City Council Workshop

AGENDA City Council Workshop Meeting June 10, 2025 Hadley Conference Room 5:00 PM Amended 5:00 PM New Willowbrooke Parks Naming 5:20 PM Review of City of Oakdale Code of Ordinances, Chapter 9, Article 18 – Cannabis and Hemp Business Regulations 5:45 PM Review of 2024 Financial Audit 6:10 PM Administrator Update 6:20 PM Council Topics 6:50 PM Adjourn for Regular Meeting  COUNCIL MEMORANDUM To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Andrew Gitzlaff, Community Development Director Lori Pulkrabek, Communications Manager Date: June 10, 2025 Subject: New Willowbrooke Parks Naming BACKGROUND Construction is underway for two new parks in the Willowbrooke development – Willowbrooke Park West and Willowbrooke Park North (names are placeholders). Willowbrooke Park West will include a U-12 soccer field, an artificial turf volleyball court, four pickleball courts and concrete seating area, a combined restroom picnic shelter building, irrigation, a picnic lawn space, a coniferous tree buffer screening along Interstate 694, and bituminous trails. Willowbrooke Park North will include a north-south walking trail with a boardwalk crossing, open lawn space, native prairie, and seating nodes. Community Development and Communications staff has developed lists of potential names for the two City parks for Council consideration that capture the character of the parks, the Willowbrooke neighborhood, or Oakdale. Potential Names for Willowbrooke Park West • Pine Grove or Pine Line Park • Willowbrooke Sports Park • Oak Active Park • Kick Serve Park Potential Names for Willowbrooke Park North • Pathways Park at Willowbrooke • Acorn Nature Park 1  • Willowbrooke Reserve or Reserve at Willowbrooke Council should refer to Sections 10.0 and 11.0 of City Policy MIS-019 (attached) for further guidance on the naming of parks. The submissions received as part of the Willowbrooke Commons naming contest conducted in early 2024 are attached for Council reference. COUNCIL DIRECTION REQUESTED It is requested that the City Council provide input on potential names and collectively identify names for the two new parks. Attachments City Policy MIS-019: Donations to Parks; Memorials in Parks; Installation, and Maintenance; Naming of Parks, Facilities, and Events; Gifts Made to the City 2024 Willowbrooke Commons Naming Contest Submissions, for reference 2  Standard Operating Policy City of Oakdale Policy Number: MIS-019 Pages: 7 Subject: Donations to Parks; Memorials in Parks; Installation, and Maintenance; Naming of Parks, Facilities, and Events; Gifts Made to the City Approved: 2021 Amended: 11/2021, 08/2023 1.0 General 1.1 The purpose of this policy is to establish standards and procedures for the installation, care, and maintenance for Donations made to city parks, Gifts Made to the City, and for Memorials purchased by members of the public to be placed in parks. This policy does not apply to the Donation of buildings or land to the city. 1.2 The city desires to encourage Donations to its parks while at the same time manage aesthetic impacts and mitigate ongoing maintenance costs. 1.3 The city desires to provide members of the community the opportunity to remember or honor a loved one by purchasing a Memorial to be placed in a city park. 1.4 The city and the community share an interest in ensuring the best appearance and aesthetic quality of its parks. Park donations and park memorials should be in keeping with applicable master plans for the respective parks. 1.5 The city and the community share an interest in ensuring that all Donations and Memorials remain in good repair and that short- and long-term maintenance costs remain reasonable and do not create an undue or unknown burden to city parks staff. 1.6 The city reserves the right to decline any Donations or Memorial if, upon review by the city administrator, acceptance of the Donation or Memorial is determined to be not in the best interest of the city. 1.7 This policy will apply to all Donations, Gifts, and Memorials made after its approved date. Donations and Memorials made prior to the adoption of this policy shall be subject to applicable sections of this policy. 2.0 Definitions “City” means City of Oakdale, Minnesota. “Donation” examples shall include signage, kiosks, wayfinding, public art, equipment, or landscaping proposed and paid for by a member of the public or nonprofit organization. “Gift” means real or personal property, including money offered for the benefit of the City. “Memorial” examples shall include benches, trees, rocks, or engraved paver selected and paid for by a member of the public. 3.0 Gifts and Donations Made to the City, Resolution Required 3.1 Pursuant to Minnesota State Statute § 465.03, at such times as a City employee or official learns that a gift is offered to the City, details shall be provided to the City Administrator and to the City Clerk so that a report may be presented to the City Council for their consideration. 3.2 At such times that the City Council accepts any Gift or Donation, the City Council must adopt a resolution accepting the gift, in accordance with any terms prescribed by the donor and agreed to by the City, and said resolution must receive affirmation by two-thirds of the members of the City Council. The City may not accept gifts of religious or sectarian purposes. 