City Council

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL January 23, 2024 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Oakdale was held on January 23, 2024 at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kevin Zabel at 7:00 PM. ROLL CALL On a call of roll, the following were present: Mayor Kevin Zabel Council Members: Noah Her Jake Ingebrigtson Andy Morcomb Susan Willenbring Staff Present: Christina Volkers, City Administrator Sara Ludwig, City Clerk Jim Thomson, City Attorney Jesse Farrell, City Engineer Andy Gitzlaff, Community Development Director Nick Newton, Police Chief Lori Pulkrabek, Communications Manager Jim Romanik, Public Works Manager Kyle Stasica, Finance Director Kevin Wold, Fire Chief Others Present: William Baumeister, Oakdale Resident Margaret Broz, Oakdale Resident Brad Swanson, Project Manager, SEH PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE OATH OF OFFICE a) Swearing in – Andy Atwater as Firefighter b) Swearing in – Nicholas Danley as Firefighter c) Swearing in – Mitchell Griser as Firefighter d) Swearing in – Joseph Kurpis as Firefighter e) Swearing in – Kevin O’Neill as Firefighter f) Swearing in – Michael Streff as Firefighter Mayor Zabel recognized the commitment to safety that these and all firefighters make to the community and residents every single day. Fire Chief Kevin Wold added that these six firefighters have completed their required trainings and certifications and bring many years of experience with them to serve the community. 1  All six firefighters being sworn in tonight have passed probation. Mayor Zabel administered the Oath of Office to Firefighter Atwater, Firefighter Danley, Firefighter Griser, Firefighter Kurpis, Fire- fighter O’Neill, and Firefighter Streff. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Mayor Zabel suggested moving the agenda item– Twin Cities Towing – Conditional Use Permit Amend- ment – from under Community Development on the agenda to immediately follow the approval of the minutes. He explained that the reasoning for the amendment is to get additional information from City staff and therefore table the item. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED FOR THE MEETING OF JANUARY 23, 2024. 5 AYES APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Workshop, January 9, 2024 Regular Meeting, January 9, 2024 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HER TO APPROVE THE WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 9, 2024. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 9, 2024. 5 AYES STAFF REPORTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT a) Twin Cities Towing – Conditional Use Permit Amendment A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO TABLE THIS ITEM -TWIN CITIES TOWING – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT. 5 AYES PUBLIC HEARING a) Improvement and Assessment Hearings for City Project R2024-01: 2024 Street Reconstruction City Engineer Jesse Farrell explained that there will be two public hearings. The first is the public improvement hearing to discuss the why, what, and when of the particular project. The second is the public assessment hearing to describe project financing. He encouraged residents to review the Feasibility Report that is available on the City’s website, which was approved by the City Council at the December 12, 2023 regular meeting. 2 Mr. Farrell laid out the objectives of the improvements which include increased safety, the containment of maintenance expenditures, and elimination of unreasonable load limits. Mr. Farrell went on to review several graphics highlighting the road conditions, street improvement history, and water main infrastructure. SEH (Short Elliot Hendrickson, Inc) Project Manager Brad Swanson presented various photos of the condition of the streets that will be part of the 2024 Street Reconstruction project. He then went through a detailed list of the proposed improvements for all of the streets affected by this project. Mr. Swanson also explained the detailed construction process. Lastly, he reviewed site maps for the designated street improvements. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about the replacement of the street lights on Hadley Ave N, Mr. Farrell stated that only the street poles are being replaced, not their current footings. Mayor Zabel expressed concern with using the current footings especially since they are causing an issue for the current light fixtures. Mr. Farrell explained that if the footings are found to be inadequate, the scope of the project will be redefined to include updated footings. If additional costs are associated, those will come to the Council for approval. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about the role of the approved Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan in the planned project improvements especially as it relates to pedestrian lighting on City trails, Mr. Farrell said it is possible to look into adding pedestrian lighting into the scope of the project, and bring any additional associated costs to the Council for approval. Mayor Zabel provided information and ground rules for the public hearing process. He then opened the public improvement hearing and welcomed comments from the audience. Margaret Broz, 7062 48th Street North, expressed her appreciation for the 2024 Street Reconstruction project. She noted that the lighting at the intersection of Hadley Ave N and 50th St N is dangerous. Mr. Farrell stated that he will pass along the concern to Washington County, but between the City’s project and Washington County’s improvement project of that area, that lighting issue should get addressed. Mayor Zabel asked for any final