City Council Workshop

WORKSHOP MINUTES OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 29, 2024 The City Council held a workshop on Tuesday, October 29 2024 at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting began at 5:00 PM. Present: Mayor Kevin Zabel Council Members: Jake Ingebrigtson Andy Morcomb Susan Willenbring City Staff Members: Christina Volkers, City Administrator Sara Ludwig, City Clerk Brian Bachmeier, Consulting City Engineer Hannah Dunn, Community Development Specialist Jake Foster, Assistant City Administrator Andy Gitzlaff, Community Development Director Luke McClanahan, City Planner Nick Newton, Police Chief Lori Pulkrabek, Communications Manager Kyle Stasica, Finance Director Cory Tietz, Public Works Director Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent Kevin Wold, Fire Chief Others Present: Stewart Crosby, Senior Project Manager, SRF Sam Edelstein, HGA Architects and Engineers Carrie Eggleston, United Properties Laura Fenstermaker, Environmental Management Commission Candidate Kenny Larson, Larson Family Real Estate Kari Moore, Guest (Council Candidate) Shaunna Newton, Landscape Architectural Designer, SRF Scott Peterson, United Properties Beau Wilson, Planning Commission Candidate ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION INTERVIEW CANDIDATE: LAURA FENSTERMAKER Mayor Zabel thanked and welcomed Environmental Management Commission (EMC) Candidate Laura Fenstermaker and explained the interview process. Ms. Fenstermaker provided a brief introduction about her residency and professional background. Mayor Zabel spoke about the history, makeup, and projects of the EMC. WORKSHOP MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 2024 PAGE TWO In response to Council Member Morcomb’s question about Ms. Fenstermaker’s legislative background assisting in finding potential grant opportunities, Ms. Fenstermaker noted that she does still have a few contacts in the legislature that could provide leads to grant opportunities. Regarding issues facing the EMC identified by Ms. Fenstermaker in her application, Council Member Willenbring asked how she envisioned working with local businesses to solve these problems. Ms. Fenstermaker said she would like to have discussions with local businesses about ways to do better in terms of the use of plastic bags, food packaging, and recycling options. In response to Ms. Fenstermaker’s question about the upcoming Eco Fair, Mayor Zabel stated it will be held at Castle Elementary School. Mayor Zabel told Ms. Fenstermaker that Council will discuss the interview and staff will be in contact about their decision. PLANNING COMMISSION INTERVIEW CANDIDATE: BEAU WILSON Mayor Zabel opened the floor to Planning Commission (PC) Candidate Beau Wilson for a brief introduction. Mr. Wilson talked about his residency and interest in the Planning Commission, referencing his parents’ work experience in federal government. Council Member Ingebrigtson noted that new commissioners receive a training and orientation upon appointment. In response to Council Member Willenbring’s question about Mr. Wilson’s comfort level reading building plans and site plans, Mr. Wilson stated he has an interest in that type of work. Regarding other applications Mr. Wilson has submitted for State and local positions, Council Member Morcomb said that being on the Planning Commission will help Mr. Wilson gain insight into local government. Mr. Wilson asked about the Comprehensive 2040 Plan and how to find out more information. Mayor Zabel indicated that most cities have a long-term plan like this and Oakdale’s has been focused on the upcoming decade given all the development happening. He also mentioned small area plans and the interactive development map on the website as sources of information about the City. In response to Mr. Wilson’s question about making recommendations about municipal bonds, City Administrator Chris Volkers noted that advisory bodies do not have any financial decision- making authority. Ms. Volkers told Mr. Wilson that if Council decides to move forward with the appointment it will be added to tonight’s Council agenda given that the next Planning Commission meeting WORKSHOP MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 2024 PAGE THREE is November 7th. Mayor Zabel added it is okay if Mr. Wilson is unable to make it due to the short notice. DISCUSSION RE: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION INTERVIEW CANDIDATES Council Member Willenbring expressed the importance of Planning Commissioners who understand zoning and plans. Council Member Ingebrigtson noted that the training from staff will help in that regard. Mayor Zabel added that a fresh perspective can be valuable. In regards to attendance of the current Planning Commissioners, staff was asked to look into the attendance records and flag those with two consecutive absences. Council was in agreement to move forward with appointing both Ms. Fenstermaker and Mr. Wilson to their requested commissions. 4FRONT MULTIFAMILY DEVELOPMENT – CONCEPT PLAN Before beginning the presentation, the discussion started with introductions around the table. City Planner Luke McClanahan provided a brief introduction of the concept plan and five needed land use approvals. The land use approvals include a Comprehensive Plan amendment, Planned Unit Development (PUD) amendment, preliminary plat and final plat, and a site plan. Mr. McClanahan noted that the Comprehensive Plan amendment would be approved by the City Council and also would need approval from the Metropolitan Council. He reviewed the preliminary site plan, noting that City staff identified concerns about the infrastructure capacity in that area. Lastly, Mr. McClanahan stated that staff recommends additional townhome units and fewer apartment units to help lower the density and alleviate the infrastructure demand. