City Council

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL November 12, 2024 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Oakdale was held on November 12, 2024 at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kevin Zabel at 7:01 PM. ROLL CALL On a call of roll, the following were present: Mayor Kevin Zabel Council Members: Jake Ingebrigtson Kari Moore (sworn in near end of meeting) Andy Morcomb Susan Willenbring Staff Present: Christina Volkers, City Administrator Sara Ludwig, City Clerk Jim Thomson, City Attorney Jake Foster, Assistant City Administrator Andy Gitzlaff, Community Development Director Nick Newton, Police Chief Lori Pulkrabek, Communications Manager Kyle Stasica, Finance Director Cory Tietz, Public Works Director Kevin Wold, Fire Chief Others Present: Mikaela Huot, Director, BakerTilly Gary Severson, Council-elect 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 NOVEMBER 12, 2024. 4 AYES APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Workshop, October 29, 2024 Regular Meeting, October 29, 2024 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE THE WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 29, 2024. 4 AYES 1 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 29, 2024. 4 AYES PUBLIC HEARING a) Public Hearing: METIS Development Group Portfolio Project – Conduit Debt Financing Approval Community Development Director Andy Gitzlaff reviewed details of the project which include the purchase, rehab, and ownership of three affordable housing projects, one of which is in Oakdale – Gentry Townhomes. As a part of this project, METIS has requested that the City serve as the conduit bond issuer for all three projects (METIS Portfolio Project) through the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget (MMB). The money would be used for bond eligible costs to purchase and rehab the properties and extend the affordability contracts. Mr. Gitzlaff noted that the bond allocation request is for $14,542,550, but there is no financial impact to the City. Mayor Zabel opened the public hearing and welcomed comments from the audience. No comments were heard. Mayor Zabel closed the public hearing. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-100, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE, SALE, AND DELIVERY OF ITS CONDUIT MULTIFAMILY HOUSING REVENUE BONDS FOR THE WASHINGTON 3 PORTFOLIO PROJECT; ADOPTING A HOUSING PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THE BONDS AND RELATED DOCUMENTS; PROVIDING FOR THE SECURITY, RIGHTS, AND REMEDIES WITH RESPECT TO THE BONDS; AND GRANTING APPROVAL FOR CERTAIN OTHER ACTIONS WITH RESPECT THERETO. 4 AYES b) Public Hearing: Proposed Amendment to the Tax Increment Financing Plan for TIF District No. 2-12; Approval of Purchase and Development Assistance Agreement with the EDA and Tanners Lake L.L.C. Mr. Gitzlaff gave a brief history of the EDA-owned property adjacent to Tanners Lake and the proposed redevelopment project. He explained that in order for the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to be provided as prescribed in the Purchase and Development Agreement, the TIF Plan for TIF District No. 2-12 must be amended. The purpose of the amendment is to reflect an update to the project budget utilizing assumptions for the new development. In addition to approval for the TIF Plan amendment, staff recommended that Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to execute the Purchase and Development Assistance Agreement which includes land conveyance and financial assistance of up to $2,516,248 in the form of an interest-bearing pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) note. Mayor Zabel opened the public hearing and welcomed comments from the audience. No comments were heard. Mayor Zabel closed the public hearing. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-102, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN FOR TAX INCREMENT FINANCING REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 2-12 (TANNERS LAKE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT) AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY 2 ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE CERTAIN DEVELOPMENT DOCUMENTS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE PURCHASE AND DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT. Mayor Zabel stated that he is thrilled to see this project move forward, but due to his philosophical opposition to TIF, he will be voting ‘no’. 3 AYES 1 NAY – ZABEL OPEN FORUM Mayor Zabel invited comments from the audience. No comments were heard. CONSENSUS MOTIONS Mayor Zabel pulled consensus item a). A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE CONSENSUS MOTIONS B-E, AS PRESENTED: b) Request that the City Council appoint Laura Fenstermaker to the Environmental Management Commission to fill a vacancy for the period of November 13, 2024 to June 30, 2026. c) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2024-99, authorizing the budget amendment and interfund transfer from the Utility System Replacement Fund for the Drinking Water Settlement Fund. d) Request that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign the 2025-2027 shared East Metro Water Resource Education Program Agreement with the Washington Conser- vation District. e) Request that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign and execute the Development Agreement for the Tanners Lake redevelopment, subject to the developer declaring which site plan option to proceed with. 4 AYES CONSENSUS ITEM A): REQUEST THAT THE CITY COUNCIL WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-101, CANVASSING THE RETURNS OF THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024 GENERAL ELECTION. Mayor Zabel explained that per State law the City Council acts as the canvassing board for the City to review all votes cast for elected positions as well as any City questions. He thanked all City Council candidates; congratulated Kari Moore and Gary Severson on winning the election; thanked the residents for casting their vote and approving the extension of the local option sales tax. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO APPROVE CONSENSUS MOTION A, AS PRESENTED. Mayor Zabel noted that voter turnout for Oakdale residents was almost 80% of eligible voters. 