City Council

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL March 12, 2024 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Oakdale was held on March 12, 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 Rachel Tierney, Assistant City Attorney Jesse Farrell, City Engineer Andy Gitzlaff, Community Development Director Luke McClanahan, City Planner Nick Newton, Police Chief Lori Pulkrabek, Communications Manager Jim Romanik, Public Works Manager Kyle Stasica, Finance Director Others Present: John Grindeland, Director of Operations, Twin Cities Towing Gabe Morcomb, Oakdale Resident Daniel Zimlich, Oakdale Resident PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Mayor Zabel stated that the agenda was slightly amended, noting the removal of Consensus Motion i). A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED FOR THE MEETING OF MARCH 12, 2024. 5 AYES APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Workshop, February 13, 2024 Regular Meeting, February 13, 2024 Workshop, February 27, 2024 1 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HER TO APPROVE THE WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 2024. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 2024. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO APPROVE THE WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 27, 2024. 5 AYES PUBLIC HEARING None OPEN FORUM Mayor Zabel invited comments from the audience. Daniel Zimlich, 7532 31st St N, suggested the City plant pine trees along the northern edge of the Anna’s Grove neighborhood to naturally block the site of The Harlan development. Additionally, he stated that residents frequent the Oakdale Marketplace and Oakdale Station businesses and would like the City to continue to commercially develop that area by adding restaurants or more businesses. John Grindeland with Twin Cities Towing, 2741 Geneva Ave N, stated that he has learned a lot through the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) amendment process. Additionally, he noted that he will be following up with all of the conditions in the resolution and will be the main point of contact throughout the CUP amendment process. Gabe Morcomb, 7833 31st St N, was seeking guidance on the protocol for obtaining a permit to stake volleyball nets in City parks, per the signs that are posted in the Walton Park. Mayor Zabel stated that City staff will identify spaces within City parks where playing volleyball is permissible. No other comments were heard. CONSENSUS MOTIONS Mayor Zabel pulled consensus item g). A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE CONSENSUS MOTIONS A-F AND H, AS PRESENTED: a) Request that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign the agreement between Northwestern Power Equipment Co., Inc. and the City of Oakdale for City Project U2024- 05: Well 6 Main Valve Replacement and Chemical Feed Installation in the amount of $38,200. 2  b) Request that the City Council reschedule the City Council Workshop and Council Regular Meeting from August 13, 2024 to August 14, 2024. c) Request that the City Council approve the noise variance requested to MC’s Pub located at 1267 Geneva Avenue North for the dates of June 14 & 15, 2024 from 7:00pm – 12:00am. d) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2024-22, accepting the im- provements and authorizing final payment to Northdale Construction Company for work on City Project R2022-02 (40th Street Improvements) in the amount of $67,970.90. e) Request that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to enter into an agree- ment for professional services between the City of Oakdale and HKGi, for an amount not to exceed $80,000. f) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2024-23, Approving Memoran- dum of Agreement between the City of Oakdale and the Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Union, Local 197, Relating to Article 21 – Holiday Compensation of the Labor Agreement effective upon ratification of the City Council. h) Request that the City Council Approve Voluntary Demotion of City Employee. 5 AYES CONSENSUS ITEM G): REQUEST THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE THE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSES TO THE LISTED BUSINESSES HEREIN FOR THE PERIOD 4/1/2024 – 3/31/2025. Mayor Zabel asked about the noted violations for several of the listed businesses and how those affect the Police Department’s recommendation for renewal. Police Chief Nick Newton explained that the Police Department considers a number of factors for consideration of renewal such as the business’ response to the violation(s). Other factors include the substantive nature of the vio- lation and number of violations in a given time period. A MOTION WAS MADE BY MAYOR ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE CONSENSUS MOTION G, AS PRESENTED. 5 AYES ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Economic Development Commission (3/6/24 meeting cancelled, Council Liaison Her) Environmental Management Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison Zabel) Planning Commission (met on 3/7/24, Council Liaison Ingebrigtson) Mayor Zabel reported that the Planning Commission discussed two Conditional Use Permits, one for a home occupation (hair salon) and the other for a second garage. Parks and Recreation Commission (met on 2/20/24, Council Liaison Morcomb) 3  Council Member Morcomb reported that the Parks and Recreation Commission had an appreciation dinner with the Council. Additionally, there is a Park System Plan Update survey available to residents on the City’s website. The survey is seeking feedback on City parks. Tree Board (no meeting, Council Liaison Willenbring) AWARD OF BIDS a) Award of Bid for City Project P2023-04 (Willowbrooke Commons Park) and Project Budget Amendment Community Development Director Andy Gitzlaff provided background on the timeline and details of the bid advertisement and selection. Mr. Gitzlaff noted that there were three bid alternates. Alternate 1 would fall within the project budget, however, awarding alternates 2 and 3 would require a budget amendment. He noted staff’s recommendation to award all three alternates and amend the budget accordingly. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HER TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-24, AWARDING THE BID FOR CITY PROJECT P2023-04 (WILLOWBROOKE COMMONS PARK) TO VEIT & COMPANY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,311,605.45, AMENDING THE PROJECT BUDGET, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO SIGN AND EXECUTE THE CONTRACT WITH VEIT & COMPANY. 5 AYES STAFF REPORTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT a) Contract Amendment for City Project P2023-06; Willowbrooke Open Space Mr. Gitzlaff summarized the previously approved contract from September 12, 2023 which did not include enhancement of the wetlands. After further research, the contractor, RES Great Lakes, recommends prioritizing enhancement and management of the wetlands in Outlot G in order to make the project more holistic and compliment the surrounding City Park, therefore, an amendment to the contract is required for the inclusion of ~3.2 wetland acres in Outlot G. Mr. Gitzlaff identified budgeted funds from the 2024 Capital Improvement Plan for open space restoration services. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF OAKDALE AND RES GREAT LAKES, LLC FOR CITY PROJECT P2023- 06 FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $33,224.00. 5 AYES b) Twin Cities Towing – Conditional Use Permit Amendment City Planner Luke McClanahan explained that Twin Cities Towing, located at 2741 and 2751 Geneva Ave N, is seeking a CUP amendment to bring their Automobile Towing Service business into compliance with zoning regulations. He summarized several of the zoning regulation violations. Based on the February 13, 2024 City Council workshop discussion, staff amended the 4  conditions in the attached resolution to reflect concerns that were raised by the City Council. Mr. McClanahan requested approval of the attached resolution which would rescind the previously approved Special Use Permit from 1985. In response to Council Member Ingebrigtson’s question about the requirement of the fence along the southern boundary of the site, Mr. McClanahan indicated the fence would have to extend the length where vehicles are stored. In response to Council Member Her’s question about how staff determined the recommended number of vehicles within the resolution, Mr. McClanahan stated that 75 was a compromise between the original approval amount of 30 vehicles and the maximum number of vehicles the site can accommodate which is well over 100. In response to Council Member Willenbring’s question about the fuel tank on the property, Mr. McClanahan confirmed that it was removed in February 2024. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HER, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-15, APPROVING THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT FOR TWIN CITIES TOWING AT 2741 AND 2751 GENEVA AVENUE NORTH, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. Council Member Ingebrigtson proposed eliminating “whenever possible” from condition #6. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY MAYOR ZABEL TO AMEND RESOLUTION 2024-15, CONDITION #6 BY REMOVING “WHENEVER POSSIBLE”. In response to Council Member Her’s question about enforcing condition #6, Mr. McClanahan stated that the Code Enforcement Department operates on a complaint basis, meaning it will investigate violations when a complaint is received. Mayor Zabel noted that Council Member Ingebrigtson’s amendment removes the contradictory language of “exclusively” and “whenever possible” from condition #6. Council Member Ingebrigtson reported that the City will be launching a new app for residents which will allow them to lodge complaints or concerns to the City from their phone. City Administrator Chris Volkers added that SeeClickFix will roll out in April. The app has a communication feature to show residents the status of their complaint. 4 AYES 1 NAY – HER Council Member Ingebrigtson suggested adding a deadline to condition #1 for the replacement of the fence. His proposal was completion by the end of the year. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY MAYOR ZABEL TO IMPOSE A TIME LIMIT OF DECEMBER 31, 2024 FOR RESOLUTION 2024-15, CONDITION #1. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about the Planning Department’s standard timeframe to meet CUP conditions, Mr. McClanahan said it depends on a number of factors such as time of year or scale of work. In this instance, staff’s deadline would likely be June 1 or July 1. 5  Due to the fact that staff’s timeline was quicker than Council Member Ingebrigtson’s proposed deadline, he withdrew his amendment. A MOTION WAS MADE BY MAYOR ZABEL TO AMEND RESOLUTION 2024-15, CONDITION #3 BY REMOVING “75” AND REPLACING IT WITH “60.” MOTION FAILED DUE TO LACK OF A SECOND. Mayor Zabel brought back to the forefront the original motion to approve Resolution 2024-15, noting that it has been amended to remove “whenever possible” from Condition #6. He asked if there are any final comments. No comments were raised. He then asked for a vote. 4 AYES 1 NAY – ZABEL c) Willowbrooke Tenth Addition – Final Plat Mr. McClanahan explained that U.S. Home LLC (doing business as Lennar Corporation), the developer and land owner, requests Final Plat approval for Willowbrooke Tenth Addition. If approved, this request will create 85 lots for single family residences and 12 outlots for wetland, stormwater ponds, open space, a future park, and future development. He added that Washington County Public Works reviewed the plat and did not have any comments on the proposal. Staff recommended the approval of this final plat as it conforms to the approved preliminary plat of Willowbrooke. In response to Council Member Morcomb’s question about this being the final planned addition, Mr. McClanahan stated that there is at least one more phase of the single-family development and there is an additional parcel designated for multi-family. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HER TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-25, APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT FOR WILLOWBROOKE TENTH ADDITION, WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. 5 AYES ENGINEERING a) Approval of Plans and Specifications for City Project R2024-01 (Street Reconstruction), City Project P2023-03 (Oakdale Park Trail Improvements), and City Project B2024-02 (North Fire Station Parking Lot Improvements) City Engineer Jesse Farrell explained that pursuant to Council authorization, the plans and specifications for the three above noted projects have been prepared in accordance with the feasibility report and as discussed during the public improvement hearing for the Street Reconstruction. He specified that the plans provide for the reconstruction of the pavements, trail improvements, street lighting, utility repairs, drainage improvements, and the North Fire Station parking lot improvements. Mr. Farrell noted that these projects will be bid as one project with construction starting in May. In response to Council Member Morcomb’s question about the City discussing with Washington County the inclusion of street light improvements on their project along 50th St N, Mr. Farrell said, 6  at this time, the Washington County project will not include lighting due to the considerable expense to the City, but change out of the existing light poles could be done at a future date. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-27, APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR CITY PROJECT R2024-01 (STREET RECONSTRUCTION), CITY PROJECT P2023-03 (OAKDALE PARK TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS), CITY PROJECT B2024-02 (NORTH FIRE STATION PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS), AND AUTHORIZING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR AND COLLECTION OF BIDS. 5 AYES CITY ATTORNEY No report ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Ms. Volkers acknowledged Public Works Manager Jim Romanik’s retirement from the City after 38 years of service. She thanked him for his contributions and leadership. Mayor Zabel and Council Member Morcomb echoed Ms. Volkers’ words and expressed their thanks to Mr. Romanik. COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS Mayor Zabel made announcements about the following: • Residents can fill out a short online survey as part of the City’s Park System Plan Update. The survey can be found at the City’s website, www.oakdalemn.gov, and is open through April 5th. • The final Indoor Market of the season will take place at the Discovery Center on Saturday, March 23rd, from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. • The Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction (BREA) program is back for 2024! Recently, the City had two great visits with HOM Furniture and All Family Dental. • The City is hiring seasonal positions – Seasonal Outdoor Maintenance Workers and Seasonal Summer Recreation Program Instructors. To learn more and apply for posted positions, visit the City’s website, www.oakdalemn.gov. CLAIMS A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE CLAIMS FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 14, 2024 TO FEBRUARY 27, 2024 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,815,869.81. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE CLAIMS FOR THE PERIOD OF FEBRUARY 28, 2024 TO MARCH 12, 2024 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,387,861.82. 5 AYES Mayor Zabel noted that there is one final regular City Council agenda item – a closed session to conduct the annual performance review of City Administrator Chris Volkers. He continued, prior to the final agenda item, the City Council will recess their regular meeting to convene a meeting of the Oakdale Economic Development Authority (EDA). After the first portion of the EDA meeting is 7  completed, prior to the closed session of the EDA, the live video feed will cease, but the remaining City Council business and EDA business will be conducted in the Hadley Conference Room. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HER, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON TO RECESS THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING IN ORDER TO CONVENE A MEETING OF THE EDA. 5 AYES THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING WAS RECESSED AT 7:51 PM. THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING WAS RECONVENED AT 9:15 PM. CLOSED SESSION A MOTION WAS MADE BY MAYOR ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 13D.05, SUBDIVISION 3(A) TO EVAL- UATE THE PERFORMANCE OF CHRISTINA VOLKERS, OAKDALE CITY ADMINISTRATOR. 5 AYES THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING WAS CLOSED AT 9:16 PM. THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING WAS REOPENED AT 10:35 PM. ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HER TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 12, 2024, AT 10:35 PM. 5 AYES Respectfully submitted, Sara Ludwig, City Clerk 8