This transcript has been formatted and speaker names have been assigned based on the provided city official list and the context of the dialogue. Note: While the official list includes names like Kari Moore and Gary Severson, the spoken roll call in this specific meeting includes "Councilmember Ingridson" and "Councilmember Olson." I have used the names as they were spoken in the record. [00:00] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Bear with us one minute. All right, all right. Let's go ahead and call to order the January 24th, 2023, meeting of the Oakdale City Council. Will the clerk take the role? [00:15] **City Clerk**: Councilmember Morcomb? [00:16] **Councilmember Andy Morcomb**: Here. [00:17] **City Clerk**: Councilmember Ingridson? [00:18] **Councilmember Ingridson**: Here. [00:19] **City Clerk**: Councilmember Olson? [00:20] **Councilmember Olson**: Here. [00:21] **City Clerk**: Mayor Zabel? [00:22] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Here. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. [00:25] **Group**: I pledge 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. [00:40] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Alrighty. In front of us first up on the agenda is the approval of the agenda. We were provided an amended copy changing one of the consensus motions. I believe that's the only thing, Chris? [00:52] **Christina Volkers (City Administrator)**: Mr. Mayor, City Council, I would like to propose that we add under Administrator’s Report a proposed resolution for the local option sales tax for legislative action. [01:05] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: All right. Will somebody make a motion to approve the agenda as amended with those two changes? [01:10] **Councilmember Morcomb**: So moved. [01:11] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: There's a motion. Is there a second? [01:12] **Councilmember Ingridson**: Second. [01:13] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Motion and a second. Any conversation? Seeing none, all those in favor say aye. [01:17] **Council Members**: Aye. [01:18] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: All opposed? And the agenda is adopted. Next up on the agenda is the approval of minutes. First up, January 10, 2023, Workshop. Any changes or corrections? Hearing none, I'll look for a motion. [01:30] **Councilmember Olson**: Motion. [01:31] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: There's a motion. Is there a second? [01:32] **Councilmember Morcomb**: Second. [01:33] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Motion and a second. Any conversation? Seeing none, all those in favor say aye. [01:36] **Council Members**: Aye. [01:37] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: All those opposed? And those are adopted. Next up, January 10th, 2023, regular meeting minutes. Any changes or corrections? Seeing none, I'll look for a motion. [01:45] **Councilmember Ingridson**: Motion. [01:46] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Is there a second? [01:47] **Councilmember Olson**: Second. [01:48] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Motion and a second. Any conversation? All those in favor say aye. [01:51] **Council Members**: Aye. [01:52] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Opposed? And those are adopted as well. Next up on the agenda, we have two technically public hearings I guess, or is it one for each? [02:00] **Christina Volkers (City Administrator)**: Two public hearings. [02:02] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Public hearings are the opportunity—or actually a requirement under state law—that we provide an opportunity for members of the public to weigh in on that item being considered. We will start with a public hearing for ordering City Project R 2023-01, the 2023 Street Improvements. But before that, do we have a staff presentation? Ryan? All right, Mr. Bachmeyer, please take it away. [02:25] **Brian Bachmeier (City Engineer)**: Good evening Mayor, Council members, and residents that are in attendance this evening. There are two hearings this evening. The first one will be the public improvement hearing, where we'll talk about the why, what, and when of a particular project. Then, after that is completed, we'll move into the assessment hearing where we'll talk about how the project is being financed. There will be two people joining me this evening during this presentation: Todd Blank—he's a principal at Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH) Consulting Engineering Services... Also joining me this evening during the assessment hearing is Jason Zimmerman; he is our Finance Director for the City of Oakdale, so he will assist in the discussion on the assessments. [03:20] **Brian Bachmeier (City Engineer)**: *(Continues presentation detailing the five affected neighborhoods: 56th Street/Fleet Farm, High Point/36th Street, Prairie Ridge, Cardinal Meadows, and 9th/Gershwin/Glenbrook. Explains the objectives: safety, maintenance costs, LED lighting, and water system reliability.)* ...Being an engineer, I have to at least show one graph... at around 28 years of age, we reach a point of diminishing returns... The water mains were installed in 1963, they’re cast iron which is a very unforgiving material... At this point, I'm going to turn it over to Todd Blank and he'll talk more about the project and process. [08:15] **Todd Blank (SEH Consultant)**: Thank you, Brian. Mr. Mayor and members of the Council, members of the public. *(Presents visual evidence of street degradation and outlines proposed improvements including asphalt replacement, utility repairs, and street lighting. Discusses the specific requirements for the water main replacement area near Tanner’s Lake and the potential narrowing of Glenbrook Avenue. Outlines the construction schedule targeting May through August.)