties is requesting three different approvals for a 168-unit multifamily senior living apartment building. It is on a vacant land consisting of approximately 10.3 acres, located east of Hadley Avenue North. He said the three approvals consist of a Planned Unit Development amendment by ordinance, a Preliminary Plat with conditions included in the attached resolution, and a Site Plan with conditions included in the attached resolution. Mr. Gitzlaff reminded Council that these items were reviewed by the Planning Commission at their November 3, 2022 meeting. The Commission approved to move forward with the proposed ordinance and two resolutions to the City Council. Mayor Reinke invited Matt Yetzer, Development Manager at MWF Properties, to speak on the matter. Mr. Yetzer explained that the proposed project accomplishes many goals set by the City. Mayor Reinke opened the public hearing for the Oakdale Senior Apartments/Tartan Crossing 5th Addition – PUD Amendment, Preliminary Plat, and Site Plan. He asked for public comment. He explained the public hearing process and asked again for public comment. No comments were heard. Mayor Reinke closed the public hearing. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSON TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 890, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE TARTAN CROSSING PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT. 5 AYES At the request of Mayor Reinke, Mr. Gitzlaff read the conditions for the Preliminary Plat for Tartan Crossing 5th Addition, found in Resolution 2022-128: 1. Approval of an amendment to the Tartan Crossing Planned Unit Development to allow deviations from the required setback standards and maximum number of multifamily senior living dwelling units. 2. Execution of a Development Agreement between the City and the developer. 3. Approval of the public improvements construction plans by the City Engineer. 4. Permits and approvals must be obtained from other regulatory agencies and proof of approvals must be provided to the City prior to recording of the final plat. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2022 PAGE FIVE 5. The developer satisfy park dedication requirements by providing the City a payment of $427,896 prior to recording of the final plat. 6. Upon recording of the final plat, the developer shall convey Outlot A of Tartan Crossing 5th Addition to the City. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWEDBERG, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2022-128, APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAT OF TARTAN CROSSING 5TH ADDITION, WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. 5 AYES At the request of Mayor Reinke, Mr. Gitzlaff read the conditions for the Site Plan for Oakdale Senior Apartments, found in Resolution 2022-129: 1. Approval of an amendment to the Tartan Crossing Planned Unit Development to allow deviations from the required setback standards and maximum number of multifamily senior living dwelling units. 2. Permits and approvals must be obtained from the Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District. 3. A license must be obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for encroachments onto public waters. 4. The developer obtain approval from the City’s Fire Marshal for the proposed fire hydrant locations. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWEDBERG TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2022-129, APPROVING THE SITE PLAN FOR OAKDALE SENIOR APARTMENTS, WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. 5 AYES OPEN FORUM (Maximum time of three minutes per person)* Mayor Reinke invited comments from the audience. No comments were heard. PRESENTATIONS a) Recognition and Appreciation for Outgoing Council Member Colleen Swedberg Mayor Reinke presented Council Member Swedberg with a token of appreciation for her four years of service on the Council. b) 2022 Volunteer of the Year Announcement Mayor Reinke announced that Bill Burns is the 2022 Volunteer of the Year for his outstanding contributions to Oakdale. The Mayor read a prepared statement and presented Mr. Burns with an award recognizing his service. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2022 PAGE SIX c) Recognition of Frank Orsello for 24 years as Host of the Oakdale Update show Mayor Reinke invited Frank Orsello up to the podium to recognize his 24 years of service as the Host of the Oakdale Update show. A prepared video was played, and the Mayor read a prepared statement. Mr. Orsello was then presented with an award. He thanked Sue Barry especially, retired City Clerk, for her help in preparing each episode. He offered to help the Communications staff with any upcoming projects. CONSENSUS MOTIONS a) Request per City Code, Chapter 2, Article IV, Sec.2-36 (c) and per City Personnel Policy PE-031, Section 5.0, that the City Council appoint the Ice Rink Attendants for the Recreation Department, as noted. b) Request that the City Council approve and execute the contract between the City of Landfall and the City of Oakdale for contract fire services. c) Request per City Code, Chapter 2, Article IV, Sec.2-36 (c) and per City Personnel Policy PE-031, Section 5.0, that the