City Council Workshop

Name: City Council Workshop — Oakdale, MN
Start: 2025-05-27
End: 2025-05-27
Location: Oakdale, MN

Regular Meeting

Oakdale, MN · May 27, 2025

Minutes

WORKSHOP MINUTES OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL MAY 27, 2025 The City Council held a workshop on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting began at 5:00 PM. Present: Mayor Kevin Zabel Council Members: Andy Morcomb Kari Moore Gary Severson 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 Kristina Handt, Interim Finance Director Melanie Lee, Human Resources Director Luke McClanahan, City Planner Nick Newton, Police Chief Lori Pulkrabek, Communications Manager Ryan Stuart, Police Captain Cory Tietz, Public Works Director Kevin Wold, Fire Chief 2025 OAKDALE ECO FAIR DEBRIEF Community Development Specialist Hannah Dunn provided a recap of the 2025 Eco Fair and shared that feedback was gathered from the vendors and Environmental Management Commission (EMC). Mayor Zabel thanked staff for all their work to make this event a success. He was also pleased with the attendance of all seven of the EMC Commissioners. Council Member Moore shared support for the event and its location, but noted that there could be a bit more overlap between the Eco Fair and Tree Giveaway, such as the Washington County Master Gardeners giving away seedlings at both events. Council Member Severson agreed. Council Member Willenbring was supportive of the kids’ activities, and suggested adding an outdoor component next year. WORKSHOP MINUTES MAY 27, 2025 PAGE TWO Council Member Moore suggested bike helmet fitting that could tie into an outdoor trail ride into the Nature Preserve. She offered to send additional ideas to Ms. Dunn for consideration next year. Council Member Morcomb liked that Independent School District (ISD) 622 was part of the event. The Council agreed that the Eco Fair should continue in 2026, be held at Castle Elementary in tandem with the Tree Giveaway again, especially if it can be held at the North Fire Station, and that the proposed budget was appropriate. Additionally, 25 vendors is a good target for this event as there won’t be space for more vendors at Castle. PLANNING COMMISSION INTERVIEW CANDIDATE: CHENAYI SHAVA Mayor Zabel thanked and welcomed Planning Commission (PC) Candidate Chenayi Shava and explained the interview process. Ms. Shava provided a brief introduction about her residency, and professional and educational background. In response to Council Member Morcomb’s question about why Ms. Shava is interested in the PC, Ms. Shava stated that she believes planning is an important foundation to building a community, and is an area in which she has room to learn and grow. Council Member Moore asked Ms. Shava to expand on her thoughts about development zones for new housing within the City. Ms. Shava shared that both the City and developers are moving development forward, but safety and impact should be important considerations along the way. In response to Council Member Severson’s question about how Ms. Shava handles conflicting opinions in a group setting, Ms. Shava noted that she will stand by what she knows, but is willing to ask for clarification and time to think things over. Mayor Zabel asked for ideas Ms. Shava has about current development projects or future development opportunities. Ms. Shava shared that the City could focus on aspects of safety by enforcing the speed limit in residential neighborhoods using speed bumps or additional signage. Mayor Zabel gave a brief rundown of the redevelopment projects in the City and how the PC has provided insight along the way. Ms. Shava asked how the current projects impact ISD 622. Mayor Zabel shared that there is an open line of communication when it comes to development and construction projects for both parties. Mayor Zabel told Ms. Shava that Council will discuss the interview and staff will be in contact about their decision. WORKSHOP MINUTES MAY 27, 2025 PAGE THREE POLICE DEPARTMENT STAFFING PLAN Police Chief Nick Newton provided a recap of the staffing study that was completed by The Axtell Group in 2023. The study resulted in 30 recommendations which were reviewed and considered by appropriate City staff. From there, the Police Department (PD) Staffing Plan for 2023-2031 was developed. Chief Newton went over the staffing structure for years 2022- 2024. Mayor Zabel requested that the number of PD staff reflected in OpenGov mirrors what is noted in the PD Staffing Plan