Alrighty. Well, oh, just turned 7 o'clock. All right, let's go ahead and get started. I'm going to call to order the regular meeting of the Oakdale City Council, March 24th, 2026. Sarah, will you please take the role? >> Council member Moore >> here. >> Council member Morham >> here. >> Council member Severson. Council member Rich >> here. >> Mayor Zabel >> here. Please join me for the pledge of >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. First up tonight, approval of the agenda. We have a slightly amended version in front of us. Council members, can I get a motion to approve the agenda as amended? >> So moved. >> There's a motion. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion and a second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Agenda's adopted. We can get to work. Love it. All right. Two sets of minutes in front of us. Uh first up, an amended version of workshop meeting minutes for March 10th, 2026. Any additional changes or corrections here, council members? Seeing none, I'll look for a motion. >> So moved. >> There's a motion. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion a second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Those amended minutes are adopted. Uh last on the list, regular meeting minutes from March 10th, 2026. Any changes or corrections here? All right. Seeing none, I will look for a motion. >> So moved. >> There's a motion. Is there a second? >> Motion and a second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. And regular meeting minutes from March 10th, 2026 are adopted. Sorry. Okay. Uh no public hearings in front of us tonight. So we will move into open forum. We have two proclamations and one recognition item. Uh first up uh the recognition item from just serve uh city award. So um before we invite our special guests up to talk a little bit about this um a little bit from the city's perspective. This is something new for us as the city council um and our our staff have been working on how we can grow volunteerism and connection in our community. uh we came across Just Serve and the the amazing platform that they have for um those in our community, organizations, civic organizations, churches, um city um to promote their volunteerism opportunities to a broad broader audience. And so um I think it was maybe about 6 weeks ago, we signed a proclamation um formalizing our partnership with Just Serve and making this uh amazing resource available to our community. Uh this or this morning, it's been a long day. Tonight we have a few special guests with us. Patrick Tibido, uh, Oakdale, Minnesota stakes presidency member. Um, we're also joined by Jackie Mayer, our just served specialist serving western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. Um, Patrick, would you like to share any thoughts with us? >> Thank you, mayor, and members of the council. We're grateful to be here. uh with us tonight is as you introduce Jackie Mayer. We also have Jennifer the who is a larger region area specialist for just serve and our local specialist um Mark Anderson who works with all of us and so we're just really grateful to be here and last time we were here you were doing the proclamation. Now we're here to present you uh in a moment we'll give this to you this uh certificate for the Oakdale city to be a just served city. with that recognition and we're just uh really excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue what's been a longstanding partnership with the city of Oakdale and continue now down this pathway of more focus on volunteerism and basically what we like to call just doing good and and as we we've noticed there's many organizations in the city that are out doing volunteerism already there's been already a lot of things happening in communities of faith and other organizations which I think is noteworthy to recognize. We're not starting from zero in Oakdale and it's important to recognize all of the good that's been done and what's going to now happen. We we probably can measure what's happened to date in maybe hundreds of hours and what we anticipate and the opportunity exists to move that from hundreds to thousands and more. and already lots of service in the city. And what we notice is as people are out doing things, doing that good for one another, uh that raises the level of quality in the community, the services that are given in human capital terms, in human terms, as well as financial terms. It makes this community stronger and more thriving and uh increases overall value for all of the current citizens of the city. So, we're really excited to help u help the city with that vision and to do that that great work that has been started with your proclamation and we look forward to continuing this partnership with with the city of Oakdale and Just Serve. So, we're um we're happy to present this now to to you all. >> Council, let's go down and grab a photo and accept the certificate. >> And while you're walking, if I just come on down, I'll just add a few a few things. So, I'm Jennifer theer from the state of Minnesota. Um, you are one of I think 60 now just Serve cities in the whole United States and um it's pretty significant that you're here that it happened this year because what do we know about this year? It's the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of the of Independence and so um being a Just Serve city and working on that service is really neat. and just serve is actually a program partner with America 250 and the America gives. So whenever you see us this year, you'll be seeing us um with our America 250 logo and our Just Serve logo because we really excited about that this year of service. And if you remember with America Gives, they're trying to have 2026 be the largest year of service in the history of ever. So, um, we're really excited, uh, to So, when you're serving, be sure to go to the website and document it and and, uh, it's going to be a big year of service. We're excited about that. have to move back a little bit. Bear with me. All right, count of three. One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three. Thank you. wants to grab. Okay. >> We uh we also have a big