City Council Workshop
Regular MeetingOakdale, MN · January 23, 2024
Minutes
WORKSHOP MINUTES
OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 23, 2024
The City Council held a workshop on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at Oakdale City Hall, 1584
Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting began at 6:00 PM.
Present: Mayor Kevin Zabel
Council Members: Noah Her
Jake Ingebrigtson
Andy Morcomb
Susan Willenbring
City Staff Members: Christina Volkers, City Administrator
Sara Ludwig, City Clerk
Jesse Farrell, City Engineer
Andy Gitzlaff, Community Development Director
Nick Newton, Police Chief
Lori Pulkrabek, Communications Manager
Jim Romanik, Public Works Manager
Kyle Stasica, Finance Director
Kevin Wold, Fire Chief
2024 ACORN AWARD PROCESS
City Administrator Chris Volkers provided a brief recap of the presented information in the
workshop memorandum.
In response to Council Member Willenbring’s question about the history of the Acorn Award
and the Committee, Mayor Zabel explained that it was established by the Master Gardeners
Club with increasing administrative assistance from the City over the years. Communications
Manager Lori Pulkrabek stated that the details surrounding the Acorn Award have not
changed much over the years.
Mayor Zabel suggested that the Council take on the role of the Acorn Award Committee for
2024, until a permanent solution can be established for future years.
Council Member Willenbring suggested that while the nominated properties are being rated,
they should only be viewed from the road. The Council agreed.
The Council was in agreement to take on role of the Acorn Award Committee for 2024 and
discuss the process for 2025 and beyond at a future workshop meeting. Ms. Volkers
confirmed that city staff will provide administrative support, but the City Council will ultimately
act as the selection committee, at least for 2024.
WORKSHOP MINUTES
JANUARY 23, 2024
PAGE TWO
FIRE STATION LOCATION STUDY REPORT AND DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE JOINT PUBLIC
SAFETY FACILITY, CONTINUED
Ms. Volkers explained that this item will continue to be discussed at each workshop meeting
until a formal direction is determined. She reported that Lake Elmo has land available, but is
not interested in the City annexing any of its property. Additionally, Community Development
Director Andy Gitzlaff will provide an update from his conversation with the current owner of
the 4Front property. Ms. Volkers noted that financing will be a challenge, but she has
information to share about funding options.
Mr. Gitzlaff reported that the eastern portion of the 4Front property is not under contract. The
4Front property owner asked about traffic and circulation, and how might a public safety
building fit in with the current and future developments. The next steps include obtaining an
estimated price for the land and an in-person meeting with Police Chief Nick Newton, Fire
Chief Kevin Wold, City Administrator Volkers, Mr. Gitzlaff, and the property owner.
Council Member Ingebrigtson expressed hesitation about pursuing the 4Front property due to
the time it could take to move through the process.
In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about the City being interested in both the 5.1 acres
parcel and the 10.92 acres parcel, Ms. Volkers said at this time it is unclear if the City would
need to pursue both parcels, but an architectural firm would have to be hired to provide that
information once plans are prepared for a potential facility. Based on historical estimates, the
City will likely need 15 acres, but Ms. Volkers noted that the building could always be built
vertical on a smaller parcel.
In response to Council Member Morcomb’s question about development limitations due to
the petroleum pipeline in that area, Chief Wold stated that the two lots are clear of the
pipeline.
Ms. Volkers indicated that if the Council wants to pursue the joint public safety facility, she
will engage with Baker Tilly to do an analysis on the City’s capital buildings. She then reviewed
the preliminary bonding scenarios (handout) which include the $15 million from the Local
Option Sales Tax (LOST).
In response to Ms. Volkers question about bond refinancing options, Finance Director Kyle
Stasica stated that the refinance terms are written into the bond when issued.
Ms. Volkers stated that the joint public safety facility project will likely be $40-$45 million
dependent on the final land use determination. She added that there is always an option to
bond for 40 years versus the current proposed 30-year bond, especially as it relates to
government facilities.
