City Council Workshop
Regular MeetingOakdale, MN · August 10, 2020
Minutes
WORKSHOP
OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL
August 10, 2020
ATTENDANCE
The City Council held a workshop on Monday, August 10, 2020, at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley
Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting began at 5 PM.
Present: Mayor Paul Reinke
Council Members: Jake Ingebrigtson
Susan Olson
Colleen Swedberg
Kevin Zabel
Also Present: Christina Volkers, City Administrator
Brian Bachmeier, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Susan Barry, City Clerk
Alyssa MacLeod, Communications Specialist
Bill Sullivan, Chief of Police
Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent
FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
Police Chief Sullivan shared the details that resulted in the city canceling the Food Truck Festival
planned for August 8, primarily estimated attendance of at least 3,000 that would have violated the
governor’s orders relating to gatherings during COVID-19 as well as the event attracting potential
protests relating to civil unrest in the state. He added that such events should follow the city’s special
event review process and suggested that a future event could be smaller in scale and spread out at
several locations in the city.
The City Council commented on similar events that have been held by other communities.
City Administrator Volkers noted that a special event permit had been requested for a weekly farmers
market at Fleet Farm, 5635 Hadley Avenue. She noted that the request had been denied by staff as
special event permit issuances ceased in March due to COVID-19; however, that was to end May 23 yet
has remained in effect. City Administrator Volkers further noted that the applicant questioned why the
city is able to hold a weekly market; as such, she granted permission for a market to be held on August
11 but sought direction from the City Council for future markets.
Mayor Reinke supported allowing businesses to hold events provided they abide by all COVID-19 rules.
In response to questions from Council Member Zabel, Recreation Superintendent Williams described
the documentation required from vendors at the city’s farmers market.
Council Member Zabel asked that the Fleet Farm vendors provide the same.
Council Member Ingebrigtson supported allowing special events held outdoors, but not indoors.
In response to a comment about potential crowds on election day, Police Chief Sullivan stated that
Washington County takes every precaution relating to COVID-19.
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August 10, 2020
Page Two
In response to a question from Council Member Zabel, City Administrator Volkers noted that staff would
provide examples of the types of events that would necessitate a special event permit and develop a
policy for such.
Council Member Zabel also asked for clarification on determining total capacity at outdoor venues, such
as Fleet Farm and whether persons at the garden center or parking lot would be included in the farmers
market.
In discussing whether a farmers market could be held at Fleet Farm on August 11, the City Council
responded:
Mayor Reinke: Yes, but limit to 10 vendors.
Council Member Olson: Yes, but expressed concern with perception of allowing an event.
Council Member Swedberg: Yes, provided application and all documentation is submitted.
Council Member Ingebrigtson: No, first have everything in place before approving special event
permits.
Council Member Zabel: Yes, provided vendors submit same documentation as for the
city’s farmers market.
The conclusion was to allow the farmers market at Fleet Farm.
Police Chief Sullivan indicated that staff would provide a list of other upcoming events that the City
Council would need to consider.
GUARDIAN ANGELS CHURCH FIREWORKS REQUEST
Police Chief Sullivan discussed a request from Guardian Angels Church, 8260 – 4th Street, that had
been submitted to the fire chief, to have a fireworks show as part of their annual festival. He shared
concerns relating to social distancing as well as concerns from Oak Meadows Senior Living facility
about the proximity of spectators in addition to the likely gathering of more than 250, which would
violate the governor’s order. Police Chief Sullivan briefly discussed the option of the church hiring
security to maintain social distancing.
The request will be denied at the recommendation of public safety staff and after further discussion.
OPEN FORUM POLICY
City Administrator Volkers provided an overview of a recent situation where a person spoke under Open
Forum; however, did not publically state their name and address, as directed by Policy MIS-014: Public
Comments and Rules of Conduct. She submitted a proposed change to the policy that would allow
persons to provide their name and address to the city clerk for inclusion in the minutes.
After brief discussion, the conclusion was to make no modifications to the current policy and to be sure
all speakers publically state their name and address for the record, per Police MIS-014.
SKYVIEW SCHOOL POOL AQUATICS AGREEMENT
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August 10, 2020
Page Three
Recreation Superintendent Williams provided an overview of an aquatics agreement between the city
and ISD 622, in place since 2003, and noted that School District 622 was recommending entering into
a separate agreement for each of the three seasons due to the uncertainty of COVID-19. She explained
that ISD 622 staffs, registers, and conducts all swimming and aquatics programs and that both parties
promote the programs.