4.0 Standards for Donations 4.1 Proposed donations for a park should conform to the master plan for the park. If no plan exists, or if a plan exists but does not identify the specific park element proposed to be donated, city staff may consider accepting the donation under these conditions: 4.1.1 Proposed donation meets a true need of the park. 4.1.2 Proposed donation does not interfere with the intended current or future use of the park. 4.1.3 Proposed donation does not require the relocation of other equipment or infrastructure to accommodate the donation. 4.1.4 Proposed donation is of high quality to ensure a long life, stand up to general use, and be resistant to the elements and acts of vandalism. 4.1.5 Proposed donations that will necessitate atypical maintenance, such as a perceived difficulty in obtaining or recreating unique components or replacement parts, or significant staff time will not be approved. 4.2 All donation proposals must include true costs such as city staff time to prepare the site, city staff time to install the donation, materials, and associated permits. 4.3 The city has an interest in ensuring that the donor covers the full cost for the purchase and installation, where applicable, of their donation. The city also has an interest in ensuring that on-going maintenance costs do not negatively impact the resources available. 4.4 The donation shall be the sole property of the city; the donor shall have no legal interest in the donation. The city may relocate the donation for any reason, including for safety, maintenance, or redevelopment of park land. The city will make a reasonable effort to notify donors of any significant change to the amenity; however, it is the donor’s responsibility to keep their contact information current with the city. 5.0 Review and Approval Process for Park Donations 5.1 The parks superintendent shall manage and process all donations proposed for city parks. The parks superintendent shall pre-determine and maintain a detailed directory of: 5.1.1 The parks in the city that allow donations, 5.1.2 The types of donation(s) allowed, 5.1.3 The total number of each type of donation allowed in each park, 5.1.4 The specific location of donation(s) allowed in each park, and 5.1.5 Where donations have been placed, and type thereof.  The initial directory shall be reviewed by the parks and recreation commission. 5.2 The donor shall present a plan to the parks superintendent detailing the purpose of the donation as well as the proposed design, required materials, location, maintenance plan, and anticipated lifecycle of the donation. Details shall also be provided if the donor plans to enlist the aid of volunteers for the installation of the donation. 5.3 The parks superintendent shall determine whether typical maintenance costs for the anticipated lifecycle would fall below or above $1,000. Typical maintenance costs are described as those that can be achieved by parks division staff with equipment and tools in the possession of the Public Works Department. 5.4 When typical maintenance costs will likely be at or below $1,000 for the anticipated lifecycle of the donation, the parks superintendent shall provide a written recommendation to the public works director/city engineer on whether or not to accept the proposed donation as follows: 5.4.1 A recommendation for approving donation requests should detail the item(s) being donated, proposed location(s), anticipated lifecycle of the donation, and associated maintenance costs. 5.4.2 A recommendation for denying donations requests should detail all reason(s) for the denial. The public works director/city engineer shall review the recommendation and present it to the city administrator for review/approval. 5.5 When typical maintenance costs will likely be above $1,000 for the anticipated lifecycle of the donation, the parks superintendent shall provide a written recommendation to the public works director/city engineer on whether or not to accept the donation as follows: 5.5.1 A recommendation for approving donation requests should detail the item(s) being donated, proposed location(s), anticipated lifecycle of the donation, and associated maintenance costs. 5.5.2 A recommendation for denying donations requests should detail all reason(s) for the denial. The public works director/city engineer shall review the recommendation and present it to the city administrator. The city administrator shall review the recommendation and present it to the city council for review/approval. 5.6 The parks superintendent shall provide a written annual report to the city administrator of the types and locations of donations and memorials in city parks. The city administrator shall provide a copy of said report to the city council. 6.0 Review and Approval Process for Park Memorials 6.1 The parks superintendent shall manage and process all memorials for city parks. 6.2 The parks superintendent shall identify the cost for each type of memorial offered by the city that includes, if appropriate, cost to the city to acquire the memorial, engraving, concrete pad, planting, installation, and maintenance, for inclusion on the city’s fee schedule. At such times  that cost adjustments for memorials are warranted, the parks superintendent shall submit such a request to the finance director prior to adoption of the city’s fee schedule for the next year. 6.3 The parks superintendent shall pre-determine and maintain a detailed directory of: 6.3.1 The parks in the city that allow memorials, 6.3.2 The types of memorial(s) allowed, 6.3.3 The total number of each type of memorial allowed in each park, 6.3.4 The specific location of memorial(s) allowed in each park, and 6.3.5 Where memorials have been placed, and type thereof. The initial directory shall be reviewed by the parks and recreation commission. 