City Council Workshop
Regular MeetingOakdale, MN · August 8, 2023
Minutes
WORKSHOP MINUTES
OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 8, 2023
The City Council held a workshop on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at Oakdale City Hall, 1584
Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting began at 5:00 PM.
Present: Mayor Kevin Zabel
Council Members: Noah Her
Jake Ingebrigtson
Andy Morcomb
Susan Willenbring (excused at 8:35 PM)
City Staff Members: Christina Volkers, City Administrator
Sara Ludwig, City Clerk
Hannah Dunn, Community Development Specialist
Jesse Farrell, City Engineer
Luke McClanahan, City Planner
Nick Newton, Police Chief
Lori Pulkrabek, Communications Manager
Jim Romanik, Public Works Manager
Kevin Wold, Fire Chief
Jason Zimmerman, Finance Director
Kevin Zittel, Facilities Manager
Others Present: Marc Cove, Oakdale Resident
Larry Eberhard, Oakdale Resident
Pam Jungmann, Oakdale Resident
Angie Propp, Oakdale Resident
Paul Reinke, Oakdale Resident
Chang Yang, Environmental Management Commission Applicant
Matt Yetzer, Senior Development Associate, MWF Properties, LLC
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION (EMC) INTERVIEW CANDIDATE: CHANG YANG
Mayor Zabel explained the interview process noting that it is an informal process and a chance
to get to know Mr. Yang.
Mr. Yang provided a brief introduction about his past, current residency and reasons for
moving to Oakdale, and work experience.
In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about the biggest environmental challenge and
opportunity for cities like Oakdale, Mr. Yang said the environmental challenge is to keep the
City’s trails available while the City continues to grow. Additionally, the biggest environmental
opportunities include the move to electric vehicles and making cities like Oakdale more
multimodal.
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AUGUST 8, 2023
PAGE TWO
Council Member Morcomb asked how Mr. Chang would handle potential conflicts of interest
due to working for the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Mr. Chang stated that he got
approval from his employer to sit on the EMC. He added that he has the ability to recuse
himself if there is any conflict of interest.
In response to Council Member Her’s question about the one item that Mr. Chang is looking
to get out of serving on the EMC, Mr. Chang replied that he would like to develop his skills in
participating in a public setting, as well as use this as an opportunity to further community
engagement.
In response to Council Member Willenbring’s question about Mr. Chang’s top priorities for the
EMC, Mr. Chang reiterated his interest in making Oakdale multimodal-friendly and green-
friendly.
DISCUSSION RE: EMC APPLICANT
Council was in agreement to move forward with appointing Mr. Chang to the Environmental
Management Commission.
MWF HELMO STATION – MULTIFAMILY DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT PLAN
City Planner Luke McClanahan provided background on the second MWF property being
proposed by this developer in Oakdale. MWF Properties’ is proposing a 133-unit market rate
multifamily development – apartment building – within the Helmo Station Planned Unit
Development (HS-PUD). He explained that this development will need a PUD amendment to
allow the proposed apartment building to be four stories in height. Mr. McClanahan shared
staff’s recommendation which was general support of the PUD amendment. Lastly, Mr.
McClanahan noted this is a concept plan and is subject to change before it comes back to
Council through the formal application process.
Matt Yetzer, Senior Development Associate with MWF Properties provided background on
MWF Properties and similar projects they have worked on throughout Minnesota. Mr. Yetzer
also described community amenities that would be included in this multifamily development.
The proposed amenities include a community room, game room, outdoor patio, and a sky
lounge.
Mayor Zabel asked if the sky lounge will be on the northern side or the eastern side of the
property. Mr. Yetzer said the current layout places it on the northeast corner. He added that
the sky lounge will replace residential units on the fourth floor.
In response to Council Member Her’s question about nine-foot ceilings within the units, Mr.
Yetzer confirmed.
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AUGUST 8, 2023
PAGE THREE
Mr. Yetzer explained why the location is well suited for this project. He concluded by reviewing
the design considerations stating that the HS-PUD Architectural Standards will be followed. A
print out of the shadow study results was handed out to Council.
Mayor Zabel did not have any concerns with the request for four-stories as is it not a huge
deviation. Council Member Willenbring agreed.
Council Member Morcomb asked if the HS-PUD was rezoned during the Gold Line BRT project
discussions that took place years ago. Mayor Zabel confirmed. Council Member Morcomb
followed up asking if the residents were informed of the rezoning and the possibility of
multifamily development in the future. Mayor Zabel indicated the community engagement was
led by Washington County and was incredibly robust.
Council Members Ingebrigtson and Her were supportive of the project.
City Administrator Chris Volkers asked about the estimated value of the project after
completion. Mr. Yetzer stated roughly $26 million.
Mayor Zabel asked if MWF Properties has been in contact with the land owner. Mr. Yetzer
confirmed. He added that he has spoken with the Minnesota Department of Transportation
as well as they have a temporary construction easement on the property.
Overall, the Council was supportive of the project moving forward.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION – PUBLIC WORKS MANAGER
Public Works Manager Jim Romanik updated the Council on the current status of the new
Public Works facility. Staff continues to meet with HCM Architects weekly to review and update
plans and budgets for the facility. Staff also meets with 3M weekly to discuss the timing of the
site cleanup in preparation for City construction to start in 2024. The Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency is now involved in the 3M site cleanup discussions.
Mayor Zabel asked about the removal of the trees from the site. Mr. Romanik stated it is
estimated that 3M will remove ninety percent of the trees while the City will remove the
remaining ten percent.
Mayor Zabel also asked about the timeline of the project. Ms. Volkers said that 3M has until
April 1, 2024 to clean up the site which, at this time, is not likely to happen. She added that
staff may bring forth an approval for authorization to order building materials this Fall so that
construction may start in Summer of 2024, once the cleanup is complete.
Mr. Romanik reported that the reconstruction of lift station #6 started in the Fall of 2022, and
was recently completed in July. The lift station was relocated south of the existing lift station,
and is now fully operational.
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AUGUST 8, 2023
PAGE FOUR
Mayor Zabel asked if there were any delays during this relocation project. Mr. Romanik
indicated weather was the only thing that may have caused it to take longer than anticipated.
Mr. Romanik also noted that currently Lake Elmo has not hooked up to this lift station yet, but
they are sharing the cost of the relocation. Mayor Zabel requested that staff review the
contract to see if there is any language about a date in which Lake Elmo must hook up to the
lift station and start paying for its use.