In response to a comment from Council Member Zabel, Recreation Superintendent Williams explained
that the monthly increase from $2,000 to $2,900 was due to staff pay increases and cleaning
protocols.
Mayor Reinke asked Recreation Superintendent Williams to provide residency data on participants in
swimming programs as well as open swim and whether Maplewood or North Saint Paul have similar
contracts with ISD 622.
City Administrator Volkers indicated that she and the Recreation Superintendent would meet with the
ISD 622 aquatics director to discuss the proposed agreement and would bring the matter back before
the City Council for further discussion.
ICE RINK RENTALS
Recreation Superintendent Williams recommended a rate of $40 per hour for renting ice time at the
city’s outdoor skating rinks, with hours of Monday through Friday, 8 to 10 PM and on Saturdays and
Sundays from 10 AM to noon, per a request from the City Council. She added that city rink attendants
would be assigned to the rinks during rentals, as well as for open skating.
Staff was asked to post available times for open skating on the website.
The City Council modified the rental hours on weekends to be 8 AM to 12 noon.
Council Member Zabel asked that renting of ice time rental be done on a trial basis, with no further
comments about this.
UPPER 51ST STREET – COMMERCIAL TRUCK TRAFFIC
Public Works Director/City Engineer Bachmeier discussed a resident complaint about the amount of
commercial truck traffic on Upper 51st Street. He explained that the posted sign prohibiting commercial
truck traffic is unenforceable as the associated code was rescinded in 2008; however, the sign can
remain in place as a way of discouraging truck traffic. Public Works Director/City Engineer Bachmeier
also commented on the need for businesses in the area to have access and that, at some point, the
50th Street accesses would be closed, which would further affect access to the area.
Council Member Swedberg asked that businesses in the area direct truck traffic north to Hadley
Avenue.
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August 10, 2020
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City Administrator Volkers informed the City Council that Community Development Director Streetar
would be bringing forth a proposal to develop a small area plan for that area as many current uses do
not match zoning designations.
In response to a concern expressed by Council Member Olson, Mayor Reinke explained that zoning
changes that affect existing businesses and home owners would not result in owners losing property;
the new zoning would become effective upon sale of the property and the area would transition over a
long period of time.
Council Member Ingebrigtson was not comfortable with restricting a business owners’ ability to sell their
business should the zoning not permit the business.
Council Member Zabel was concerned with funding the small area plan and noted that the immediate
concerns about commercial truck traffic still needs to be addressed.
The consensus of the City Council was to leave the sign prohibiting truck traffic on Upper 51st Street in
place.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Bachmeier reiterated that the sign would be a deterrent but not
enforceable.
Mayor Reinke directed Public Works Director/City Engineer Bachmeier to contact the resident to advise
them that the sign would remain and to also let them know of the potential of a plan being developed
for the area.
2021 BUDGET
City Administrator Volkers provided a brief overview of the upcoming budget and levy reviews.
COUNCIL TOPICS
Tanners Lake Redevelopment Site
In response to a request from Council Member Ingebrigtson for an update on the Tanners Lake
Redevelopment site, City Administrator Volkers replied that staff has been in contact with hotel
developers; however, projects are on hold due to COVID-19.
Bike and Pedestrian Plan
Council Member Zabel asked that the City Council be updated on the bike and pedestrian plan.
Recreational Fires
Council Member Swedberg shared a complaint from a resident about smoke created from recreational
fires and asked that the city consider setting hours when fires are allowed rather than allowing them
late into the evening.
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August 10, 2020
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Taco Bell Stop Sign
Council Member Swedberg commented on the difficulty of exiting the Taco Bell (Bergen Plaza) drive-
through lane due to the placement of a nearby stop sign.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Bachmeier indicated that had spoken to Taco Bell about the matter
but would reach out to them again.
IT Services
In response to an inquiry from Council Member Swedberg about conducting a study of IT providers, City
Administrator Volkers noted that a recommendation was forthcoming.
ADJOURNMENT
The workshop adjourned at 6:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Barry, City Clerk
Agenda
AGENDA
City Council Workshop
Monday, August 10, 2020
Council Chambers
5 PM Open Forum Policy
5:15 PM Skyview School Pool Aquatics Agreement
5:30 PM Walton Park Ice Rink Rentals
5:45 PM Upper 51st Street Commercial Truck Traffic
6 PM Verbal Update on Status of 2021 Budget Preparation
6:15 PM Council Topics
6:45 PM Recess for Regular Meeting
COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Christina M. Volkers, City Administrator
Date: August 10 2020
Subject: Proposed Policy Amendment: Public Comments and Rules of Conduct
It is requested that the City Council consider amending Policy MIS-014: Public Comments and Rules of
Conduct, as proposed on the attached document.