PowerPoint Presentation to avoid any confusion. Council Member Morcomb suggested adding a footnote in OpenGov to clear up any confusion. Chief Newton shared the proposed Plan for staffing changes and additions in years 2026- 2031. It was noted that the current PD facility can only realistically accommodate one more officer. Chief Newton stated that the Staffing Plan will be re-evaluated in 2031 by looking at data and making decisions that are tailored to Oakdale’s needs. Mayor Zabel asked about the vision for the Behavioral Health Unit Detective slated for hire sometime between 2026-2028. Chief Newton explained that this individual would be a licensed police officer working alongside a licensed social worker. The co-responding unit would respond to active calls, but also follow up on mental health calls. Chief Newton indicated there are a handful of qualified officers to fill the Behavioral Health Unit Detective role once it rolls out. Police Captain Ryan Stuart pointed out that the co-responding unit would be working with the entirety of the PD staff. In response to Council Member Willenbring’s question about the success of this position in other cities, Chief Newton noted that there has been a rise in behavioral health contacts because of these positions. Chief Newton went over The Axtell Group’s recommendations versus the proposed PD Staffing Plan, with the Plan fulfilling ten of the 15 recommended positions. City Administrator Chris Volkers pointed out that the 2026 proposed budget will have partial funding for the embedded social worker. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about budgeted to actuals for 2024, Interim Finance Director Kristina Handt noted that the full $350,000 budgeted for 2024 had been transferred from the restricted Police Aid Fund to the General Fund. To follow up, Mayor Zabel asked if one-time funds are unintentionally being used for ongoing expenses given Council’s direction was to use the one-time public safety aid from the State for new hires, not to offset overtime costs. Ms. Volkers stated she would look into this matter. WORKSHOP MINUTES MAY 27, 2025 PAGE FOUR Council Member Willenbring asked that the Council consider starting upcoming budget conversations with how costs might be reduced instead of how the levy might be increased. Mayor Zabel shared that his takeaway from the PD Staffing Plan discussion is that the Plan is not static, but reflects the true needs of the Department and the City. He added that he viewed it as a 10-year plan versus a 5-year plan due to the number of proposed additional personnel and the one-time funding being fully realized. In response to Council Member Moore’s question about if PD staffing is moving in the direction that is needed for the City, Chief Newton stated it is hard to predict future needs, but the Plan in place is a blueprint to put the PD in a good position over the next few years. Council Member Morcomb requested that Chief Newton be forthcoming about PD staffing needs along the way to ensure the safety of the community remains a top priority. Chief Newton highlighted additional staffing considerations like a K-9 officer and collaborative task force participation. Ms. Volkers added that these are recruitment tools that the City does not currently have. Discussion about PD staffing/budget will continue at the budget Workshop scheduled for June 16. DISCUSSION RE: PLANNING COMMISSION CANDIDATE INTERVIEW Council Member Willenbring expressed the importance of Planning Commissioners who understand zoning and plans. Council Member Moore agreed. Mayor Zabel noted that the training from staff will help in that regard, adding that a fresh perspective can be valuable. In response to Council Member Morcomb’s question about the number of applicants, City Planner Luke McClanahan confirmed that Ms. Shava was the only applicant for the one vacant PC seat. There was general consensus to move forward with appointing Ms. Shava to the Planning Commission. CITY COUNCIL VACANCY PROCESS TO FILL Mayor Zabel outlined the various options Council has to fill the upcoming vacant seat. His preference was to have a new member appointed prior to the start of budget conversations, but was open to another timeline. Council Members Moore and Severson were supportive of an application and interview process. WORKSHOP MINUTES MAY 27, 2025 PAGE FIVE Council Member Morcomb pointed out that an application and interview process could take months, leaving the seat vacant through August or September. The Council agreed on an application and interview process. Ms. Volkers will draft a timeline to bring to the June 10, 2025 Workshop under Administrator Update, along with the previous application that was used in early 2023. ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE Regarding cannabis business setbacks, the Council was provided a Citywide map showing the existing setbacks per City Code – “one thousand (1,000) feet [from] a school, or five hundred (500) feet [from] a licensed day care, park feature, or a residential treatment facility” – along with two other maps showing possible reduced setbacks for schools of 750 feet and 500 feet from a school. The maps were intended to visualize which commercial and industrial parcels may be eligible for cannabis-related businesses. Ms. Volkers explained that the City received its first cannabis business zoning compliance certification request in mid-May, and there is another individual who is interested in opening a cannabis business in Oakdale. Given the requested locations from both parties, the current setbacks would be grounds for zoning compliance denial. Additionally, the City has a low vacancy rate making retail space options limited. Mayor Zabel was not supportive of exploring a setback reduction. Council Member Willenbring did not agree with the current setbacks especially given they do not mirror tobacco business and alcohol business setbacks. Council Members Morcomb and Severson were open to exploring a setback reduction. In response to Council Member Moore’s question about the reasoning behind the current setbacks, Assistant City Administrator Jake Foster stated that they were determined using the maximum allowed by State law. In terms of the timeliness of this decision, Community Development Director Andy Gitzlaff explained that the City has 30 days to reply to the cannabis business zoning compliance certification request. The current request has a deadline of June 5th. Mr. Foster noted that if the City does not reply by the deadline, the applicant will receive their license through the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), but the City still has to approve zoning compliance before the business can begin operation. The Council requested this topic be brought back to a future Workshop with clarification from the OCM on how the City’s zoning compliance certification decision affects the cannabis business applicants. WORKSHOP MINUTES MAY 27, 2025 PAGE SIX COUNCIL TOPICS Regarding the proposed changes to City Policy CC-002: City Council Advisory Boards and Commissions, Council Member Moore was supportive of removing “consistently” from Section 10.1. It was suggested to use “annually (July 1 – June 30)” as the time period to measure the attendance rate. Additionally, Council Member Moore was supportive of the Council liaison driving the attendance issue discussion, instead of the Chairperson. After a brief discussion, the Council agreed that the staff liaison should drive the attendance issue discussion. Council Member Morcomb had clarification questions on the Enclave Helmo Station development agreement that is on the subsequent agenda for approval, specifically about park dedication and the City’s obligations. Mayor Zabel requested that the item be tabled until Council has enough time to read through the agreement and ask clarification questions. Ms. Volkers asked that the Council send her their questions so staff can provide an answer prior to formal approval at the June 10, 2025 regular meeting. Council Member Willenbring shared that she learned a great deal over her six-plus years, but that a role on the other side of the dais is better suited for her. She implored the Council to work hard to avoid raising fees and taxes as budget discussions begin. Lastly, she thanked everyone for their support and kindness throughout her time on the City Council. Mayor Zabel made suggestions regarding the Christmas Tree Lighting with Santa event. Ms. Volkers offered to add this topic to a future Workshop agenda for Council discussion. ADJOURNMENT The workshop was adjourned at 6:54 PM. Respectfully submitted, Sara Ludwig, City Clerk

Agenda