Mr. Romanik reported on the street reconstruction and overlay projects stating that the water
main replacement in the 9th Street and Gershwin Avenue area as well as the Glenbrook
Avenue area are moving along. The mill and overlay project on 15th Street and Helmo Avenue
is also progressing as expected with the completion of the sidewalk replacement.
In reference to the lift stations, Council Member Morcomb asked if the City is able to
accommodate its growth. Mr. Romanik stated that this is evaluated at the Development
Review Committee when projects are presented. If any infrastructure upsizing is needed, the
developer has to pay for it.
In response to Council Member Her asking about the possibility of adding a water tower on
the east side of Oakdale, Mr. Romanik said that has only been an internal staff discussion,
and has not been formally explored and the engineers tell us it is not likely needed.
Lastly, Mr. Romanik reported on the Willowbrooke trails that the City is constructing. Grading
work has started on the trails, and the project is scheduled to be completed in August.
In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about the Parks crews, Mr. Romanik stated that they
are transitioning field maintenance from summer sports to fall sports; and seasonal help is
starting to go back to school.
Council Member Willenbring asked about the level of acceptance from the Public Works
employees about moving into the new facility despite the land’s history. Mr. Romanik inferred
that staff are put at ease knowing the research and work with the contractor that is going into
the vapor barrier installation/operating under the new building for this facility.
Council Member Her pointed out a few of the 2023 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) items –
Tilsen Park Playground Replacement, Eastside Park Volleyball Court, and Oakdale Park Trail
Repaving – and asked for a general check in on the status of these projects. Mr. Romanik
shared that staff is working on an evaluation form to evaluate all the playground conditions
to get a better idea of which ones to replace first, but noted that staff is seeking proposals
from two vendors for the upcoming playground improvements. Mayor Zabel elaborated stating
that the prior Council requested that staff look at current playgrounds based on condition,
use, neighborhood demographic, etc. Some of that will be address with a larger effort of a
Parks Master Plan to be done in the future.
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AUGUST 8, 2023
PAGE FIVE
Council Member Her asked if the 2023 playground improvement project will get pushed out
to 2024. Ms. Volkers confirmed, but stated that fall and winter is a good time to go out and
order the products and line up a vendor to do installation. As a follow up, Council Member Her
asked if the 2024 project will get pushed out too. Ms. Volkers stated this will likely not be the
case as there are some advantages to doing multiple playground improvements at once, such
as cost savings by purchasing in larger quantities.
Mr. Romanik asked if the Eastside Park Volleyball Court project can be pushed out until staff
can do additional research on the artificial turf discussed at a previous workshop. Council was
supportive of this request.
Mayor Zabel asked about the status of the Walton Park kitchen improvement project that was
slated for completion in 2022. Mr. Romanik noted that due to the popularity of the kitchen
and use for tournaments, this project has not been completed, but said it should be completed
before the end of the year.
OAKDALE SUMMERFEST COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION (OSCO) DEBRIEF WITH COUNCIL ABOUT
SUMMERFEST 2023
Mayor Zabel thanked OSCO for their tremendous work on Summerfest 2023, and noted there
has been very positive feedback from residents. He added that there are a lot of residents
interested in how they can get involved next year.
Oakdale resident Paul Reinke shared his appreciation for the City’s contribution to OSCO via
its Charitable Gambling fund. In reference to OSCO’s ledger that was handed out, Mr. Reinke
made note of a few outstanding revenues and expenses, but stated overall its mostly current.
Mayor Zabel complimented OSCO on the numerous contributions received from the business
community in support of Summerfest 2023.
Mr. Reinke mentioned amending the City ordinance that does not allow for advertising of the
City, the festival, and the sponsors on banners throughout the City.
Council Member Ingebrigtson asked if there might an opportunity for organizations to have
pull tabs at Summerfest next year. Oakdale resident and OSCO Officer Marc Cove confirmed
that is a possibility. Oakdale resident and OSCO Officer Angie Propp added that OSCO could
get their own gambling license at some point as they are a non-profit organization.
Mr. Cove stated that the week of Summerfest will have to change in 2024 due to the
Juneteenth federal holiday falling on a Wednesday. The new dates will be June 26th-29th, with
the golf tournament taking place on Monday, June 24th which will coincide with the first day
of the medallion hunt. The picnic will be on Friday, June 28th.
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AUGUST 8, 2023
PAGE SIX
Council Member Ingebrigtson stated that the feedback for the 2023 medallion hunt was
extremely positive.
Mr. Reinke thanked the City for their partnership and applauded the Police and Fire
Departments for their presence and proactiveness. Oakdale resident Larry Eberhard echoed
Mr. Reinke’s kudos. Mr. Cove thanked Mayor Zabel for his marketing efforts and help with the
branding for OSCO.
Mr. Reinke noted that there can be improvement in the area of recruiting volunteers. Mayor
Zabel stated that whenever OSCO is ready the City and Council can use their marketing
platforms to put a call out for volunteers for next year.
Mr. Cove suggested debriefing with the Licensing Department to work out the kinks for
licensing the vendors next year.
Mayor Zabel asked about the vision for the parade next year. Mr. Cove noted that OSCO could
fund less units next year, but that will be determined at a later date. Mayor Zabel offered that
City staff can remain involved in the parade from an administrative perspective at least as
responsibilities are transitioning from the City to OSCO. Ms. Volkers asked for clarity on OSCO’s
intent to take over the parade responsibilities next year. Mr. Reinke said the desire is to bring
the entirety of the parade in-house, but the personnel for that responsibility has not yet been
identified, so there cannot be a firm commitment tonight.
Mr. Reinke asked the Council if they will consider committing to fund a shortfall again next
year if needed. The Council was supportive of this request. Mayor Zabel suggested a $10,000
shortfall with the Charitable Gambling fund as a backstop. Mr. Cove indicated that OSCO will
work to get more sponsors over the coming years.
Council Member Morcomb asked if the Council should be encouraging other businesses that
have put on their own events during the summer to possibly combine with OSCO at
Summerfest. Council Member Ingebrigtson noted there is an opportunity with this suggestion.
Mr. Cove added that OSCO is looking to add more sponsorship opportunities within the various
events. In response to adding more events, Ms. Propp stated that OSCO would need more
volunteers to help. Mayor Zabel reiterated that the City and Council are ready to put out the
call for volunteers as soon as OSCO is ready. Mr. Cove said that would be appreciated,
however, they are not looking to expand the OSCO leadership group outside of one or two
people to help with the parade. For general volunteers, 30-40 more people would be helpful.
Mr. Reinke stated that there is one final document to complete and submit until OSCO is
officially a 501(c)3.