* ...That is our schedule. [16:45] **Brian Bachmeier (City Engineer)**: Thank you, Todd. The next part of the process here is to give the residents an opportunity to comment on the proposed improvements... it does require a four-fifths vote. With that, I turn it back to the Mayor. [17:00] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Thank you, Brian. Before we open the public hearing, I'm going to open up to Council members to see if there are any questions on the presentation for Brian or Todd. [17:10] **Councilmember Ingridson**: Yeah, I did have one question in the South. If we were to consider narrowing the street, would that change the boundary lines or the lines for the owners in that area? [17:20] **Brian Bachmeier (City Engineer)**: Right, yes. It would just be part of the right-of-way. There would be no vacation of the right-of-way. [17:25] **Councilmember Ingridson**: Good. One quick question: I’m trying to remember what did we decide with the monument? [17:30] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: I'm going to cover that in my ground rules for public hearing. I'll touch on that; we haven't decided anything. All right, so let's go ahead and move into the public hearing portion... [18:00] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: *(Explains procedures and introduces City Attorney Jim Thompson.)* [18:45] **Jim Thompson (City Attorney)**: Good evening, everyone. As the mayor explained, there are two public hearings going on. The first one is whether they want to do the project or not... The second hearing deals with the financing and special assessments. It is important at that hearing that you file a written objection before the end of the hearing if you wish to later challenge it in court. [19:40] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: I'm going to go ahead and open the public hearing for consideration of the 2023 Street Improvement project. I invite property owners to comment at this time. [19:55] **Dave Cunningham (Resident)**: Dave Cunningham, I'm at 1553 Hydram Avenue Court. I just want to put an initial objection. I know I talked to you about removing that monument at 15th Street... I think it’s a million-dollar solution to a ten-dollar problem. I think you're going to spend a lot of money to take that monument and we don't need a left-hand turn there. I’ve lived there for 23 years and never had to wait to turn out of that neighborhood. [20:35] **Glenn Jackletto (Resident)**: Glenn Jackletto, 1597 Hydram Avenue Court North. Two things: I agree with Dave as far as with the monument... Secondly, I had a question as far as feasibility in Hydram Avenue Court regarding storm drains... Are we just too far away maybe from access to the storm drainage system? [21:15] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Thank you, Mr. Jackletto. We will take that question about drainage and incorporate that into our consideration. [21:25] **Tom Nun (Resident)**: My name is Tom Nun of 788 Upper 16th Street. I guess my concern about the monument—I really don't have feelings either way if it stays or goes... but the parking being that it is too narrow, exits and entries... it really gets to be a problem with traffic movement. [22:15] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Are there any other individuals that would like to speak? Seeing none, I'm going to go ahead and close the public hearing and bring it back up to the dais. [22:30] **Councilmember Morcomb**: I think it’s great so many neighbors all came together. One thing I did want to ask... obviously, it’s expensive when water mains break. Is it in the hundreds of dollars to fix? Thousands? [22:45] **Brian Bachmeier (City Engineer)**: It's not unusual for water main breaks to be close to ten thousand dollars. Five to ten thousand is very common. [23:00] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: If there are no other comments, I will look for a motion. [23:05] **Councilmember Morcomb**: I’ll make a motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution 2023-09 ordering City Project R 2023-01. [23:12] **Councilmember Ingridson**: Second. [23:13] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Motion and a second. All those in favor say aye. [23:17] **Council Members**: Aye. [23:18] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: All opposed? That is approved. Next, we will tackle the public hearing associated with these special assessments. Ryan? [23:30] **Brian Bachmeier (City Engineer)**: We are moving into the second hearing where we'll talk about how the project is being financed. *(Discusses uniform assessment rates: $53/ft for residential, $68 for multi-family, etc. Notes the city finances 78% of the $5 million project.)* I'd ask that Jason Zimmerman come up. [24:50] **Jason Zimmerman (Finance Director)**: Thank you, Mayor, Council. *(Explains property tax allocation and assessment payment options: 10-year loans, interest rates, and hardship deferrals.)* [27:15] **Brian Bachmeier (City Engineer)**: *(Presents maps showing specific assessment amounts for various parcels including Fleet Farm, Hope Church, and the school district.)