AGENDA City Council Workshop Meeting May 27, 2025 Hadley Conference Room 5:00 PM 5:00 PM Planning Commission Interview Candidate: Chenayi Shava 5:10 PM Discussion RE: Planning Commission Candidate Interview 5:15 PM 2025 Oakdale Eco Fair Debrief 5:30 PM Police Department Staffing Plan 6:10 PM City Council Vacancy Process to Fill 6:25 PM Administrator Update 6:35 PM Council Topics 6:55 PM Adjourn for Regular Meeting COUNCIL MEMORANDUM To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Luke McClanahan, City Planner Date: May 27, 2025 Subject: Planning Commission Interview Candidate: Chenayi Shava BACKGROUND At the May 27, 2025 work session, the City Council will interview Chenayi Shava for consideration to serve on the Planning Commission. At this time, the Planning Commission will have one vacancy, effective July 1, 2025, due to one commissioner declining to seek reappointment. Community Development staff has also 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: Hannah Dunn, Community Development Specialist Date: May 27, 2025 Subject: 2025 Oakdale Eco Fair Debrief BACKGROUND The City of Oakdale held its first Eco Fair on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 9 AM to 1 PM at Castle Elementary School. The main goal of the event was to educate attendees about a variety of environmental topics and provide them with resources. It was the hope that people would leave the event inspired to take action (big or small) in their daily lives to better the environment. The Environmental Management Commission (EMC) has advocated for doing such an event for years. With the City Council’s support, the event was scheduled for 2025. Discussions about the Eco Fair began at the EMC’s February 12, 2024 meeting. Throughout the following year, the EMC and City Council helped to shape the event. The 2025 Eco Fair was successful with approximately 100 people attending. People were able to visit with 18 vendors (listed below): • Washington County • ReWild Native Gardens • Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed • Pollinator Ambassador for University of District Minnesota Bee Squad • Washington Conservation District • All Energy Solar • Metro Transit Gold Line BRT • Center for Energy and Environment – • Independent School District 622 Home Energy Squad • University of Minnesota Extension – • Resilient Cities and Communities Washington County 4-H • Maplewood-Oakdale Lions Club • Washington County Master Gardeners – • Oakdale Library Monarchs, Milkweed and Pollinators • Oakdale Wellness 50+ Team • Oakdale Summerfest Community • Washington County Master Gardeners – Organization Tree Squad • Oakdale Garden Club In addition to exhibitors, family-friendly activities and a food truck (Los Paisanos) were available. Family- friendly activities put together by the City Recreation Department included planting seeds and making leaf crowns. Some vendors, including Washington County 4-H and the Washington County Master Gardeners, had activities at their tables. Additionally, the Oakdale Library had story times that featured environmentally-relevant books. Both attendees and vendors shared many positive comments on the day of the Eco Fair. After the event, City staff solicited feedback from vendors and a few shared their thoughts. The event was also discussed at the Environmental Management Commission’s May 19, 2025 meeting. A summary of vendor and Commission feedback is attached for Council’s review. 1 At the September 10, 2024 workshop meeting, the City Council supported a 2025 Eco Fair budget of $2,500. Below is a breakdown of all City costs associated with the event. 2025 Eco Fair Cost Breakdown ISD 622 – Rental Application Fee for Castle Elementary School $25.00 ISD 622 – Rental Fee for Castle Elementary School $387.00 (gym usage, building supervision, chairs, custodial fees) Total Expenses $412.00 COUNCIL INPUT REQUESTED Staff is seeking direction from City Council about future Eco Fair events. • Should an Eco Fair be held in 2026? Is there support to make this an annual offering going forward? • Should potential future events continue to be held on the same day as the Arbor Day Tree Giveaway? In 2025, Arbor Day and Earth Day fell in the same week and many similar events (such as environmental fairs) were held by others during that week and weekend. On Saturday, April 26, there were two other comparable events in Washington County – Mahtomedi RITE of Spring and the Sustainable Stillwater Valley Eco Fair. • If there is an event in 2026, should it be held at Castle Elementary School? The gym at Castle was the perfect size for the number of vendors in 2025. However, if the Eco Fair grows, the space will become too small of a venue. City staff anticipates reaching out to vendors earlier for future events and will evaluate feasible venues once a vendor count is more