This transcript appears to be from a December 2022 meeting, which was a transition period for the Oakdale City Council. While your context list notes **Kevin Zabel** as Mayor, in this specific transcript, he is still a Council Member, and **Paul Rinke** is serving as Mayor. Additionally, several speakers mentioned in the dialogue (like Finance Director **Jason Zimmerman** and Engineer **Brian Bachmeier**) are identified based on their roles and names used during the proceedings. [0:13] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Jake, that was right, yeah. Okay. Um, before we start, Chris, just housekeeping? I thought there’s going to be an amended— [0:13] **Christina Volkers (City Administrator)**: Yep. Mr. Mayor, city council, what I put on your dais is an amended RCA for the tobacco licenses. I'd ask that the agenda be amended for this new RCA. We will upload it immediately. [0:13] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Okay. So, welcome everybody. This is the Oakdale City Council regular meeting. Tonight we're starting at six o'clock, which is the Truth and Taxation meeting for 2023. Um, Sarah, would you do roll call, please? [0:53] **Sarah (City Clerk)**: Council Member Ingridson? **Council Member Colleen Ingridson**: Here. **Sarah (City Clerk)**: Council Member Olson? **Council Member Susie Olson**: Here. **Sarah (City Clerk)**: Council Member Swedberg? **Council Member Colleen Swedberg**: Here. **Sarah (City Clerk)**: Council Member Zabel? **Council Member Kevin Zabel**: Here. **Sarah (City Clerk)**: Mayor Rinke? **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Here. Please join me now in the Pledge of Allegiance. [1:11] **Group**: [Pledge of Allegiance] [1:29] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: So I mentioned that this is a special meeting for the city and this is our Truth and Taxation meeting, so that's why we're starting at six o'clock. Immediately following this, we'll start our normal city council meeting. With that said, Chris or Jim, do we have to do the agenda amended action first? [1:29] **Christina Volkers**: Yep, I think you should go through that. [1:29] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Okay, let's go through that. So we have an amendment to the agenda, and this is dealing with consensus motion D. Could I have a motion please then to include this in our packet and amend the agenda? [2:16] **Council Member Susie Olson**: I'll make a motion to approve the agenda as amended. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: There's a motion. Is there a second? **Council Member Colleen Swedberg**: Second. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: There's a motion and the second. Is there any discussion? All in favor say aye. **Council**: Aye. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Opposed? That motion carries as presented. So now I'm going to open up the Truth and Taxation meeting and call on Finance Director Zimmerman to make the presentation for us. The process that we'll use is after the presentation, I'll open the meeting to public comment. Anybody that is here that wants to share something, please approach the podium and state your name and address. Then we're going to close that portion of it, bring it back up front, and take some actions. Good evening, Jason. [3:03] **Jason Zimmerman (Finance Director)**: Thank you, Mayor and Council. Per Minnesota State Statute 275, cities with a population over 500 are required to hold a meeting between November 25th and December 28th to discuss the 2023 property tax levy and budget. This Truth and Taxation meeting was enacted by the legislature in 1988 to enhance public participation... [Presentation continues through detailed budget data]. [25:49] **Jason Zimmerman**: ...And so with that, that's the conclusion of the presentation that I have this evening. I'll turn the meeting back over to the council. They'll open up the meeting for public input and comments, and then at the conclusion of public comments, Council has resolutions in front of them to consider for adopting the 2023 property tax levy and general fund, Capital project fund, and Debt Service fund budgets. So with that, I'll turn it back over to the Mayor. [26:36] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Very good, thank you, Jason. Before I open it up to the audience, Councilors, anything that you want to ask Jason? Okay. So at this point, I'm going to open the Truth and Taxation meeting to the public and ask people, before they make any comments, if anybody wants to do that, I request that they fill out their name on a form from Laurie Polkerbeck. Is there anybody that would like to speak? [Pause] Then finally, is there anybody that would like to comment tonight? Seeing none, I'm going to close the Truth and Taxation meeting and that'll move us right into opening of our regular city council meeting. The regular city council meeting for the Oakdale City Council is now open. We have approved the agenda already, so the first order of business is acting on the budget that we had just discussed. Will somebody make a motion? We're going to take each one separately. [28:09] **Council Member Colleen Ingridson**: I'll make a motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution Number 2022-139, adopting the 2023 property tax levy and the 2023 general fund, special Revenue fund, Debt Service fund, and Enterprise fund budgets. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Fair enough, makes more sense to do it together. We have a motion. Is there a second? **Council Member Kevin Zabel**: Second. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: There's a motion and the second. Is there any discussion? All in favor say aye. **Council**: Aye. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Opposed? Then that motion is approved as presented. Thank you. We're next up on the Capital Improvement Plan. Director Zimmerman, do you want to make any comments? [28:57] **Jason Zimmerman**: No, nothing particular to note. Obviously, the presentation encompassed the funding requirements for the Capital Improvement Plan... this is the 2023 through 2027 Capital Improvement Plan. [29:44] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Councilors, any questions or any comments about this action? Could I have a motion then please? **Council Member Colleen Ingridson**: I'll make a motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution 2022-136 adopting the 2023 through 2027 Capital Improvement Plan and authorizing the fiscal year 2023 projects. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: So we have a motion. Is there a second? **Council Member Susie Olson**: Second. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: There's a motion and the second. Is there any discussion? All in favor say aye. **Council**: Aye. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Opposed? And that motion passes as presented. Thank you. [30:30] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: So, is your presentation that we ran through tonight on the web OpenGov portal? **Jason Zimmerman**: Yes. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Okay, so that’s cool. So again, anybody that wants to review or check the numbers can access it by going to our city website. Next up on the agenda is our approval of minutes. We have the workshop on November 22nd and our regular meeting on November 22nd. Councilors, upon review, any corrections? Can I have a motion then please? [31:17] **Council Member Kevin Zabel**: Motion to approve. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: There's a motion. Is there a second? **Council Member Colleen Ingridson**: Second. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: There's a motion and the second. Is there any discussion? All in favor say aye. **Council**: Aye. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Opposed? [Pause] **Council Member Colleen Ingridson**: Sorry, okay, I— really, opposed? No, I— I'm in favor, yes. I was a little late on my eyes. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Yeah, dizzy reading the next item on the agenda. So that motion passes as presented. [32:18] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: The second set of docs is the minutes from our regular meeting November 22nd. Councilors, any adjustments? **Council Member Susie Olson**: So moved. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: The motion is there. Second? **Council Member Colleen Swedberg**: Second. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: All in favor, aye. **Council**: Aye. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Those meeting minutes are approved as presented. Thank you. You know what, we got a little bit of time. If you guys are okay, we had asked Bill to come up and just do a little Summerfest presentation. Do you mind if we make just a small adjustment? Bill, I know you want to get me out of here. [33:06] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Bill Burns—each year the city recognizes an individual who's gone above and beyond. Nine nominations were received for this Oakdale resident. This Oakdale resident is Bill Burns! So the City of Oakdale is proud to announce that Bill Burns is the 2022 Volunteer of the Year for his outstanding contributions to Oakdale. [35:13] **Bill Burns (Volunteer of the Year)**: Wow, thank you. Thank you very much. Obviously, you don't get involved with everything to get awards. It's just more having a passion for the City of Oakdale and making sure you can do everything you can. [36:59] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: We're very sneaky, huh? Yeah. Okay, we'll talk. Chris, you're going to pay for it, I could tell. Summerfest, we'll figure out a way to make it work. Thanks for everything, Bill. We're going to keep on going on our agenda. At seven o'clock we'll stop to do our public hearings. Next item is the Open Forum. This is a period where anybody in the audience can approach the podium. Is there anybody in the audience who would like to comment? Seeing none, I'm going to move on to the next step. [38:33] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: This is a cool one because it acknowledges Council Member Swedberg for her service. Council Member Swedberg had been on the Parks and Recreation Commission and then was elected to the Council seat in 2018. It’s with great pleasure we give you this as a memento and our appreciation for your service. [Applause] [40:45] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: We also get to recognize your service to the community, Frank. If you don't mind coming on up. Frank Rosello, for our recognition of your service for 24 years as the host of the Oakdale Update show. Because yours is a visual medium, we also have a video to watch. [40:45] **Video Presentation**: [Compilation of Frank Rosello hosting Oakdale Update over 24 years]. [43:32] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: That was great, I appreciate that. Frank Rosello began as the host in May of 1998. Frank has become a trusted source for sharing the news. On behalf of the city, we’d like to thank you. [44:50] **Frank Rosello**: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. First of all, I have to thank Sue Berry. Sue Berry did all the researching... I just want to say, I enjoyed every minute of doing that show. Meeting all these people and talking to them. Thank you. [49:09] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: So we're going to keep on going. Consensus motions A through T. Councilors, were there any that you would like to pull? **Council Member Kevin Zabel**: I'll make a motion to approve consensus motions A through T as presented. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: There's a motion. Is there a second? **Council Member Susie Olson**: Second. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: All in favor say aye. **Council**: Aye. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Next up is Advisory Boards and Commissions. Economic Development was canceled. Environmental Management had no meeting. Planning Commission—Liaison is Council Member Swedberg. There was a meeting on the first, can you share? [50:41] **Council Member Colleen Swedberg**: Sure. The commission reviewed and preliminarily approved the two options regarding the Forefront commercial retail property site plans... one option was the grocery store and option two was a possible Gold Car Wash. Now it needs to go to City Council for further discussion. [51:28] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Very good. Parks and Rec—no meeting. Tree Board—no meeting. I think we have time to do the award of bid. Mr. Romanek, good evening. [51:28] **Jim Romanek (Public Works)**: Thank you, Council. Today we're going to discuss the award of bid for the Water Tower 2 painting project. We bid it again in November. The low bid we have this time is for $499,870 from Tanks Coating. Our consultant checked references and they came back good. [53:51] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Which water tower is it? **Jim Romanek**: Water Tower 2, the one at Eberly Park. It’s the cylinder, not the "spaceship" one. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Could I have a motion please? **Council Member Susie Olson**: I'll make a motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution Number 2022-126 awarding the Water Tower 2 painting contract to Tanks Coating in the amount of $499,870. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Is there a second? **Council Member Colleen Swedberg**: Second. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: All in favor, aye. **Council**: Aye. [54:28] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Next is staff reports. Brian, good evening. **Brian Bachmeier (City Engineer)**: Good evening, Mayor and Council. Tonight we are doing the presentation for the 2023 Street and Water Main Improvement programs. It includes about two miles of street improvements... [Detailed presentation on neighborhoods: 9th, Gershwin, Glenbrook, Hydram Avenue, and Forefront]. [59:52] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: I think we're going to take a pause for the public hearing. This is a public hearing for a tobacco license: Smoke Kings LLC. Who’s going to take this? [59:52] **Christina Volkers**: I will. This request is for a new tobacco license for a new business. We are requesting the council approve the issuance contingent on the police department finishing the background check. [1:00:38] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Welcome. Would you like to come up and state your name and address? **Elmira Rayner (Applicant)**: Hello, I'm Elmira Rayner, 1162 Lawson Avenue. We own a barbershop and a beauty salon, and this was just something we wanted to try. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: We're glad you're here. Is there anybody in the audience who would like to comment on this application? [Pause] Seeing none, I'm going to close the public hearing. Could I have a motion? [1:02:10] **Council Member Kevin Zabel**: I'll make motion to approve the issuance of the new tobacco sales license to Smoke Kings LLC located at 1237 Geneva Avenue North, upon completion of the Oakdale Police Department background check. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Is there a second? **Council Member Colleen Ingridson**: Second. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: All in favor, aye. Motion passes. Good luck with your business. [1:03:42] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: The second public hearing is for the Oakdale Senior Apartments at Tartan Crossing. Mr. Gitzlaff? **Andrew Gitzlaff (Community Development Director)**: Thank you, Mayor. MWF Properties is requesting three approvals for a 168-unit multi-family senior living building. A PUD amendment, preliminary plat, and site plan. Planning Commission recommended approval on November 3rd. [1:05:59] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Applicant, would you like to speak? **Matt Yetzer (MWF Properties)**: Good evening. Matt Yetzer with MWF Properties. We think this is an opportunity to hit goals of providing affordable senior housing. I'm here for questions. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: I'll open the public hearing. Is there anybody in the audience? [Pause] Seeing none, I'll close it. Let's take the first action on the PUD amendment. [1:06:47] **Council Member Colleen Swedberg**: I'll make a motion to waive reading and adopt Ordinance Number 890 approving an amendment to The Tartan Crossing PUD. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Second? **Council Member Kevin Zabel**: Second. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Motion passes. Now for the preliminary plat Resolution 2022-128. [1:08:19] **Council Member Susie Olson**: I'll make the motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution 2022-128. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Second? **Council Member Colleen Swedberg**: Second. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Motion passes. Final action on the site plan Resolution 2022-129. **Council Member Colleen Ingridson**: I'll make a motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution 2022-129. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Second? **Council Member Kevin Zabel**: Second. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Motion passes. Thank you. Brian, let's come back to you. [1:10:15] **Brian Bachmeier**: [Resumes Street Improvement presentation]. ...We’ll ask that you schedule the public improvement and assessment hearings for January 24th, 2023. Total project cost is about $5.1 million. [1:22:38] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Councilors, any questions? Could I have a motion then please? **Council Member Colleen Ingridson**: I'll make a motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution Number 2022-125 accepting the feasibility report and calling for a public improvement hearing on January 24th. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Second? **Council Member Susie Olson**: Second. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: All in favor, aye. Motion passes. Next up is City Attorney Jim Thompson. Anything? **Jim Thompson (City Attorney)**: No specific report, but happy to answer questions. [1:23:46] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: City Administrator, Ms. Volkers? **Christina Volkers**: Happy Holidays to everybody. Thank you from the staff to the council. This has been a really great Council to work with. [1:24:32] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Council presentations. Mr. Zabel? [None]. Ms. Swedberg? **Council Member Colleen Swedberg**: It has been a real pleasure serving the residents of Oakdale. These last four years on city council, I learned so much. I look forward to spending more time with family. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Thank you for your service. Ms. Olson? **Council Member Susie Olson**: Happy Holidays, and I just want to say what a pleasure it's been to work with you and Colleen. I'm sad to see you both go. [1:25:18] **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Mr. Ingridson? [None]. On my side, Winter Wonderland is coming up Saturday, December 17th. Also, I want to say thank you. This has been an extraordinary time for me—12 years as a councilor and six years as Mayor. This business is about relationships. I've gotten much more from playing this role than I've given. Thank you to the residents and staff. Wrapping up, our summary of claims is $2,347,540.47. Motion please? [1:28:22] **Council Member Kevin Zabel**: I'll make motion to approve claims as presented. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: Second? **Council Member Colleen Swedberg**: Second. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: All in favor, aye. Motion passes. Motion to adjourn? **Council Member Susie Olson**: So moved. **Council Member Colleen Ingridson**: Second. **Mayor Paul Rinke**: All in favor, aye. This meeting is adjourned. Thank you and good night.