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about contextualizing the proposed 240 units, Mr. McClanahan said that this will likely be a four-story building. The developer confirmed that the proposal is four stories. Council Member Ingebrigtson stated that there will likely be pushback from the homeowners in the area, but he was supportive of a multifamily building over a commercial development. Kenny Larson with Larson Family Real Estate provided a brief background on the progress of the site since the Larson family purchased it back in 2016. Mr. Larson went over a few other aspects of the site and provided the reason behind the multifamily proposal versus commercial, industrial, or retail. Mayor Zabel had no concerns rezoning the site as residential. In terms of housing stock diversity referenced in the Comprehensive Plan, Mayor Zabel noted that the Willowbrooke WORKSHOP MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 2024 PAGE FOUR development has likely satisfied this goal and therefore, because of that, he is less concerned about the units per acre on this parcel. Council Member Morcomb expressed concern about the infrastructure capacity not just at this site but Citywide. When available, he would like to review the infrastructure study results prior to making any final decisions about this development. To that point, Mayor Zabel asked if the Helmo Station small area plan needs to be revisited to re-guide some of the envisioned multifamily parcels to something else due to the infrastructure capacity issues. Scott Peterson with United Properties noted that there could be existing infrastructure capacity built in due to other developments not meeting their capacity threshold, i.e. the Roers development in that area. Council Member Morcomb asked that staff provide an update on how the Willowbrooke development is moving along in terms of meeting its approved capacity threshold. In response to Council Member Willenbring’s question about the management company for the apartment building, Mr. Peterson said it will be a professional management company that has experience in this field. Council Member Ingebrigtson thanked Larson Family Real Estate for being a good partner to the City. The Council was supportive of rezoning the proposed site to residential and was generally supportive of the concept plan. Council Member Ingebrigtson pointed out that the parcel is much larger than it appears on the site plan. Mr. Larson stated that the intent is to continue to develop and build up the 4Front Technology and Office Campus to make it as good as possible. In reference to the infrastructure agreement with Lake Elmo related to the possible future development of the parcel on the east side of Ideal Ave across from the Anna’s Grove neighborhood, Mayor Zabel noted he believed that the capacity has to remain open as long as that agreement is in place. PARK SYSTEM PLAN UPDATE Community Development Specialist Hannah Dunn stated that this agenda item includes reviewing the neighborhood park recommendations and the solicitation of Council feedback on selected park concept plans. WORKSHOP MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 2024 PAGE FIVE Prior to beginning the discussion, Ms. Dunn asked for clarification on Council’s intent regarding a fitness court at Walton Park or within the entire Park System. Ms. Volkers noted that there is grant funding available for a portion of the fitness court. Mayor Zabel stated that adding a fitness court at Walton Park is unnecessary, and the fitness stations at the Nature Preserve and the ones proposed at Garden Boulevard Park are sufficient. Council Member Morcomb agreed. Council Member Morcomb added that a fitness court is unnecessary within the entire Park System due to the expense and long-term maintenance. He would rather have the City invest in other amenities. In response to Council Member Willenbring’s question about any other cities that have a fitness court, Ms. Volkers stated that Shakopee, MN just opened one a few months ago. She offered to send the link to view it. Council Member Willenbring was open to a fitness court if it made sense within a given park concept. Mayor Zabel noted that land is the City’s hottest commodity and he would be less inclined to dedicate land to an amenity like this over something else. A fitness court was not a high priority for him. The Council was supportive of removing the fitness court from the Walton Park concept plan but remaining open minded to adding a fitness court elsewhere in Oakdale parks. Stewart Crosby, Senior Project Manager with SRF, explained the features of each concept plan as it relates to the existing and proposed site features, public feedback received, common themes from the feedback, and the project team’s recommendations. Beginning with Golfview Park, Mr. Crosby stated that the concept plan includes a reconfiguration of the parking lot, reconfiguration of the soccer field, an extension of the trails within the park, and playground improvements. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about the phased approach for improvements, Mr. Crosby said once Council agrees on final park concepts then SRF will provide cost estimates and a phasing plan based on the City’s priorities. Mayor Zabel asked whether the adjacent landowner has any ownership rights over Golfview Park. Community Development Director Andy Gitzlaff explained that the park was acquired through park dedication, and confirmed that the neighboring landowner does not have any claim over the park. He added that if the adjacent land ever becomes available in the future, then the Council at that time can consider whether to acquire it and expand the park. WORKSHOP MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 2024 PAGE SIX Council Member Ingebrigtson encouraged the City to keep the neighbors looped in on the plans and progress of the park. Council Member Morcomb pointed out that the concept plans are guiding documents that may change prior to implementation based on funding and Council direction. The Council was supportive of leaving the concept plan as is for Golfview Park. The second park discussed was Furlong Park. Mr. Crosby stated that the common themes include adding a half-court basketball court, but not adding Bankshot basketball, and updating the playground equipment. Ms. Dunn added that if the Council would like to consider Bankshot basketball for another park, there are grant opportunities available. The Council was supportive of leaving the concept plan as is for Furlong Park. The next park concept plan was Oakfield Park. Mr. Crosby stated that the common themes include a general-use field and an addition of a tot lot/K-5 playground. The project team will update the legend definition for “amenity c” to make it clear that the area is mowed turf for general use and that volleyball net staking is allowed. Mayor Zabel suggested reevaluating the need for a tot lot, or even a playground altogether, at this park as Willowbrooke Commons is relatively close and the demographic makeup of this neighborhood is unknown without further research. Council Members Morcomb and Willenbring also suggested that the need for a tot lot be reevaluated when the implementation of the concept plan features is set to occur. The Council was supportive of leaving the proposed concept plan as is for now since the playground equipment was installed in 2018, and the survey feedback indicated a desire for a tot lot. The fourth park discussed was the Oakdale Nature Preserve. Mr. Crosby stated that the common themes include keeping the existing playground and adding a nature playground, adding a sidewalk along the east side of Granada Ave N, and installing general use fields that can be used for volleyball. Mayor Zabel said he would be open to the pull-in parking area if another gathering space (i.e., a small shelter or picnic tables with shade sails) south of the tennis courts is added to the concept, given on-street parking would then not be sufficient. The Council was supportive of the project team’s recommendations for the Oakdale Nature Preserve. WORKSHOP MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 2024 PAGE SEVEN Next, Mr. Crosby went over the common themes for Eberle Park which include upgrading the playground and adding a basketball court and a general use field that can be used for volleyball. The Council was supportive of leaving the concept plan as is for Eberle Park, and agreed with the project team’s recommendations. The concept plan for Garden Boulevard Park was reviewed. Mr. Crosby noted that the common themes include adding exercise stations, a desire for accessibility improvements, adding an overlook bench area, and the need for additional parking. The Council was supportive of leaving the concept plan as is for Garden Boulevard Park. The seventh park, Tilsen I Park, was discussed. Mr. Crosby stated that the common themes include adding a path in the park, a desire for accessibility improvements, and adding a new playground as scheduled. The project team’s recommendations include adding a vegetative buffer behind the playground and upgrading the playground as scheduled and consider re- orientation. Mayor Zabel questioned the need for a ballfield at this neighborhood park due to its location and lack of parking. Ms. Dunn said staff will look into how often it is used, and noted that only youth teams can use it. Council Member Ingebrigtson mentioned that his kids have had soccer practice at this park as there are two fields. In reference to the westernmost point of the park, Mayor Zabel suggested adding native plants to reduce mowing maintenance for Public Works due to the often-wet conditions that make mowing difficult. The Council was supportive of the concept plan as proposed and the project team’s recommendations for Tilsen I Park. Mr. Crosby reviewed the common themes for Tilley Park including support for a pollinator garden, pergola structure, and playground improvements. The project team’s recommendation is to change pollinator garden to native prairie garden. Council Member Morcomb mentioned that he has talked to neighbors near Tilley Park and they do not use this park. He questioned whether it was worth maintaining. Mayor Zabel and Council Member Ingebrigtson agreed. Mayor Zabel added that the City has finite resources and parks should not only benefit a small number of residents. The Council was supportive of looking into the possibility of selling