City Council

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL December 10, 2024 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Oakdale was held on December 10, 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 Brian Bachmeier, Consulting City Engineer 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 Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent Kevin Wold, Fire Chief Others Present: Stan Karwoski, Washington County Commissioner 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 DECEMBER 10, 2024. 5 AYES TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING Finance Director Kyle Stasica stated that per Minnesota Statute §275, cities with a population greater than 500 are required to hold a meeting between November 25th and December 30th to discuss the 2025 property tax levy and budget. The Truth in Taxation meeting is to enhance transparency and public engagement in Minnesota’s property tax system. The City’s proposed levy was approved at the September 1 10, 2024 regular City Council meeting, and was set at a 6.11% increase from 2024. It was also used to generate the proposed tax statements that property tax owners received in November 2024. It is important to note that the final levy cannot exceed the proposed tax levy. Mr. Stasica noted that the levy has since been decreased to 5.9% for this presentation and for Council’s consideration. He encouraged residents to visit the OpenGov transparency portal on the City’s website or reach out to City staff with any questions. Mr. Stasica continued with the presentation discussing the City’s mission and strategic directions, common property tax terms, the general property tax timeline, and reasons why property taxes change. Mr. Stasica shared the 2025 proposed levy and assessment highlights and the 2025 budget highlights. He noted that the debt levy has been reduced for the fifth consecutive year, and to its lowest level since 2017. He moved on to discuss the valuation changes and tax impacts. Mr. Stasica noted that 63.9% of all residential parcels experienced a decrease for pay 2025 values. The next topic in the presentation was the 2025 proposed budget and City-based property tax levy. Mr. Stasica covered the levy components for Oakdale, budgeted General Fund revenues and expenditures, the annual Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) levy, and annual Debt levy. The last slide in this section covered the 2025 proposed levy allocation. Mr. Stasica moved on to discuss the Washington County Truth in Taxation statement that is mailed out to residents in November each year. The notices include estimated market value, taxable market value, and proposed taxes for all jurisdictions; it does not include impacts of voter-approved referendums during the current year. He noted that the proposed tax levies on the Truth in Taxation Notice can be reduced, but not increased, prior to final approval. Per Minnesota Statute §275.065, supplemental budget information accompanies the Truth in Taxation Notice. The final portion of the presentation covered property tax relief programs and provided action items for the public and Council. Mayor Zabel stated that the Truth in Taxation presentation covers a substantial amount of detailed information as the City is committed to transparency. He encouraged the public to explore the resources provided and reach out to staff or Council for further clarification or assistance with understanding the information. Mayor Zabel opened the public hearing for the Truth in Taxation meeting, and asked for public comment. No comments were heard. Mayor Zabel closed the public hearing. City Administrator Chris Volkers acknowledged the extensive work that went into developing the budget for the year. She thanked Council and staff for their collaborative effort and hard work to deliver the best possible budget despite various limitations. 2025 BUDGET, LEVY, AND CIP ADOPTION a) Adopt the 2025 Property Tax Levy and 2025 General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, Debt Service Fund, and Enterprise Fund Budgets A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-114, ADOPTING THE 2025 PROPERTY 2 TAX LEVY AND 2025 GENERAL FUND, SPECIAL REVENUE FUND, DEBT SERVICE FUND, AND ENTERPRISE FUND BUDGETS. Mayor Zabel touched on the City’s approach to budget planning and highlighted a few key priorities including investment in its staff, ongoing efforts to reduce debt, and investment in infrastructure and services for residents. He thanked those who have provided feedback throughout the year. 5 AYES b) Approving the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan, 2025-2034 Vehicle and Equipment Replace- ments, and Authorizing the Fiscal Year 2025 Projects A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-115, APPROVING THE 2025 - 2029 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND AUTHORIZING FISCAL YEAR 2025 PROJECTS. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO APPROVE THE 2025-2034 VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENTS. 5 AYES Mayor Zabel thanked Mr. Stasica for all his work on the aforementioned items. OATH OF OFFICE • Swearing in – Andrew Ashley as Police Officer • Swearing in – Jeffrey Robinson as Police Officer • Swearing in – Daniel Rogers as Police Officer • Swearing in – Michael Wallace as Firefighter/Paramedic Mayor Zabel noted that all four individuals being sworn in tonight have successfully completed their probationary period. Mayor Zabel administered the Oath of Office to Officer Ashley, Officer Robinson, Officer Rogers, and Firefighter/Paramedic Wallace. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Workshop, November 26, 2024 Regular Meeting, November 26, 2024 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO APPROVE THE WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 26, 2024. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 26, 2024. 5 AYES 3 PUBLIC HEARINGS a) Public Hearing: Revising the Fee Schedule for 2025 Ms. Volkers explained that staff annually reviews and adjusts the fee schedule to ensure it aligns with the actual costs of providing services. The goal is to avoid overcharging or undercharging residents for various services. She noted that there are minimal adjustments that accurately reflect true costs, which will dictate all City fees in 2025. 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 MOORE TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 942, REVISING THE FEE SCHEDULE FOR 2025. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-118, AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 942 BY TITLE AND SUMMARY. 5 AYES OPEN FORUM a) 2024 Volunteer of the Year Announcement Mayor Zabel announced that Angie Propp is the 2024 Volunteer of the Year for her outstanding contributions to Oakdale. The Mayor presented Ms. Propp with an award recognizing her service. Mayor Zabel invited comments from the audience. No comments were heard. CONSENSUS MOTIONS Council Member Morcomb pulled consensus item d). A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO APPROVE CONSENSUS MOTIONS A-C AND E-M, AS PRESENTED: a) Request that the City Council approve the issuance of a Used Car Dealer License to Reflection Auto Sales, located at 4747 Geneva Ave North, for the period January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025. b) Request that the City Council approve the issuance of 2025 Tobacco Sales Licenses, as listed above, for the term of January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. c) Request that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign the Supplemental Letter Agreement (SLA) with S.E.H., in the amount of $49,800, to prepare the easement exhibits. 4  Request that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign an agreement with Day Group LLC, in the amount of $20,900, to prepare the Minimum Damage Acquisition reports for the 38 parcels adjacent to the project. e) Request that the City Council approve the reappointment of the below noted individual to the IPMC Board of Appeals, subject to satisfactory background check. Tom Wiener Term to Expire: December 31, 2027 f) Request that that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign and execute the agreement between the City of Oakdale and Don Theisen for Owner’s Representative Services. g) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2024-109, approving the labor agreement, two memorandum of agreement (s), and one memorandum of understanding between the City of Oakdale and the Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Employee’s Union, Local 197 (Patrol Officers), for the period of January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027. h) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2024-78, Approving New Base Pay Schedules for City of Oakdale Employees for 2025, 2026, and 2027. i) Request that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to enter into the Water Service Agreement between City of Landfall Village and the City of Oakdale to continue the extension of Oakdale water service to the City of Landfall Village until December 31, 2025. j) Request that City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to execute the MCPP Application Commitment Agreement. k) Request that the City Council approve the group 2 Police Lexipol policies as presented. l) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2024-116, Approving Use of Tax Increments from the Tax Increment Financing (Redevelopment) District No. 2-6 (Bergen Plaza) for Costs of Tanners Lake Redevelopment Project. m) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2024-119, approving the labor agreement and one memorandum of understanding between the City of Oakdale and the Oakdale Professional Fire Fighters, Local No. 5175, International Association of Fire Fighters (Firefighters/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics), for the period of January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027. 