* At this point, I'll turn it back to the Mayor. [28:30] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: I'm going to go ahead and open the public hearing for the proposed assessments. [29:05] **Kenny Larson (Property Owner)**: I’m Kenny Larson, 3505 High Point Drive. Part of the Larson family that owns the Forefront campus. Since 2016, we’ve put millions of dollars into that facility. For us with this assessment, we just ask for the level of investment that we’ve made to give consideration to a different calculation on the assessment. [29:45] **Colin Rohrenbach (Resident)**: Colin Rohrenbach, 7971 17th Street North. I have the house at the very East end that was built six years ago. I guess I'll fill out some paperwork [for appeal]. Also, I did forget, I’m in favor of the monument. [30:15] **Jim Thompson (City Attorney)**: It is important that he fills out the form and turns it in now just so you preserve your right to appeal. [30:30] **Jan Cunningham (Resident)**: Jan Cunningham, 1553 Hydram Avenue Court North. I just want to make sure—filling out this form to give to the city clerk—do we have to fill that out if we're talking about the monument area too? [30:45] **Jim Thompson (City Attorney)**: No, only the property special assessment. [31:00] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Seeing no others, I'm going to go ahead and close the public hearing and bring it back up to the dais. [31:15] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: I'm going to make a motion to continue action on Resolution 2023-01 until the February 14th City Council meeting. Staff needs to make a small tweak to the special assessment funding policy. Is there a second? [31:30] **Councilmember Olson**: Second. [31:31] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: All those in favor say aye. [31:33] **Council Members**: Aye. [31:34] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Opposed? That is continued to February 14th. Next up, we have a public hearing on the Take 5 Oakdale Center Third Edition. Luke McClanahan. [31:50] **Luke McClanahan (Planning Manager)**: Thank you, Mayor. This request is on the north side of 10th Street, west of Helmo Avenue. It’s for a new oil change business. *(Describes site plan, brick materials, and Washington County requirements for a right turn lane.)* Staff recommends approval. [33:45] **Councilmember Ingridson**: I have a question related to disposal of the oil... what does that look like? [33:50] **Luke McClanahan (Planning Manager)**: That’s all regulated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. [34:10] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: I'll open the public hearing. *(No speakers)* I'm going to close the public hearing. Could I have a motion? [34:30] **Councilmember Morcomb**: I will make a motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution 23-12 approving the preliminary and final plat for Oakdale Center Third Edition. [34:40] **Councilmember Ingridson**: Second. [34:45] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: All in favor? (Aye). Adopted. Can I have a motion for the site plan? [34:50] **Councilmember Olson**: I'll make a motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution 2023-13 approving the site plan for Take 5 Oakdale. [34:55] **Councilmember Morcomb**: Second. [35:00] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: All in favor? (Aye). Adopted. Moving to Open Forum. *(No speakers)* Moving to Consensus Motions A through H. [35:45] **Councilmember Ingridson**: I'll make a motion to approve consensus items A through H. [35:50] **Councilmember Morcomb**: Second. [35:55] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: All in favor? (Aye). Approved. Advisory boards... Tree Board met January 17th. Staff reports—Luke, you're back. [36:30] **Luke McClanahan (Planning Manager)**: This is the Willowbrook 8th Edition final plat. Approximately 85 acres, 37 lots for single-family development. Helmo Avenue will be extended North. Staff recommends approval. [38:15] **Councilmember Morcomb**: I'll make a motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution 2023-11 approving the final plat for Willowbrook 8th Edition. [38:25] **Councilmember Olson**: Second. [38:30] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: All in favor? (Aye). Approved. Next item, Luke. [38:40] **Luke McClanahan (Planning Manager)**: This is site plan option two for the Forefront commercial retail site. This revised plan removes the car wash and replaces it with a general commercial building. [39:45] **Councilmember Ingridson**: I'll make a motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution 2023-06 approving a revised site plan to option two for the Forefront commercial retail property. [39:55] **Councilmember Morcomb**: Second. [40:00] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: All in favor? (Aye). Adopted. Administrator's report, Miss Volkers. [40:15] **Christina Volkers (City Administrator)**: Thank you, Mayor. As I mentioned, we have the resolution regarding the local option sales tax... to preserve our right to have that discussion with the legislature regarding inflation. [40:45] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: I'll make the motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution 2023-14 amending City Resolution 2022-86 relating to the local sales and use tax. [40:55] **Councilmember Morcomb**: Second. [41:00] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: All in favor? (Aye). Adopted. Council presentations. [41:15] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: I attended a groundbreaking for the Espen residences... 190 units. Also, ribbon cutting at Central Bark this Friday. And indoor markets at the Discovery Center February 4th and 18th. Claims—any questions? [42:10] **Councilmember Morcomb**: I'll make a motion to approve claims as presented. [42:15] **Councilmember Ingridson**: Second. [42:20] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: All in favor? (Aye). Bills are paid. I will look for a motion to adjourn. [42:25] **Councilmember Olson**: Motion to adjourn. [42:26] **Councilmember Morcomb**: Second. [42:30] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: We are adjourned. Thank you and have a good night.