City Council

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL May 27, 2025 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Oakdale was held on May 27, 2025 at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kevin Zabel at 7:02 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 Jake Foster, Assistant City Administrator Andy Gitzlaff, Community Development Director Kristina Handt, Interim Finance Director Luke McClanahan, City Planner Nick Newton, Police Chief Lori Pulkrabek, Communications Manager Ryan Stuart, Police Captain Cory Tietz, Public Works Director Kevin Wold, Fire Chief PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Mayor Zabel suggested moving consensus item i) under Council Presentations. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED FOR THE MEETING OF MAY 27, 2025. 5 AYES APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Workshop, May 13, 2025 Regular Meeting, May 13, 2025 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE THE WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 13, 2025. 1 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 13, 2025. 5 AYES PUBLIC HEARINGS a) Willowbrooke Twelfth Addition – Planned Unit Development Amendment, Final Plat, Site Plan, and Highway Noise Variance City Planner Luke McClanahan explained that the request is for 98 market-rate townhome units located on the northeast quadrant of 40th St N and I-694. The 9.5-acre site is the last developable area located within the Willowbrooke Planned Unit Development (PUD). Mr. McClanahan noted that the developer is seeking four approvals – a PUD amendment (from density standards and setback requirements), final plat, site plan, and a highway noise variance. The Consulting City Engineer noted that the adjacent northeast parcel (used for surface water treatment) must be included in the plat. Additionally, the developer must meet park dedication requirements as outlined in the Willowbrooke Master PUD agreement. Mr. McClanahan stated a trail is planned along the east side of the property, running north-south and connecting to the broader Willowbrooke neighborhood trail system. Although the City will maintain this trail, an easement must be established to allow public access. The Planning Commission held a public hearing at their May 1, 2025 meeting and recommended approval. Lastly, staff also recommended approval with required conditions in the attached resolutions. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about the 30-foot setback needed to accommodate a future pedestrian trail connection on the north side of 40th St N, Consulting City Engineer Brian Bachmeier indicated that this trail would have to be built by the developer, and would strictly provide an option for the I-694 pedestrian overpass as there has been no geographical determination for that sidewalk. 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 MORCOMB, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SEVERSON TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 945, AMENDING THE WILLOWBROOKE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT TO REDUCE THE REQUIRED DENSITY IN THE HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL AREA. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SEVERSON TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-50, APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT FOR WILLOWBROOKE TWELFTH ADDITION WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. Council Member Moore indicated she will be voting ‘no’ on Resolution 2025-50 and Resolution 2025-51 as she had concerns when the concept plan was presented at the February 25, 2025 Workshop and as of tonight, those concerns have not been addressed, particularly in regard to the setbacks. 4 AYES 2 1 NAY – MOORE A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SEVERSON TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-51, APPROVING THE SITE PLAN FOR WILLOWBROOKE TWELFTH ADDITION WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. 4 AYES 1 NAY – MOORE A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SEVERSON TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-52, APPROVING A VARIANCE FOR HIGHWAY NOISE LEVELS AT WILLOWBROOKE TWELFTH ADDITION. 5 AYES OPEN FORUM a) Proclamation: International Firefighters’ Day and Emergency Medical Services Week Mayor Zabel proclaimed May 4, 2025 as “International Firefighters’ Day” and the week of May 18- 24, 2025 as “Emergency Medical Services Week.” Mayor Zabel thanked all Fire Department staff for everything they do for the City of Oakdale. Mayor Zabel invited comments from the audience. No comments were heard. CONSENSUS MOTIONS Council Member Morcomb pulled consensus item b). a) Request that the City Council approve the renewal of the Secondhand Goods Dealer license to Game Related, LLC at 5685 Geneva Avenue North, for the license period of one year from the issuance date. c) Request that the City Council approve the reappointment of the below noted individuals to their respective advisory body commission, with the term to expire June 30, 2028. Environmental Management Commission Term to Expire Tim Doolittle June 30, 2028 Keegan Anderson June 30, 2028 Planning Commission Term to Expire Yaya Diatta June 30, 2028 Chris Campbell June 30, 2028 Parks and Recreation Commission Term to Expire Glen Giacoletto June 30, 2028 Tree Board Term to Expire Nick Kantola June 30, 2028 Michael Bender June 30, 2028 Mike Saarela June 30, 2028 3 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 Anthony Wessel as a part-time, temporary Police Department Intern effective May 28, 2025, conditioned on passing all background requirements. e) 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 Nick Danley as a full-time probationary Fire Marshal effective June 30, 2025, at a rate of pay consistent with the City base pay schedule, conditioned on passing all background requirements. f) Request that the City Council repeal City Policy EPB-023: Building Rehabilitation Loan Program, City Policy EPB-024: Emergency Home Repair Loan Program, and City Policy EPB-025: Community Fix Up Loan Program. Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2025-44, Repealing the Generation Green Building Program. g) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2025-53, accepting Farmer’s Market Grant Funds in the amount of $1,000 from Washington County to the City of Oakdale. Request that the City Council authorize the City Administrator to execute the 2025 Living Healthy Washington County MN Eats Grant agreement. h) Request that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to enter into an agreement with Regions Hospital Emergency Medical Services for Pre–Hospital Medical Direction Services. j) Request that the City Council authorize the issuance of a request for proposals for the repair of storm- damaged roofs of City-owned buildings. k) Request that the City Council approve the group 9 Police Lexipol policies as presented. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER SEVERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO APPROVE CONSENSUS MOTIONS A, C-H, AND J-K, AS PRESENTED. 