Mr. Cove said there is room for more food vendors next year.
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AUGUST 8, 2023
PAGE SEVEN
Oakdale resident Pam Jungmann applauded the public safety staff for their presence. Mr.
Cove thanked the Public Works staff too for their work at the event.
Council Member Willenbring asked if interested bands should reach out to OSCO. Mr. Reinke
confirmed. Mr. Cove said they are looking into adding a second band on Saturday, possibly a
family-friendly act. Council Member Willenbring suggested researching a production team that
would do the setup and takedown for the entire weekend so each band is not doing their own.
Mr. Cove shared that most bands seem to prefer doing their own setup/takedown in his
experience.
Ms. Volkers noted that staff will wrap up the financials and bring any additional costs to
Council for approval.
ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
Ms. Volkers did not have anything to report.
COUNCIL TOPICS
Council Member Ingebrigtson asked for Council support to allow for him to give a thirty-minute
presentation at a future workshop on the possibility of the City opening a municipal cannabis
store. Mayor Zabel was open to the conversation, but would prefer the presentation come
from City staff. Council Member Willenbring stated that there have been presentations from
council members in the past. Mayor Zabel clarified that those items have been brought up
during Council Topics, and have not been its own agenda item. Ms. Volkers reviewed the
process of how council member’s bring items forward to get the Council’s intent to direct staff
on next steps. Council Member Her would not support the City opening a municipal cannabis
store. Council Member Ingebrigtson stated that if it is Council’s intent to move forward then
staff will have to consult with a legal expert to navigate this possibility. Council Member
Willenbring clarified that staff will research and present the information as an option for the
City, but this does not imply commitment. Council Member Ingebrigtson noted that if there is
a compelling reason not to move forward he would be willing to drop the matter. Council
Member Morcomb would be willing to learn more, but is hesitant to be among the first to
launch this type of business. Ms. Volkers indicated that Assistant City Attorney Rachel Tierney
is coming to the August 22nd workshop to discuss the moratorium and other cannabis-related
items from the July 25th workshop discussion, so a general discussion about the possibility of
a municipal liquor store can be included in that upcoming discussion. Mayor Zabel is willing
to learn more about the subject, but he will likely not support the City opening a municipal
cannabis store. Council Member Willenbring asked if the City opens their own municipal
cannabis store, can there be other retailers as well. The answer to this question was unknown.
City staff was directed to work on this request in late 2023 or early 2024. Council Member
Ingebrigtson suggested that staff look into hiring a consultant for this request. Ms. Volkers will
look into this as an option.
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AUGUST 8, 2023
PAGE EIGHT
Council Member Her reported on the following at the Economic Development Commission
meeting: the repeal of City Policy EPB-022: Oakdale First, the moratorium on cannabis
retailers, and the franchise fee structure change. He also shared that he enjoyed the Night to
Unite event.
Council Member Morcomb would like to see a portion of the Charitable Gambling fund being
redirected toward things like youth, arts and culture, etc. He referenced a process the City of
Maplewood has that allows non-profits to apply for a grant, the council votes on the
applications, and the grants are awarded based on an aggregate of the votes. Council Member
Her asked if the Council would be open to committing a percentage of the Charitable Gambling
fund for this purpose on an annual basis. He suggested ten percent. Ms. Volkers would like
the Council to consider starting small. Council Member Morcomb stated a dollar amount is
easier to start with. Mayor Zabel noted that there are restrictions on the types of organizations
that can receive this type of grant, but he is open to exploring it. He added that the grants
should not be given to groups that only serve a small subset of the community. Council
Member Her disagreed in that if enough grants are given to these smaller subsets then the
whole will be addressed. He would like to see a policy that may find a compromise to both
viewpoints. Mayor Zabel noted that the State statute only dictates which organizations can
receive this type of grant, so an internal policy would need to be drafted to address evaluating
the applications based on their intended uses. Council Member Ingebrigtson cautioned that
a program like this may cause controversy. Mayor Zabel suggested that the next step for
Council is to look at other cities’ grant applications and policies to get an idea if they would
like to pursue this program. Council Member Willenbring stated that it may be difficult for the
Council to agree upon which organizations should receive the grants. Council Member
Morcomb said he will speak to other cities’ council members to get feedback on the pros and
cons of this type of program.
Mayor Zabel mentioned that the COVID Recovery Business Loans are coming due as of
September 30, 2023. Most loans have not been paid back to date. Ms. Volkers said she will
send the list of businesses that took out loans, the current status of those loans, and a sample
agreement which includes the terms that were agreed upon. She will also look into the legal
options available to the City if the loans are not paid back. Council Member Her shared his
concern about the optics if the City takes someone to litigation over a default on the COVID
Recovery Business Loans. Mayor Zabel indicated that when the promissory notes were signed
it was made crystal clear that these loans had to be repaid.
RECESS FOR REGULAR MEETING AT 6:56 PM
WORKSHOP RECONVENED AT 8:22 PM after the Regular Council Meeting
DEPARTMENT REQUESTED 2024 UTILITY FUND BUDGETS, 2024-2028 CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN, AND 2024-2033 VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENTS
WORKSHOP MINUTES
AUGUST 8, 2023
PAGE NINE
Finance Director Jason Zimmerman noted that the discussion would focus on the 2024 Utility
Fund Budget, 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and 2024-2033 Vehicle and
Equipment Replacements. He recapped prior workshop discussions which included a
conceptual 2024 budget, the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan, and the 2024 General
Fund, Special Revenue Fund, and Debt Service Fund. Mr. Zimmerman stated that the City’s
Water, Sewer, Surface Water, and Street Light Utility operations are defined as enterprise
funds, which are self-supporting operations that sell goods and services to the public for a
fee, and are accounted for using the same accounting framework followed by entities in the
private sector. This fee-based structure is different than the majority of the City’s funds, which
are allocated a portion of the property tax levy paid by property owners. Mr. Zimmerman added
that the rate change requests for 2024 are being driven by the $13.8 million of projects
included in the CIP to be completed in the next five years, along with ongoing operations costs.
In reference to the implementation of a new utility billing system, Mayor Zabel asked which
fund covers the credit card fees associated with online utility billing payments. Mr.
Zimmerman said it is split evenly between the Water Fund and Sewer Fund. Mayor Zabel and
Council Members Ingebrigtson and Morcomb were in favor of passing the credit card
convenience fee onto the resident. Council Members Her and Willenbring were not supportive.
Mr. Zimmerman noted that the agreement with Tyler Technologies will have to be rewritten to
support this change.