WORKSHOP MINUTES
JANUARY 23, 2024
PAGE THREE
In regards to funding for this project, Ms. Volkers outlined the possibility of selling the North
Fire Station for about $3 million and the City receiving $2 million from the Tanners Lake land
sale.
Ms. Volkers also suggested going back to the voters to increase the L.O.S.T. percentage and
duration as a means to help fund this project. Mayor Zabel mentioned that the Legislature
might take away L.O.S.T. authority from municipalities so this may not be an option down the
road.
In response to Council Member Ingebrigtson’s question about a non-passing vote if the
Council does go back to the voters, Ms. Volkers noted that the original L.O.S.T. of $15 million
is guaranteed as it was already approved by the voters.
Mayor Zabel expressed his concern about the timeline of pursuing and building a joint public
safety facility as the Police Department has already reached capacity in their current facility.
Chief Newton shared that this is a complex issue as there are benefits to having a joint public
safety facility, but there are current challenges especially as it relates to the timeline. Chief
Wold added that he is content with the current fire stations, but the City needs to look at long-
term planning as thus it does makes sense to have one public safety facility in the City versus
the three it has now. Council Member Ingebrigtson inquired about how much money the City
could save over a 50-year period by consolidating from three public safety facilities down to
one. This question was unable to be answered at this time.
Mayor Zabel asked if a portion of the L.O.S.T. funds could be used for a short-term renovation
at the current Police facility while looking at strategically planning for a joint public safety
facility in 8-10 years. He clarified that the L.O.S.T. funds are tied to a purpose, the Police facility
expansion, not to the scope of a project.
Ms. Volkers brought forth another possible short-term solution – renovate City Hall to allow
the Police facility to expand on its current footprint while moving a current City Hall department
to the South Fire Station. Mayor Zabel was hesitant about moving a current City Hall
department to the South Fire Station. The possibility of working remote full-time for a
temporary time period was also suggested.
Council Member Morcomb expressed concern about deviating from the Police facility
expansion L.O.S.T. plan that was presented to the voters in 2022. He would be more
comfortable moving forward the approved L.O.S.T. project of renovating/expanding the
current police facility.
Council Member Willenbring expressed hesitation to increase the levy by bonding for a joint
public safety facility, however, she was cognizant of the need to think long-term to meet the
needs of the City in the future.
WORKSHOP MINUTES
JANUARY 23, 2024
PAGE FOUR
Chief Wold pointed out that the Fire Department model and staffing has changed, but the
facilities do not currently match this change. He indicated that it would be ideal to have a
centralized joint public safety facility, however, he is concerned about the negative effect the
extended timeline would have on Police Department recruitment and retention.
Chief Wold suggested that if the City Council decides to move forward with the Police facility
expansion as presented to the voters, the City should consider pursuing the 4Front property
for future strategic planning.
Council Member Her was supportive of the current plan to renovate the current Police facility.
He added that the City could go back to the voters at a future election to increase and extend
the L.O.S.T. for a centralized joint public safety facility.
Council Member Ingebrigtson stated that there are too many unknown factors and too much
risk to move forward with a joint public safety facility at this time.
Mayor Zabel noted that moving forward with the Police facility expansion as originally planned
would allow for future Councils to have the opportunity to explore a joint public safety facility
and repurpose the Police facility at that time.
In response to Council Member Ingebrigtson’s question about the planned City Hall remodel,
Ms. Volkers stated that it is planned for 2026.
Mayor Zabel was supportive of moving forward with the Police facility expansion as originally
planned and pursuing the 4Front property for future strategic planning. Council Member
Ingebrigtson agreed.