Standard Operating Policy
City of Oakdale
Policy Number: MIS-014
Pages: 1
Subject: Public Comments and Rules of Conduct
Date Approved: 2018
1.0 Generally
1.1 The Oakdale City Council wishes to give everyone an opportunity to be heard on matters not
currently before the Council. As such, the Council has set aside a period for public comment near
the beginning of each Council meeting, called “Open Forum”.
1.2 “Open Forum” provides an opportunity to be heard and is not normally an opportunity to debate an
issue.
2.0 Rules of Conduct
2.1 During the “Open Forum” portion of the Council meeting, all persons wishing to address the Council
shall approach the podium when recognized by the Mayor and clearly and verbally state their
name, address, and subject being addressed. Should a speaker not wish to announce their name
and/or address while addressing the City Council, the Mayor may allow the speaker to provide the
information directly to the City Clerk, prior to making their statement, to be recorded in the minutes.
2.2 Generally, a time period of no more than 20 minutes is reserved for public comment, with each
speaker receiving a three-minute time limit. Each speaker should observe this timeframe and plan
their remarks accordingly.
2.3 Each speaker will be permitted to address the Council once during the meeting, unless all other
persons desiring to speak have had the opportunity to do so and the Mayor determines that
sufficient time remains to permit speakers a second opportunity to address the Council.
2.4 Speakers shall address all statements and questions to the Mayor. The Mayor, in turn, will refer any
questions or research requests to staff.
2.5 Speakers should strive to provide only factual information and refrain from repeating comments
made by other speakers.
2.6 After everyone in the audience wishing to speak has given their comments, or at the end of the
allotted time for public comments, the Mayor shall close the “Open Forum” portion of the meeting.
At this time, discussion shall be limited to the Council and staff unless the Mayor requests the
speaker to assist the Council.
2.7 The Council does not take action on items brought up under “Open Forum” so they may allow time
to thoroughly research the respective matter(s) and provide a measured and fair response.
Matters raised may be referred to staff and a response, if necessary, will be provided to the
speaker. If a matter will need to be brought back to the Council at a future meeting, staff will notify
the speaker at such time that a meeting date has been determined.
2.8 Should a member or members of the audience be identified as disorderly, the Mayor has the right
to declare the meeting temporarily recessed and call for the removal of said person(s) from the
premises.
2.9 Persons not recognized by the Mayor should refrain from commenting, interrupting a speaker at the
podium, conducting conversations with other members of the audience, or creating any other type
of disruption that might distract a member of the Council, city staffer, or a speaker at the podium.
3.0 The same rules of conduct noted in this policy shall also apply to members of the audience wishing
to address the Council during any scheduled public hearing.
COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent
Date: August 10, 2020
Subject: ISD 622 Aquatics Contract 2020/2021 Discussion
Since 2003, the Oakdale Recreation Department has partnered with ISD 622 Community
Education on an annual basis to offer aquatic programs at the Skyview pool to all Oakdale
residents. ISD 622 and the Recreation Department offer a variety of Red Cross swimming
lessons for kids (Preschool, Level 1–6, and private lessons); water fitness for adults; and open
swim for all ages. ISD 622 plans, organizes, schedules, and staffs all swimming activities for
the city. This includes all recruiting, hiring, and training of lifeguards, water safety instructors,
and other aquatic staff.
In 2008, the Recreation Department and ISD 622 renegotiated the aquatics contract whereby
the city and ISD 622 jointly promote all aquatics programs offered in the district, with ISD 622
being fully responsible for processing all aquatic registrations, including absorbing registration
software and credit card costs. All registration fees are paid to ISD 622 but fully reimbursed
to the Oakdale Recreation Department after each season.
The aquatics agreement between the Oakdale Recreation Department and ISD 622
Community Education has been extremely successful and has been a very efficient and cost
effective way to offer swim lessons to the residents of Oakdale.
ISD 622 is currently planning lessons for the fall season and has asked that staff reach out
to the Council to begin discussions to determine if the city is interested in renewing the annual
contract; a copy of which is not yet available for review but anticipated to be very soon. Their
current plan is to have fewer swimmers in each lesson, some programs will be required to
have an adult in the water and the instructors will teach from the deck. This will decrease the
overall revenue while expenses will remain the same. Some costs may be a bit higher because
of increased cleaning of the pool and the locker rooms.