Council Member Morcomb asked about the Street Light Fund revenue. Mr. Zimmerman stated
that it is a line item on the resident’s utility bill.
Ms. Volkers reminded the Council that the budget details within OpenGov are great talking
points when asked questions about the City’s budget.
Mr. Zimmerman shifted to review the 2024 Water Utility Budget Highlights. He then moved on
to the 2024 Sewer Utility Budget Highlights. Ms. Volkers pointed out that the rates for these
utilities were not increased, or minimally increased over the last ten years which has led to
these current rate increases.
In reference to the proposed rate increases, Mayor Zabel asked if staff has looked into the
cash flow that will be needed for future projects. Mr. Zimmerman said the 2025 Street
Improvement project will need to be revisited. Mayor Zabel asked if the increase in population
and respective water use will sustain the increased funding needed for the annual transfer
into the Utility System Replacement Fund. Mr. Zimmerman noted that it is hard to predict
water usage.
Mayor Zabel pointed out that it is possible to reasonably project expenses, but development
is the outlier in terms of predictability. Council Member Morcomb noted taking the rate
increase year by year. In reference to next year’s CIP planning, Council Member Morcomb
suggested identifying the projects and their priority order and then manipulating the CIP during
the revenue discussion.
WORKSHOP MINUTES
AUGUST 8, 2023
PAGE TEN
Mr. Zimmerman reviewed the 2024 Street Light Budget Highlights. He then moved on to
discuss the 2024 Surface Water Utility Budget Highlights. MMKR, the City’s independent
auditor, recommended reclassifying this fund from a Special Revenue Fund to an Enterprise
Fund.
Mayor Zabel asked for Council’s feedback on the proposed rates for the Water, Sewer, Street
Light, and Surface Water Funds. Mayor Zabel and Council Members Ingebrigtson and
Morcomb were comfortable with the rates as proposed.
Council Member Her asked if there is a way to use the unallocated fund balance for some of
these expenses to help lower the rate increases. Mayor Zabel was hesitant about using the
unallocated fund balance because although it seems to be in excess now, the City may need
those funds down the road as expenses increase. Council Member Her expressed his struggle
to ask residents to pay more when the City has a fund balance. Mayor Zabel validated Council
Member Her’s concerns stating that most council members have had similar feelings in their
early years on the Council. Council Member Ingebrigtson reminded Council Member Her that
when looking at the budget for 2024, it is not merely planning for that year, but for roughly
five years ahead. Council Member Her asked if the rates could be increased more now to
offset increased expenses later. Mayor Zabel stated that the rates presented by Mr.
Zimmerman represent a long-term conservative outlook.
In response to Council Member Her’s question about the City’s year-end balance, Ms. Volkers
said the City is in the positive at year-end.
The Council was supportive of the proposed rates and the proposed projects.
Mr. Zimmerman went on to discuss the CIP and Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Fund
(VERF). He reminded Council that projects identified in years 2025 and beyond should be
considered for planning purposes only, and are not categorized as fixed commitments.
Mr. Zimmerman identified the second draft VERF modifications. Staff confirmed that the City
can utilize Charitable Gambling funds in accordance with State statute to purchase the two
new marked squad vehicles (V2024-01 and V2024-02) that were previously included in the
VERF. Each squad is requested at $78,026 or $156,052 in total. Mr. Zimmerman added that
in connection with the reallocation of funding for these squads, staff is recommending a
$20,000 reduction for the 2024 VERF tax levy. Council was supportive of the proposed VERF
modifications as recommended by staff.
Mr. Zimmerman asked Council about their intent regarding the use of a consultant to develop
a Tanners Lake master park plan in 2024, and complete playground and parking surface
improvements in 2026. Mayor Zabel was opposed to hiring a consultant stating the City is
already aware of the improvements that are needed.
WORKSHOP MINUTES
AUGUST 8, 2023
PAGE ELEVEN
Ms. Volkers stated she is going to seek out a proposal from a consultant to see how they would
help the City improve Tanners Lake and bring it back to Council for discussion. For now, the
Tanners Lake improvements will remain as is with the master park planning for Tanners Lake
in 2024.
ADJOURNMENT
The workshop was adjourned at 9:27 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sara Ludwig, City Clerk
Agenda
AGENDA
City Council Workshop
Workshop
August 8, 2023
HADLEY CONFERENCE ROOM
5:00 PM
5:00 PM Environmental Management Commission Interview Candidate: Chang Yang
5:10 PM Discussion re: EMC Applicant
5:15 PM MWF Helmo Station – Multifamily Development Concept Plan
5:40 PM Oakdale Summerfest Community Organization (OSCO) Debrief with Council about
Summerfest 2023 (no attachment – verbal discussion only)
6:05 PM Management Discussion – Public Works Manager
6:25 PM Administrator Update
6:30 PM Council Topics
6:50 PM Recess for Regular Meeting
Continue after Regular Council Meeting, Hadley Conference Room
2024 Budget, Continued – Department Requested 2024 Utility Fund Budgets, 2024-2028 Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP), and 2024-2033 Vehicle and Equipment Replacements (VERF)
COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Hannah Dunn, Community Development Specialist
Date: August 8, 2023
Subject: Environmental Management Commission Interview Candidate: Chang Yang
BACKGROUND
At the August 8, 2023 work session, the City Council will interview Chang Yang for consideration to
serve on the Environmental Management Commission. He had initially applied to the Planning
Commission but due to a lack of vacancies, he was offered an interview to become a member of the
Environmental Management Commission. At this time, the Environmental Management Commission
has four vacancies. Community Development staff has interviewed the applicant ahead of the Council
work session.
Application and staff interview materials will be provided to the City Council under separate cover.
COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Luke McClanahan, City Planner; Max Lohse, Community Development Specialist
Date: August 8, 2023
Subject: MWF Helmo Station – Multifamily Development Concept Plan
BACKGROUND
MWF Properties is proposing a 133-unit market rate multifamily development – apartment building –
within the Helmo Station Planned Unit Development (HS-PUD) at Parcel ID 3202921430049. The
property is located at the southwest quadrant of 4th Street North and Helmo Avenue North, approximately
500 feet north of the future Helmo Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit Station. The site is approximately 2.7
acres in size and is legally described as Lot 1, Block 1, Cornerstone Village First Addition.
As a part of the HS-PUD, this site is currently designated for high-density multifamily, which allows up to
50 dwelling units/acre. The proposed density is approximately 49.25 dwelling units/acre. In order to
achieve this density, a PUD amendment will be required to allow the proposed apartment building to be
four stories in height. According to the HS-PUD, buildings along 4th Street are limited to three stories.