In response to Council Member Willenbring’s question about the timeline for the planned
Police facility expansion, Ms. Volkers said the project would be completed in 2027 if a decision
is made very soon. Council Member Willenbring expressed concern about the planned Police
facility expansion not meeting the Police Department’s and City’s future needs. Mayor Zabel
indicated that the architect’s plans at the time they were presented in 2018 were designed
with the City’s growth in mind. Chief Newton clarified that there are concerns with the 2018
architectural plans especially as it relates to the locker room space and evidence room space.
Ms. Volkers added that a new State law has been passed since the 2018 designs were drawn
up in which the City has to build the planned Police facility parking garage to meet the
requirements of a storm shelter which will be an additional cost. Mayor Zabel stated that the
City can bond for the few extra million that will be needed given the outdated architectural
plans, which Ms. Volkers stated is already in the current project for planning.
Council Member Her asked if the proposal is to move forward with the Police facility expansion
as originally planned and pursue the 4Front property for future strategic planning. Mayor Zabel
stated the City could look at the 4Front property for future use, but nothing is definitive at this
point.
WORKSHOP MINUTES
JANUARY 23, 2024
PAGE FIVE
Ms. Volkers stated that City staff will move forward with hiring an architect, securing new
plans, hiring a construction firm and planning for construction for the Police facility expansion
and remodel has originally planned.
Chief Wold expressed his support for the Police facility expansion, but would like the City to
think strategically about the Fire Department’s future needs.
Council Member Ingebrigtson was supportive of acquiring the 4Front property. Mr. Gitzlaff
noted that the property owner may be hesitant to sell the land without knowing the future
development plans. Additionally, he added the property owner may only want to lease the land
instead of selling it outright.
ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
Ms. Volkers stated she will report that the City received the Certificate of Achievement for
Excellence in Financial Reporting under Administrator’s Report during the regular meeting.
COUNCIL TOPICS
Mayor Zabel noted that he and City Administrator Volkers received an email from Hammer
Residences requesting City support for a Washington County grant that would be used to
remodel one of their group homes in Oakdale. The Council was comfortable with providing
support for this.
Mayor Zabel requested to move the Community Development agenda item on tonight’s
regular meeting – Twin Cities Towing – Conditional Use Permit Amendment – up to
immediately follow the approval of the minutes as it will likely be tabled. The Council was
amenable to the change.
Mayor Zabel reported that the Tree Board appreciation dinner went well. He outlined next
steps as staff writing up a summary report of the discussion and bringing to a subsequent
workshop meeting for Council finalization. These steps will apply to each advisory body
discussion.
ADJOURNMENT
The workshop was adjourned at 6:49 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sara Ludwig, City Clerk
Agenda
AGENDA
City Council
Workshop Meeting
January 23, 2024
Hadley Conference Room
6:00 PM
6:00 PM 2024 Acorn Award Process
6:10 PM Fire Station Location Study Report and Discussion of Possible Joint Public Safety Facility,
Continued
6:30 PM Administrator Update
6:35 PM Council Topics
6:50 PM Adjourn for Regular Meeting
COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Christina M. Volkers, City Administrator
Date: January 23, 2024
Subject: 2024 Acorn Award Process
BACKGROUND
At the January 9, 2024 Council workshop meeting, the City Council discussed the current Acorn Award
process and makeup of the Acorn Award Committee. From that discussion, it was determined that the
City Council would take on the role of the Acorn Award Committee, at least for 2024, and discuss the
future of the Committee at an upcoming workshop meeting. Additionally, City staff was asked to prepare
a workshop memorandum outlining the current Acorn Award process so Council could provide feedback
for the execution of the 2024 process.
Current Process
Starting in May each year, City staff contacts past Acorn Award Committee members to determine interest
in continuing on the committee. Once the Committee is confirmed, the following occurs:
• City staff schedules a one-hour tour with the City Council to visit the winning properties for a future
date in early August.
• Nominations are accepted from June 1st through June 30th through the City’s website. The
nomination form does not require property owner name or phone number, and can be submitted
anonymously. There are three nomination categories: Business/Commercial, Public, and
Residential. All nominations need to be visible from a public street. City staff promotes the
nomination period via the City’s social media pages and with a newsflash on the City’s website.