6.4 The following memorials shall be offered by the city. o Bench (Engraved) o Tree (Species as approved by the city forester) o Rocks (Engraved or with engraved plaques) o Engraved Paver at the Oakdale Veterans Memorial o Engraved Paver at the Oakdale Discovery Center 6.5 The price for memorials shall be part of the city’s fee schedule and shall include: o Bench: From those offered by the city to include engraving, concrete pad, installation, and maintenance. o Tree: From species approved by the city forester, planting, maintenance. o Rocks: Engraved or with Engraved Plaque: Rock, engraving, installation, and maintenance. o Engraved Paver at the Oakdale Veterans Memorial: Paver, engraving, installation, and maintenance. o Engraved Paver at the Oakdale Discovery Center: Paver, engraving, installation, and maintenance. 6.6 Memorials shall be the sole property of the city; the purchaser shall have no legal interest in the memorial. The city may relocate the memorial for any reason, including for safety, maintenance, or redevelopment of park land. The city will make a reasonable effort to notify the purchaser of any significant changes; however, it is the purchaser’s responsibility to keep their contact information current with the city. 6.7 Wording on a memorial bench shall be subject to the approval of the parks superintendent, should be as brief as possible, and be limited to phrases such as: “In Loving Memory of”, “Dedicated to”, or “In Honor of”, etc. 6.8 Decoration or adornment of memorials can interfere with routine maintenance and the appearance of the memorial. As such, decorations and adornments will be allowed to remain in place until such time as removed by the parks division. 6.9 The parks superintendent shall provide a written annual report to the city administrator of the types and locations of donations and memorials in city parks. The city administrator shall provide a copy of said report to the city council. 7.0 Donations for Multi-Year Projects or Community Memorials 7.1 When an entity offers to donate to the city a partial monetary donation over a pre-determined and agreed upon number of years to realize the completion of a specific project, excluding buildings, and the review and approval process is followed as documented above. If approved, the city and the entity shall enter into a written agreement that includes (not all-inclusive): a. Amount of donation the entity will pay to the city each year. b. Entity to donate project to the city at completion of project. c. Entity to release any claims of ownership at completion of project. d. Steps to be taken if donation isn’t received as anticipated (such as cancellation of project). 7.2 At such times that the city plans to create a memorial in the community and invite members of the public to make monetary donations to the city toward said memorial, such donations will be returned to each donor in the event that a determination is made that the memorial project will not proceed. 8.0 Ongoing Maintenance of Donations and Memorials 8.1 The parks superintendent shall manage the maintenance of all approved and authorized donations and memorials placed in city parks by regular and seasonal parks staff. 9.0 Removal of Donations or Memorials 9.1 Items that are living, such as but not limited to, landscaping, flower beds, and trees, become city property upon planting. If a tree or landscaping becomes overgrown, unkempt, diseased or dies, the parks superintendent will call for its removal. 9.2 Items such as, but not limited to, signage, kiosks, wayfinding, public art, equipment, and benches become city property upon installation. If an item becomes unserviceable or no longer meets a public need at its location, the parks superintendent will call for its removal. 10.0 Naming New Parks, Facilities or Community Event After a Person 10.1 Naming of new parks, facilities, and community events in the city may honor persons who have contributed to the betterment of the community. Generally, a naming suggestion is introduced in recognition and appreciation of a substantial gift to the city. In some instances, the acceptance of land donated to the city can be named by deed restriction by the donor and subject to approval by the City Council. Naming a new park, facility, or event must not conflict with public grant funding policies established by state and/or federal grant funding programs. In addition, a name may be proposed based on other criteria beyond a gift if an individual has provided long- standing or distinguished service to the community. 10.2 All viable requests relating to naming a new park, facility, or event shall be presented to the city council. The city council has final approval and may reject any naming request. Requests presented to the city council should include an estimate of any costs associated with naming. 10.3 The following will be considered by the city council when naming a new park, facility, or event after a person, living or non-living: 10.3.1 One who significantly contributed to the acquisition or development of the park, facility, or event. 10.3.2 One who provided extraordinary service to the community. 10.3.3 One who provided an extraordinary gift or contribution to the community. 10.4 Preference will be given to names of persons that constitute enduring, honorable fame to the community. Honorable is defined as high respect; fame is defined as having great renown in the community. 