Tilley Park. Ms. Volkers said that Special Projects Manager John Stark will research park disposition before proceeding any further with the concept plan. WORKSHOP MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 2024 PAGE EIGHT Regarding Tower Park, Mr. Crosby noted that the common themes were the park needs updating, support for a new playground and the addition of benches, and a desire for accessibility improvements. In response to Council Member Morcomb’s question about using this park’s hill for a sledding event, Recreation Superintendent Julie Williams stated that the Recreation Department used to host the Tower Park Waterslide Event, however, the grass got worn down to mostly rock which became a safety issue. Staff will look into re-seeding the hill to potentially bring back the event. The Council was supportive of the concept plan as proposed for Tower Park. Next, Guthrie Park was presented. Mr. Crosby stated that the common themes include a desire for accessibility improvements, and support for an upgraded playground and new trails in the park. Mayor Zabel requested that the portable restrooms be moved away from the street front and further into the park. Mr. Crosby confirmed that a pad could be created for them in the back and include screened vegetation. Mayor Zabel added that this should be the standard for portable restrooms across the Park System. The Council was supportive of the concept plan as proposed for Guthrie Park. Preservation Park was the next park discussed. Mr. Crosby noted that public input indicated to move the community garden further from Carol Matheys, include a water source, not using a raised bed, and not removing the tree buffer. The project team’s recommendations include moving the community garden further from Carol Matheys, include a water source, and determine final design of the beds at a later date. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about moving the garden beds further into the park, Mr. Crosby said they wanted to avoid removing too many trees, but it is something to look into. Council Member Morcomb was in favor of the community garden at Preservation Park. Mayor Zabel asked to consider other low impact ideas that are complimentary to the community garden such as an outdoor classroom, interpretive signage, aggregate or mulch trails, gathering spaces, and/or shelter for shade. Regarding residents from neighboring apartments using the private basketball court at Carol Matheys, Mayor Zabel asked if there’s enough demand in that area to warrant a City-owned amenity or if the neighboring apartment management should be keeping up that amenity for its residents to avoid this issue altogether. Mr. Gitzlaff shared that those neighboring apartments will be under new ownership soon so the basketball courts should get fixed. WORKSHOP MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 2024 PAGE NINE Mr. Gitzlaff noted that Preservation Park has a conservation easement held by Washington County so there could be impacts from that to consider when finalizing the concept plan. The Council was supportive of the concept plan and removal of the Ash trees as needed to reconfigure the community garden. The second to last park reviewed was Armstrong Park. Mr. Crosby said that common themes include support for the proposed trails and addition of a playground, and re-classifying this park as a Natural Resource Park. The project team’s recommendation is to add small nature play elements along the trails. Council Member Morcomb expressed his opinion that this space does not need to be a City- owned park. Mayor Zabel asked if it is possible to create access from Stillwater Way N. After a brief discussion, the Council was supportive of reclassifying Armstrong Park as a Natural Resource Park. Finally, Bethke Park was discussed. Mayor Zabel stated that a past desire of the City was to acquire the Brockman Trucking site if funding became available. He asked the Council if that is still the desire. The Council concluded that the potential for expansion should be removed from consideration. Because of this, Mr. Crosby said this would become a Natural Resource Park. The Council was supportive of keeping Bethke Park as is with slight trail improvements. Staff was asked to delete the acquisition of the Brockman Trucking site from the Parks Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Ms. Dunn noted that there are seven Natural Resource Parks left to review and asked if Council would like to discuss at the December 10, 2024 Workshop. The Council was comfortable providing feedback via email instead. Mayor Zabel requested that a plan/timeline be provided from Public Works in regards to turning over some of the mowed turf areas at Natural Resource Parks to native plantings/pollinator habitat. Ms. Dunn informed the group that there are grants available for this type of work, but the monetary value depends on the watershed district. Discussion about the park transition timeline will occur when the project team returns to discuss cost estimating and prioritization. WORKSHOP MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 2024 PAGE TEN ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE Ms. Volkers reminded the Council that Community Development gets brochures of future possible development for review from time-to-time. She will send an email occasionally letting the Council know which brochures are available for review. Ms. Volkers