4 AYES 3 ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Economic Development Commission (met on 11/6/24, Council Liaison [vacant]) Council-elect Gary Severson reported that the Economic Development Commission received an update on the Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction Program, provided input on the 12th and Geneva Redevelopment Analysis – Visioning, and reviewed their 2025 Work Plan. Environmental Management Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison Zabel) Planning Commission (met on 11/7/24, Council Liaison Ingebrigtson) Council Member Ingebrigtson reported that the Planning Commission reviewed changes to the Zoning and Subdivision Code. Parks and Recreation Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison Morcomb) Tree Board (no meeting, Council Liaison Willenbring) AWARD OF BIDS None STAFF REPORTS FINANCE a) Results of Bond Sale Series 2024A Finance Director Kyle Stasica explained that the Series 2024A bonds will be used to fund part of the 2024 Street Improvements project, part of the new Public Works facility, and several aspects of the Willowbrooke development. On October 17, 2024, the results of the bond sale met all parameters and were an issuance of $23,955,000, at a true interest rate of 3.77%, maturing no later than February 1, 2053. Mr. Stasica reported that Moody’s gave the City an Aa1 credit rating due to its healthy economy, robust financial position, and moderate long-term liabilities. Mikaela Huot, Director with BakerTilly, reiterated that there were four different purposes for which the bonds were issued due to the distinctly different projects, noting that there were different terms for each of the distinct purposes. City Administrator Chris Volkers stated that the Council should be proud of the City’s financial success and the result of the bond sale. HUMAN RESOURCES a) Amend City Policies PE-019: Leaves, PE-020: Paid Time Off (PTO) – Annual Leave, PE-023: No Policy, and PE-031: Personnel related to Funeral/Bereavement Leave and Out of Class Pay Ms. Volkers reviewed the changes to the four personnel policies, noting that they are related to consolidating language for funeral/bereavement leave and establishing language for out of class pay. She noted that the changes have been vetted with the City’s unions that have been meeting. 4 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO AMEND CITY POLICIES PE-019: LEAVES, PE-020: PAID TIME OFF (PTO) – ANNUAL LEAVE, AND PE-031: PERSONNEL RELATED TO FUNERAL/BEREAVEMENT LEAVE. 4 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO AMEND CITY POLICY PE-023: NO POLICY AND RENAME AS CITY POLICY PE-023: OUT OF CLASS PAY. 4 AYES CITY ATTORNEY No report. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT a) On-Site Gambling Premises Permit Request – CLIMB Theatre Ms. Volkers explained that staff is recommending approval of an on-site gambling premises permit for CLIMB Theatre at PINZ. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-74, APPROVAL OF AN ON-SITE GAMBLING PREMISES PERMIT FOR CLIMB THEATRE AT PINZ LOCATED AT 7520 32ND STREET N. 4 AYES b) Donation to the City – Fire Department Tools Ms. Volkers reported that the Fire Department received a generous donation of $705 from Audrey Szymansky for the purchase of five New York Hooks. Fire Chief Kevin Wold explained that New York Hooks are used for firefighting, rescue, and salvage/overhaul activities on the fireground. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-98, ACCEPTING A DONATION FROM AUDREY SZYMANSKY IN THE AMOUNT OF $705. Mayor Zabel thanked Audrey Szymansky for the donation. 4 AYES c) Approve Appointment of New Council Member Kari Moore Ms. Volkers explained that the Council agreed to appoint the City Council candidate to receive the highest number of votes in the General Election on November 5, 2024. As such, Council-elect Kari Moore is the individual to fill the vacancy and serve the remainder of the current term which expires on January 6, 2025. 5  Mayor Zabel noted that Council-elect Moore will need to resign from the Parks and Recreation Commission upon taking the Council Member seat. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO APPOINT KARI MOORE TO THE VACANT COUNCIL MEMBER SEAT FOR THE REMAINING TERM ENDING JANUARY 6, 2025. 4 AYES OATH OF OFFICE Ms. Volkers administered the Oath of Office to Kari Moore as Council Member appointed to fill the vacant seat. • Kari Moore as Council Member sworn in COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS Council Member Moore expressed her excitement to be seated as a council member. Council Member Ingebrigtson congratulated Council Member Moore and Council-elect Severson. Mayor Zabel made announcements about the following: • The first Indoor Market of the season is this Saturday, November 16th from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Discovery Center. • An Art Fair will be held at the Discovery Center on Saturday, November 23rd from 10 AM to 3 PM. For a list of participating artists, visit www.oakdalemn.gov. • A random sample of residents received a survey by mail in mid-October (first a postcard with a QR code and then a paper survey). In addition to the random sample survey, an online open participation survey will launch for resident feedback this Thursday, November 14th at www.oakdalemn.gov. Both surveys will close on December 5th. • The City is also seeking input on two new parks in the Willowbrooke development. A brief survey to provide thoughts on proposed concepts and amenities for the next two parks is available through November 25th at www.oakdalemn.gov. • Thank you to residents for their support of the local sales tax extension. Both City questions were approved and will close the funding gap for two projects. Question #1 to fund the expansion and remodel of the Police facility passed with 68% of the vote. Question #2 to fund the construction of a new Public Works facility passed with 71% of the vote. CLAIMS A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO APPROVE CLAIMS FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 30, 2024 TO NOVEMBER 12, 2024 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,329,953.62. 5 AYES ADJOURNMENT 6 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 2024, AT 7:42 PM. 5 AYES Respectfully submitted, Sara Ludwig, City Clerk 7