10.5 Naming of a new park, facility, or event after a non-living person should be held off until at least one year after their passing to ensure the individual’s contributions or accomplishments will stand the test of time and that the decision is not made on an emotional basis. 10.6 New parks, facilities, or events that may be named include: parks and open space areas, sports facilities, recreation facilities, recreation centers, beach property, athletic fields, athletic complexes, tennis/volleyball/basketball/pickleball courts, community centers, gazebos, meeting rooms, and events. 10.7 The following may not be considered to be named or renamed: City owned buildings such as city hall, council chambers, public safety (fire, police, public works) facilities, the Discovery Center, and operational facilities such as water towers, pump stations, and well houses. 11.0 Naming or Renaming Parks 11.1 When considering naming a new park, when the name is consistent with the name of the plat, no additional approvals are required. However, when a request is made to name a new park that is not consistent with the name of the plat, staff shall present the suggested name(s) to the city council. The city council has final approval and may reject any naming request. 11.2 If a request is made to rename an existing park and the park has a naming rights agreement, as noted in Sec. 13.0, in place or other significance, staff will prepare a report to the city council outlining the new naming request and provide details of the existing naming rights agreement or other significance. The city council shall follow this process: Step 1: Staff will notify the public 14 days prior to consideration before the city council as follows: • By placing an advertisement in the city’s official newspaper, • Posting notice on the city’s website, • Posting notice on the city’s social media sites. Step 2: The city council will review the proposed name, solicit input from the public, and discuss the merits of the proposal and make a decision. If the city council chooses not to approve the recommended name, staff will notify the requestor of the city council’s decision and the matter will end. 12.0 Naming Facilities 12.1 Naming a new facility presents an opportunity to raise funds for the capital project. A building may be named after an individual or group if a minimum contribution of 50 percent of the project/fundraising goal is donated. Unnamed facilities may be named through the establishment of an endowment equivalent to 25 percent of the determined fair market value of the facility or complex. There may be rare exceptions to the minimum donor contribution required as recommended by the city administrator to the city council and if approved by the city council. 12.2 An individual or group may have an opportunity to name additions, amenities, or renovations to existing facilities. A minimum requirement is a contribution of 50 percent of the project/fundraising goal, or alternatively, a minimum contribution of one million dollars. Portions of a facility or complex may be named for a donor if the donation is equal to the cost of constructing and installation of that portion of the facility or complex. Examples would be scoreboards, individual rooms in a facility, etc. There may be rare exceptions to the minimum donor contribution required as recommended by the city administrator to the city council and if approved by the city council. 12.3 If a facility is in the city’s strategic plan, city staff and community groups will solicit donors on behalf of the approved facility or amenity project. An individual or group donor may approach the mayor, city council, or city staff to make a donation. The city administrator will discuss the terms of the donation with the individual or group. The donor should be encouraged to give to an approved project; however, if it involves a new project, the city council will consider it for possible inclusion in the strategic plan. If so approved, city staff will draft an agreement between the city and the donor for consideration by the city council. 13.0 Renaming a Facility 13.1 An individual or group wishing to change the name of an existing facility must provide a written request with justification to the city administrator. Upon receipt of this written request, staff will complete a report. If the name of the existing facility has no prior naming rights agreement in place or other naming significance, then the city council will review the request. The city council has final approval and may reject any naming request. If the existing name of the facility has other significance, then the city council will follow the following process: Step 1: Staff will notify the public 14 days prior to consideration before the city council as follows: • By placing an advertisement in the city’s official newspaper, • Posting notice on the city’s website, • Posting notice on the city’s social media sites. Step 2: The city council will review the proposed name and the merits of the proposal and make a decision. Public comments will be taken. If the city council chooses not to approve the recommended name, staff will notify the requestor of the city council’s decision and the matter will end. 14.0 Naming Rights Agreement. Details may include: • The amount of the donation and terms of the payment. • Process and description of how the donors are recognized, who would pay for the recognition, address potential logo changes or business closing, etc. • Consent to use name / copyrighted image for sponsorship. • A copy of all agreements must be executed by the parties and filed with the city clerk after city council approval. • Term of the agreement as to name. • Consideration as to operation and maintenance.  