• As nominations are submitted, City staff reaches out to the property owners via mail to inform
them of the nomination and ask if they are willing to be considered for the award.
• Currently, properties that have previously won cannot be considered again for at least five years
after winning; and preference may be given to properties that have not previously won an Acorn
Award.
• City staff then prepares rating forms for the Acorn Award Committee members to use during the
two-week judging period. The rating forms and nomination tracker are sent to the Committee
members in early July. The Acorn Award Committee visits and rates the nominated properties that
have agreed to participate. Once all the rating sheets have been returned, City staff compiles them
into a single document.
• In late July, the Committee reviews the nominations and ratings at a virtual meeting and selects a
winning property in each category. The winning property owners are notified of the next steps
• Winning property owners are provided an Acorn Award sign to be placed on the property for a few
weeks, a scheduled visit from the City Council and photo opportunity, and an invitation to attend
a future City Council meeting to receive a certificate of recognition.
• In August, City staff updates the Acorn Award page on the City’s website with the winning
properties, in addition to acknowledging them on the City’s social media pages and in the Oakdale
Update newsletter.
COUNCIL DIRECTION REQUESTED
Staff is requesting that Council discuss the current Acorn Award process and provide feedback for the
2024 process.
1
Attachments
Acorn Award Nomination Form
Acorn Award Committee Ratings Worksheet
2
ACORN AWARD COMMITTEE
RATING WORKSHEET
CATEGORY: RESIDENTIAL
- PLEASE VISIT PROPERTY TO RATE -
Score Each Category Between 1 and 5 (Highest)
Entry Name
Entry Address
Nomination Notes
Past Winner?
Visible from Street?
Points 1 to 5 Comments
Well-Maintained
Plants and Shrubs
Variety of Plants
Unique Features
(examples: garden
accessories, trellis,
native plant, etc.)
Creativity
Overall Curb Appeal
ACORN AWARD COMMITTEE
RATING WORKSHEET
CATEGORY: BUSINESS/COMMERCIAL
- PLEASE VISIT PROPERTY TO RATE -
Score Each Category Between 1 and 5 (Highest)
Entry Name
Entry Address
Nomination Notes
Past Winner?
Visible from Street?
Points 1 to 5 Comments
Well-Maintained
Plants and Shrubs
Variety of Plants
Unique Features
(examples: garden
accessories, trellis,
native plant, etc.)
Creativity
Overall Curb Appeal
ACORN AWARD COMMITTEE
RATING WORKSHEET
CATEGORY: PUBLIC
- SINGLE NOMINATION - VISITING THIS PROPERTY IS OPTIONAL -
Score Each Category Between 1 and 5 (Highest)
Entry Name
Entry Address
Nomination Notes
Past Winner?
Visible from Street?
Points 1 to 5 Comments
Well-Maintained
Plants and Shrubs
Variety of Plants
Unique Features
(examples: garden
accessories, trellis,
native plant, etc.)
Creativity
Overall Curb Appeal
COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Christina M. Volkers, City Administrator
Kevin Wold, Fire Chief
Nicholas Newton, Police Chief
Date: January 23, 2024
Subject: Fire Station Location Study Report and Discussion of Possible Joint Public Safety
Facility, Continued
BACKGROUND
In June, 2023 the Council asked city staff to research a possible joint Public Safety Facility as a next step
prior to finalizing plans for the Police Department expansion and remodel. As part of that process, on
August 22, 2023 the Council approved an engagement with Five Bugles Design for a Fire station location
and facility needs study.
At the January 9, 2024 council workshop, the general results of the fire station location report were
discussed. Staff had prepared six options for possible joint (or not) public safety facility(s) with pros/cons
and efficiencies for each.
City staff was asked to continue to research possible joint locations and discuss further.
