City Council

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL October 8, 2024 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Oakdale was held on October 8, 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: Jake Ingebrigtson Andy Morcomb Staff Present: Christina Volkers, City Administrator Sara Ludwig, City Clerk Rachel Tierney, Assistant City Attorney Brian Bachmeier, Consulting City Engineer Jake Foster, Assistant City Administrator Andy Gitzlaff, Community Development Director Melanie Lee, Human Resources Director Luke McClanahan, City Planner Nick Newton, Police Chief Lori Pulkrabek, Communications Manager Kyle Stasica, Finance Director Kevin Wold, Fire Chief Others Present: Keegan Anderson, Oakdale Resident Florence Buggert, Oakdale Resident Amy Chorney, Oakdale Resident Jason Chorney, Oakdale Resident Carol Deshler, Oakdale Resident Tony Dubay, Oakdale Resident Juan Santos Esquivel, Guest (Council Candidate) Fay Kulenkamp, Oakdale Resident Ryan Schroeder, Oakdale Resident Michelle Stoltz, Oakdale Resident Julie Uhlenkott, Oakdale Resident Absent: Council Member Susan Willenbring PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED FOR THE MEETING OF OCTOBER 8, 2024. 1 3 AYES APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Workshop, September 24, 2024 Regular Meeting, September 24, 2024 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE THE WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2024. 3 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2024. 3 AYES PUBLIC HEARING a) Public Hearing: Tanners Lake Redevelopment – Planned Unit Development, Preliminary Plat, Final Plat, and Site Plans City Planner Luke McClanahan explained that there are two separate, but related requests for Council consideration. The first is establishing the Tanners Lake Planned Unit Development (TL- PUD). The second is a redevelopment proposal from Tanners Lake LLC located within the TL-PUD area. The purpose of the TL-PUD is to enable flexibility from conventional zoning standards. Regarding the redevelopment, the developer has made updates to the site plans since the July 11, 2024 Planning Commission meeting, and now has proposed two site plan options. The final site plan will be dependent on obtaining ownership of the flagpole-shaped access (owned by Lakeview Terrace) that bisects the redevelopment site. Mr. McClanahan reviewed each proposed site plan, the elevations, and the shadow studies in detail. Staff recommended approval of the TL- PUD, preliminary and final plat for Tanners Lake 2nd Addition, and site plan options one and two, subject to conditions in the resolutions, which were read by Mr. McClanahan. Mayor Zabel provided information and ground rules for the public hearing process. He then opened the public hearing and welcomed comments from the audience. Ryan Schroeder, 329 Geneva Ave N, Unit 204, expressed concerns about the PUD proposal process, the underlying zoning requirements of the PUD being unmet, and the required acreage of the PUD being unmet. Michelle Stoltz, 329 Geneva Ave N, Unit 306, expressed concerns about the inclusion of Lakeview Terrace Condominiums in the TL-PUD, the rezoning and density of the parcels, and the effect on safety and home values in the area. Florence Buggert, 329 Geneva Ave N, Unit 217, asked whether the TL-PUD requirements will apply to the Lakeview Terrace Condominiums. She also made mention of a discrepancy on the listed acreage in the Frequently Asked Questions document. Julie Uhlenkott, 410 Gentry Ave N, expressed concerns about the increased traffic and congestion on 4th St N. She asked that the Council consider what Lakeview Terrace and other residents in this area need. 2  Tony Dubay, 329 Geneva Ave N, Unit 418, noted that as part of Site Plan Option 1, the underground parking garage exits onto Lakeview Terrace property. He requested that the proposal be tabled this evening to give more time for the involved parties to reach an agreement. Jason Chorney, 662 Gentry Ave N, expressed concerns about the density in the area and the limited parking spaces. Fay Kulenkamp, 461 Gentry Ave N, expressed concerns about traffic congestion and safety in the area. She requested that the Council reconsider the proposal and seek out alternative options. Keegan Anderson, 1908 Heath Ave N, echoed the concerns of the Lakeview Terrace residents. Ryan Schroeder, 329 Geneva Ave N, Unit 204, made several suggestions for included contingencies of the proposed development. Amy Chorney, 662 Gentry Ave N, expressed concerns about the ecosystem of the lake and the traffic congestion in the area. Mr. McClanahan stated that the City initiated the TL-PUD and does have the authority to do so. Assistant City Attorney Rachel Tierney added that per City Attorney Jim Thomson, the PUD process outlined in the zoning ordinance has been followed. Mr. McClanahan clarified that Site Plan Option 1 works under the assumption that the developer can obtain the “flag-pole” portion of the Lakeview Terrace property. Site Plan Option 2 works under the assumption that the developer is unable to obtain that portion. Council Members Morcomb and Ingebrigtson noted that the MN Department of Natural Resources is very thorough when it comes to development and environmental concerns. Council Member Morcomb pointed out that if the development is approved the conversation will continue with all involved parties. Mayor Zabel thanked the residents for reaching out about this project. He noted that the parcels involved in this development are complicated and challenging. The financial aspect for office space or retail on these parcels is unfortunately not feasible. Mayor Zabel said that the City strives to hear the residents, vet ideas, and answer questions, and was hopeful these things were done during this process. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 932, REZONING OF CERTAIN PROPERTY ON THE WEST SIDE OF TANNERS LAKE FROM R-3 LOW DENSITY HOUSING, R-5 HIGH DENSITY HOUSING, AND C-2 COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL TO TANNERS LAKE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT. 3 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 931, AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF OAKDALE, CHAPTER 25, ARTICLE 16, TO ADD SECTION 25-120 ADOPTING THE TANNERS LAKE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (TANNERS LAKE-PUD). 3 3 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE THE OFFICIAL SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 931, AND AUTHORIZE PUBLICATION OF THE TITLE OF THE ORDINANCE AND THE OFFICIAL SUMMARY. 3 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-84, APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAT AND FINAL PLAT FOR TANNERS LAKE 2ND ADDITION, WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. 3 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-85, APPROVING SITE PLAN OPTION 1 FOR THE TANNERS LAKE REDEVELOPMENT SITE, WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. 3 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-86, APPROVING SITE PLAN OPTION 2 FOR THE TANNERS LAKE REDEVELOPMENT SITE, WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. 3 AYES OPEN FORUM Mayor Zabel invited comments from the audience. Keegan Anderson, 1908 Heath Ave N, spoke about the possibility of a community garden and was looking for an opportunity to build and erect Little Free Libraries around the City. Mayor Zabel said that as part of the Park System Plan, community gardens are proposed at Preservation Park. He added that residents can make Little Free Libraries and donate them to the 622 Education Foundation for auction or put them up in their own yard. Carol Deshler, 7626 Upper 38th St N, spoke on behalf of Be SMART for Kids. The organization is looking for City Council approval to table at various events around the City. Mayor Zabel noted that City staff will be in touch about next steps on possible ways to partner. CONSENSUS MOTIONS Council Member Ingebrigtson pulled consensus item a). A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE CONSENSUS MOTIONS B AND C, AS PRESENTED: 4  b) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2024-87, accepting resignation and declaring a vacancy of Council Member Her’s seat on the Oakdale City Council. c) Request that the City Council cancel the City Council Workshop and Regular Meetings on October 22, 2024, and reschedule them to October 29, 2024. 3 AYES CONSENSUS ITEM A): REQUEST THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF A USED CAR DEALER LICENSE TO STILLWATER AUTO SALES, LOCATED AT 6014 STILLWATER BOULEVARD NORTH, FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2025 – DECEMBER 31, 2025. Council Member Ingebrigtson asked if this used car dealer license has been suspended in the past due to compliance issues. Mayor Zabel confirmed. City Administrator Chris Volkers added that any current issues would have been noted in the Request for Council Action, but none were identified. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE CONSENSUS MOTION A, AS PRESENTED. 3 AYES ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Economic Development Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison Her) Environmental Management Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison Zabel) Planning Commission (met on 10/3/24, Council Liaison Ingebrigtson) Council Member Ingebrigtson reported that the Planning Commission reviewed a conditional use permit for an oversized garage and reviewed several land approvals for the Enclave Helmo Station Multi-family Development. Parks and Recreation Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison Morcomb) Tree Board (no meeting, Council Liaison Willenbring) AWARD OF BIDS None STAFF REPORTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT a) Kogler Conditional Use Permit – Oversized Garage at 6063 Stillwater Boulevard North Mr. McClanahan spoke on the request to build an oversized garage on the stated property. The Planning Commission along with staff recommended approval of this conditional use permit subject to conditions in the resolution. 5 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-81, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR AN OVERSIZED GARAGE AT 6063 STILLWATER BOULEVARD NORTH, WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. 3 AYES b) Change Orders and Project Budget Amendment for City Project P2023-04 (Willowbrooke Commons Park) Community Development Director Andy Gitzlaff thanked the City Council and Ms. Volkers for their vision for Willowbrooke Commons. He went over the four requested change orders which total approximately $46,500 of City funds. Despite these change orders, the project is still under budget. Mr. Gitzlaff added that a budget amendment is needed for the fourth change order. For any future individual change orders, staff requested that Ms. Volkers be given the authority to sign and execute them up to $24,999, provided that the change order is within the project budget. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO SIGN AND EXECUTE CHANGE ORDERS 1 THROUGH 4 FOR CITY PROJECT P2023-04 (WILLOWBROOKE COMMONS PARK) AND APPROVE INDIVIDUAL CHANGE ORDERS UP TO $24,999 PROVIDED THAT THE CHANGE ORDER IS WITHIN THE PROJECT BUDGET. 3 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-82, APPROVING THE BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR CITY PROJECT P2023-04 (WILLOWBROOKE COMMONS PARK). 3 AYES ENGINEERING a) Initiate City Project R2025-01 (2025 Street Reconstruction) and City Project R2025-02 (Street Overlay Program) Consulting City Engineer Brian Bachmeier stated that it is preferable to initiate the street projects earlier to allow for additional notice to affected property owners and the collection of bids during early season bidding periods. The identified streets are based on street and utility conditions, among other factors. Mr. Bachmeier noted that these projects are part of the City’s proposed 2025 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) which will be approved later this year. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-83, INITIATING CITY PROJECT R2025-01 (2025 STREET RECONSTRUCTION) AND CITY PROJECT R2025-02 (STREET OVERLAY PROGRAM), AND AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION OF A FEASIBILITY REPORT. 3 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A SERVICE CONTRACT WITH AN 6 ENGINEERING CONSULTANT FOR THE PREPARATION OF FEASIBILITY REPORTS TO IMPROVE THE PAVEMENT, UTILITY, AND LIGHTING CONDITIONS ON THE AFOREMENTIONED ROADWAYS; WITH THE ASSUMPTION THAT THESE PROJECTS WILL BE APPROVED IN THE 2025 CIP. 3 AYES HUMAN RESOURCES a) Amend City Policy PE-020: Paid Time Off (PTO) – Annual Leave Human Resources Director Melanie Lee stated that there are two amendments to City Policy PE- 020: Paid Time Off (PTO) – Annual Leave for Council consideration. The first relates to the elimination of the prohibition of probationary employees using PTO during their first six months of employment. The second relates to administrative changes to the Annual Leave Conversion program. Ms. Lee noted that the eligibility to participate in the PTO conversion program and the amount able to convert is not recommended to change. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO AMEND CITY POLICY PE-020: PAID TIME OFF (PTO) – ANNUAL LEAVE, SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO THE ANNUAL LEAVE CONVERSION PROVISION AND THE ELIMINATION OF THE PROHIBITION OF PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEES USING PTO DURING THEIR FIRST SIX MONTHS OF EMPLOYMENT. 3 AYES CITY ATTORNEY No report ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT a) Adopting the Recodification of the City of Oakdale Code of Ordinances Ms. Volkers explained that this item approves the recodification of the City of Oakdale Code of Ordinances which includes incorporating the current Code of Ordinances into a new revised electronic format. The new format is searchable and allows for timely updates. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 930, ADOPTING THE RECODIFICATION OF THE CITY OF OAKDALE CODE OF ORDINANCES. 3 AYES COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS Council Member Morcomb welcomed four Tartan High School students who are in attendance at the meeting tonight. Council Member Ingebrigtson shared that the City broke ground on the new Public Works facility at 3200 Granada Ave N earlier this afternoon. He thanked the residents for their support especially on the Local Options Sales Tax. 7 Council Member Ingebrigtson welcomed residents to the City’s newest park, Willowbrooke Commons, which is now open. Mayor Zabel made announcements about the following: • The final Oakdale Farmers Market of the season is Wednesday, October 9th from 2 PM to 6 PM in the City Hall parking lot. • The Grand Opening of the newest City park, Willowbrooke Commons, is on Saturday, October 12th from 1 PM to 3 PM at 3800 Henna Ave N. This event is open to the public and will include an official ceremony and ribbon cutting beginning at 1 PM. • Nominations for Oakdale’s Volunteer of the Year are now open. Complete the online Volunteer of the Year nomination form at www.oakdalemn.gov by October 31st. • The City has two questions on the General Election ballot to extend the current half-percent local sales tax for five additional years, from 2048 to 2053. This extension is requested to cover the funding gaps caused by inflation for two projects: the expansion and remodel of the Police facility and the construction of the new Public Works facility. For more information about the local sales tax extension, visit www.oakdalemn.gov. CLAIMS A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE CLAIMS FOR THE PERIOD SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 TO OCTOBER 8, 2024 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,982,592.92. 3 AYES ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 8, 2024, AT 8:20 PM. 3 AYES Respectfully submitted, Sara Ludwig, City Clerk 8