City Council Workshop

WORKSHOP MINUTES OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 25, 2025 The City Council held a workshop on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting began at 5:00 PM. Present: Acting Mayor Andy Morcomb Council Members: Kari Moore Gary Severson Susan Willenbring City Staff Members: Christina Volkers, City Administrator Sara Ludwig, City Clerk Brian Bachmeier, Consulting City Engineer Jake Foster, Assistant City Administrator Andy Gitzlaff, Community Development Director Melanie Lee, Human Resources Director Max Lohse, Community Development Specialist Luke McClanahan, City Planner Nick Newton, Police Chief Lori Pulkrabek, Communications Manager Cory Tietz, Public Works Director Kevin Wold, Fire Chief Absent: Mayor Kevin Zabel Others Present: Mario Cocchiarella, Chief Executive Officer, Maplewood Development Mark Kronbeck, Senior Project Manager, Alliant Engineering Steve Troskey, Land Entitlements Manager, Lennar LENNAR TOWNHOMES – FINAL PHASE OF WILLOWBROOKE – DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT PLAN City Planner Luke McClanahan provided a brief introduction of the concept plan and four needed land use approvals. The request is for approval to develop 98 townhomes on a 9.5- acre parcel, which is the last available site within the Willowbrooke development. The land use approvals include a final plat, a site plan, a noise variance, and a PUD amendment. Mr. McClanahan stated that the amendment would address three deviations: the exterior building material requirements, setback requirements, and the density, which is lower than the originally planned density for the site. Mario Cocchiarella, Chief Executive Officer for Maplewood Development, reflected on the history of the Willowbrooke development over the past eight years. He noted that changes within the Oakdale zoning code and the approval of more apartments nearby have reduced the ability to add more density. Mr. Cocchiarella added that the current proposal for WORKSHOP MINUTES FEBRUARY 25, 2025 PAGE TWO townhomes by Lennar are of high-quality and would be a good fit for completing the Willowbrooke site. Mark Kronbeck, Senior Project Manager with Alliant Engineering, went over the concept site plan, noting that the proposed setback adjustment to 56-feet per staff’s recommendation are outlined in red, with the current setback from I-694 shown at 30-feet. Because the development is closer to medium-density use, Mr. Kronbeck inquired whether the 56-foot setback is sufficient versus the high-density use requirement of 60 feet. Lastly, he was uncertain whether the site could fully meet the 30-foot setback requirement from 40th St due to the adjustments that would have to be made to the proposed development. Mr. Cocchiarella mentioned two things about the setback from 40th St. First, that the difference in the setback on 40th St is negligible, and it would be preferable to maintain the distance in that area to create more green space. Second, that there is a significant grade change on 40th St, which may mitigate the impact of the setback. In response to Acting Mayor Morcomb’s question about whether the proposed setback could accommodate a noise wall along I-694, Mr. McClanahan said staff’s recommendation to meet the 60-foot setback, or as close to it as possible, is focused on enhancing landscape and creating a natural screening from the interstate. Consulting City Engineer Brian Bachmeier added that previous noise walls that were constructed after development, had the staging and material delivery taking place from the freeway side. In response to Council Member Willenbring’s question about the current setback from 40th St, Mr. Kronbeck noted it is currently proposed at 18–19 feet. Council Member Willenbring expressed concern about whether there will be enough space to construct a bridge in the future. Mr. Bachmeier reiterated that construction activity would likely occur within the right- of-way or on the freeway side. City Administrator Chris Volkers asked the Council if they are willing to allow deviation from the required 30-foot setback from 40th St. Acting Mayor Morcomb asked about the grade from 40th St to the residential property. Mr. Kronbeck noted that the slope of the grade ranges from 2% to 5% to the back of the walking path, then decreases as it gets closer to the residential property. Council Member Moore clarified that the site was initially planned for high-density, 30–35 units per acre, but is now being proposed as medium-density with 10.7 units per acre. She expressed concern about the proposed setbacks given the project has not been formally approved for medium-density, therefore, the high-density setback requirements should be maintained. Council Member Moore asked for the reasoning behind the request for deviation from the Class I exterior building material requirement which is currently at least 70%. Mr. Cocchiarella gave his recall of the history on the Willowbrooke site as it relates to townhomes built by Roers WORKSHOP MINUTES FEBRUARY 25, 2025 PAGE THREE and the Willowbrooke Planned Unit Development (PUD) requirements. He added that the difference in materials would not be noticeable, but