concrete. If the Eco Fair is held in conjunction with the Arbor Day Tree Giveaway, the location of the giveaway will factor into venue selection. • If future events are desired, City staff intends to include money in the proposed 2026 Community Development budget. While only $412 was spent for the 2025 Eco Fair, staff anticipates the event growing and estimates that a budget of $2,000 is sufficient in 2026. Depending on the day and venue of the event, there may be a need for Public Works staff to help with setup and teardown. A budget of $2,000 should be enough to cover Public Works overtime costs. • Do Council Members have ideas for future event partnerships with organizations, especially ones that could be involved with organizing activities that would draw kids and families? Attachment Vendor and Environmental Management Commission Feedback on the 2025 Eco Fair 2 Vendor and Environmental Management Commission Feedback on the 2025 Eco Fair Feedback from Vendors • The venue was easy to locate, had plenty of space for vendors, and had ample parking. One vendor said that many people shared that the reason they stopped in was because they were in the neighborhood or lived nearby. This vendor also suggested potentially hosting the event outside. • One vendor felt that the date and time worked well. Another vendor pointed out that most similar events that they attend start at 10 AM. They also mentioned that there were two other eco events happening in Washington County that same day. • Vendors were satisfied that tables and chairs were provided to them. • Vendors felt that the vendor variety was great. One stated that there are many other ecologically-minded vendors that would be good fits if the Eco Fair was hoping to grow. They suggested inviting Adopt-A-Drain to table. • Vendors felt that City staff communicated well and provided enough information ahead of the event. • One vendor felt that the public communication about the event on social media and in the Oakdale Update was very good. Summary of Eco Fair Discussion at May 19, 2025 Environmental Management Commission Meeting • Castle Elementary School was well suited for the number of vendors present. • Commissioners felt that the connection between the Eco Fair and the Arbor Day Tree Giveaway was good and observed that there were people at the Eco Fair who had picked up trees from the North Fire Station. • There was a suggestion to find a resident or community member who is willing to showcase their personal electric vehicle at potential future events. • One commissioner asked whether there was information regarding how people heard about the event. Another commissioner stated that some attendees shared that they lived nearby and saw the yard signs and A-frame sandwich boards advertising the event. • A physical suggestion or question box at future events to solicit feedback from attendees could be beneficial. This also may be an opportunity to let people share how they heard about the event. • There were suggestions to invite the Parks and Recreation Commission to table or co-sponsor. • There were comments that potential future Eco Fairs will need to consider the Tree Board and their timing/planning for the Arbor Day Tree Giveaway. If there is a desire to have a connection between the two events again, knowing the venue of the Tree Giveaway will be critical for planning the Eco Fair. • There were comments that the activities for kids were great, especially the seed planting. It is important that there continues to be such activities at potential future events. Additional Environmental Management Commissioner Feedback • Commissioners have previously suggested Oakdale-branded name tags and t-shirts for event volunteers. City of Oakdale ● 1584 Hadley Avenue N, Oakdale, MN 55128 www.oakdalemn.gov ● 651-739-5086 COUNCIL MEMORANDUM To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Nick Newton, Police Chief Date: May 27, 2025 Subject: Police Department Staffing Plan BACKGROUND In 2021, the Police Department had a total of 40 staff, consisting of 32 licensed police officers and eight civilian positions. After conversations with the City Council regarding police staffing, the City Council authorized an assessment of the Police Department. In November 2022, The Axtell Group was selected to conduct the assessment. In June 2023, The Axtell Group completed the assessment and provided recommendations to the City for consideration. Regarding staffing, the report suggested adding 15 to 18 positions