City Council

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL April 22, 2025 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Oakdale was held on April 22, 2025 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: Kari Moore Andy Morcomb Gary Severson Susan Willenbring Staff Present: Christina Volkers, City Administrator Sara Ludwig, City Clerk Jim Thomson, City Attorney Brian Bachmeier, Consulting City Engineer Joe Carpentier, Assistant Fire Chief 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 Others Present: Josh Cowman, Leap Development Co. / Estoria Cooperative Colleen Herrmann, Age-Friendly Oakdale Taskforce PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED FOR THE MEETING OF APRIL 22, 2025. 5 AYES APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Workshop, April 8, 2025 Regular Meeting, April 8, 2025 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SEVERSON TO APPROVE THE WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 8, 2025. 1 5 AYES Mayor Zabel made one correction to the regular meeting minutes of April 8, 2025. Under Public Works’ Staff Report item a) Nuisance Declared – Emerald Ash Borer, the address within the motion should be 3915 Granada Way N, instead of 3195 Granada Way N. A MOTION WAS MADE BY MAYOR ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SEVERSON TO APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 8, 2025, AS AMENDED. 5 AYES PUBLIC HEARINGS a) Estoria Oak Marsh – Variance, Preliminary Plat, Final Plat, and Site Plan City Planner Luke McClanahan explained that the request is for a market-rate, four-story, 89-unit senior cooperative building with underground parking, located at 8001 4th St N. The 5.1-acre site has two vehicle access points off of 4th St N and an emergency access via Ideal Ave N. Also, there are two stormwater basins that will be platted as outlots and deeded to the City for future maintenance. Mr. McClanahan noted that the developer is seeking three variances – building height, setbacks, and minimum lot size. The Planning Commission held a public hearing at their April 3, 2025 meeting and recommended approval. Lastly, staff also recommended approval with required conditions in the attached resolutions. Council Member Moore asked about the other development design alternatives which proved to not be feasible, as indicated in the developer’s narrative. Josh Cowman with Leap Development Co. stated that the development team is striving to keep housing as affordable as possible. Because of this, going beyond five stories would require steel framing, which would increase costs. Additionally, reducing to three stories would increase the building’s footprint causing density issues and a reduction of green spaces. Mayor Zabel opened the public hearing and invited comments from the audience. No comments were heard. Mayor Zabel closed the public hearing. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SEVERSON TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-34, APPROVING A VARIANCE FOR OAK MARSH WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-35, APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAT AND FINAL PLAT FOR OAK MARSH WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. 5 AYES Mayor Zabel questioned whether “Estoria Oak Marsh” should be used in the motions instead of “Oak Marsh” to avoid confusion with the nearby golf course. Mr. McClanahan clarified that the official name of the plat is “Oak Marsh.” 2 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-36, APPROVING THE SITE PLAN FOR OAK MARSH WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. 5 AYES OPEN FORUM a) Presentation: Age-Friendly Oakdale Taskforce Colleen Herrmann, Co-Chair of the Age-Friendly Oakdale Taskforce, presented on the efforts of the Taskforce recently, including the Action Plan that was approved by the group in late 2024. The Taskforce works to improve the lives of older adults in Oakdale. The three main focus areas of the Taskforce over the next three years are transportation, social participation and inclusion, and safety. Ms. Herrmann thanked the City Council for their support, encouraged residents to get involved, and welcomed organizations to collaborate. Mayor Zabel thanked the Taskforce for the update and their continued efforts. He requested that City staff review the action plan to see how it aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan, noting potential areas for collaboration. Council Member Severson echoed Mayor Zabel’s sentiments. Council Member Morcomb stated that the collaboration between the Taskforce and the City is essential especially as the senior population in Oakdale is growing. b) Proclamation: Building Safety Month Mayor Zabel proclaimed the month of May as “Building Safety Month”. c) Proclamation: Peter Graske Arbor Day Mayor Zabel proclaimed the date of April 26, 2025 as “Peter Graske Arbor Day”. d) Proclamation: Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month Mayor Zabel proclaimed the month of May as “Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month”. Mayor Zabel invited comments from the audience. No comments were heard. CONSENSUS MOTIONS a) Request that the City Council approve the group 8 Police Lexipol policies as presented. b) Request that the City Council approve an additional 60-day extension, with an expiration date of July 6, 2025, for Rios de Agua Viva to obtain a building permit for the proposed church at 7287 Stillwater Boulevard North. c) Request that the City Council approve the issuance of a temporary on-sale liquor license for the Maplewood Oakdale Lions Club for Oakdale Summerfest, for the period of June 26, 2025 – June 28, 2025. 