that it comes down to product type. Steve Troskey, Land Entitlements Manager for Lennar mentioned that the intention for these units is owner-occupied. They will be built and marketed for sale. Acting Mayor Morcomb was supportive of a lower percentage of Class I materials as long as the product is still aesthetically pleasing and of good quality. Council Member Willenbring clarified that the deviation from the 70% requirement is requested across the entire building versus just on a single side. In response to Council Member Willenbring’s question about how the selected material will hold up to the elements, Mr. Cocchiarella noted that the maintenance-free aspect of the products will make the buildings look new even ten years from now. Acting Mayor Morcomb, along with Council Members Severson and Willenbring were supportive of lowering the Class I exterior building material requirement to 40%. In reference to the proposed density of 10.7 units per acre versus the PUD-specified 30–35 units per acre, Acting Mayor Morcomb, along with Council Members Severson and Willenbring were supportive of this deviation. Council Member Moore noted that the original vision for the initial PUD has been altered significantly, and for that reason she was not comfortable with the density deviation. Shifting focus, Acting Mayor Morcomb brought up the fact that setbacks are a safety concern and should be maintained. He asked whether achieving a 30-foot setback would require removing homes or substantially altering the proposed design. Mr. Kronbeck indicated that the developer could likely get to a 27-foot setback without having to lower the number of units. In response to Council Member Willenbring’s question about the configuration of the townhomes along 40th St, Mr. Kronbeck noted that the main entrances, including both the front doors and garage doors, are facing north, away from 40th St. Mr. Cocchiarella added that small patios are located at the back of the townhomes. These will be screened and there will be some type of a retaining wall near the bridge. Community Development Director Andy Gitzlaff acknowledged the Council’s sentiment to ensure there is an adequate setback for safety, both under the current conditions and for future infrastructure projects like a new pedestrian bridge. Acting Mayor Morcomb inquired about the need for a traffic study due to the increased traffic on 40th St from the development in the area. Mr. Kronbeck pointed out that 40th St has been widened to accommodate more traffic. The road behind the townhomes is wider than the bridge itself, and it was his opinion that the building of the new bridge would likely not be as wide as the current road. WORKSHOP MINUTES FEBRUARY 25, 2025 PAGE FOUR Council Member Severson echoed Acting Mayor Morcomb’s concern about the 18–19 foot setback from 40th St, citing a safety issue. He was comfortable with the 56-foot setback from I-694. Mr. Cocchiarella indicated that a potential solution would be to make the private roads a little narrower in order to push the development north to create more space for the setback along 40th St. Council Member Willenbring was less concerned about the decreased setback from 40th St given the information stated by Mr. Kronbeck. Overall, the Council was generally supportive of the project proposal. GOLD LINE BRT OWNERSHIP & MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS AND JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT As a follow up to the November 12, 2024 Workshop discussion, Mr. Bachmeier provided an update on the status of discussions with Metro Transit relating to the Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) ownership and maintenance. The Metropolitan Council has agreed to take ownership and maintenance responsibility for four identified retaining walls, curbing along the center guideway, the four noncritical intersection signs (Greenway/Hudson, Hale/4th, Hayward/4th, and BRT/4th), and the access road to the park and ride lot. As for outstanding items, Mr. Bachmeier stated that negotiations have not yet started for the 4th St Bridge, as no proposals from the Met Council have been made. Additionally, discussions with Washington County about guideway maintenance, including snow removal and crack sealing, are ongoing, though there is a contract in place with Metro Transit for at least two more years. Lastly, the joint powers agreement for mutual aid and emergency response is near approval. Mr. Bachmeier sought Council feedback on the status of the current negotiations so that staff can direct the Gold Line BRT team to start working on agreements for future Council approval. The Council was appreciative and supportive of staff’s work on these negotiations. For the remaining negotiations with minor financial impacts, Council was supportive of deferring to Ms. Volkers’ authority. Acting Mayor Morcomb asked about the joint powers agreement as it relates to the responsibilities of each party. Police Chief Nick Newton stated increased transit service can lead to increased crime and unhoused population, but that the Police Department has been working with Washington County and the surrounding communities to ensure that officers have