Park Name Submissions per January 2024 Park Naming Contest Park Name Rationale Acorn Hills To go with the Oak theme and the hilly nature of the area. Acorn Park A play off of Oakdale's namesake. I imagine we will have a number of Oak trees planted. Acorn Square Oak trees produce acorns and the shape of the park is essentially square. Adventure Oasis Park Oakdale Arthur Stephen was the man who suggested the name Oakdale at the town's first meeting in November of 1858. He was elected to be a Justice of the Peace for the town. I think it would Arthur Stephen Park be fitting to have a park in Oakdale named after the man who named our city. Arthur Stephen was the man who suggested the name Oakdale at the first town meeting in Arthur Stephen Park 1858. Maybe putting a name like this will spur residents to look more into Oakdale's history. Arthur Stephen is the man credited with suggesting the name for the city of Oakdale. Returning to our roots can be a reminder of our common ties, and what brings us together as Arthur Stephen Park a community. "Basswood" because in the mid 1800s, early settlers found this remarkable land covered with white and black oak, bur, basswood and elm trees. "Home" refers to all the families in the community rearing their children and youth for good. "Home" is the foundation of unity and the Basswood Home Park heart of progress. Black Oak Park because it was one of the many trees found in Oakdale based from the history Black Oak Park/Commons of Oakdale. Bonita Park Bonita means pretty/beautiful in Spanish I think it is going to be a beautiful park so it deserves a beautiful name that also ties in with the Willowbrooke development. This will also help to define the area and make it easier for Brooke Park people to locate the park. Canopy Park The park will be surrounded by a beautiful canopy of trees. Cansasa (Čhaŋšáša), pronounced "chahn-shah-shah," is the Lakota word for willow tree. I am suggesting Cansasa as a way to acknowledge the Wahpekute Dakota heritage of the land we live on, while tying into the "willow" part of "Willowbrooke." On the plus side, based on a Cansasa Park cursory Google Map search, there don't seem to be any other Cansasa Parks in Minnesota. Cardigan Park Cozy and cute Cars During the trail of tears many of the Cherokee people were pushed up to Mn including my Cherokee Park family. It’s an amazing way to continue to honor some original history Cyphers Park First known settler of Oakdale was Bernard Cyphers Eagle's are fit and live in trees. We are a Tree Community and this is a fitness park. And Eagle's Edge Park Oakdale has Eagles! The Eberhard family has a long-standing history in Oakdale. From the farm that still functions with the cows we all love to slow down to see on Stillwater Blvd. to building some of the first homes in Oakdale on Stillwater Way North, they have made and continue to make their positive mark on the community. "Grandma Rosie" Eberhard read to students at Eagle Point Elementary for years. Her son, Larry, and his wife, Vickey Eberhard have been a welcoming Eberhard Park and active presence in the Oakdale community for as long as I have lived here andbeyond. Eberlein Park A unique, cute, yet sophisticated name just like the neighborhood is. 1  Park Name Submissions per January 2024 Park Naming Contest Park Name Rationale Evelina means light or life. Oakdale is a city where many people want to come live in and is a Evelina Park beacon of light for many people. This park would represent that meaning for the people. Funfare Square Suggestive of a nice place to spend some time with the family. The park name I would like to suggest is "Golden Leaf Park." Unfortunately, I cannot take credit for coming up with the "golden" part of the park name. My brother, Brett, made the observation that this new park is planting its roots in the year of Oakdale's 50th birthday (if you will), since Oakdale was officially designated as a city in 1974. My brother pointed out that "gold" is the color associated with 50th birthdays. After brainstorming several ideas, I came up with "Golden Leaf Park." While considering words to go along with "gold/golden," I thought of the word "leaf," because Oakdale is filled with beautiful trees whose foliage changes colors throughout the seasons - gold being one of them. "Golden Leaf Park" represents Oakdale's beautiful scenery, while celebrating its historical significance of being a Golden Leaf Park city for 50. The park is opening in 2024, which is the same year Oakdale turns 50. Since gold is representative of turning 50, we decided on “Golden”. Since the park is located in the Willowbrooke neighborhood, we wanted to tie in the name of the neighborhood with the name Goldenbrooke Park of the park, hence the word “brooke." Oakdale was named for a grove of oak trees near the original town site and its simple and Grove Park fitting. Emphasizing the harmonious blend of water, greenery, and walking trails, this name captures the essence of a peaceful retreat, encouraging residents to connect with nature in the heart of Harmony Meadows Park Oakdale A nod to the park being right off of Helmo, all the nearby residential streets starting with 'H' Helmo Harmony Park and what we want the park to be and represent - a harmonious space. Henna indicating street you park on. Heights for the elevation of the space including over the wetlands/pond. Play Park because it is a park space for all ages to play with and connect with one another. We need more