in the Police Department. Based on the report findings, the Police Department established a staffing plan and has worked toward adding essential staff and following the report recommendations. In 2023, the City received $1,231,196 in one-time public safety aid from the State. On July 11, 2023, funding was discussed at the City Council Workshop and the Council direction was to utilize this one- time aid to phase in expenditures associated with the police positions added with the 2024 budget. As revenue was recognized in 2023, the annual usage of this one-time aid will be considered use of the fund balance. Below is the funding plan: Year Amount 2023 $0 2024 $350,000 2025 $300,000 2026 $250,000 2027 $200,000 2028 $131,196 In 2024, the Police Department was authorized to add three police officers. The Police Department added two officers, and the third position was pushed to 2025. The Police Department is working toward adding two additional licensed staff in 2025. As of April 2025, the Police Department is authorized for 45 full-time staff, consisting of 39 licensed police officers, six full time civilian staff, and four part-time community service officers. Presently, the licensed staff is at 37 as the search for two candidates continues. Attached is the Police Department staffing plan. COUNCIL DIRECTION REQUESTED The Police Department would like City Council feedback on the staffing plan and thoughts on priorities for future planning. Attachment Police Department Staffing Plan Presentation Slides Oakdale Police Department Staffing Plan 2023 - 2031 May 2025 Year Information 1968 Village of Oakdale hires one police officer (1) 1969 1971 1st Police Chief hired, three officers added (4) New Police Chief hired, staff added (6) Oakdale Police Department Staffing History 1972 1973 Eight male reserves appointed Eight female reserves appointed 1968 - 2025 1974 Oakdale Incorporated as a City 1975 Police Sergeant appointed (8) Summary of Licensed Staff 1978 New Chief appointed, one officer added (10) 1979 Tartan School Liaison officer part time (13) 1968 1 Licensed Officer 1982 New Police Chief appointed (Officer Walton killed in line of duty 10/24/1982) 1983 Police department moves from Quonset hut to new city hall 1978 10 Licensed Officers 1988 New Police Chief appointed, two lieutenants added and one juvenile officer (17) 1990 DARE Program implemented (18) 1988 17 Licensed Officers 1991 City Hall and Police Department expansion approved (19) 1992 Police Department staff moves to new facility, bicycle program implemented (20) 1998 27 Licensed Officers 1995 Full time liaison at Tartan High established, MDT computers implemented 1996 Sector policing implemented (25) 2008 33 Licensed Officers 1997 Emergency Response team established in Washington County (27) 2006 Two patrol sergeants added, one captain added (33) 2018 32 Licensed Officers 2010 PERF Study completed. 41 full time staff. Patrol Division: 1 captain, 6 patrol sergeants, 16 patrol officers, 1 community affairs officer, 2 community service officers. Investigations Division: 1 captain, 1 sergeant, 3 2023 35 Licensed Officers detectives, 1 narcotics detective, 1 evidence technician, 1 diversion services. Support Services Division: 1 administrative director, 1 office manager, 3 records technicians, 1 crime analyst (31) 2024 37 Licensed Officers 2014 Reduce to 1 captain 2016 Reduce to 4 patrol sergeants 2025 39 Licensed Officers 2017 Oakdale joins east metro sex trafficking task force (32) 2020 End east metro sex trafficking task force. Civil unrest around metro areas, stemming from Minneapolis officers causing death of George Floyd. MPS Officer lived in Oakdale, civil unrest for three days (32) 2021 End DEA narcotics task force position, position moved to general investigations. End community affairs officer position. Long term Police Chief retires, Oakdale appoints new Police Chief (32) 2022 One Detective and one officer added. 43 full time staff. Patrol Division: 1 Captain, 4 patrol sergeants, 23 patrol officers, 2 CSO’s. Investigations Division: 1 sergeant, 4 general detectives, 1 sex trafficking detective, 1 evidence technician, 1 school liaison. Support Services Division: 1 Manager, 1 Senior Records technician, 2 records technicians (34) 2023 Licensed officer assigned to Tartan as SRO (35) 2024 Patrol Captain and Officer additions. Total of 24 patrol officers, 4 patrol sergeants, 4 detectives, 1 detective sergeant, 1 SRO, 2 Captains, and 1 Chief. Transitioned from 2 FT CSOs to 4 PT (37) 2025 Two Patrol Sergeant additions. Total of 24 patrol officers, 6 patrol sergeants, 4 detectives, 1 detective sergeant, 1 SRO, and 2 captains. 