3 d) Request that City Council approve the issuance of a temporary on-sale liquor license for the Nuevas Fronteras Spanish Immersion PTSO for Saturday, April 26, 2025. e) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2025-37, amending the project budget for the Oakdale Park System Plan. Request that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign and execute the contract amendment between the City of Oakdale and SRF Consulting Group, Inc. f) 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 Kristine Miners as a full-time probationary Administrative Assistant (Fire)/Licensing Clerk/Deputy City Clerk, effective April 28, 2025, at a rate of pay consistent with the City base pay schedule. g) 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 Javier Vega as a part-time, temporary Human Resources Intern/Seasonal, effective May 12, 2025, at a rate of pay as noted above, conditioned on passing all background checks. h) 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 Dalton Pavel and Phillip Claypool to fill two full-time probationary Police Sergeant positions effective April 30, 2025 and April 26, 2025 respectively, at a rate of pay consistent with the City base pay schedule. i) Request that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to enter into an agreement with Dunn Solutions to provide building inspection support services. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER SEVERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE CONSENSUS MOTIONS A-I, AS PRESENTED. 5 AYES ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Economic Development Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison Severson) Environmental Management Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison Zabel) Planning Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison Willenbring) Parks and Recreation Commission (4/15/25 meeting cancelled, Council Liaison Morcomb) Tree Board (no meeting, Council Liaison Moore) AWARD OF BIDS a) Award the Bid for City Project R2025-01 (2025 Street Reconstruction), Authorize Construction-related Engineering Services, and Amend the 2025 Budget Consulting City Engineer Brian Bachmeier explained that pursuant to Council authorization, bids were collected for the above-noted project. Five contractors submitted bids for the work, with 4  McNamara Contracting submitting the lowest bid of $3,786,836. The Engineer’s estimate for the construction work was $4,660,864. Because the bid came in lower than the Engineer’s estimate and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget, a budget amendment is necessary. Mr. Bachmeier requested that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to enter into a contract with McNamara Contracting, for the improvements according to the plans and specifications therefore approved by the City Council. He also requested that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign an engineering service proposal from S.E.H. for construction-related engineering services in an amount not to exceed $391,000. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about the City working with McNamara Contracting in the past, Mr. Bachmeier noted that the City has not; however, surrounding communities have spoken positively about their work. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-33, AWARDING THE BID FOR CITY PROJECT R2025- 01 (2025 STREET RECONSTRUCTION) AND AMENDING THE 2025 BUDGET. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH MCNAMARA CONTRACTING, IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,786,836.00 FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS ACCORDING TO THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO SIGN AN ENGINEERING SERVICE PROPOSAL WITH S.E.H. FOR CONSTRUCTION-RELATED ENGINEERING SERVICES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $391,000. 5 AYES b) Award the Bid for City Project P2025-02 (Willowbrooke Parks West and North) and Approve of Contract for Architectural Services for Willowbrooke Park West Restroom/Shelter Public Works Director Cory Tietz explained that pursuant to Council authorization, proposals were collected for the final design and in-construction services for the Willowbrooke Park West restroom and open-air picnic shelter building. Two proposals were received, with KOMA submitting the lower bid of $56,000. Mr. Tietz requested that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to enter into an agreement with KOMA, subject to agreed-upon terms. City staff is working with KOMA to finalize the agreement, but no issues are anticipated. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SEVERSON TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-39, AWARDING THE BID FOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR WILLOWBROOKE PARK WEST RESTROOM/SHELTER (CITY PROJECT P2025-02). 