play in our world and more connections among our diverse and Henna Heights Play Park growing community It would be for all the first responders, all of the workers, and all the volunteers that make our Heroes Park city great! Isaac Higbee was the Deputy Surveyor that laid out what would become Oakdale, all the way back in November 1847. Many of Higbee’s survey lines remain today, covered by large roads Higbee Park (Century Ave, 10 th Street, I-94, to name a few Ideal Commons Ideal Commons because it’s near the street and it will become the ideal/perfect hang out. This would be a reference to the former Imation Corporation site just adjacent to Willowbrooke, now 4Front Technology. The name Imation is a shortened version of the word Imagination, and the company had a presence at the Willowbrooke site for many of Oakdale’s Imagination Park early years After the old 3M company Imation that sites just ti the south. Based on the Latin words informare, meaning information, and imaginari, or imagination [in fact, they are verbs and Imagination Park translate more accurately as “to inform” and “to imagine.” 2  Park Name Submissions per January 2024 Park Naming Contest Park Name Rationale Located on land previously owned by 3M, this park is near the recent Imation building. (Also, though not exactly within the correct alphabetical order, the nearby streets are in the "H" and "I" section of town.) A unique and inclusive park for all ages and abilities. Imagine all of the fun Imagination Park and new friends you can make at this new park! Jane and Glasgow were among the earliest Black residents of what is now Minnesota. Enslaved by Zachary Taylor, the future US president, they lived with him and his White family at Fort Snelling while he was its commandant, 1828–29. They did not live in Oakdale, which Jane and Glasgow Park did not yet exist. Oakbrooke Park Oakdale and Willlowbrooke. Also there are some oak trees surronunding the park. When I saw the picture of the new park on the contest announcement, it immediately Oasis1 reminded me of an oasis. Otuhu Park Dakota for Oak, a recognition of the indigenous people. The park is located in between the winding trails along the prairie wetlands in the Willowbrook Prairie Trails Park neighborhood. A fellow neighbor, former Mayor Reinke has been an integral part of the history of the development of Oakdale. His recent time as mayor and presence on the city council has helped this development become realized. I think there's no name more fitting at this time Reinke Park than to name it after Paul Stable hand as mayor - great council an commission member before that. Instrumental in the Reinke Park development taking place. Stephen Park Named for Arthur Stephen who named Oakdale in 1858. Stephen Park Arthur Stephen is credited with coming up with the name Oakdale back in 1898. Stephen's Park Named after Arthur Stephen (1830-1911): the man who named Oakdale. The sunset is always so beautiful in this area, people are always stopping to take pictures of it Sunset Park when walking. Target Park Whimsy Whimsy means playfully quaint or fanciful. It is the feeling you get when something, like a playground, stirs your inner child and your imagination. Paying homage to Willoughby & Powers stage coaches who connected St. Paul to Stillwater Willoughby Park making a well known pit stop at the Halfway House in Oakdale. Willow Willow Fit Park It's in Willow Brooke neighborhood and it's a fitness park. Willow Lake Park Nod to the Willowbrooke development area and Lake Elmo right across the road. Willow Oak Commons because took part of the neighborhood name and the trees that once Willow Oak Commons were there. Willow Oaks Park Willow Park Willowactive Park Neighborhood is Willowbrooke and it's meant to be an active park. The neighborhood is Willowbrooke. And I'm hoping that will mean some willows around those Willowbreeze Park water catchments. It pays homage to the neighborhood and would be helpful in identifying the neighborhood in Willowbrooke Park which the park is located. Willowbrooke Park Self-explanatory Willowbrooke Park Suits the development Willowbrooke Park 3  COUNCIL MEMORANDUM To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Max Lohse, Community Development Specialist Date: June 10, 2025 Subject: Review of City of Oakdale Code of Ordinances, Chapter 9, Article 18 – Cannabis and Hemp Business Regulations BACKGROUND At the May 27, 2025, City Council Workshop, it was requested that staff add a discussion on the Cannabis and Hemp Regulations section of the City Code (City of Oakdale Code of Ordinances, Chapter 9, Article 18) to a future Council Workshop with an emphasis on setback regulations for schools. Additionally, the City Attorney’s Office is proposing minor adjustments to the ordinance, including improved clarity for setback measurements, removal of tribal exemptions, and minor changes to license terminology to comply with recent statutory updates. Setback Regulations Minnesota Statutes 342.13 permits cities to adopt setback regulations that prohibit cannabis businesses from operating within a specified distance of certain business types. In particular, cities may adopt a maximum setback distance of 1,000 ft from schools, and 500 ft from day cares, residential treatment facilities, or park features oriented towards minors (playground, athletic field, etc.). The current ordinance for the City of Oakdale utilizes the maximum setback allowed by Minnesota Statutes 342.13. Below is a comparison of cannabis setbacks adopted by peer communities: City Adopted