Location Map – MWF Properties – Helmo Station
1
PROCESS
Staff has identified two approvals, which may be submitted and reviewed concurrently, necessary to
facilitate development as proposed.
• Planned Unit Development Amendment
o The HS-PUD limits the height of multi-family high density buildings along 4th Street N to
three residential stories. The stated reasoning for this requirement in the HS-PUD is to
arrange lower density development near existing neighborhoods and higher density
development near the Gold Line Station.
A PUD Amendment is required to allow the proposed four-story apartment building.
o Formal plans for architecture, signage, and landscaping have not yet been provided, but
the final designs may necessitate further amendments to the HS-PUD.
• Site Plan
o The developer will need to submit a Site Plan application showing compliance with the
technical specifications of the Zoning Ordinance (including the HS-PUD) and regulations
of the Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District.
STAFF ANALYSIS
The developer met with the City’s Development Review Committee (DRC) on April 5, 2023 to discuss
the proposal. The following are staff’s preliminary comments regarding the updated concept plan.
Zoning. The property is zoned HS-PUD, which allows multifamily development. There are specific
performance standards for residential development within the PUD including setbacks, building height,
building materials/architecture, screening, landscaping, lighting, site amenities, active edges, loading
areas, trash enclosures, signage, and parking lots and circulation. The developer will seek a PUD
amendment to exceed the allowed building height (from three stories to four stories).
Design and Building Considerations. As seen on the developer’s concept plan, there is one access for
the property off Helmo Avenue North. Several building entrances are proposed: one from the parking lot
on the south side of the building wing, a pedestrian entryway off Helmo Avenue North, and a pedestrian
entry way on the west side of the building.
The apartment is proposed to be four stories in height, which will require a PUD Amendment. As stated
in the developer’s narrative, exceeding the building height requirement would help fulfill local housing
needs and promote walkability and ridership near the Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit Station. The
developer also states that proposed mitigation methods to reduce the impact of the building height will
include the use of aesthetically appealing exterior materials and by exceeding the required 30-foot
setback from the curb line – with a proposed 40-foot setback. Given the proximity of nearby townhomes
to the north, staff recommends that a viewshed analysis be prepared by the developer to understand
the visual impacts resulting from the proposed four story building. The analysis should be submitted
with the Site Plan.
The HS-PUD also contains standards that must be met for incorporating active edges (e.g., stoops,
porches, high percentages of windows), building materials and architecture, screening, trash
enclosures, landscaping, lighting, signage, loading areas, site amenities (e.g., bicycle racks, flower
boxes, pedestrian lighting), and parking lots and circulation. The developer will need to submit detailed
plans with the Site Plan application showing compliance with the PUD standards. As a multifamily
building, the structure will be subject to building code requirements.
The developer’s concept plan shows that the apartment building will consist of 133 units, containing a
mixture of studio units, one bedroom units, and two bedroom units. On-site private amenities for
2
residents will include a community room, game room, fitness center, dog run, outdoor grilling area,
rooftop deck, sky lounge, secure package room, and walking paths.
For park dedication, the City may choose to accept an equivalent amount in cash from the developer for
all or a portion of the required land dedication, in accordance with City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 21
Subdivisions. Article I, Sec. 21-10 Land Dedication. Because this property is proposed to be fully built-
out with no viable area for dedication of land for park purposes, the developer must provide a park
dedication fee of $338,751 (or $2,547 per dwelling unit, according to the City’s adopted 2023 Fee
Schedule). Separately, the HS-PUD identifies an area within Helmo Station, located to the southeast of
the property in question, where a future park will be built to serve the neighborhood.
Environmental Considerations. The developer anticipates that stormwater management provisions will
be managed by an existing regional pond located west of the property. The developer will need to work
closely with the Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District and City Engineer to confirm the
feasibility of utilizing the regional pond. Few trees are present on the property, but the developer must
ensure compliance with tree preservation standards in the City’s Ordinance. The property does not
contain any Special Flood Hazard Areas (i.e., mapped floodplain), delineated wetlands, or Historic
Places.
Infrastructure and Parking. As mentioned, the developer will need to work closely with the Watershed
District and City Engineer regarding stormwater management provisions. Landscaping/screening will be
required for the property, per the HS-PUD. Given the ongoing construction and continued development
interest in the Helmo Station PUD, City staff will work with a consultant to analyze the sewer capacity for
the area. It is possible that existing sewer infrastructure will need to be upgraded. If upgrades are
needed the study will recommend a fair and equitable approach for future development within the
Helmo Station to pay for the costs.
Surface parking is proposed to the west of the building, consisting of 91 parking spaces. There will also
be 95 below-grade parking spaces. The total number of parking spaces is 186 for the 133 apartment
units. The GS-PUD has a parking maximum of 1.5 spaces per unit, but no parking minimum. This
request proposes a parking ratio of 1.4 spaces per unit which meets this requirement. It is also worth
noting that the apartment will be located within approximately 500 feet from the future Helmo Avenue
Station for the METRO Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit Station. The property will also be served by a
sidewalk along the west side of Helmo Avenue North. Given the proximity of the site to the Gold Line
station, the developer should consider incorporating bicycle parking for the residents of the apartment.
Immediately west of the property is the Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit route. The developer will need to
coordinate with Metro Transit for this development.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The developer states that this will be a market rate apartment building. The developer is not seeking
financial assistance from the City.
COUNCIL DIRECTION REQUESTED
Prior to the developer submitting any formal applications to proceed with the project, it is requested
that the City Council give clear direction to the developer on the appropriateness of the concept
plan/use within the Helmo Station PUD and set expectations on the responsibilities of the developer to
design and build the proposed development. The City Council should consider the public benefits that
may result from the proposed multifamily development in exchange for providing flexibility through the
Helmo Station PUD to accommodate the use.
3
Attachments
Development Checklist
Developer’s Narrative
Concept Site Plan
4
1584 Hadley Avenue N | Oakdale, MN 55128
651-739-5086 | www.oakdalemn.gov
Development Checklist
MWF Properties
Parcel ID 3102921430080
Helmo Station Concept Plan
Project name MWF Helmo Station
Proposed use 133-unit market rate apartment building
Existing site conditions 2.7-acre property, currently undeveloped
Site access Helmo Ave N
Zoning Helmo Station Planned Unit Development (HS-PUD)
Comprehensive Plan guidance Bus Rapid Transit Oriented Development
Is a Comprehensive Plan amendment No
required?