the resources and understanding to address these situations. Mr. Gitzlaff noted that Woodbury has assumed responsibility for the operations of the Bielenberg Bridge as Oakdale gave up the “Helmo” portion of the bridge name as part of the arrangement. WORKSHOP MINUTES FEBRUARY 25, 2025 PAGE FIVE CITY CODE, CHAPTER 6 SOLID WASTE AND ENVIRONMENT REVIEW Mr. Gitzlaff indicated that this item is a follow-up from a previous Workshop in which Council asked staff to review City of Oakdale Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 – Solid Waste and Environmental, focusing on the placement of mixed municipal solid waste (MSW) and recyclable containers. Mr. Gitzlaff went over the existing code language, stating that waste containers are prohibited from being stored in the front yard or in front of the garage, except on collection day. The exception is if they are totally screened from view and approved by the Building Official. Mr. Gitzlaff continued, on collection day, containers should be placed out by 7 AM, and residents must bring them back in by 8 PM. Lastly, all MSW and recyclables shall be stored out of sight except with permission from the Building Official, and not longer than 72 hours. Acting Mayor Morcomb noted that MSW includes things like broken cars, generators, appliances, and furniture. While he was comfortable with the third requirement shared by Mr. Gitzlaff, his opinion of the bin placement requirement is that it can become a nuisance for City staff and does not accomplish the true intent. Council Member Severson was comfortable with the Code as written. Council Member Moore expressed concern about the requirement for the Building Official to approve screening for waste containers, citing it may be an unnecessary burden on City staff. She suggested rewriting the language to more clearly address the issue that is trying to be solved, i.e., preventing receptacles from falling over and causing litter. Additionally, Council Member Moore pointed out that the current Code language about when waste containers should be placed on the curb for collection conflicts with information provided by the private solid waste and recycling haulers servicing the City. The Council was supportive of clarifying this language. Regarding whether multifamily buildings should be required to provide recycling, Council Member Moore was supportive of rewriting the Code to make this a requirement. Council Member Severson was supportive of following Minn. Stat. Section 115A.151. Council Member Willenbring inquired about the reasoning behind the requirement that waste containers be placed inside or screened besides preventing wildlife from getting into it. She also mentioned that although she is supportive of keeping waste containers inside, it is not her desire to impose that regulation on residents. Acting Mayor Morcomb shared Mayor Zabel’s sentiments on the matter, stating that he is supportive of repealing the restrictive language about waste container placement. Acting Mayor Morcomb suggested that any changes made to the Code should be comprehensive and address the issues fully. Specifically, ensuring that larger items left out WORKSHOP MINUTES FEBRUARY 25, 2025 PAGE SIX for pick up are not creating hazards or health issues for people in the community. Also, that the collection day time window be widened to offer flexibility for residents. Moving on to the language about unfair billing practices, Council Member Severson was hesitant about the City getting involved in a pricing dispute between a resident and a private business, especially since the City does not ask for the trash hauler’s rates upon licensure. Council Member Moore added that if the City were to post standard pricing for trash haulers, it would have to do so for all private businesses it licenses, which would come with additional staff costs. Mr. Gitzlaff acknowledged that City staff would not monitor or track pricing regularly, but the Code language should be rewritten to ensure the City is not put in the position of arbitrating disputes over unfair billing practices. Acting Mayor Morcomb suggested that as part of the trash hauler licensing process, companies could be required to share what percentage of residents they are serving. This information could help the City ensure there are enough choices available for residents, while also protecting the market from any unfair pricing or market manipulation. Ms. Volkers stated this practice would not need to be codified, but could be incorporated as part of the City’s due diligence during the licensing process. Council Members Moore and Willenbring, along with Acting Mayor Morcomb, were supportive of removing the regulation about waste container placement. Mr. Gitzlaff noted that the language should clarify Council’s intent which is to have it placed near the front of the home within a specific distance, to prevent bins from tipping over due to wind. In reference to the recycling requirement at multifamily buildings, Mr. Gitzlaff pointed out that the current Code language is more restrictive than State statute. Council Member Severson was supportive of aligning the Code language with State statute. Council Member Moore emphasized