City Council Workshop

WORKSHOP MINUTES OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL JULY 22, 2025 The City Council held a workshop on Tuesday, July 22, 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 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 Kristina Handt, Interim Finance Director Melanie Lee, Human Resources Director Max Lohse, Community Development Specialist Nick Newton, Police Chief Lori Pulkrabek, Communications Manager Emma Roeller, Community Development Intern John Stark, Special Projects Manager Cory Tietz, Public Works Director Kevin Wold, Fire Chief Others Present: Jay Demma, Senior Urban Planner, Stantec Stan Karwoski, Washington County Commissioner Mike Prosser, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Melissa Taphorn, Executive Director, Washington County Community Development Agency HOUSING STUDY DATA ANALYSIS Community Development Director Andy Gitzlaff explained that this presentation is to walk through the demographic and economic data prior to the formulation of findings and recommendations. Upon receiving City Council feedback and intent on the data analysis, results from a market analysis, the housing survey, and the outcome of candid discussions with local housing developers, Stantec will then begin the preparation of findings and recommendations, which will be presented to the City Council in draft form at a Workshop meeting in the coming months. Jay Demma, Senior Urban Planner with Stantec, began by reviewing population growth estimates in Oakdale from 1970-2050. WORKSHOP MINUTES JULY 22, 2025 PAGE TWO In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about the projection of population growth given the fact that by 2030 Oakdale will be fully built out and household sizes are decreasing, Mr. Demma mentioned the possibility of housing redevelopment and the estimation of generational backfill. Mr. Demma continued with population growth from 2000 as compared to Washington County, the seven-county Twin Cities region, and comparison cities; household growth since 2000, persons per household and median age again comparing to Washington County and the seven-county Twin Cities region; population by age groups and change in household types from 2000-2023. Mayor Zabel asked about the age makeup for the Married w/ Children and Living w/ Roommates categories on the Change in Household Type, Oakdale bar graph. Mr. Demma noted that the data has not been drilled down that far. Council Member Morcomb shared an example of his neighborhood demographics and thanked Stantec for the data they have shared thus far as it is very insightful. Mr. Demma then went over household income as compared to Washington County, the seven- county Twin Cities region, and comparison cities; cost burdened households – households paying more than 30% of income in housing costs; industrial composition between 2002- 2022; and Oakdale commute patterns. Mr. Demma shifted to take a look at housing maps featuring housing types, era of residential development, multifamily housing, affordable (income-restricted) multifamily, and senior multifamily. Additional graphs of permitted housing units – shows building trends in the City from 1980-2024, median rent, average market rate rent and vacancy, and median home sales prices were reviewed. Mr. Demma concluded with the following takeaways - Oakdale’s population is aging but showing signs of a shift towards a younger population; Oakdale is in an advantageous location; Oakdale is experiencing a housing boom after 20+ years of limited housing development; demand/need for housing is strong across the region, especially in Oakdale; and factors of the economy (high interest rates, high construction costs, rising rents, etc.) are preventing many households from making important life stage-related housing decisions (retirement, starting a family, etc.). Mr. Gitzlaff asked that Council send feedback on the housing survey questions to himself and City Administrator Chris Volkers. Ms. Volkers noted draft recommendations will be provided to the Council at a future Workshop meeting in September. Mr. Demma added that the recommendations will be based on gaps (i.e., inventory or pricing), and strategies will be presented to fill in those gaps. WORKSHOP MINUTES JULY 22, 2025 PAGE THREE Council Member Morcomb mentioned that it would be beneficial for the Parks and Recreation Commission to see the finished Housing Study especially as it relates to park planning in the City. 2026-2030 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN A question was raised about Council questions related to the packet materials and an alternative method to getting them asked and answered prior to the Workshop and regular meeting. Ms. Volkers was open to suggestions and offered to bring it to Management Team for discussion. Ms. Volkers noted that the information presented tonight is still in draft form. Interim Finance Director Kristina Handt explained that the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) includes the updated Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Fund (VERF) that was reviewed at the July 8, 2025 Workshop. Tonight’s discussion will focus on the funds that are tied to the property tax levy. The first fund reviewed was the Municipal Building Fund. The Council received two variations – one that included the Public Works facility, Police Department expansion and remodel, and the City Hall remodel and one that did not. The Council agreed to keep the Municipal Building Fund levy flat at $135,000 for 2026. Second, the Street Improvement Fund was reviewed. The Council agreed to a keep the levy flat using a placeholder for 2028-2030. Third, Ms. Handt pulled up the VERF. Public Works Director Cory Tietz reported that he will be meeting with the mechanics to get their input on which