Any Zoning approvals anticipated? Yes, PUD amendment to exceed building height
requirement (from three stories to four stories)
Any Subdivision approvals anticipated? No
Potential deviations from City Code (if a PUD)? Yes, for building height
Any Variances requested? No
Any financial incentives from the City being No
requested by the developer?
Will developer seek 4d status? No
Has the developer met with the City Council for The developer will meet with the City Council for
concept plan review? concept plan review on August 8, 2023.
Has the developer met with the City’s The developer met with City’s Development Review
Development Review Committee? Committee on April 5, 2023 to discuss the
proposal.
Has the developer submitted a formal No
application?
Any anticipated environmental impacts? Runoff from the use must be addressed through
stormwater management provisions. There appears
to be few trees present on site, but the compliance
with Ordinance requirements must be met.
Has the developer met with the Planning No
Commission?
Other jurisdiction approvals required Yes, Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District
and, potentially, Metro Transit.
MWF Properties
7645 Lyndale Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55423
TEL 612.314.7652
FAX 612.243.4660
MWFPROPERTIES.COM
7/6/2023
City of Oakdale MWF
1584 Hadley Avenue N properties
Oakdale, MN 55128
RE: Market Rate Rental Housing – Helmo Station PUD
Mayor Zabel and Council:
We are pleased to present our concept proposal for a 133-unit market rate multifamily project within the
Helmo Station PUD. After meeting with City Staff on the proposed project and working with our design
team to address comments received during that discussion, we have arrived at a preliminary site plan that we
are presenting today for your review and comment. Below is a bit of additional information on our
proposal.
Project Team:
Since 2001 MWF Properties has developed or consulted on the development of over 2,900 units of
multifamily housing; including our first market rate rental project, Concorde Flats in Burnsville, MN, a 162-
unit project that opened on July 1st, 2023. Having just broken ground on Oakdale Commons, the 168-unit
senior housing project at 1135 Hadley Avenue North, we are excited about the opportunity to work with the
City on another proposed project in town.
The project team for this proposed development will match Oakdale Commons. Property management
services will be provided by Velair Property Management, our related-entity management company with a
corporate staff that has a combined 40+ years of experience in the industry. Design services for the project
will be completed by Kaas Wilson Architects, a local design group that specializes in multifamily housing
and has been the Architect of Record on a few recent projects within the City.
Project Site:
As noted above, the proposed project would be located within the Helmo Station PUD. The site is 2.67
acres in size and is bordered by 4th Street to the north, and Helmo Avenue to the east. As you may recall this
site was previously approved in July of 2021 for 71 units of multifamily housing. For our proposed project
to proceed there would be a PUD Amendment and Site Plan Application submitted for the City’s review.
While the Helmo Station PUD does allow for multifamily housing up to 50 units/acre in this location, we
would be submitting for a PUD Amendment to allow for a four-story building along 4th Street. Achieving
four stories on the north side of the site is necessary to get the unit count required for financial feasibility of
the project. As described later in this memo - we believe there is a public benefit to the project that supports
the requested PUD Amendment; and feel four stories of building height is appropriate in this location given
the surrounding land uses and long-term vision for the area. Finally, we are proposing to mitigate the
MWF Properties • 7645 Lyndale Avenue South • Minneapolis, MN 55423 • TEL 612.314.7652 • FAX 612.243.4660
building height impacts through a wide setback on the north end of the site (+/- 40 feet) and the use of
high-quality, aesthetically appealing exterior materials.
Proposed Project:
- 133 units of market rate rental housing
- Studio, one- and two-bedroom units
- One level of underground parking below four stories of residential
- Approximately 95 stalls of underground parking and 91 stalls of surface parking (total of 186 spaces,
about 1.4 stalls/unit)
- Two building entrances – one main entrance off the parking lot and one off Helmo Avenue - to
promote walkability
- Resident amenities including a community room, game room, fitness center, dog run, outdoor
grilling area, rooftop deck, sky lounge, secure package room, and connectivity to community
bike/walking paths in the area
Access to the project site would be provided off Helmo Avenue through a curb cut that would align with 3rd
Street North. We anticipate stormwater management for the project being handled by the regional pond just
west of the site – but that will be confirmed by our civil engineer as those plans develop.
Fire truck access and turnaround in this preliminary plan is provided via the parking lot circulation at the
project’s main entrance. Adequate sizing of this turnaround will be confirmed by our civil engineer prior to
a formal application being submitted.
Public Benefit:
We understand that as part of the PUD Amendment process the project will need to provide evidence of
the public benefit offered by the proposal. A few of the benefits we believe this proposal provides include:
1. Meets a Local Housing Need
The Comprehensive Plan emphasizes the need to develop a variety of housing types in close
proximity to - and with safe pedestrian access to - shopping and services, centers of employment,
transit, parks, trails, and open space; all amenities which are easily accessible from the proposed
project site.
2. Promote Walkability and Ridership within the Helmo Station Development Area
The project site is located within the Helmo Station Small Area Plan. Through the development of
that plan this site was set aside for high density multifamily housing to encourage additional
households in the immediate area of the new BRT station. The proposed project would help meet
that community goal by increasing the number of individuals with convenient access to the transit
line - maintaining the viability of those transit routes. We anticipate that much of our resident
population will be young professionals and/or single adult households – a group that tends to utilize
and appreciate the access to public transit options.
The proposed project will work to further promote walkability and meet the goals set out in the
Helmo Station Small Area Plan by incorporating a building entrance on Helmo Avenue, along with a
MWF Properties • 7645 Lyndale Avenue South • Minneapolis, MN 55423 • TEL 612.314.7652 • FAX 612.243.4660
variety of outdoor amenity spaces that encourage connectivity to other community amenities in the
area.
We thank you for your consideration of our preliminary concept plan and look forward to discussing in
more detail at the workshop on July 25th.
