City Council Workshop

WORKSHOP OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL June 9, 2020 ATTENDANCE The City Council held a workshop on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting began at 5:45 PM. Present: Mayor Paul Reinke Council Members: Jake Ingebrigtson Susan Olson Colleen Swedberg Kevin Zabel Also Present: Craig Dawson, Interim City Administrator Brian Bachmeier, Public Works Director/City Engineer Susan Barry, City Clerk Alyssa MacLeod, Communications Specialist Chelsea Petersen, Administrative Services Director Bob Streetar, Community Development Director Bill Sullivan, Chief of Police (The City Council’s annual tour of Acorn Award winning properties was canceled due to inclement weather). TEMPORARY DRIVE-IN CINEMA PERMIT: MARCUS THEATER Community Development Director Streetar reviewed a request from Marcus Theater, 5677 Hadley Avenue, to use a portion of their parking lot as an outdoor drive-in movie area for patrons who would prefer to not watch a movie indoors at this time. He noted that the request would be presented at the regular meeting and would terminate September 30. Community Development Director Streetar further noted that the screen would be located on the northeast side of the property with sound provided to each vehicle via an FM transmitter. He further noted that concessions would be available and that there were no issues noted by staff or regulatory agencies relating to the request. Council Member Ingebrigtson commented on the possibility of having the theater offer outdoor movies every summer. Community Development Director Streetar stated that staff had been working with Brothers Event Center and The Bierstube on temporarily modifying their liquor licenses to allow expanded outdoor licensed areas relating to liquor sales; however, Bergen Plaza would not permit the expanded areas. In addition, he noted that no applications for expanded liquor licenses had yet been received by the city. COUNCIL DISCUSSION Police Chief Sullivan provided an update on protests in the community relating to the George Floyd matter. Mobile Food Vendors Council Member Zabel asked that staff report back on temporarily waiving license fees for mobile food vendors, allowing trucks to sell in city parks, and to also review mobile food truck fees of other communities. WORKSHOP June 9, 2020 Page Two The City Council supported this request. Tree Board Remote Meetings Council Member Swedberg shared that the Tree Board was interested in continuing to hold their quarterly meetings remotely. It was determined that the question would be presented to the city attorney at the regular meeting. Council Member Swedberg noted that the Tree Board’s fall projects included planting at the dog park and the annual buckthorn removal. REAPPOINTMENT INTERVIEWS: EDC The City Council interviewed persons seeking reappointment to the Economic Development Commission: Bill Burns, Frank Orsello, and Bob Stiglich. COVID-19 UPDATE Interim City Administrator Dawson asked for direction on whether to reopen city facilities on Wednesday, June 10, or Monday, June 15. The City Council supported reopening June 15. In response to a question from Council Member Zabel on whether the Mayor’s Emergency Declaration could be canceled, Interim City Administrator Dawson recommended allowing the local declaration to expire concurrently with the governor’s emergency order. Administrative Services Director Petersen commented on how the local emergency can help the city qualify for FEMA reimbursements and in procuring personal protective equipment and supplies. Council Member Swedberg requested that the remaining temporary signs posted at city parks be removed. Public Works Director/City Engineer Bachmeier noted that the Oakdale Adult Softball Association (OASA) leagues and the Oakdale Athletic Association (OAA) baseball program planned to begin a hybrid season; as such, he planned to proceed with the hiring of two additional season staff members to assist with field preparation. In response to a question from Council Member Zabel, Public Works Director/City Engineer Bachmeier noted that the fencing and paving project at the Walton Park ballfield complex was scheduled to begin September 15 and conclude at the end of October. He added that the OASA and OAA planned to schedule around the project. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 6:44 PM. Respectfully submitted, Susan Barry, City Clerk