the importance of supporting the efforts of the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) by empowering residents to recycle. Council Member Willenbring made a distinction between empowering people and mandating actions. Mr. Gitzlaff mentioned that the City uses funds from recycling grants to educate multifamily buildings on recycling, and at times, helps implement it. Acting Mayor Morcomb expressed support for recycling at multifamily buildings, but recognized that making it a requirement can be challenging. He emphasized the importance of providing resources and support to make it easier for these buildings to implement recycling programs, and suggested that the EMC could play a role in finding and offering support to ensure these efforts are successful. WORKSHOP MINUTES FEBRUARY 25, 2025 PAGE SEVEN PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE PLAN CHECK-IN Community Development Specialist Max Lohse provided background on the Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, and how staff have used the Plan as a guiding tool for various developments and grant applications since its adoption in November 2023. In reference to the 50th St N trail which would connect Helmo Avenue N to Olson Lake Trail, Mr. Gitzlaff indicated that the City applied for a grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to help fund the project as Washington County is still willing to pay their share of the project if the City does move it forward. Mr. Bachmeier estimated the City’s local share would be roughly $150,000. Council Member Moore pointed out that if the public is being directed to the Gateway State Trail by way of Heath Avenue N, it would make sense to complete this portion of the 50th St N trail to address safety concerns and effectiveness. Acting Mayor Morcomb acknowledged that the cost of completing such projects is often very high, and decisions will ultimately depend on the available budget and what the City Council is willing to prioritize. Moving on, Mr. Lohse went over the potential near-term projects which include a couple signage-only routes – Heath Avenue N (Gateway State Trail to 50th St N) and Glenbrook Ave N (7th St N to Tanners Lake Park). Acting Mayor Morcomb stated that the signage projects could help people navigate and get to parks or trails. Council Member Moore suggested an alternative route that would direct people down 50th St N, where there is an existing sidewalk, all the way to the Gateway State Trail underpass at Hadley Avenue N. The Council was supportive of the signage-only routes. In response to Council Member Moore’s question about an established crosswalk at 50th St N, Mr. Bachmeier explained that 50th St N is a County road so it is ultimately their decision. The main issue is that there is not a continuous sidewalk or trail on the north side of 50th St N, which would force pedestrians and cyclists onto the roadway and could present a safety concern. Mr. Gitzlaff added that the use of wayfinding signs, like "Gateway State Trail ahead", can help people navigate bike routes and walking paths more easily. Mr. Gitzlaff brought up the widening of the current 10th St N sidewalk, between Highway 120 and Hadley Avenue N, to a trail due to its current use and public feedback. City staff has already submitted comments to Washington County (since this is a County road) about studying this corridor to see if this project would be feasible. Council Member Severson was supportive of this project. Acting Mayor Morcomb was supportive of this project, in conjunction with the County or with the utilization of grants given the significant costs involved, but ultimately would like the City to fill in gaps in the current system before expanding other areas. Council Member Willenbring expressed concern about the possibility of the need for eminent domain in this corridor. Mr. Gitzlaff clarified that a study, in collaboration with the County, WORKSHOP MINUTES FEBRUARY 25, 2025 PAGE EIGHT would be the next appropriate step for this project. The Council was supportive of this next step. Discussion moved to the 40th St N shared use trail in which there is a gap between Gershwin Avenue N and Hadley Avenue N. Acting Mayor Morcomb pointed out that there is not a designated budget for trail expansion, maintenance, or repairs, as funds are typically allocated for other infrastructure like roads. He suggested creating a dedicated funding source for trails to address this more holistically. He was in favor of a study of this corridor given its increased use. Council Member Severson agreed. Mr. Gitzlaff emphasized that the projects are already in the approved Plan, and with the upcoming Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process, the next step would be to scope them further, whether through studies or design work to allow Council an opportunity to review the projects and make adjustments as needed, potentially removing or altering them based on their timeline or priority. Mr. Lohse discussed the implementation of maintenance measures and policy goals from the Plan. He highlighted that recommendations like designing facilities for easier winter maintenance and developing maintenance