5 AYES Consensus item d): Request per City of Oakdale 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 Fisher Engberg, Robert Gallas, Ella Lenard, Ian Morcomb, Noah Ly, Thomas Stifter, Jack Willis, Jacob Reubish, and Adam Sixt as Seasonal Ice Rink Attendants at a rate of pay equal to $16.00 per hour. Council Member Morcomb stated that this item is for the hiring of Ice Rink Attendants for the City of Oakdale. He formally abstained because his son is one of the applicants. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO APPROVE CONSENSUS MOTION D, AS PRESENTED. 5 4 AYES 1 ABSTENTION – MORCOMB ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Economic Development Commission (12/4/24 meeting cancelled, Council Liaison [vacant]) Environmental Management Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison Zabel) Planning Commission (met on 12/5/24, Council Liaison Ingebrigtson) Council Member Ingebrigtson reported that the Planning Commission heard a Conditional Use Permit request for a home occupation. Parks and Recreation Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison Morcomb) Tree Board (no meeting, Council Liaison Willenbring) AWARD OF BIDS a) Award of Bid for City Project U2024-01 (Water Tower 3 Reconditioning) located at 2347 Hallmark Avenue North Consulting City Engineer Brian Bachmeier explained that the City collected bids from seven contractors, with Classic Protective Coatings, Inc. submitting the lowest bid of $1,766,750. Additionally, the contractor provided an alternate bid for $36,000 to complete the logo on the water tower. Mr. Bachmeier stated that the recommendation is to award the contract based on the base bid, and once a decision is made about the logo, a change order will be pursued for that enhancement. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-110, INCLUDING AWARDING THE BID FOR CITY PROJECT U2024-01 (WATER TOWER 3 RECONDITIONING) TO CLASSIC PROTECTIVE COATINGS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,766,750. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO APPROVE INDIVIDUAL CHANGE ORDERS UP TO $24,999 PROVIDED THAT THE CHANGE ORDER IS WITHIN THE PROJECT BUDGET. 5 AYES STAFF REPORTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT a) Norhart Apartments Site Plan Amendment – Loading and Unloading Area 6  Community Development Director Andy Gitzlaff explained that this is a proposed site plan amendment for the Norhart apartment development. The amendment involves replacing two on- street parking spaces on 2nd St N with a dedicated loading and unloading zone. Additionally, the amendment addresses a few other issues, such as a transformer that was placed within the right- of-way on the east side of Henslow Ave N. The placement of the transformer was deemed necessary, but to mitigate the aesthetic impact, the developer has agreed to install screening and establish an escrow fund of $10,000 to cover the cost of screening the transformer. Mr. Gitzlaff summarized the three conditions listed in the resolution for approval. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-111, APPROVING THE AMENDED SITE PLAN FOR NORHART APARTMENTS, WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. 5 AYES ENGINEERING a) Feasibility Report for City Project R2025-01 (2025 Street Reconstruction), Calling for the Public Improvement and Assessment Hearings, and Authorizing the Preparation of Plans and Specifications for R2025-01 (2025 Street Reconstruction) and R2025-02 (2025 Street Overlay Project) Mr. Bachmeier explained that the feasibility report for City Project R2025-01 (2025 Street Reconstruction) includes an alternative estimate for replacing additional water mains, but these additional replacements cannot be funded at this time. As a result, staff’s recommendation is to proceed with replacing the water main as originally reflected in the CIP. Additionally, the estimated cost for improvements to Hadley Ave N came in higher than what was budgeted in the CIP. Therefore, Mr. Bachmeier recommended to remove the Hadley Ave N improvements from the current project and move them to a future project to be reflected in the revised CIP. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-117, ACCEPTING THE FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR CITY PROJECT R2025-01 (2025 STREET RECONSTRUCTION), EXCLUDING THE HADLEY AVE IMPROVEMENTS AND THE RECOMMENDATION TO REPLACE ADDITIONAL WATER MAIN BEYOND WHAT IS REFLECTED IN THE 2025-2029 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN, AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, EXCLUDING THE HADLEY AVE IMPROVEMENTS AND THE ADDITIONAL WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT BEYOND WHAT IS REFLECTED IN THE 2025-2029 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN, DECLARING THE COST TO BE ASSESSED, ORDERING PREPARATION OF PROPOSED ASSESSMENT ROLL, AND ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AND ASSESSMENT HEARING FOR JANUARY 28, 2025, AT 7:00 PM, OR AS SOON AFTERWARDS AS POSSIBLE. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A SERVICE CONTRACT WITH AN ENGINEERING CONSULTANT FOR THE PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS. 5 AYES RECREATION a) Donation to the City – Recreation Department, for the Family Fun Flatables Event 7  Recreation Superintendent Julie Williams explained that several local businesses and organizations sponsored the Family Fun Flatables event held in September 2024. Per State Statute, the City must accept all donations by resolution. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-112, ACCEPTING A DONATION FROM VARIOUS SPONSORS, IN AN AMOUNT TOTALING $2,400, FOR SPONSORSHIP OF THE FAMILY FUN FLATABLES EVENT. 5 AYES b) Donation to the City – Recreation Department, from Larry and Vickey Eberhard from the Eberhard Group with Keller Williams Ms. Williams explained that Larry and Vickey Eberhard from the Eberhard Group with Keller Williams offered a donation to sponsor the Oakdale Nature Preserve 5K at Summerfest. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-113, ACCEPTING A DONATION FROM LARRY AND VICKEY EBERHARD FROM THE EBERHARD GROUP WITH KELLER WILLIAMS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,500, FOR SPONSORSHIP OF THE OAKDALE NATURE PRESERVE 5K. 5 AYES CITY ATTORNEY No report. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Ms. Volkers thanked everyone for their work throughout the year. COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS Council Member Moore congratulated everyone who was involved in the ALDI Grand Opening. Council Member Morcomb invited any youth that is interested in local government to come out to a meeting and ask questions. Mayor Zabel made announcements about the following: • The grand opening and ribbon cutting for ALDI took place on December 6th. ALDI Oakdale is located at 3504 Highpoint Drive N. A big welcome to ALDI! • Santa will be coming to town on a decorated firetruck Wednesday, December 11th. The route starts at the North Fire Station at 6 PM and will head south along Hadley Ave with three more stops - the Discovery Center, Eberle Park, and Stillwater Boulevard - before ending at City Hall around 7:30 PM. • The Oakdale Indoor Market is open on Saturday, December 14th from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Discovery Center. • Winter Wonderland will take place on Saturday, December 21st from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Discovery Center. This is one of the most popular events of the year! This event is free to attend thanks to a 8  partnership with the Oakdale Area Chamber of Commerce, sponsoring organizations, and Oakdale Recreation. • Finally, this is the last City Council meeting of the year, and on behalf of the City, we wish you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season! a) Recognition of and Appreciation for Outgoing Council Member Jake Ingebrigtson Washington County Commissioner Stan Karwoski presented Council Member Ingebrigtson with the Commissioner Service Award to recognize his great work on the Council over the last six years. Mayor Zabel thanked Council Member Ingebrigtson for his service to the City as a member of the Oakdale City Council. Council Member Willenbring stated that she enjoyed her time working with Council Member Ingebrigtson, and despite their differences they have remained friends. Council Member Moore thanked Council Member Ingebrigtson for welcoming her onto the Council. Council Member Morcomb thanked Council Member Ingebrigtson for his advice and the time he has dedicated to the City. Council Member Ingebrigtson emphasized the importance of commitment and showing up, and highlighted his attendance record at Council meetings. He took pride in the Council’s accomplishments, such as hiring Ms. Volkers, building the Willowbrooke neighborhood, and advancing the Public Works facility. Council Member Ingebrigtson acknowledged his family’s sacrifices, especially his wife and children, for supporting his role on the Council. He gave a special thanks to City staff, the Oakdale Area Chamber of Commerce, and his fellow council members. Lastly, he expressed gratitude for the support of residents, stating that serving has been an honor. In closing, he offered a bit of advice to future council members: "Don't screw this up." CLAIMS A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO APPROVE CLAIMS FOR THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 27, 2024 TO DECEMBER 12, 2024 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,893,725.66. 5 AYES ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB, SECONDED BY MAYOR ZABEL TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 10, 2024, AT 8:33 PM. 4 AYES 1 NAY – INGEBRIGTSON Respectfully submitted, Sara Ludwig, City Clerk 9