vehicles and equipment need to be replaced. The Council agreed to reduce the VERF levy to $1.2 million for 2026. Lastly, the Park Capital Fund was reviewed. In response to Council Member Severson’s question about what Charitable Gambling Funds have typically been used for, Mayor Zabel indicated there are regulations, but no precedents. Ms. Volkers offered to send the Charitable Gambling Fund regulations to the Council. Mr. Gitzlaff went over the park dedication line items, noting that each agreement is unique and the revenue may not be realized as laid out in the years presented tonight. Mayor Zabel pointed out that the City’s committed costs are $2.3 million for 2026. In response to Council Member Morcomb’s question about the current fund balance, Ms. Handt replied $2.7 million. WORKSHOP MINUTES JULY 22, 2025 PAGE FOUR Regarding playground replacement, Mr. Tietz offered to follow up with the certified playground inspector on staff to find out the current state of the Walton Park playground. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about splitting the Tanners Lake Park Playground, Pickleball/Tennis Courts, and General Improvements costs over two years, Mr. Gitzlaff explained that it relates to a design phase in year one and then an implementation phase in year two. Mayor Zabel preferred to accelerate the timeline to complete the design phase in 2025 and the implementation phase in 2026. Council Member Moore inquired about the reasoning behind park improvements, whether they are for current residents or attraction of new residents, as this will determine how she prioritizes park improvements. Additionally, she shared her affinity for neighborhood parks as they show residents that the City specifically cares about them. The Council agreed on the following for the Park Capital Fund: • Keep Willowbrooke Trails and Open Space in 2026. • Move Richard Walton Park Playground and Improvements to 2027. • Keep Tower Park Playground and Improvements in 2026. • Move Guthrie Park Playground and Improvements to 2027. • Keep Tanners Lake Park South Parking Lot Repaving in 2026. • Keep Helmo Station Park in 2026. • Move Tanners Lake Park Playground, Pickleball/Tennis Courts, and General Improvements (phase one) to 2025. • Move Tanners Lake Park Playground, Pickleball/Tennis Courts, and General Improvements (phase two) to 2026. • Move Golfview Park Playground and Improvements to 2026. • Transfer $2 million from the Tanners Lake Tax Increment Financing Fund to Park Capital Fund in 2026. Staff will send an updated Park Capital Fund to the Council once all of the above changes have been made. The Council agreed to transfer $200,000 from the Charitable Gambling Fund into the Park Capital Fund in 2026. Council Member Morcomb would prefer to use grant funding for the scheduled Goose Pond Park Native Seeding and Vegetation Planting in 2027. Council Member Morcomb brought up the addition of an Arts and Culture Commission tasked with putting arts in the parks. Mayor Zabel suggested adding this charge to the Parks and Recreation Commission 2026 Work Plan. WORKSHOP MINUTES JULY 22, 2025 PAGE FIVE Mayor Zabel asked about a revenue line item for Oakdale Athletic Association (OAA) contributions. Ms. Volkers noted that this number is under negotiations, but the range of the contribution is up to 50,000. ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE Regarding the first City Council meeting of November that falls on Veterans Day this year – November 11, 2025 – the Council agreed to move the meetings to Monday, November 10, 2025. Formal Council action to approve this change will occur at the August 12, 2025 regular meeting. In reference to the 2025 Acorn Award, City Clerk Sara Ludwig shared the ratings received for each nominated property. The Council agreed upon a winner for the Residential and Business/Commercial categories. There will be no winner in the Public category as no nominations were received. Ms. Volkers noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission has a vacancy. A prior applicant who was interviewed, but ultimately not appointed earlier this year remains interested in serving. Ms. Volkers asked if this individual could be appointed at the next regular meeting, foregoing a second Workshop interview. The Council was amenable. COUNCIL TOPICS Council Member Morcomb questioned whether Goose Pond Park should be classified as a Neighborhood Park instead of a Community Park in the Park System Plan. The Council agreed and Ms. Volkers stated this change would be made. Referencing an earlier comment, Council Member Morcomb suggested bringing arts and culture into the scope of the Parks and Recreation Commission, at least in the short-term. Mayor Zabel inquired about the Willowbrooke Commons Park tree preservation plan. Mr. Gitzlaff indicated there are several methods City staff can use to ensure the developers follow through on their landscaping responsibilities. Currently, staff has a scheduled rotation to review recent projects and make sure tree and landscaping preservation plans are being followed. Mr. Tietz added that there are ongoing conversations with the developer about soil quality and the current state of some of the trees. Mayor Zabel asked Ms. Volkers to share an email with the Council regarding complaints he has received from residents in regards to Willowbrooke Commons. Council Member Severson stated that he will be working the Washington County Parks booth at the Washington County Fair on Thursday, July 31st. Ms. Volkers briefly went over the schedule for the Special Workshop on Tuesday, July 29th. WORKSHOP MINUTES JULY 22, 2025 PAGE SIX Mayor Zabel mentioned the Closed Session with City Attorney Jim Thomson will take place in Oak Room. ADJOURNMENT The workshop was adjourned at 6:49 PM. Respectfully submitted, Sara Ludwig, City Clerk