reported on Council’s preference for the water tower design concepts and asked that Council settle on a couple to provide to the vendor’s graphic designer for refinement. The water tower designs were disseminated to Council via email earlier in October. Mayor Zabel was opposed to including the current oak tree especially if the logo is going to change next year. Other council members were interested in keeping the oak tree as the city’s logo. Ms. Volkers noted that the Police and Fire Departments are in the process of redesigning their patches and would like to move forward in that process. The current mockups include the oak tree. It was noted that the cost for new patches has been budgeted for in 2025. There was a brief discussion about using a variation of the oak tree and it was determined they should utilize Option 1 as referenced on a handout provided by Communications Manager Lori Pulkrabek. Mayor Zabel was supportive of exploring a leaf for the new logo design. Alternatively, Council Member Willenbring was supportive of keeping the oak tree, but making small tweaks to it. Mayor Zabel stated that a public engagement process is necessary before deciding on a new logo design. Council Member Morcomb was unsure if Council needs to have input on the Police and Fire Departments’ patch redesign. Mayor Zabel noted that these are the only two departments with unique brand identities and are also the most public-facing. Council Member Willenbring asked if it was possible to insert a leaf in place of the tree on the patch designs for a visual comparison. It was suggested the design process proceed as presented. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about aligning the patch redesign with the City’s brand identity, Police Chief Nick Newton confirmed that is the goal. Council Member Willenbring again expressed her desire to leave the logo as a tree, but simplify it. Council Member Morcomb agreed about keeping a tree as part of the logo. Council Member Ingebrigtson was supportive of the simpler tree design – Option 2, again referencing the handout from Ms. Pulkrabek. He also was supportive of water tower concept design “d” which Council Members Morcomb and Willenbring liked as well. Of note, Council Member Morcomb liked concept design “d” without the oak tree. It was Mayor Zabel’s opinion that the oak tree is not part of the City’s identity which came out of strategic planning. He reiterated that public engagement is necessary for a new logo design. WORKSHOP MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 2024 PAGE ELEVEN Ms. Volkers pointed out that the water tower design needs to be determined soon. It was decided that at least concept designs “d” and “e” be sent to the graphic designer. Ms. Pulkrabek will ask if the graphic designer (or a new graphic designer) to create various water tower designs for Council review. Staff will look into the cost and scope of hiring a consultant to do a brand redesign for the City. WORKSHOP RECESSED FOR REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:57 PM WORKSHOP RECONVENED AT 10:02 PM AFTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING GREENWAY AVE SIDEWALK/TRAIL Consulting City Engineer Brian Bachmeier provided a summary comparison of the Greenway Avenue sidewalk or trail options between Hudson Blvd N and 7th St N. He noted that the City applied for federal grant funding and was awarded $400,000 through the 2020 Met Council Regional Solicitation – Pedestrian Facilities Category. In reference to the six-foot-wide paved trail with two-foot-wide boulevard, Mr. Bachmeier did not recommend this option for a variety of reasons including noncompliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the federal grant funding. The second option, ten-foot-wide paved trail with four-foot-wide boulevard, was also not recommended by Mr. Bachmeier due to additional right-of-way and permanent easements from all abutting property owners that will create nonconforming setbacks. There would also be right-of-way acquisition costs owed by the City. Mr. Bachmeier recommended the third option, six-foot-wide concrete sidewalk with four-foot- wide boulevard, as it complies with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and federal grant funding requirements, lessens the number of easements needed, and is consistent with the City Code minimum boulevard width of four feet. Mayor Zabel was uncomfortable making a decision without knowing the total estimated project cost. Mr. Bachmeier indicated that the sidewalk in the third option will cost roughly $250,000, leaving $150,000 for the driveway regrading. He noted that the City has a 20% local match requirement per the federal grant. Mayor Zabel stated that he does not want the City to spend more than $100,000 of City funds on this project, but prefers the third option. In response to Council Member Ingebrigtson’s question about completing the sidewalk in option three for under $500,000, Mr. Bachmeier confirmed it is possible given the current estimates. WORKSHOP MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 2024 PAGE TWELVE The Council agreed to cap the City’s local match cost at $100,000 and supported the six-foot- wide concrete sidewalk with four-foot-wide boulevard. Other costs associated with this project like curb and gutter and utilities are included in the capital improvement plan. WASHINGTON COUNTY DRAFT 2025-2029 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) COMMENTS