5 AYES 5 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SEVERSON TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF OAKDALE AND KOMA FOR FINAL DESIGN AND IN- CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,000, SUBJECT TO AGREED-UPON TERMS. 5 AYES STAFF REPORTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT a) Baker Conditional Use Permit – Second Garage at 7880 44th Street Court North Mr. McClanahan explained that the request is for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to establish a second garage at 7880 44th Street Court North. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on April 3, 2025 where they recommended approval of the request. Mr. McClanahan concluded that staff also recommends approval with conditions, including the garage shall meet setback and height requirements; shall not exceed 1,000 square feet in size; a building permit must be obtained for the use; and the garage shall not be used as a dwelling unit. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about why obtaining a building permit is a required condition within the resolution, Mr. McClanahan stated that even though the building permit is already required by Code, including it as a CUP condition acts as a formal notice to the applicant: they still have to complete the building permit process before using the site as approved. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER SEVERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-38, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR AN ADDITIONAL GARAGE AT 7880 44TH STREET COURT NORTH, WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. 5 AYES ENGINEERING a) Approval of Proposal for Engineering Design and Construction Management Services for City Project P2023-05 Phase II: Willowbrooke Open Space Trails, North of 40th St N Mr. Bachmeier explained that as part of the 2025 CIP, a project was included to pave additional trails in the open space area of the Willowbrooke development, in line with the existing development agreement. Proposals were collected from engineering firms, and Alliant Engineering submitted the most competitive bid. Mr. Bachmeier requested that the City Council award the design and construction management services bid to Alliant for $43,920. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO SIGN THE PROPOSAL FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF OAKDALE AND ALLIANT ENGINEERING, INC. FOR CITY PROJECT P2023-05 PHASE II: WILLOWBROOKE OPEN SPACE TRAILS, NORTH OF 40TH STREET. 5 AYES 6 CITY ATTORNEY No report. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT a) Approval of Architectural Services Contract for Remodeled Police and City Hall Facilities City Administrator Chris Volkers explained that as part of the Remodeled Police and City Hall Facilities projects, the City went through a State-compliant, qualification-based selection process for an architectural firm to design these projects. Staff recommends that the City Council approve the architectural services contract with BKV Group, in the amount of $1,402,140. Mayor Zabel asked what portion of the $1.4 million contract applies to the Police Department versus City Hall, given they have different funding sources. Ms. Volkers responded that the cost split has not yet been determined, but the City Hall portion is expected to be paid from the Municipal Building Fund. Once the first invoice is received a budget adjustment will be necessary since the exact amount was not known during initial budgeting. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO SIGN AND EXECUTE THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH BKV GROUP IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,402,140. 5 AYES COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS Mayor Zabel made announcements about the following: • Park Clean Up Week began yesterday and runs through the 27th. Volunteers are still needed. Garbage bags are provided. To claim a park, visit www.oakdalemn.gov/673. • Registration for Oakdale Recreation’s summer youth programs opens Thursday, April 24th at 8 AM. To register online, visit www.oakdalefun.com. • The City has once again been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. The Tree City USA program provides a four-step framework to maintain and grow tree cover, and this is Oakdale’s 30th consecutive year to earn this recognition. • The City’s annual Pete Graske Arbor Day Tree Giveaway will be held on Saturday, April 26th at the North Fire Station. • The City’s first Eco Fair is on Saturday, April 26th from 9 AM to 1 PM at Castle Elementary School located at 6675 50th Street N. This event is free and open to the public. Visit www.oakdalemn.gov for more information. • The Maplewood Oakdale Lions Club is once again hosting the Citywide Garage Sale this year, taking place Thursday, May 1st through Saturday, May 3rd. For more information, see the Maplewood Oakdale Lions Club Facebook page. CLAIMS A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SEVERSON TO APPROVE CLAIMS FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 9, 2025 TO APRIL 22, 2025 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,256,220.14. 5 AYES 7 ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 22, 2025, AT 7:55 PM. 5 AYES Respectfully submitted, Sara Ludwig, City Clerk 8