45 FT staff, 39 licensed, 6 civilian support staff, and four part time CSOs (39) (#) Licensed Staff Staffing Study Conducted 2023 • November of 2022, City Council authorized the Police Department to conduct a staffing assessment. The City partnered with The Axtell Group for conducting the staffing study and assessment of the Police Department. • June of 2023, The Axtell Group completed the staffing study and assessment final report. The report was presented to City Council. • The staffing assessment final report provided 30 recommendations. Among the 30 recommendations, staffing suggestions were included to consider adding 15 - 18 positions. The staffing suggestions are noted below: • Add 2 to 5 Patrol Sergeants, depending on schedule and capacity to provide 24-hour coverage. Sergeants recommended to not be included in patrol officer minimum staffing levels. • Add 1 Command level position, having 1 Commander covering the patrol division and the other investigation division and support services. • Add 8 Patrol Officers. • Add 1 Behavioral Health Officer to collaborate with a Social Worker. • Add 1 Community Engagement Officer. • Add 1 Crime Analyst. • Add 1 Property Room and Evidence Technician. • The staffing recommendations are simply suggestions based on the study findings. As with any report or suggestion, the City will assess the current situation and forecast the future staffing based on the circumstances, all the while making the best decisions for providing respectful and adequate policing services to the Oakdale community. Oakdale Police Department Staffing Plan • There are several factors influencing the ability to hire staff. Factors include, but are not limited to, current facility limitations, budget challenges, recruitment and retention, new hire training capacity, and the changing landscape of crime in the community. • Illustrated in the next slides you will find the past, current, and future proposed department structure. • The staffing plan for 2023 – 2031 outlines adding the following positions: • 1 Captain • 2 Patrol Sergeants • 4 of the 8 recommended Police Officers by 2030 • 1 Crime Analyst • 1 Evidence Technician to assist with court discovery requests, evidence maintenance, and the Records Office • 1 Behavioral Health Officer The recommendations in this plan are fluid and subject to change depending on the circumstances. Other positions that are not noted in the staffing plan may be included depending on changes in the community, change in priorities, grants, and opportunities for collaboration. The Police Department will critically assess the staffing situation in 2031 and adjust as needed. Oakdale Police Department - Year 2022 Staffing Highlights 2022: Chief • Added Detective position. (1) • Added patrol officer position. • Grant position for East Metro Sex Trafficking Unit, Detective. Total Staffing 2022: Officer Captain Manager • 22 Patrol Officers (1) • 4 Patrol Sergeants (1) • 1 Captain • 5 Detectives, 1 Detective Sergeant • 1 Chief Detective Patrol Diversion Senior Records • 8 Support positions Sergeant Sergeant Coordinator Technician (1) (4) (1) (1) Staffing Study: • Agreement approved with the Axtell Group in November 2022. Records Detective Patrol Officer Technician (5) (22) (2) Evidence CSO Technician (2) (1) 42 FTE | 34 Licensed | 8 Civilian Oakdale Police Department - Year 2023 Staffing Highlights 2023: Chief • Added one officer (1) Staffing Study: • Staffing study completed June of 2023. Officer • In addition to organization recommendations, the Captain study recommended adding the following Manager (1) positions: (1) • 2 to 5 patrol sergeants • 8 patrol officers • 1 behavioral health officer Detective Patrol Diversion Senior Records • 1 community engagement officer Sergeant Sergeant Coordinator Technician • 1 crime analyst (1) (4) (1) (1) • 1 evidence technician Records Detective Patrol Officer Technician (5) + 1 (23) (2) Evidence CSO Technician (2) (1) 43 FTE | 35 Licensed | 8 Civilian Oakdale Police Department - Year 2024 Chief Staffing Highlights 2024: (1) • Captain of Investigations and Support Services. Department structure change. • School Resource Officer, 2024 new hire Captain Captain replaces SRO on schedule. Investigations & Support Services Patrol Division • Move Task Force position back to patrol +1 (1) (1) resulting in 24 patrol officers. • Transition