City Council

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL November 26, 2024 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Oakdale was held on November 26, 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 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 Luke McClanahan, City Planner Nick Newton, Police Chief Lori Pulkrabek, Communications Manager Kyle Stasica, Finance Director Cory Tietz, Public Works Director Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent Kevin Wold, Fire Chief Others Present: Brian Bachman, Enclave Companies Alexander Pavlicin, Elva Resa Publishing, LLC Gary Severson, Council-elect Dan Zimlich, Oakdale Resident PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED FOR THE MEETING OF NOVEMBER 26, 2024. 5 AYES APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Workshop, November 12, 2024 Regular Meeting, November 12, 2024 1 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE THE WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 12, 2024. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 12, 2024. 5 AYES PUBLIC HEARING a) Public Hearing: Enclave Helmo Station – Planned Unit Development, Preliminary Plat, and Site Plan City Planner Luke McClanahan reviewed the development proposal consisting of a 112-unit rental townhome development, a 262-unit multifamily apartment building, and a 2.83-acre public park, within the Helmo Station Planned Unit Development (PUD). The requested PUD deviations relate to the maximum parking requirement, the maximum setback, the Land Use Framework, and the building materials requirement. Mr. McClanahan noted that if the requests are approved tonight, the developer will need to return with a Final Plat and noise variance request. Pertaining to park dedication, Mr. McClanahan pointed out that the forthcoming Development Agreement for this proposal will work out the mechanism for the payment, design approval, construction coordination, and acceptance of park improvements. The Planning Commission along with staff recommended approval subject to the conditions listed in the attached resolutions (Resolutions 2024-107 and 2024-108). In response to Council Member Morcomb’s question about park use, Mr. McClanahan confirmed that the park would be open to the public. Mayor Zabel clarified that if the 31 excess exterior “proof-of-parking” spaces are not needed that land would remain green space. Brian Bachman with Enclave Companies cited financing reasons, from their lending institution, for the requested additional parking spaces. Mayor Zabel opened the public hearing and welcomed comments from the audience. Alexander Pavlicin with Elva Resa Publishing, LLC asked about environmental assessment studies that have been or will be completed for this development. Mr. Bachman stated that an environmental assessment is not required, but initial soil testing and stormwater studies have been done as part of the development process. Mr. McClanahan added that the Consulting City Engineer reviewed the stormwater design and found no concerns. Additionally, the watershed districts that have jurisdiction over this site will need to provide relevant approvals. Mayor Zabel closed the public hearing. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 941, AMENDING THE HELMO STATION PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT TO ALTERNATIVE LAND USE FRAMEWORK FOR CERTAIN PARCELS LOCATED EAST OF HELMO AVENUE NORTH. 5 AYES 2 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-107, APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR ENCLAVE HELMO STATION WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-108, APPROVING THE SITE PLAN FOR ENCLAVE HELMO STATION SITE WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. 5 AYES OPEN FORUM Mayor Zabel proclaimed November 30, 2024 as “Small Business Saturday”. Mayor Zabel invited comments from the audience. Dan Zimlich, 7532 31st St N, would like the City to continue to commercially develop the Oakdale Marketplace and Oakdale Station area by adding restaurants or more businesses. He also thanked the Council for approving the new Aldi opening just north of that area. CONSENSUS MOTIONS a) Request that the City Council approve the noise variance to Chee Yang for his property at 7600 38th Street North on December 31, 2024 for the hours of 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM. b) Request that the City Council approve the massage therapist license renewal and massage prem- ise license renewal for Hannah Bannerman-Thompson at Lifeline Healing Massage LLC. c) Request that the City Council approve the group 1 Lexipol policies as presented. d) Request that City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2024-106, Supporting an Applica- tion to the Washington County Community Development Agency Predevelopment Finance Fund Grant for the 12th Street and Geneva Avenue Redevelopment Study. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO APPROVE CONSENSUS MOTIONS A-D, AS PRESENTED. 5 AYES ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Economic Development Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison [vacant]) Environmental Management Commission (met on 11/18/24, Council Liaison Zabel) Mayor Zabel reported that the Environmental Management Commission discussed their 2025 Work Plan, welcomed a new commissioner, and received an update on previously-held City events. Planning Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison Ingebrigtson) 3 Parks and Recreation Commission (met on 11/19/24, Council Liaison Morcomb) Council Member Morcomb reported that the Parks and Recreation Commission has an opening due to Council Member Moore’s appointment to the City Council. They also talked through the Park System Plan Update results. Tree Board (no meeting, Council Liaison Willenbring) AWARD OF BIDS None STAFF REPORTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT a) Amendments to the Oakdale Marketplace Planned Unit Development (PUD) Community Development Director Andy Gitzlaff explained that the City Council directed staff in October 2023 to study both the Oakdale Marketplace and Oakdale Station PUDs, focusing on land uses, market conditions, and potential amendments. The study was followed by workshop discussions in February and March 2024. In June 2024, a moratorium was enacted to pause actions on both PUDs while the study was finalized. Amendments were proposed at the October 29th regular meeting, with public hearings held for both PUDs. The Oakdale Station PUD amendment was approved, but action on the Oakdale Marketplace PUD was held over until now. Mr. Gitzlaff stated that the Council is considering two actions tonight – one involves approving an ordinance to add new uses within the district, and the other relates to changing the design standards for the Oakdale PUD. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 937, AMENDING THE OAKDALE MARKETPLACE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT TO ALLOW COMMERCIAL RETAIL USES AND ALLOW RESIDENTIAL USES ON CERTAIN PROPERTY. Council Member Morcomb expressed concern about the proposed additional residential uses in the Oakdale Marketplace PUD, citing resident concerns and safety risks due to the added pressure on infrastructure and busy commercial area. He stated that he intends to vote “no” for that reason. In response, Council Member Ingebrigtson acknowledged the concern and agreed that, ideally, the area would remain entirely commercial, but stated that the reality of the market does not support that possibility. He pointed out that the area has been underdeveloped for a long time, and holding off on further development could delay the area's potential. 4 AYES 1 NAY – MORCOMB A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-89, AMENDING THE 2004 OAKDALE MARKETPLACE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO ESTABLISH ADDITIONAL DESIGN STANDARDS AND TO ESTABLISH ADDITIONAL SITE PLAN OPTIONS. 4 4 AYES 1 NAY – MORCOMB CITY ATTORNEY No report. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT a) Amend City of Oakdale Code of Ordinances Chapter 9 “Licenses and Business Regulations”, Chapter 14, Article III – “Special Events”, and Chapter 25 “Zoning”, Articles 2, 12, 13, 14, and 15 Regarding Adult-Use Cannabis Regulatory Decisions City Administrator Chris Volkers explained this item is regarding the establishment of regulations for cannabis and hemp business licenses, which the City is required to implement by State statute before the end of the year. The proposed regulations cover several key areas including buffers, a preliminary compliance check, the license registration process, special temporary cannabis events, and appropriate zoning districts. She emphasized that the City is not licensing cannabis and hemp businesses but rather registering them. Mayor Zabel added that while the City is not handling the licensing of cannabis and hemp businesses, this does not mean the City is prohibiting them. Instead, the State is responsible for issuing the licenses, and the City’s role is to establish its own regulations for how these businesses will operate locally. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 938, AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF OAKDALE, CHAPTER 9, TO ESTABLISH ARTICLE 18 “CANNABIS AND HEMP BUSINESS REGULATIONS”. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-103, AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 938 BY TITLE AND SUMMARY. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 939, AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF OAKDALE, CHAPTER 14, ARTICLE III “SPECIAL EVENTS”, TO REGULATE TEMPORARY CANNABIS EVENTS. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-104, AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 939 BY TITLE AND SUMMARY. 5 AYES 5 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 940, AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF OAKDALE, CHAPTER 25, ARTICLES 2, 12, 13, 14, 15, TO IDENTIFY APPROPRIATE ZONING DISTRICTS FOR CANNABIS BUSINESSES. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-105, AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 940 BY TITLE AND SUMMARY. 5 AYES Mayor Zabel emphasized the complexity of these cannabis regulations that every city has struggled with since the State legalized it. The City has been working on these regulations for a long time, with input from various departments with the goal of creating policies that reflect good decisions for the City while recognizing the legality of cannabis use. He thanked staff for their hard work and fellow Council Members for engaging in robust discussions and debates on the topic. COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS Mayor Zabel made announcements about the following: • For the first time in 20 years, City Hall has been decorated with holiday lights. • On behalf of the City, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. City offices will be closed this Thursday and Friday, November 28th and 29th, for the holiday. • Saturday, November 30th is Small Business Saturday. One great way to shop local is to visit the Oakdale Indoor Market this Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Discovery Center, 4444 Hadley Avenue North. • The comprehensive community survey is open through December 5th. Residents can complete the online survey at www.oakdalemn.gov. • The annual Truth-in-Taxation meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 10th at 7 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. At this meeting, Finance Director Kyle Stasica will present the 2025 City of Oakdale budget. For more information and to use OpenGov, visit www.oakdalemn.gov. • The grand opening and ribbon cutting for the new Aldi is December 6th. CLAIMS A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE CLAIMS FOR THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 13, 2024 TO NOVEMBER 26, 2024 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,663,445.13. 5 AYES ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 26, 2024, AT 7:49 PM. 5 AYES Respectfully submitted, Sara Ludwig, City Clerk 6