requirements for new developments, are already being implemented. There is a challenge with one of the Plan’s recommendations – to use longer-lasting crosswalk marking materials – as it could be significantly more expensive (up to 600% more than traditional methods). Public Works Director Cory Tietz explained the difference between solvent-based and water-based materials for crosswalks, and recommended staying with the current practice of using water-based materials, due to the cost. In response to Council Member Willenbring’s question about adequate staffing to keep up with crosswalk maintenance, Mr. Tietz confirmed that the current staffing levels are sufficient to maintain the crosswalks. In response to Council Member Severson’s question about a formal plan to replace the trails in the City, Mr. Bachmeier stated that there is an opportunity to develop an inventory of trails to help create a trail-specific CIP. While the current CIP is mainly focused on street improvements and adjacent infrastructure, some trails may need immediate attention and should not be delayed until street work is done. Mr. Tietz confirmed this is a project that Public Works staff can take on with minimal cost. The Council was also in favor of developing a crosswalk marking inventory management system. Ms. Volkers reminded the group that an asset management system is in the approved 2025 budget. DISCUSSION OF TREE BOARD, PLANNING COMMISSION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION 2025 WORK PLANS Council Member Willenbring brought up attendance issues and suggested slightly increasing the advisory body member pay, possibly to $25/meeting, to help encourage more participation and improve attendance. Council Member Severson agreed with this suggestion. WORKSHOP MINUTES FEBRUARY 25, 2025 PAGE NINE Acting Mayor Morcomb asked staff to research the pay in surrounding cities and report back to the Council for further discussion. Acting Mayor Morcomb mentioned the Parks and Recreation Commission’s request to move their meeting start time from 7:00 PM to 6:00 PM. He was supportive of this change as it could improve attendance among the commissioners as well as the public. Council Member Willenbring offered to gauge interest with the Planning Commission for an earlier meeting start time. The Council did not have any suggested changes for the proposed Tree Board, Planning Commission, and Environmental Management Commission 2025 work plans. ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE Ms. Volkers reported that the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) Connect and Protect Grant opportunity for FY2025 has been withdrawn by the Federal Government as an opportunity. City staff was in the process of applying again since the City applied for this $550,000 grant in FY2024 and did not receive it. The grant funding would help cover the cost of a Coordinated Response Clinical Social Worker / Mental Health Professional to assist police officers in addressing mental health situations. Acting Mayor Morcomb requested that funding for this mental health resource be part of the upcoming budget conversation. Ms. Volkers clarified that this position is a Washington County position, however, due to its collaborative nature, the County requires the City would be responsible for funding half of it. During the budget discussion, Council Member Willenbring requested that Council be provided with studies and/or data showing how well similar programs are working in other cities. COUNCIL TOPICS In response to Council Member Severson’s question about whether the City has taken measures to secure streetlights from copper wire theft, Ms. Volkers noted that it is on the City’s radar. Acting Mayor Morcomb expressed a desire to better understand Oakdale’s housing landscape after attending the At Home in Washington County event, especially as it relates to affordable housing and age-restricted housing. Mr. Gitzlaff mentioned that his department is anticipating the start of a City-wide housing study this year which will help with housing inventory and mapping of the current housing infrastructure. Mr. Lohse referred the Council to page 55 of the City’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan for initial information on publicly subsidized housing units. Council Member Moore mentioned that during a presentation from Susan Brower, Minnesota State Demographer, at a recent White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce, it was noted that Oakdale is seeing population growth especially compared to surrounding communities. WORKSHOP MINUTES FEBRUARY 25, 2025 PAGE TEN Acting Mayor Morcomb suggested that staff look at alternative table configurations for the Workshop meeting in Hadley Room to ensure that everyone in attendance is able to listen and engage, as appropriate, without anyone’s back to the audience. Council Member Willenbring sought the Council’s support for staff to review the current City of Oakdale Code of Ordinances as it relates to the perceived increase in the unhoused population due to the Gold Line BRT. The Council was supportive. ADJOURNMENT The workshop was adjourned at 6:50 PM. Respectfully submitted, Sara Ludwig, City Clerk