Sincerely,
MWF Properties, LLC
Matt Yetzer
Development Manager
mattyetzer@mwfproperties.com
612.314.7652
40'-0"
4 STORY APARTMENT
133 UNITS
1
1
4
3
2
SITE PLAN KEY
1 BUILDING ENTRANCE
2 GARAGE ENTRANCE
3 OUTDOOR AMENITY
4 DOG RUN
SD Site Plan
1
1" = 50'-0"
SCALE - As indicated
SITE PLAN_OPT 1 MWF OAKDALE - HELMO STATION
kaas wilson architects 2.0 03/24/23
PARKING
32,344 ft²
UNIT MIX - GROSS AREA
Unit Gross
Area
Name Count Main Floor %
0 BR (Studio)
Unit S1 12 646 ft² 9%
Unit S2 12 497 ft² 9%
24 18%
1BR
Unit A1 23 <varies> 17%
Unit A2 24 731 ft² 18%
Unit A3 - 4 729 ft² 3%
Type A
Unit A4 19 731 ft² 14%
70 52% GROSS AREA - TOTAL PARKING
Level Area Level Type Count
2BR Level 4 33,161 ft² Level -1 GARAGE 95
Unit B1 7 939 ft² 5% Level 3 33,121 ft² Level 1 SURFACE 91
Unit B2 4 1,067 ft² 3% Level 2 33,121 ft² 186
Unit C1 8 1,058 ft² 6% Level 1 33,121 ft²
Unit C2 22
70 <varies> 16% Level -1 33,486 ft²
135
19
413 30% Grand total 166,008 ft²
Grand total 135 3 100%
SCALE - 1" = 30'-0"
LEVEL P1 MWF OAKDALE - HELMO STATION
kaas wilson architects 3.0 06/23/2023
Unit C2 Unit A2 Unit S1 Unit A2 Unit S2 Unit C1 Unit A2 Unit A1 Unit C2
1,194 ft² 731 ft² 646 ft² 731 ft² 497 ft² 1,058 ft² 731 ft² 663 ft² 1,300 ft²
CORE
COMMUNITY ROOM GAME ROOM 985 ft² LOBBY & OFFICE
Unit A2 Unit S2 939 ft² 663 ft² 1,166 ft²
Unit C2
731 ft² Unit S1 Unit A2 497 ft²
1,194 ft²
646 ft² 731 ft²
Unit A3 - Type A
FITNESS ROOM 729 ft²
731 ft²
Unit A4
Unit A4 731 ft²
731 ft²
Elec/Mech
304 ft²
Unit B2
Unit S2 1,067 ft²
497 ft²
Unit B1 Unit A1
939 ft² 662 ft²
Unit A4 Unit A4
731 ft² 731 ft²
Unit S1
Unit A2 646 ft²
731 ft²
Unit C1
1,058 ft²
Unit C2
1,194 ft²
Unit C2
1,194 ft²
SCALE - 1" = 30'-0"
LEVEL 1 MWF OAKDALE - HELMO STATION
kaas wilson architects 3.1 03/12/20
Unit C2 Unit A1 Unit A2 Unit S1 Unit A2 Unit S2 Unit C1 Unit A2 Unit A1 Unit C2
1,194 ft² 663 ft² 731 ft² 646 ft² 731 ft² 497 ft² 1,058 ft² 731 ft² 663 ft² 1,300 ft²
CORE
985 ft²
Unit C2 Unit A1 Unit A2 Unit A2 Unit S2 Unit B1 Unit C2
Unit S1
1,194 ft² 663 ft² 731 ft² 731 ft² 497 ft² 939 ft² 1,166 ft²
646 ft²
Unit A4 Unit A3 - Type A
731 ft² 729 ft²
Unit A4
731 ft²
Unit A4
731 ft²
Elec/Mech Unit B2
304 ft² 1,067 ft²
Unit S2
497 ft²
Unit B1
Unit A1
939 ft²
662 ft²
Unit A4 Unit A4
731 ft² 731 ft²
Unit S1
Unit A2 646 ft²
731 ft²
Unit C1
1,058 ft²
Unit C2
1,194 ft²
Unit C2
1,194 ft²
SCALE - 1" = 30'-0"
LEVEL 2-3 MWF OAKDALE - HELMO STATION
kaas wilson architects 3.2 03/12/20
Rooftop Deck
705 ft²
Sky Lounge
528 ft²
SCALE - 1" = 30'-0"
LEVEL 4 MWF OAKDALE - HELMO STATION
kaas wilson architects 3.3 03/12/20
COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Jim Romanik, Public Works Manager
Date: August 8, 2023
Subject: Management Discussion - Public Works Manager
BACKGROUND
Discussion will be held with Public Works Manager Jim Romanik, to discuss items of interest and
current projects within the Public Works Department, with an opportunity for Council to ask questions.
Below are some items for discussion as time allows:
• New Public Works Facility: Staff continues to meet with HCM Architects weekly to review and
update plans and budgets for the facility. Staff also meets with 3M weekly to discuss the timing
of the site cleanup in preparation for City construction to start in 2024.
• Lift Station #6 Reconstruction and Relocation: Lift station #6 reconstruction started in the fall of
2022. Construction was recently completed in July. The lift station was relocated south of the
existing lift station.
• Street Reconstruction and Overlay projects: Update on the water main replacement in the 9th
Street and Gershwin Avenue area as well as the Glenbrook Avenue area. Also, an update on the
mill and overlay project on 15th Street and Helmo Avenue.
• Willowbrooke Trails: Grading work has started on the trail and the project is scheduled to be
completed in August.
COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Jason Zimmerman, Finance Director
Christina Volkers, City Administrator
Date: August 8, 2023
Subject: Department Requested 2024 Utility Fund Budgets, 2024-2028 Capital Improvement
Plan, and 2024-2033 Vehicle and Equipment Replacements
BACKGROUND
In accordance with the 2024 budget schedule, tonight’s discussion will focus on the 2024 Utility Fund
Budget, 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan, and 2024-2033 Vehicle and Equipment Replacements.
Prior 2024 budget discussions:
May 23, 2023 City Council Workshop: Staff presented a conceptual 2024 budget that incorporated cost
of living and merit increases based on the current staffing model; increases for employee sponsored
benefits; presumed inflationary impacts; department requested enhancements/adjustments; and new
personnel. While this model was early in the planning model, it also provided an update on current
trends in local government, including several proposed legislative changes.
June 27, 2023 City Council Workshop: Staff presented the department proposed 2024-2033 Vehicle &
Equipment Replacement Plan and 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to the City Council. The
proposed property tax levy to support the CIP for 2024 was requested at $1,710,000 which
represented a $556,654 or 49.6% increase. This funding provides for street maintenance, vehicle and
equipment replacement, park enhancements, and facility improvements.
July 25, 2023 City Council Workshop: 2024 General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, and Debt Service
Fund budgets and property tax levy is intended to continue the process of aligning City Council priorities
with financial resources to provide Oakdale property owners, residents, and visitors with quality City
services at a responsible taxing level. The direction provided during this discussion was to further scrub
the budget and identify one-time expenditures while maintaining the staffing and service level currently
included in the draft budget.