5 AYES CONSENSUS ITEM B) REQUEST THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AMEND CITY POLICY CC-002: CITY COUNCIL ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS. Council Member Morcomb stated that the City Council would like additional time to review the proposed changes to the policy prior to formal approval. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL THE JUNE 10, 2025 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING. 5 AYES ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Environmental Management Commission (met on 5/19/25, Council Liaison Zabel) 4  Mayor Zabel was unable to attend the meeting, therefore, no report was given. Planning Commission (no meeting, Council Liaison Willenbring) Parks and Recreation Commission (met on 5/20/25, Council Liaison Morcomb) Council Member Morcomb reported that the Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the Park System Plan and discussed Summerfest. Tree Board (no meeting, Council Liaison Moore) AWARD OF BIDS None STAFF REPORTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT a) Conditional Use Permit – Electronic Dynamic Business Sign at 1803 Geneva Ave N Mr. McClanahan explained that the request is for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for an electronic dynamic business sign at 1803 Geneva Avenue North. There is currently a monument sign onsite, and the applicant is planning to add a new electronic dynamic business sign component to the existing sign. The Planning Commission held a public hearing at their May 1, 2025 meeting and recommended approval. Lastly, staff also recommended approval with required conditions in the attached resolutions. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-48, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR AN ELECTRONIC DYNAMIC BUSINESS SIGN AT 1803 GENEVA AVENUE NORTH, WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. 5 AYES b) Enclave Helmo Station – Final Plat, Noise Variance, and Development Agreement Mr. McClanahan explained that the request is for approval of the final plat of Enclave Helmo Station, a highway noise variance, and a Development Agreement. The request includes a 112- unit market-rate rental townhome development, a 262-unit multifamily market-rate apartment building, and a 2.83-acre public park on the properties addressed 7600, 7750, 7700, 7655, and 7701 3rd St N. Staff recommended approval with required conditions in the attached resolutions. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-46, APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT OF ENCLAVE HELMO STATION, 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 2025-47, APPROVING A VARIANCE FOR 5 HIGHWAY NOISE LEVELS AT ENCLAVE HELMO STATION, WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION. 5 AYES A MOTION WAS MADE BY MAYOR ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO TABLE THE SIGNING AND EXECUTION OF THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR ENCLAVE HELMO STATION UNTIL THE JUNE 10, 2025 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING. Mayor Zabel explained that there are no known concerns with the agreement, but that the City Council did not have adequate time to review and understand the financials within the agreement. 5 AYES ENGINEERING a) Approval of Plans and Specifications for City Project R2025-02 (2025 Street Overlay) and Authorizing the Advertisement for and Collection of Bids Mr. Bachmeier explained that the request is to approve the plans and specifications for City Project R2025-02 (2025 Street Overlay) which provide for the overlay of the pavement, trail reconstruction, and street light pole and fixture replacement. The streets included in the project are Hadley Ave N from 10th St N to Hallmark Ave N. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER SEVERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-49, APPROVING THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR CITY PROJECT R2025-02 (2025 STREET OVERLAY) AND AUTHORIZE THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS. 5 AYES CITY ATTORNEY City Attorney Jim Thomson reported that the City won their lawsuit against Oakdale Marketplace, LLC; however, the developer has sixty days to appeal the decision. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT No report. COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS Mayor Zabel made announcements about the following: • The first Oakdale Farmers Market of the season will be held on Wednesday, June 4th from 2 to 6 PM in the City Hall parking lot. • Nominations for the Acorn award are now open through June 30th. Residents can nominate as many properties as they like, including their own. To learn more and nominate, visit www.oakdalemn.gov. • Water Tower 3, located at 2347 Hallmark Avenue N along the west side of I-694, is undergoing a reconditioning project with upgrades to the interior and painting of the exterior to give it a revitalized appearance. This project is expected to conclude in July. For more information, visit www.oakdalemn.gov. 6  • Oakdale Summerfest is June 23rd through 28th. For the full schedule, visit www.oakdalesummerfest.com. Thank you to the Oakdale Summerfest Community Organization for their volunteer efforts in coordinating this cornerstone community celebration. • The City extends its condolences to the family of Oak Park Heights Mayor Mary McComber who passed away on May 26, 2025 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. i) Request that the City Council waive reading and adopt Resolution 2025-45, accepting Council Member Susan Willenbring’s resignation from the Office as of midnight on June 6, 2025 and declaring a vacancy in the City Council to be filled by appointment. Council Member Willenbring thanked the residents for the opportunity to serve. She gave a special thanks to City staff for being kind, generous, intelligent, capable, and trusting. She thanked Mayor Zabel for his guidance and City Administrator Chris Volkers for being a wonderful administrator, a thoughtful counselor, and a supportive friend. Lastly, she thanked Police Chief Nick Newton for being a good mentor and great Police Chief. Mayor Zabel thanked Council Member Willenbring for her service to the residents of Oakdale as a member of the City Council. Council Member Morcomb thanked Council Member Willenbring for her dedication to the City for the last six-and-a-half years. Council Member Severson stated that he appreciates her willingness to step up and stand up for what she believes in. Council Member Moore thanked Council Member Willenbring for what she has taught her in the short amount of time they were able to serve together. A MOTION WAS MADE BY MAYOR ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-45, ACCEPTING COUNCIL MEMBER SUSAN WILLENBRING’S RESIGNATION FROM THE OFFICE AS OF MIDNIGHT ON JUNE 6, 2025 AND DECLARING A VACANCY IN THE CITY COUNCIL TO BE FILLED BY APPOINTMENT. 5 AYES CLAIMS A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER MOORE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MORCOMB TO APPROVE CLAIMS FOR THE PERIOD MAY 14, 2025 TO MAY 27, 2025 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,411,272.34. 5 AYES ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY MAYOR ZABEL TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 27, 2025, AT 7:50 PM. 5 AYES Respectfully submitted, Sara Ludwig, City Clerk 7