Mr. Bachmeier went over the proposed shared use path on 50th St N from Helmo Ave N to Olson Lake Trail N. Mayor Zabel stated that he would be open to this project if Lake Elmo paid an equal portion of the local cost share given that their residents use the path as well. In response to Council Member Ingebrigtson’s question about whether the County provides funding for City projects, Ms. Volkers noted that the County does give the City grants for certain projects. Ms. Volkers pointed out that this project is identified in the Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, and offered to ask Lake Elmo about co-funding the local share. The Council was supportive of declining any local cost share participation in the proposed shared use path on 50th St N from Helmo Ave N to Olson Lake Trail N. Mr. Bachmeier reviewed the second project, a shared use path on 34th Street N from Century Ave N to Granada Ave N. He noted this project is identified in the Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan. Mayor Zabel stated that he is open to filling in the gap in this trail, but the timing proposed by Washington County does not make sense. The Council was supportive of declining participation in this project until further plans are known about the improvements in this corridor. The third project, upgrading Ideal Ave N from Stillwater Ave N to 34th Street N, was presented. Of the $900,000 local share, Mr. Bachmeier noted that Oakdale’s portion should be limited due to what is needed on the Oakdale side of the road. There is currently $100,000 budgeted within the CIP for a signal or roundabout as part of this project. Mr. Bachmeier added that this project is slated for 2029 so the City has a few years to get a more accurate cost. Staff will request this information from Washington County. The Council was supportive of this project overall. Mr. Bachmeier noted that Washington County is proposing signal battery backups, but there is no local cost so staff is supportive. The Council also agreed. Lastly, in reference to the pedestrian improvements at 34th St N and Highpoint Drive, Mr. Bachmeier said Highpoint Drive is included as part of a catch-all project for signal improvements within the Washington County CIP so the timing and cost are unclear at this time. Staff was supportive of this project. The Council also agreed. WORKSHOP MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 2024 PAGE THIRTEEN 2025-2029 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND 2025-2034 VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENTS Finance Director Kyle Stasica went over a few changes to the CIP including removing the two projects just discussed – the proposed shared use path on 50th St N from Helmo Ave N to Olson Lake Trail N and the shared use path on 34th Street N from Century Ave N to Granada Ave N. Mr. Stasica pointed out that the $100,000 funding source for City Project W2024-02 (Convert Well 1 to Electronic PRV) has been updated from a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) reimbursement to suggested transfer from Utility System Replacement Fund. After further review, this project was not eligible for reimbursement through the settlement funds as it was not identified in the Co-Trustee’s Final Drinking Water Supply Plan. The Council was supportive of the suggested transfer. Additionally, $11,000 of the MPCA reimbursement for City Project W2024-03 (Drinking Water Settlement Water Modeling & POET) is not eligible as some of the work was performed on the project prior to the grant being approved by the MPCA. Mr. Stasica stated that this $11,000 is suggested as a transfer from Utility System Replacement Fund. The Council was supportive of the suggested transfer. In response to Council Member Morcomb’s question about applying for the MPCA reimbursement for City Project W2024-02 after completion, Mr. Bachmeier confirmed that if the planning grant shows real benefit to the City then staff will try applying for the reimbursement again. In reference to the Greenway Avenue sidewalk, a part of City Project R2026-01, discussed earlier in the evening, Mr. Stasica will confirm the CIP includes revenue of $400,000 from grant funding. Council requested total cost of this portion not exceed $500,000 with approximately $100,000 as City cost to be monitored by the City Engineer. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about the projected negative fund balance within the Parks Capital Fund, Mr. Stasica indicated this is a one-time instance due to debt issuance for the Willowbrooke projects. Mayor Zabel asked when the request for proposals will be submitted for Willowbrooke Park West. Mr. Gitzlaff reported that staff received the request for proposals and hired SRF Consulting to complete the park design which will be presented to Council at the November 26, 2024 Workshop to confirm final design. Ms. Volkers stated that Assistant City Administrator Jake Foster will be reviewing the Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Fund (VERF), and further analysis of maintenance cost versus replacement cost will be done as vehicle requests are brought forward. Ms. Volkers noted that the proposed VERF budget is likely going to change because of this. WORKSHOP MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 2024 PAGE FOURTEEN COUNCIL TOPICS None. ADJOURNMENT The workshop was adjourned at 10:23 PM. Respectfully submitted, Sara Ludwig, City Clerk