City Council approve the increase in weekly contract hours for Melanie Lee, Temporary HR Director, to 40 hours per week. d) Request that the City Council approve the issuance of 2023 Sale of Tobacco licenses, as noted. e) Request that the City Council approve the following concept plans for two Willowbrooke parks: x Commons Park - Base Plus Concept x Neighborhood Park West – Base Concept Request that the City Council approve an overall preliminary budget of $4,611,000 for Commons Park and Neighborhood Park West consistent with the CIP. f) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2022-133, approving the Premises Permit application for Woodbury Athletic Association to conduct lawful gambling at Pinz, 7520 32nd Street North. g) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2022-134, authorizing publication of Ordinance No. 889 by title and summary, amending the Code of Ordinance for the City of Oakdale, Chapter 10 – Liquor Control and Charitable Gambling, to define and license Brew Pubs and Brewery Taprooms. h) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2022-135, approving the summary publication of Ordinance 900, amending the Code of Ordinance for the City of Oakdale, Chapter 25 – Zoning, to allow Brew Pubs, Brewery Taprooms, and Microdistilleries in the C-2 and I-O zoning districts. i) Request that the City Council approve issuance of 2023 Solid Waste Hauler Licenses as noted, contingent upon receipt of all required materials as listed in the ordinance. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2022 PAGE SEVEN j) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Ordinance No. 901, amending the current ordinance pertaining to rental housing regulations. k) Request that the City Council authorize the City Administrator to sign and execute Change Order No. 3 for City Project R2022-04; 40th Street North, Street and Storm Sewer Improvements. l) Request that City Council authorize the City Administrator to confirm the decertification of Tax Increment Financing Districts 1-4 and 1-6 to Washington County and the Office of the State Auditor, and waive reading and adopt Resolution 2022-124, approving the decertification of Tax Increment Financing Districts 1-4 and 1-6. m) Request that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign the Access Agreement between MPCA and the City of Oakdale for Bethke Park. n) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2022-120, approving the summary publication of Ordinance No. 901, amending the Code of Ordinance for the City of Oakdale, Chapter 7 Article II pertaining to rental housing licensing. o) Request that the City Council waive reading and rescind Resolution 2022-121, approving the TIF District 1-4 and 1-6 Spending Plan. Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2022-137, approving the TIF District 1-4 and 1-6 Spending Plan. p) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2022-138, approving the issuance of conduit revenue bonds to finance the cost of the Oakdale Senior Apartments multifamily rental housing facility. q) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2022-132, approving the 2023 Fee Schedule. r) Request that the City Council approve the issuance of 2023 Firework Sales licenses to Fleet Farm of Green Bay, LLC and Menards, Inc, subject to conditions as noted. s) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2022-130, approving the issuance of a Used Car Dealer License to Reflection Auto Sales, 4747 Geneva Avenue, subject to conditions as noted in the attached resolution and passing a background check conducted by the Oakdale Police Department. Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2022-131, approving the issuance of a Used Car Dealer License to Stillwater Auto Sales, 6014 Stillwater Boulevard, subject to conditions as noted in the attached resolution and passing a background check conducted by the Oakdale Police Department. t) Request that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign and execute the agreement between NeoGov and the City of Oakdale for recruitment software for five years through December 31, 2027. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2022 PAGE EIGHT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON TO APPROVE CONSENSUS MOTIONS A THROUGH T, AS PRESENTED. 5 AYES ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Economic Development Commission (12/7/22 meeting cancelled, Council Liaison, Susan Olson) Environmental Management Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison, Kevin Zabel) Planning Commission (met on 12/1/22, Council Liaison, Colleen Swedberg) Council Member Swedberg reported that the Planning Commission reviewed, discussed, and preliminarily approved the two options regarding the 4Front commercial retail property site plans. The main difference between the two options is that option one includes a grocery store whereas option two includes a car wash. She concluded that the site plans will go to City Council for further discussion and approval. Parks and Recreation Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison, Jake Ingebrigtson) Tree Board (no meeting, Council Liaison, Mayor Reinke) AWARD OF BID a) City Project U2022-04 – Water Tower 2 Painting Public Works Manager Jim Romanik reminded the Council that bids were collected in July 2022 for the Water Tower 2 Painting project. Only two bids were submitted at that time, with the low bid coming in significantly higher than the Engineer’s estimate. At the August 8, 2022 Council meeting, City Council rejected the bid and authorized staff to rebid in the fall of 2022. A second round of bids were received in December 2022, with the low bid coming in at significantly less - $499,870 from Tankez Coatings. Mr. Romanik shared that the six references for Tankez Coatings all provided positive feedback. In response to Council Member Ingebrigtson’s question about the location of Water Tower 2, Mr. Romanik said it is the water tower located at Eberle Park. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWEDBERG TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2022-126, AWARDING THE CITY PROJECT U2022-04, WATER TOWER 2 PAINTING CONTRACT TO TANKEZ COATINGS IN THE AMOUNT OF $499,870 WITH A COMPLETION DATE OF JUNE 19, 2023. 5 AYES STAFF REPORTS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2022 PAGE NINE ENGINEERING a) City Project R2023-01 (2023 Street Improvements Program) Interim City Engineer Brian Bachmeier presented the 2023 Street and Water Main Improvement Program. The overall proposed street improvements would cover approximately two miles. He discussed the objective of improvements and the proposed improvements by street name/neighborhood. Mayor Reinke asked about the rationale for removing the Monument Median at Hydram Avenue North and 15th Street. Mr. Bachmeier explained that it provides no safety amenity, causes a parking issue for the abutting owner, and reduces snow removal efficiency. He continued that by removing the median it would allow for a left and right turn lane near the intersection and increase the boulevard space. Mayor Reinke asked about the rationale for realigning the Glenbrook Avenue North and 7th Street North intersection. Mr. Bachmeier explained that due to the replacement of the water main to the north, the removal of the curb and gutter, and the correction of the subgrade underneath the street, the realignment of the street would not be an additional cost and thus was included in the project. Mr. Bachmeier moved on to review various current pavement condition photos of streets included in the project. He explained that the streets that require the most maintenance year-after-year are included in the yearly street improvement program. The next part of the presentation included digital aerial drawings of the various streets/neighborhoods. Mayor Reinke asked if the developer would be responsible for the assessment of the 36th Street North street improvement. Mr. Bachmeier’s attempts to get in contact with the developer of the Springs at Willbowbrooke Apartments have been unsuccessful so he was unable to answer the Mayor’s question. Mr. Bachmeier concluded with the process timeline which includes an upcoming public hearing scheduled for January 24, 2023. The majority of the project would be completed by August 2023. Lastly, he noted that the total project financing would be $5,092,000. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2022-125, ACCEPTING THE FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR CITY PROJECT R2023-01 (2023 STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM), AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND CALLING FOR THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AND ASSESSMENT HEARING ON JANUARY 24, 2023. 5 AYES CITY ATTORNEY No report ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT City Administrator Chris Volkers wished everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. On behalf of the City staff, she thanked this Council for all of their support these past four years. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2022 PAGE TEN COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS Council Member Swedberg said it has been a pleasure serving the residents of Oakdale these past four years. Mayor Reinke thanked Council Member Swedberg for her service. Council Member Olson wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year. She said it has been a pleasure to work with Mayor Reinke and Council Member Swedberg, and wished them both the best. Council Member Ingebrigtson concurred with her sentiments. Mayor Reinke announced the Oakdale Winter Wonderland taking place on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the Discovery Center from 9 AM – 1 PM. He reflected on his time as a Council Member and Mayor for the City of Oakdale. He thanked the Oakdale residents and City staff. On behalf of the City Council and all the staff of the City, he wished everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays. CLAIMS A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWEDBERG TO APPROVE CLAIMS FOR THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 23, 2022 TO DECEMBER 13, 2022 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,347,540.47. 5 AYES ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWEDBERG TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:29 PM. 5 AYES Respectfully Submitted, Sara Ludwig City Clerk