comments and closed the public hearing. Council Member Morcomb shared his personal experience with a prior City street improvement project, and how easy it was to accommodate the pre-planned events happening at his home during the project. Council Member Ingebrigtson stated that the City’s streets are well-maintained and the City has an impressive plan in place when it comes to street improvements. In response to Council Member Her’s question about the impact of pedestrian street lighting on the project’s financing and how that might affect his vote tonight, Mayor Zabel noted that there will be an additional checkpoint when the Council approves the plans and specifications for the project, but that the vote tonight will not be impacted. Council Member Ingebrigtson asked if this item will be coming before the Council at a workshop meeting in the near future given the questions that have come up tonight. City Administrator Chris Volkers indicated that this item will likely not be presented at workshop as Council will be given the plans and specifications material prior to final approval, however if needed, this item could be added to a future workshop agenda. 3  Council Member Willenbring stated as the City updates roads and trails in the future, staff should reference the recently approved Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan and take those suggestions into consideration. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HER, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-06, ORDERING CITY PROJECT R2024-01 (2024 STREET RECONSTRUCTION). 5 AYES Mr. Farrell explained the assessment policies used by the City to determine the assessment roll. Finance Director Kyle Stasica presented on the 2024 tax levy allocation. He shared how the City defines special assessments. He moved on to a sample calculation of the assessment payment schedule over the next ten years. Mr. Farrell continued by highlighting sections 2.0-4.0 within the City’s Public Improvement Project Financing policy. City Attorney Jim Thomson explained the public assessment hearing process. He noted that anyone who would like to appeal the special assessment must submit a written assessment appeal form to the City Clerk before the end of the public hearing. Attorney Thomson added that anyone wanting to appeal the assessment once it is passed by Council must file an appeal in court within 30 days of that decision. Mayor Zabel opened the public assessment hearing and welcomed comments from the audience. William Baumeister, 6898 Grenwich Ln N, objected to the assessment on his property due to the lack of proximity to the project which will yield no increase in market value. Mr. Baumeister submitted his written assessment appeal form to the City Clerk upon the conclusion of his remarks. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about the logic behind the assessment of the Raintree Condominiums especially as it relates to proximity to the project, Mr. Farrell said the assessment policy involves a level of interpretation. He went into detail about the specific calculation City staff used to determine the assessments for the Raintree Condominiums. Mayor Zabel pointed out the three types of land uses in the assessment policy – single-family, multi-family, and commercial/industrial. He asked why the Raintree Condominiums and the other townhomes across Hadley Ave N are being assessed at the single-family rate instead of the multi- family rate. Mr. Farrell stated that City staff used the residential rate which is the single-family rate to assess these properties. He noted that the assessment roll was reviewed by Mr. Blank and former City Engineer Brian Bachmeier for accuracy. Mr. Farrell offered to double check the assessment roll at the Council’s request. Mayor Zabel expressed concern about moving forward with the current assessment roll without a clear definition of single-family and multi-family, as found in the City’s assessment policy. Ms. Volkers asked Attorney Thomson to advise on the Council’s options regarding the adoption of the assessment roll. Attorney Thomson explained that the Council can table this item until a later date while staff researches and provides additional information. 4  Mayor Zabel suggested moving forward with the assessment roll as presented, but would like to ensure that the City is consistent with applying the single-family rate versus multi-family rate to future assessments. In response to Council Member Ingebrigtson’s question about foreseeable legal issues regarding the application of a single-family rate versus a multi-family rate if the rate application were to change for a similar property in the future, Attorney Thomson noted that the assessment application has to be completed with the same methodology for any given project, but that methodology can differ from year to year. Council Member Willenbring clarified that the multi-family assessment rate is higher than the single-family assessment rate. Mayor Zabel confirmed. Attorney Thomson informed Council that they could amend the resolution at a later date if the one approved tonight was found to be inaccurate. Ms. Volkers asked Mr. Farrell if Mr. Bachmeier stated that the present assessment roll used historical application practices. Mr. Farrell stated that he worked on the assessment roll with Mr. Bachmeier, and Mr. Farrell’s understanding of the policy is that the multi-family rate is to be applied to apartments rather than townhomes. Although the City’s assessment policy was updated in 2021, the rate classifications were not defined. Mr. Farrell added that City staff plans to bring proposed changes to the assessment policy before Council for review at a later date. Mayor Zabel asked for a motion to approve the assessment roll as presented, noting that the Council can amend the resolution at a later date if needed. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-07, ADOPTING THE ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR CITY PROJECT R2024-01 (2024 STREET RECONSTRUCTION) IN THE AMOUNT OF $585,522. 5 AYES OPEN FORUM Mayor Zabel invited comments from the audience. No comments were heard. CONSENSUS MOTIONS a) Request per Oakdale MN City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Article IV, Sec. 2-36 (c) and per City Personnel Policy PE-031, Section 5.0, that the City Council appoint Joe Lind as a temporary Building Inspector effective January 24, 2024, at a rate of pay consistent with the City base pay schedule. b) Request per Oakdale MN City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Article IV, Sec. 2-36 (c) and per City Personnel Policy PE-031, Section 5.0, that the City Council appoint Steven Reeves as a probationary Public Works Lead Worker – Utilities Division effective January 24, 2024, at a rate of pay consistent with the City base pay schedule. c) Request per Oakdale MN City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Article IV, Sec. 2-36 (c) and per City Personnel Policy PE-031, Section 5.0, that the City Council appoint Katie LaNasa as a 5  probationary Administrative Assistant effective January 29, 2024, at a rate of pay consistent with the City base pay schedule. d) Request that the City Council amend City Policy PE-019: Leaves, to include language regarding Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST). e) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2024-08, approving the appointment of election judges for the Presidential Nomination Primary being held March 5, 2024. f) Request that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the Oakdale Professional Fire Fighters, Local No. 5175 and the City of Oakdale regarding Uniform and Equipment Allowance or Reimbursement. g) Request that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to execute the proposal from Schwickert’s Tecta America in the amount of $68,250 for the replacement of HVAC units within the Discovery Center. h) Request that the City Council approve the issuance of 2024 Sale of Tobacco licenses for Super Smoke and Holiday. i) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolutions 2024-09, 2024-10, 2024- 11, 2024-12, 2024-13, and 2024-14, declaring the intent to reimburse certain expenditures from the proceeds of bonds to be issued by the City for the 2024 Street Reconstruction, Public Works Building, Willowbrooke Commons Park, Willowbrooke Trails, Willowbrooke Open Space, and Willowbrooke Neighborhood Park West Parking Area projects. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO APPROVE CONSENSUS MOTIONS A-I, AS PRESENTED. 5 AYES ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Economic Development Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison Her) Environmental Management Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison Zabel) Planning Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison Ingebrigtson) Parks and Recreation Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison Morcomb) Tree Board (met on 1/16/24, Council Liaison Willenbring) Mayor Zabel reported that the Tree Board had an appreciation dinner with the Council in which they did strategic planning for the future. Additionally, they worked on their 2024 work plan, solidified dates for future events, and held elections for chair and vice-chair. AWARD OF BID None 6 CITY ATTORNEY No report ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Ms. Volkers reported that the City received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for fiscal year ending December 31, 2022, from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). She expressed her appreciation for the Finance staff and the work that they do for the City. Mayor Zabel echoed Ms. Volkers’ sentiment. COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS Mayor Zabel made announcements about the following: • The City is hosting an Open House on Thursday, January 25th, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Oakdale City Hall to discuss the new Public Works Facility. • The Indoor Market is returning to the Discovery Center on Saturday, January 27th, from 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM. • The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is hosting an in-person public meeting on Tuesday, January 30th, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Discovery Center regarding the potential improvements to Highway 120/Century Ave. between I-94 and I-694. • Public Works is still disposing of natural Christmas trees through January 31st. Residents can pay a nominal fee to drop off their tree at the Public Works campus during normal business hours. • Residents can help name the new park in the Willowbrooke development by submitting their ideas through the City’s website (www.oakdalemn.gov) by February 5th. • Voting for the Presidential Nomination Primary (PNP) is taking place now at Washington County service centers, and at Oakdale City Hall beginning on February 16th. Residents can visit www.mnvotes.org for more information. CLAIMS A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON TO APPROVE CLAIMS FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 10, 2024 TO JANUARY 23, 2024 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,348,954.70. 5 AYES ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HER, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:30 PM. 5 AYES Respectfully submitted, Sara Ludwig, City Clerk 7