Setbacks Oakdale 1,000 ft from schools; 500 ft from day cares, treatment facilities, and park features Cottage Grove 1,000 ft from schools; 500 ft from day cares, treatment facilities, and park features Roseville 500 ft from treatment facilities; 100 ft from schools and day cares Stillwater 1,000 ft from parks and schools White Bear Lake 1,000 ft from schools; 500 ft from day cares, treatment facilities, and park features Woodbury 1,000 ft from schools; 500 ft from day cares, treatment facilities, and park features COUNCIL DIRECTION REQUESTED It is requested that the Council discuss Chapter 9, Article 18, and state their intent regarding whether setback requirements from schools should be modified from 1,000 ft to 500 ft. Attachments Map – Cannabis Setbacks (Existing) Map – Cannabis Setbacks (500 ft Buffer for Schools) Proposed Changes to City of Oakdale Code of Ordinances, Chapter 9, Article 18 – Cannabis and Hemp Regulations  Existing Cannabis Setbacks Legend General Industrial Parcels - Cultivation Permitted Commercial PUD Parcels - Retail Likely Permitted Commercial Parcels - Retail Not Permitted Commercial Parcels - Retail Permitted Playground or Athletic Field - 500 ft Buffer Schools - 1000 ft Buffer Child Care Centers - 500 ft Buffer Treatment Centers - 500 ft Buffer Disclaimer This map is intended to visualize which commercial and industrial parcels may be eligible for cannabis-related businesses with a buffer required from all schools, licensed child care centers, public playgrounds, public athletic fields, and treatment centers. All parcel calculations are approximate and not intended as a siting tool for prospective businesses. If an applicant presents staff with a potential location for a cannabis business, staff will conduct a more detailed, parcel-level analysis of eligibility. ¯ 0 0.5 1 2 Miles Maxar  Cannabis Setbacks (500 ft Option) Legend General Industrial Parcels - Cultivation Permitted Commercial PUD Parcels - Retail Likely Permitted Commercial Parcels - Retail Not Permitted Commercial Parcels - Retail Permitted Playground or Athletic Field - 500 ft Buffer Child Care Centers - 500 ft Buffer Treatment Centers - 500 ft Buffer Schools - 500 ft Buffer Disclaimer This map is intended to visualize which commercial and industrial parcels may be eligible for cannabis-related businesses if a buffer was required from all schools, licensed child care centers, public playgrounds, public athletic fields, and treatment centers. All parcel calculations are approximate and not intended as a siting tool for prospective businesses. If a buffer requirement for cannabis businesses is approved by the City Council, staff would conduct a more detailed, parcel-level analysis of eligibility for future cannabis business candidates. ¯ 0 0.5 1 2 Miles Maxar  CITY OF OAKDALE ORDINANCE NO. XXX AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF OAKDALE, CHAPTER 9, ARTICLE 18 RELATED TO LOCATION REQUIREMENTS AND UPDATING TERMINOLOGY The City Council of the City of Oakdale ordains: Section 1. The Oakdale Code of Ordinances, Chapter 9, Article 18, Section 9-185 is amended as follows: Sec. 9-185 PROHIBITED LOCATION. No cannabis business may be located within one thousand (1,000)five hundred (500) feet of a school, or five hundred (500) feet of a licensed day care, park feature, or a residential treatment facility, as measured from the closest point of the property line where the Cannabis Business is proposed to be located to the closest point of the property line of the school, licensed day care, park feature, or residential treatment facility. Section 2. The Oakdale Code of Ordinances, Chapter 9, Article 18, Section 9-187 is amended to read as follows: Sec. 9-187 CANNABIS RETAILER REGISTRATION LIMITS. (a) Cap on number of cannabis retailer registrations: (1) The city will issue one registration per twelve thousand five hundred (12,500) residents in the city, except that the city will not issue any registrations if there is one registration per twelve thousand five hundred (12,500) residents in Washington County. (2) The number of registrations available will be calculated by dividing the state demographer’s estimate of the city’s population. (3) The city will update the number of registrations available based on the most recent data available from the state demographer on January 1 and June 1 each year. (4) The number of registrations in the county will be based on the number of registrations in the county on the day the application is received. (5) If the number of registrations available within the city decreases based on the county reaching the one per twelve thousand five hundred 12,500 threshold or the city’s population decreases below a previous threshold, businesses with current registrations will be allowed to maintain and renew their registrations but no new registration will be issued. (6) Registrations issued to businesses with a preliminary license approval preapproval will count toward the city’s registration limit. 