from 2 FT CSOs to 4 PT Patrol Sergeant Total Staffing 2024: Support Diversion Detective (4) Services Services Sergeant Manager Coordinator • 24 Patrol Officers (1) • 4 Patrol Sergeants (1) (1) Patrol Officer • 2 Captains • 4 Detectives, 1 Detective Sergeant Sr. Records +1 (24) Detective • 1 SRO Technician (4) • 1 Chief (1) • 6 Support positions CSO School Records Resource PT (4) Technician Officer (2) (1) Evidence Technician (1) 43 FTE, 4 PTE | 37 Licensed Oakdale Police Department - Year 2025 Chief Staffing Highlights 2025: (1) • 2 Patrol Sergeants Total Staffing 2025: Captain Captain Investigations & Patrol Division • 24 Patrol Officers Support Services (1) (1) • 6 Patrol Sergeants • 2 Captains • 4 Detectives, 1 Detective Sergeant Patrol Sergeant • 1 SRO Support Community • 1 Chief Detective +2 (6) Services Services Sergeant Manager Coordinator • 6 FTE Support positions, 4 PTE (1) (1) (1) Patrol Officer Sr. Records (24) Detective Technician (4) (1) CSO School Records Resource (4) Technician Officer (2) (1) Evidence Technician (1) 45 FTE, 4 PTE | 39 Licensed Oakdale Police Department Year 2026 - 2031 Chief (1) Proposed Plan for Staffing Changes & Additions 2026 - 2028 : Captain Captain • Behavioral Health Unit Detective (1); Investigations & Patrol Division • Consider additional PT CSOs, cadet program Support Services (1) (1) 2028 - 2030: • Crime Analyst (1) Support Community Detective Services Services Crime Analyst Patrol Sergeant • Records Technician / Evidence assist (1) Sergeant Manager Coordinator +1 (1) (6) (1) (1) (1) • Patrol Officers (2) = 42 licensed 2031: Sr. Records Patrol Officer Detective • Evaluate Patrol, Investigations, and Support Technician +2 (26) + 1 (5) positions. (1) • Evaluate BWC program, determine if additional staffing is needed for oversight. School Records Resource CSO Technician Officer (4 PT) + 1 (3) (1) Evidence Technician 50 FTE, 4 PTE | 42 Licensed (1) Police Department Staffing Review Axtell Group Recommendations Compared to Proposed Staffing Plan Axtell Group Recommendations Proposed Staffing Plan 1 Captain Added in 2024 2 to 5 Patrol Sergeants Adding 2 in 2025 8 Patrol Officers Added 2, propose 2 more years 2026 – 2028 (4 of 8) 1 Behavioral Health Officer Proposed in years 2026 – 2028 1 Community Engagement Officer Not proposed; delegated to current civilian position 1 Crime Analyst Proposed in years 2028 – 2030 1 Evidence Technician Proposed in years 2028 – 2030 15 – 18 Positions Recommended 5 added, 5 proposed (10 total) Proposed staffing plan fulfills 10 of the 15 recommended positions Additional Staffing Considerations Patrol Investigations Patrol Support Services Other • K-9 officer • Detective Investigations • Property Room • Explorer Program • Administrative Sergeant • Collaborative Task Force: Support• Services Licensing / Permits • Internships o Cyber crime o Narcotics Other o BCA COUNCIL MEMORANDUM To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Christina M. Volkers, City Administrator Date: May 27, 2025 Subject: City Council Vacancy Process to Fill BACKGROUND On May 16, 2025, Council Member Willenbring submitted her resignation from the Council effective on June 6, 2025. The League of Minnesota Cities and State law provide guidelines for handling resignations from the City Council. The Council is required to accept the resignation by resolution and it is suggested where the elected official chooses to resign, that the Council declare that a vacancy exists in the remainder of Council Member Willenbring’s term. When less than two years remaining in the term, the City Council must appoint an eligible person to fill the vacancy for the balance of the term. The City Council may use various methods to fill a vacancy, but the appointment process can only start after a vacancy has been declared by action of the Council. The current term for Council Member Willenbring’s seat expires on January 4, 2027. The Council intends to accept the resignation and declare a vacancy at their May 27, 2025 regular meeting. It is anticipated that the Council will appoint someone at the City Council meeting on June 10, 2025 or soon thereafter. The individual appointed to fill the vacancy will take office immediately upon approval by the City Council and serve the remainder of Council Member Willenbring’s current term. CITY COUNCIL DIRECTION REQUESTED Staff is seeking direction on the intent and process to fill the vacant position of Council Member.

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