2024 Utility Fund Budgets
The City’s Water, Sewer, Surface Water, and Street Light Utility operations are defined as enterprise
funds, which are self-supporting operations that sell goods and services to the public for a fee, and are
accounted for using the same accounting framework followed by entities in the private sector. This fee-
based structure is different than the majority of the City’s funds, which are allocated a portion of the
property tax levy paid by property owners.
In addition to the wages, benefits, supplies, and other ongoing operating costs associated with each
specific activity, these utility funds are also used to accumulate revenues that are annually transferred
to the Utility System Replacement Fund (USRF) to facilitate capital improvements related to the City’s
utility infrastructure. These projects include utility improvements in conjunction with roadway
reconstruction; water tower reconditioning; water meter transmitter replacements; well inspection and
reconditioning; and lift station rehabilitation. The CIP as presented is the most comprehensive to-date
and includes nearly $13.8 million of projects over the next five years. In order to fund these
1
improvements, along with ongoing operating costs, staff is recommending the following rate changes
for 2024:
Fund 2023 Transfer to 2024 Requested 2024 Requested
Fund
Number USRF Transfer to USFR Rate Change
700 Water $500,000 $590,000 10.0%
725 Sewer $540,000 $690,000 6.5%
750 Street Light $90,211 $150,000 3.5%
775 Surface Water $100,000 $100,000 1.5%
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Fund (VERF)
Staff will present the second draft of these multi-year planning documents, which is generated to
identify the needs and financing for public infrastructure, amenities, vehicles, and equipment. It sets
forth the estimated schedule, timing, and details of specific improvements by year, together with the
estimated cost, the need for the improvement, and sources of revenue to pay for the improvement. The
identified improvements reflect City policies for growth, maintenance, and development.
Every first year of the CIP being discussed for the next budget year, and Vehicle and Equipment
Replacement Fund (2024), becomes a capital budget upon adoption by the City Council. Projects
identified in years 2025 and beyond should be considered for planning purposes only, and not
categorized as fixed commitments. The City prepares the CIP separately from the operating budgets, but
they are closely linked.
The City Council considers the following when preparing the CIP for each project and for the overall plan:
• the condition of the City’s infrastructure including the projected need for repair or replacement
• the likely demand for the improvement
• the estimated cost of the improvement
• the available public resources
• the level of overlapping debt in the City
• the relative benefits and costs of alternative uses of the funds
• operating cost of the proposed improvement
CIP as a Planning Tool
The CIP is a planning document intended to assist policy makers and staff to plan for major capital
improvement, renewal, and replacement expenditures. With growth, the need for services will continue
to increase in the City. At the same time, the costs of vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure are
expected to increase. The CIP formalizes a process in which future projects and outlays can be
identified and prioritized. It is intended to provide a realistic projection of future capital expenditures
necessary to meet the anticipated needs of the community.
Capital Improvements Definition
A Capital improvement is a major expenditure of City funds. For the CIP, the City defines a capital
improvement where the cost of a single project or piece of equipment, or a system or group of similar
equipment such as computer equipment, is over $25,000.
Second Draft VERF Modifications
In an effort to utilize Charitable Gambling funds in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Section
349.213, Subdivision 1, Paragraph (f)(2), staff is recommending that the two new marked squad
2
vehicles (V2024-01 and V2024-02) that were previously included in the VERF be funded out of the
Charitable Gambling Fund. Each squad is requested at $78,026 or $156,052 in total. In connection
with the reallocation of funding for these squads, staff is recommending a $20,000 reduction for the
2024 VERF tax levy. It’s important to remember that the annual levy in the VERF compounds, thus a
$20,000 reduction in 2024 results in a $200,000 funding reduction over the ten year plan.
Additionally, staff is recommending the Mobile Field Force/SWAT truck be moved to 2025 and the
unmarked command squad for the Police Department be moved up to a 2024 purchase. This request is
consistent with the 2024 staffing request that was outlined during the July 25, 2023 City Council
Workshop. Both vehicles would be new to the fleet, while staff has ranked the command vehicle as a
higher priority.
Capital Improvement Levy Assumptions
The funds identified below, while not an extensive list of all Capital Project Funds, are proposed to
include property tax levy as a funding component. Should Council support utilizing the tax levy to assist
with financing capital projects, this information will be included in the proposed 2024 property tax levy,
which is scheduled for consideration at the September 12, 2023 City Council Meeting.
It is important to note that of the $276,654 increase in property tax levy related to the Vehicle &
Equipment Replacement Fund for 2024, $226,013 is a result of the reallocation of Equipment
Certificate debt levy (series 2018B) set to expire in 2023. Less this reallocation, the total capital levy is
requested to increase by $320,641 or a 2.0% increase to the property tax levy.
2024 2024
2020 2021 2022 2023
Capital Project Levy Request Request YtY Change % Increase
Actual Actual Acutal Budget
6/27/23 8/8/23
Municipal Building Fund 440,000 440,000 0 60,000 135,000 135,000 75,000 125.0%
Park Capital Fund 100,000 100,000 120,000 170,000 245,000 245,000 75,000 44.1%
Street Improvement Fund 200,000 200,000 200,000 225,000 345,000 345,000 120,000 53.3%
VERF 0 0 320,000 688,346 985,000 965,000 276,654 40.2%
Total 740,000 740,000 640,000 1,143,346 1,710,000 1,690,000 546,654 47.8%
2023 Tax Levy 16,064,857
2024 Change in Levy 3.4%
Council Direction Requested
Staff would like to hear from the Council on the following staff recommendations:
• 2024 Utility rates, budgets, and capital improvements as presented.
• Use of a consultant to develop a Tanners Lake master park plan in 2024 and complete
playground and parking surface improvements in 2026.
• Use of Charitable Gambling Funds to purchase two new squads for the Police Department
(future replacements funded by the VERF) and swapping the purchase of a Mobile Field Force
truck for a command vehicle.
• Capital project levy and the reduction of the VERF portion by $20,000 for the 2024 tax levy.
Remaining Budget Calendar
August 22, 2023 – Revised staff recommended 2024 General Fund and Special Revenue Fund
budgets; new positions; and tax levy are presented to City Council at Workshop.
September 12, 2023 - City Council certifies 2024 Proposed Property Tax Levy and sets the date for the
Truth in Taxation meeting to adopt the final 2024 Budgets and Property Tax Levy.
3
Fall, 2023 - Continue discussions as needed on the 2024 budget and tax levy.
Dec 12, 2023 - Finance presents at the annual Truth in Taxation meeting. City Council adopts 2024
Budget, 2024 Tax Levy, 2024-2033 Vehicle & Equipment Replacement Plan, and 2024-2028 Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP).
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