1 (b) The following businesses are not subject to the cap on registration under Paragraph A above: (1) Businesses operating under a tribal compact entered into under Minnesota Statutes, Section 3.9224 or 3.9228; (2) Tribally issued licenses and registrations; (3)(1) Lower-Potency Hemp Retailer; (4)(2) Municipal cannabis store; and (5)(3) Medical cannabis combination businesses. Section 3. The Oakdale Code of Ordinances, Chapter 9, Article 18, Section 9-189 is amended to read as follows: Sec. 9-189 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION. All applicants for initial registration or renewal registration must submit a registration application or renewal form provided by the city. The form may be amended from time to time by the City Administrator, but must include or be accompanied by: (a) Name of the property owner; (b) Name and date of birth of the applicant; (c) Address and parcel ID for the property for which the registration is sought; (d) Certification that the applicant complies with the requirements of this article; (e) Fee Required. At the time of initial application, and prior to the city’s consideration of any renewal application, each cannabis retailer must pay, as established in the city’s fee schedule, the following fees: (1) At the time of initial registration: a. An initial registration fee. The initial registration fee will pay for the costs of registration and the cost of the first year of operation. b. The renewal fee for the second year of operation. (2) At the time of the first annual renewal (prior to the second year of operation), no fee will be due. 2  (3) At the time of the second annual renewal, and each year thereafter, the renewal fee must be paid prior to the city issuing any renewal registration. (4) Initial registration fees and renewal registration fees are nonrefundable. (f) A copy of a valid state license or written notice of OCM preliminary license approval preapproval; (g) Proof of taxes, assessments, utility charges, or other financial claims of the city and state are current. Section 4. Incorporation. City staff is authorized and directed to update the table of contents, reformat this ordinance, and to make such other non-substantive changes as are necessary to incorporate the amendments adopted by this Ordinance into the City of Oakdale Code of Ordinances. Section 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force on _________, after its adoption and publication, as provided by law. Voting For: Mayor Zabel, Council Members Moore, Morcomb, and Severson; Voting Against: None. Adopted this ___ day of ________, 2025 by the Oakdale City Council. _____________________________________ Kevin Zabel, Mayor Attest: ___________________________________ Sara Ludwig, City Clerk Posted: Published: 3  COUNCIL MEMORANDUM To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Kyle Stasica, Finance Director Kristina Handt, Interim Finance Director Date: June 10, 2025 Subject: Review of 2024 Financial Audit BACKGROUND Minnesota Statutes require that cities issue an annual financial report prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and audited in accordance with those principles by a firm of licensed certified public accountants or the Office of the State Auditor. This report consists of management’s representations concerning the finances of the City. Consequently, management assumes full responsibility for the completeness and reliability of all of the financial information presented in this report. The City of Oakdale’s financial statements have been audited by LB Carlson, a firm of licensed certified public accountants. The goal of the independent audit was to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements of the City for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 are free of material misstatement. The independent audit involved examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements; assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management; and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. The independent audit has issued an unmodified (“clean”) opinion on the City of Oakdale’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024. The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the year ended December 31, 2023. This was the 34th consecutive year that the City has achieved this prestigious award. To be awarded a Certificate of Achievement, the City published an easily readable and efficiently organized report. Staff believes this year’s report will satisfy the requirements as well, and will submit the finished Annual Comprehensive Financial Report to the GFOA for consideration. Jackie Huegel, Principal, from LB Carlson will present an overview of the audit process and results. There is no action required of the City Council as this review is informational only. The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for fiscal year ending December 31, 2024 can be found under the “City Budget & Financial Reports” on the City’s Finance Department webpage. The following attachments will be provided to Council under separate cover: • Management Report • Special Purpose Audit Report Attachment Presentation Slides  City of Oakdale, Minnesota Audit Report for Year Ended December 31, 2024 Presented by: Jaclyn M. Huegel, CPA Principal 952-224-1638 jhuegel@lbcarlson.com AUDITOR’S ROLE • Fairly presented in accordance with Opinions on Financial accounting principles generally Statements accepted in the United States of America • Financial Statement Audit Internal Controls and • MN Legal Compliance Audit Compliance 1 AUDIT RESULTS Basic Financial • Unmodified “Clean” Opinions Statements Internal Control and • One Internal Control Deficiency Compliance – – 2024-001 Prior Period Adjustment Financial Audit AUDIT RESULTS • No findings for 2024 MN Legal Compliance 2 GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS GENERAL FUND FINANCIAL POSITION 3 GENERAL FUND REVENUE GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES 4 ENTERPRISE FUNDS SUMMARY OF CHANGES IN NET POSITION WATER FUND 5 SEWER FUND STREET LIGHTS FUND 6 SURFACE WATER FUND GOVERNMENT-WIDE STATEMENTS 7