box of materials that I forgot to reference, but they're in a box back here in the council chambers, and you can take that away and use them as you wish. >> Thank you. We appreciate that. >> No, we we are very excited about this this partnership opportunity. And it's not just the city of Oakdale. Uh a few weeks after uh we signed our proclamation, um I fielded a call from our our good neighbors in Woodbury and they heard about it and they're signing on now as well. So, uh, the word is spreading, which we love. Um, you know, I learned about Just Serve at a National League of Cities conference. Um, and so to see the the partnership between cities all over this country and Just Serve uh expanding and exploding in many ways is very exciting. All of our communities do better when uh volunteerism grows and we're really excited to have a partner in Just Serve uh helping us with that. Uh, two proclamations in front of us tonight. Two very important proclamations. Uh first up recognizing fair housing month. Um this is a proclamation we issue every April or late March recognizing April. Um recognizing the passage of the Fair Housing Act. Whereas the Fair Housing Act enacted on April 11th, 1968 enshrined into federal law the goal of eliminating racial segregation and ending housing discrimination in the United States. And whereas the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability, and commits recipients of federal funding to affirm affirmatively further fair housing in their communities. And whereas the city of Oakdale is committed to this mission and intent is committed to the mission and intent of Congress to provide fair and equal housing opportunities for all. And whereas our social fabric, the economy, health, and environment are strengthened in diverse and inclusive communities. And whereas more than 50 years after the passage of the Fair Housing Act, discrimination persists, and many communities remain segregated. And whereas acts of housing discrimination and barriers to equal housing opportunity are repugnant to the common sense of decency and fairness. Whereas the city of Oakdale is an inclusive community committed to uh fair housing and to promoting appropriate activities by private and public entities to provide and advocate for equal housing opportunities for all residents and uh prospective residents in Oakdale. Therefore, I come Mayor of Oakdale, Minnesota, to hereby proclaim the month of April in 2026 as fair housing month in the city of Oakdale. Um for many many years now, the city of Oakdale has had a fair housing policy um modeled after the state and federal protections. Um, more recently, uh, we've signed on as a partner to the Justeds Coalition, um, which works every single day with, uh, mapping prejudice to root out, um, discriminatory racial covenants that linger on properties throughout our city. Um the timing could not be more perfect as we're we're coming up on fair housing month across the country to recognize that uh discrimination on any of the protected classes is unacceptable in the city of Oakdale in any society and um Oakdale is proud to to stand with all of our other cities um in advancing the cause to eliminate that discrimination. Uh the last proclamation is recognizing Autism Acceptance Month. Whereas on March 4th, 2021, the Autism Society of America officially announced the shift in terminology from Autism Awareness Month to Autism Acceptance Month. And whereas April aims to celebrate and promote acceptance for the condition that occurs in one in every 36 children in the United States. And whereas autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the world. And whereas autism autism is a complex developmental condition affecting the patients ability to interact, communicate, and progress and has not one but many uh different subtypes. And whereas first held in the year 1972 by the Autism Society, Autism Acceptance Month emphasizes the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate the differences, and be more inclusive towards autistic individuals around us. And whereas with the autism diagnosis rate increasing fast, we take these 30 days in April to celebrate the different differences of learn more about and empower autistic individuals. Therefore, I Kevin Zel, mayor of Oakdale, Minnesota, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2026 as autism acceptance month in the city of Oakdale. Uh earlier today, so my day job, I I work in disability services and I get to meet so many cool people. Um many of which are on the autism spectrum. Um earlier today more than a thousand of us went down to the state capital for disability services day at the capitol is the largest annual rally held in St. Paul. um such an amazing opportunity for um people of all all abilities to come together and advocate for those in in our communities and in our society um who in many ways are not receiving the the care and the support um that they need. And um especially in the seat of government to share with our legislators the importance of um funding support systems that not only meet their needs but exceed their needs and ensure that they can that people with disabilities can live their greatest lives. um is more important than ever. So, we're honored to recognize Autism Acceptance Month. Um and it's it's a good reminder that we all have so much more to do to to advance um the possibilities for for our neighbors with disabilities. Consensus motions. Uh we got a lot. See, see, Kevin, you know, the last few meetings when you were here, you thought there was only one or two and we were hiding them from you. That's right. uh A through M tonight. Lots of good stuff. Making a few new hires, Laker licenses, buying some cop cars. Uh council members, are there any that we want to pull for individual consideration or conversation? >> No. >> Seeing none. Can I get a motion? >> Make a motion to approve consensus motions as presented. >> There's a motion. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion a second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. And those motions prevail. Let's check in with our advisory boards and commissions. Uh, first up on our list, the Environmental Management Commission. We met last week. I serve as their liaison. Uh, the group talked about their 2026 work plan. Um, they have a lot going on there, so they they're continuing to refine that for us to review. Um, they're also gearing up for our second annual eco, which is pretty exciting. Um, the ecoair began last year, runs in conjunction with our Peak Grassi Arbor Day Tree giveaway at the end of April. Um this year we are excited to be adding um a free clothing swap uh which is pretty cool. So um individuals who want to do a little spring cleaning in their closets um and have some clothes that still have some some life on them and want to find them a new home, a great opportunity to donate them and we will find them a new home. Um also if you are looking for a new uh a few new pieces of clothing or shoes, um great opportunity to stop on by and just grab what you what you want to take home. Um, also very cool that um, city staff are working on identifying charities and organizations that will accept any clothing left over. So, um, we're really striving to make it a zero waste event, which is pretty cool. So, uh, the commission is working very hard on that and they were they are looking forward to that. Um, for the public, the date is April 26th. Thank you. April 26th, uh the ecoair takes place at um >> Castle Elementary. Yeah. So, um more info on the city website if you uh want to join us for that. >> The other advisory board that met was the tree board. Council member Moore. >> And speaking of tree giveaway, >> love it. >> The registration for the tree giveaway opens on Wednesday, April 1st. It is not a joke. It does open that day. Um so, >> 8 a.m. >> The Yep. 8 am. So, if you want to register to get your free tree, um go to the the city website and get that done right away Wednesday morning. They'll go fast. Um most significantly, they completed their work plan for 2026. Um and that was huge because they had to replace the fall event. They've taken out the buckthornne removal event and they are putting in a new event. So, when the work plan comes through and we get a chance to approve that, um, which did we just do that? Work plans, they weren't in there. Um, when we approve that one, it'll be in there. Um, and so, uh, yeah, it's big stuff. We also bid farewell to our past chair, Nick Canullah. He is moving out of the city. Um, boo indeed. Um, he's moving out of the city so he can no longer serve on the tree board. Um he has promised to attend their future events because of his passion for the work. And so publicly I just want to thank Nick for all he did on the tree board. >> We lost one on ENC too. Yeah. >> So there's openings that other cities are recruiting our people. It's ticking me off. Yeah. They're poaching our good people. >> I tell you can't win. >> All right. Thank you, Council Member Moore. Uh award of bids. Nothing in front of us tonight. Staff reports. Let's check in with our city attorney, Rachel. Welcome. >> Thank you. >> It's lovely to be here. And I don't have anything for you today. >> Anybody have any questions? >> No. All right. Let's check in with our Did we ever figure out acting city administrator, interim city administrator? You pick. >> Um Kev, let's call you Kev. >> Just fire chief's good. >> Fire Chief Wool. >> This is the last meeting >> filling in for his last meeting uh before our city administrator returns. So, uh, Chief W, do you have one item on there? >> Yeah, I have one item before you tonight, uh, Mr. Mayor and Council. Uh, it's to accept the 2026 statewide health improvement partnership grant. And I just have a bit of information that I'll share with you before, um, turn it over to you. So, the city of Oakdale maintains more than 50 miles of shared youth use paths and sidewalks that support walking and biking throughout the city and region. The awarded $10,000 grant will help reduce barriers to bicycling and is expected to enhance comfort and safety for both residents and visitors traveling by bike. Grant funds will be used to install bicycle racks and repair stations, addressing a key gap in Oakdale's active transportation infrastructure and improving connections between the city's trail network and everyday destinations. This grant was made possible through a partnership with the Minnesota Statewide Health Improvement Program via Washington County. >> Fantastic. Um 10 grant. Heck yeah. It's always a good day when we get grants. Uh council members, can I get a motion and a second and then we can make comments if you want. >> I move we wave reading and adopt resolution 2026-16 accepting 2026 statewide health improvement partnership grant funds in the amount of $10,000 from Washington County to the city of Oakdale. There's motion. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion a second. Comments. I'll make one. Uh just a thank you. Thank you to our city staff who are um really stepping up uh and pursuing thirdparty grants to to fund a lot of really cool things in our community. Also, a big thank you to Washington County. Um they're a great government partner and this money will go to good use in our community as we as we expand our our bike network. Um which is pretty cool. So, a big thank you to them as well. Uh there's motions. Is there a second? Any other comments? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. And resolution 2026-16 is adopted. One more item. >> I move we authorize the city administrator to execute the grant agreement. >> There's a motion. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion a second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. And that authorization is given. Council presentations. Anybody want to go first? >> Nothing down here. >> I have two. >> Council member Moore. >> Just keep talking. Uh, well, first I just want to say I'm so excited about the Tartan boys basketball team, right? >> Um, yeah, >> you didn't read my list, did you? >> Oh, >> you That's all I'm gonna say. I did not read your list. >> Thunder stolen. Um, >> I'll get it back. >> And then, um, I just want to say that in the consensus motions, we approved the execution of the LAA agreement with Washington County CDA. And um everybody knows that this was um a really huge thing and I'm so excited for um how we're going to uh use this agreement and the funding in there. And I just want to thank everybody, all the staff from both the city and the county who made this happen. So, thank you. >> Council Rich, anything? >> All right, I got a bunch. Uh first, a big congre congratulations to Tartan boys basketball. Uh team played in the class 4A state quarterfinals this morning and they thumped Blaine 72 to 44. Uh Tartan will play in the semi-finals this Thursday, March 26th at 6 p.m. Uh very exciting. Tartan is the number one seed. They have uh they had a perfect season. They're up to 30 wins. Uh zero losses. Uh the last time Tartan basketball qualified for the state tournament was 2014. Uh so this is very exciting. Uh best of luck to our Tartan Titans. Online uh Council Member Moore talked about this too. Online registration for the Pete Grassi arbitry giveaway will open on Wednesday, April 1st at 8:00 a.m. I'm going to read that again. Registration for the arboret tree giveaway will open on Wednesday, April 1st at 8:00 a.m. Every year, we love giving out 200 bare root trees um free to Oakdale residents. That will be taking place on April 25th. Um but you have to register in advance to claim a tree. Um it is one li it's a limit of one tree per Oakdale address. Um, and seriously, I think last year they sold or they were all claimed in like two hours. So, if you want a tree, don't delay. People sit at their computers to pick the one that they want. Um, more information as well as registration can be found on the city website, oakdalemn.gov. Um, otherwise, we look forward to seeing everybody on April 25th. Hope for nice warm weather. Um, always such a fun event. Um, also, they're big trees. Like, we we we we emphasize this every year. They're not little saplings. um especially some of the deciduous ones can be 6 7 feet tall already. So um as much as we enjoy watching people show up in like a little Toyota Corolla or a geometro um plan your vehicles accordingly because they're big trees. Are there still geometros out there? No. >> Some of us get that reference. Yeah, some of the kids in the audience probably not. Um, winter parking rules which prohibit on street parking from midnight to 5:00 a.m. end on Wednesday, April 1st. A reminder, on street parking is prohibited anytime we get two or more inches of snowfall. So hopefully we are done with that for the season, but after April 1st, if it does snow, you got to get the vehicles off the street. The rules go back on until the street is clear. Otherwise, happy parking. Uh, tower and golf parks are getting new playgrounds in 2026. We're very excited about this. uh and the city, we we really need to hear from neighbors and park users of what you want to see in in these parks. Uh there will be two engagement events in April. For Tower Park, um the event will take place on Thursday, April 2nd from 4 to 6:00 p.m. For Golf View Park, Thursday, April 9th from 4 to 6:00 p.m. Um both events are weather dependent. For updates, check out the parks projects park projects web page at oakdalem.gov. One thing I want to call out here, uh, the city council, we are very serious about, um, getting resident feedback in every mode and medium we can think of. So, while we are hosting inerson events, that is a valuable opportunity to come out and tell us what you think, we will also have online options, um, a lot of different varieties, social media, etc. We, however you want to communicate your feedback to us, we want it. Um, so, u, please, uh, find an engagement opportunity that works for you and we, we look forward to hearing what you think. Our city indoor garage sale will be held on Saturday, April 11th from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Discovery Center. Great opportunity for bargain hunters, collectors, and families to attend. Browse for some unique finds. Uh oh, I talked about the EcoFare. That's the next one up. Look at that. Uh Save the Date also on April 25th. Um April 25th. I thought you said 26th >> on Sunday. >> Saturday. >> Saturday. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Oh, we should check that. Yeah, >> ju just be sure. >> Maybe. >> All right. Saturday, Saturday is all the fun events. Uh 9:00 am to 1 pm at Castle Elementary School is the ecoair. I mentioned the clothing swap um that we're adding to this event. Donations for the clothing swap will be accepted April 6th through the 17th. You can drop off your donations here at city hall or the discover andor the discovery center. Um these free events are open to the public and offer information on a variety of environmental topics and initiatives. Um, check out the city website for more info. Finally, uh, we seem to get this every year and we're really proud of it. Uh, the city of Oakdale was awarded the certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting for our annual, um, financial report that was due at the end of last year. Our finance team works incredibly hard every single year to make sure our city books are in order. um fully transparent to the public, to our auditors, making sure that if there are any concerns by our auditors that we're addressing them immediately um to make sure that every tax dollar that comes into this building is being spent wisely, responsibly, and transparently. And so, a big thank you to our finance team um and congratulations on that well-deserved recognition. Lots going on in the city. Must be spring. >> All right. Uh let's pay the bills. Claims roster in front of us. March 11th through March 24th, 1.467 million in change. Uh, council members, anything we need to pull from here? >> Can I get a motion? >> Make a motion to approve claims as presented. >> There's a motion. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion a second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Uh, opposed. Bills are paid. Can I get a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> There's a motion. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion and a second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. We are adjourned. Thank you and good night.