At this time, city staff is prepared to give a verbal update on discussions within the last two weeks and
research done.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
There is currently $15 million allocated from the previously approved local option sales tax (L.O.S.T.) plus
$3 million from other city sources such as bond funds, for a total of $18 million budgeted for the Police
Department expansion and remodel.
City staff continue to be concerned that this budget amount of $18 million is not enough given the
passage of time and inflation since the planning began in 2018. It has been many years since an
estimated budget has been prepared for the new Police Department expansion and remodel. Regardless
of whether we continue down the planned path of the Police Department expansion and remodel at the
current location, or if the Council decides to proceed with a combined Public Safety Facility, funding
challenges will need to be addressed.
COUNCIL DIRECTION REQUESTED
City staff would like to hear from the Council after further information/updates are shared.
Attachments
Link to Oakdale Fire Station GIS Report
Public Safety Campus – Possible Sites Maps
1
Public Safety Campus - Possible Sites
Est. Value:
$330,800
5.1 Acres
Est. Value: $577,700 Unknown Market Value
10.92 Acres
Lake Elmo
16.73 Acres
Oakdale
Est. Est. Value:
Value: $3,478,800 $1,073,100
16 Acres 4.92 Acres
Legend
Sewer Connection (Approx.)
Possible Sites
¯
Wetlands
Wetlands (50 ft Buffer)
Oakdale Borders
0 0.1 0.2 0.4 Miles Esri Community Maps Contributors, Metropolitan Council,
Parcels MetroGIS, © OpenStreetMap, Microsoft, Esri,
TomTom, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, US Census Bureau,
USDA, USFWS
4Front Sites 36th
Stre
et Nor th
Ideal Avenue North
Est. Value:
$330,800
5.1 Acres
ns Place North
pki
Lake Elmo
o
Oakdale
H
Est. Value:
h $577,700
Hig
10.92 Acres
Point Drive North
34th Street North
Private Road
Legend
Market Place North
Sewer Connection
(Approx.)
¯
Possible Sites
33rd Street North Wetlands
Wetlands (50 ft Buffer)
Oakdale Borders
0 0.03 0.06 0.11 Miles Esri Community Maps Contributors,
Parcels Metropolitan Council, MetroGIS, ©
OpenStreetMap, Microsoft, Esri, TomTom, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies,
Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, US Census Bureau, USDA, USFWS
High P
Drive oint
Nor
Oakdale Marketplace / Station Sites th
34th Street North
Private Road
33rd Stree t Nor th
te 694
32nd Street North
Intersta
Est. Value:
$3,478,800 Est. Value:
16 Acres $1,073,100
4.92 Acres
t Nor th
31st Stree
31st Stre e
t P l ace North
Legend
Helena Avenue North
Hemingway Avenue North
Sewer Connection
¯
Hamlet Avenue North
Stillwater Way North
(Approx.)
Possible Sites
Wetlands
Wetlands (50 ft Buffer)
0 0.04 0.07 0.15 MilesEsri Community Maps Contributors,
Parcels Metropolitan Council, MetroGIS, ©
OpenStreetMap, Microsoft, Esri, TomTom, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies,
r th USFWS
Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, US Census Bureau, USDA,
o
a te r B o ulevard N
Stillw
Lake Elmo Site
36 t h
Stre et Nor th
Iris Avenue No r th
Ideal Avenue North
t
S tree
h
3 5t or th
N
Oakdale Lake Elmo
Unknown
Market Value
16.73 Acres
34th Street North
Legend
Wetlands
¯
Wetlands (50 ft Buffer)
Oakdale Borders
Parcels
0 0.05 0.1 0.2 Miles Esri Community Maps Contributors, Metropolitan Council,
PossibleMetroGIS,
Sites© OpenStreetMap, Microsoft, Esri,
TomTom, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, US Census Bureau,
USDA, USFWS
32nd Street North
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