Budget for 2020 is $22,000 (revenue), $26,800 (expenditures).
Projection for 2020 is $14,800 (revenue), $20,400 (expenditures).
Proposed budget for 2021 is $22,000 (revenue), $27,300 (expenditures).
COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent
Date: August 10, 2020
Subject: Outdoor Ice Rink Fees
At its July 14 workshop, the City Council directed staff to look into the potential of charging
organizations for use of ice time at outdoor city skating rinks. Staff received fee information
from the following communities:
CITY/ORGANIZATION NOTES FEE
Burnsville Burnsville Hockey Club reserves ice time for hockey $15/hr during
practices. open skate
hours
$25/hr during
non-staffed
hours
$82/day
North St. Paul No charge,
issues permit
Roseville Nominal fee to pay for staffing. $15/hr resident
$17/hr
Non-resident
St. Croix Valley Rec No charge, has
Center to share with the
public
St. Mary’s Point Allows one practice per week. $75/hr
Woodbury Only allows groups outside of open skate hours. $40/hr, covers
rink rental,
warming house
and attendant
Outdoor skating rinks with warming houses are located at Richard Walton Park (hockey and
pleasure) and Northdale Park. A rink is also located at Eastside Park with no warming
house. Council had directed staff in January to provide temporary warming houses at the
Eastside and Walton hockey rinks for the upcoming season (2 year trial).
Warming House Hours:
Monday through Friday 4 to 8 PM
Saturdays 12 to 8 PM
Sundays 12 to 7 PM
Staff recommends allowing outside groups use of outdoor ice rinks after open skate hours,
8 to 10 PM, Monday through Friday and 10 AM to 12 PM on weekends at a rate $40/hour.
This would cover rink, warming house use and staff time.
COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Brian Bachmeier, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Date: August 10, 2020
Subject: Truck Traffic on Upper 51st Street
Background
The City has received a complaint regarding truck traffic on Upper 51st Street from TH 120 to Glenbrook
Avenue, due to the closure of the Glenbrook Avenue access to TH 36 associated with the TH36/Hadley
interchange project.
The existing and future land uses adjacent to this street include: single family, multifamily, and
commercial. In 2008 the City Council rescinded an ordinance that prohibited thru truck traffic on Upper
51st Street due to the mixed traffic that needs to use the street for access and circulation. The “No Thru
Trucks” signs were not removed.
Earlier this year, the Community Development Director recommended initiating a Small Area Plan (SAP)
to address the land use conflicts, however the Council postponed the decision until later in the year.
There are still signs that prohibit thru trucks on the roadway. They can be removed, however they may
have some effect in reducing truck traffic.
Workshop Outcome Suggested
• Initiating the SAP.
• Leave the “No Thru Trucks” signs in place until completion of the SAP.
Hub Management requests approval of a Final Plat for the Highway 36 Business Center project approved
by the City Council in November 2007.
The site plan has been adjusted to reflect conditions of approval including landscaping elements and proof
of parking on the north side of the site.
The applicant has indicated that they are in negotiations with at least two possible tenants and are planning
to commence construction once 40% of the project is leased.
It has also been discovered that a provision in Chapter 12 of the City code restricts commercial through
truck traffic on Upper 51 sc based on issues from years past. ( See Attached) However, with the recent
approval of the subject project and the future plans for Highway 36, the language is no longer appropriate.
Therefore, it should be deleted from ordinance to prevent any confusion in the future.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the request for final plat be approved. A revision requested by Staff has been
completed in regard to labeling of the detention pond on the east end of the site.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the final plat for the Highway 36 Business Center, subject to remaining conditions of
the November 2007, approval, which will be addressed prior to the start of construction.
Motion to amend Chapter 12 of the City Code repealing language pertaining to commercial through traffic
access on Upper 51" Street in Section 12 -9.
Attachments: Final plat application and legal description
Resolution on Preliminary Plat/ Site Plan
Copy of City Code of Ordinances - Ch. 12, Sec. 12 -9 ( Language to be removed)
Final Plat map
Updated site and landscape plans 12/ 21/ 07
c: Brent Godbout, Hub. Mgmt.
S. ManninglBrent Corres1Hwy36RCAdoc
City Council RCA
February 7, 2008
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