This transcript has been formatted with speaker names based on the context provided and the roles identified during the meeting. **Note:** The transcript mentions "Kyle" as the Finance Director and "Brian" for Public Works/Engineering items. While the provided list identifies Ivan Stepanov as Finance Director and Jesse Farrell as City Engineer, I have used the names spoken by the Mayor to ensure accuracy to the audio events. *** [00:00:00] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Good point, he hasn't said that, but good point. He's got such a great attitude. All right, everybody, we're going to go ahead and call to order the regular meeting of the Oakdale City Council, December 10th, 2024. Sarah, will you please take the roll? [00:00:15] **Sarah (City Clerk):** Council Member Ingerbritson? [00:00:16] **Council Member Jake Ingerbritson:** Here. [00:00:17] **Sarah (City Clerk):** Council Member Moore? [00:00:18] **Council Member Kari Moore:** Here. [00:00:19] **Sarah (City Clerk):** Council Member Morcomb? [00:00:20] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** Here. [00:00:21] **Sarah (City Clerk):** Council Member Wrich? [00:00:22] **Council Member Katie Wrich:** Here. [00:00:23] **Sarah (City Clerk):** Mayor Zabel? [00:00:24] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Here. Please join me for the Pledge of Allegiance. [00:00:26] **All:** 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. [00:00:35] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** We have a lot on our agenda tonight, so let's get after it. First up is approval of the agenda. Council members, we have a slightly amended version in front of us. Can I get a motion to approve as amended? [00:00:44] **Council Member Kari Moore:** So moved. [00:00:45] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? [00:00:46] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** Second. [00:00:47] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Motion and a second. All those in favor say aye. [00:00:48] **Council Members:** Aye. [00:00:49] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? And the agenda is adopted. Next up is our favorite thing every year, our Truth and Taxation hearing. This is a state requirement that all cities have to do, but a very good requirement—one of the few good requirements they give us. But it's an opportunity for our Finance Director, Kyle, to walk us through the budget. Kyle, welcome. [00:01:06] **Kyle (Finance Director):** Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Council. So yes, per Minnesota State Statutes, cities with the population over— [00:01:12] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Hang on, Jim, do I have to officially open or is that after the presentation? You can do the presentation first. Sorry, Kyle, go ahead. We only do this once a year, I don't remember what we do, so take it away. [00:01:21] **Kyle (Finance Director):** Thank you. Yes, so cities over population over 500 are required to hold a public meeting to discuss the budget and levy. The goal of this Truth and Taxation meeting is to enhance transparency and public engagement with regards to property taxes. The Truth and Taxation meeting follows the approval of the proposed levy. This was approved at the September 10th City Council meeting and with that, it was approved for a 6.11% increase for the levy for 2024 to 2025. This was used to generate the proposed tax statements that were mailed out last month to taxpayers. [00:01:54] **Kyle (Finance Director):** The proposed levy, once set, can only be decreased prior to final approval tonight. The levy tonight has since been decreased to a 5.9% increase from 2024 for this presentation and Council's consideration. I encourage the public to go online for more detail, including this PowerPoint, the digital budget book, or contact the finance department directly. [00:02:18] **Kyle (Finance Director):** Finalized in November of 2024 by the City Council and to be incorporated immediately and going forward, the City of Oakdale strategic plan starts with the mission to provide high-quality reliable services and foster a safe, clean, and welcoming community. The city has identified the following three strategic directions: Engaging people to co-create our story; positioning Oakdale for continued success in a rapidly changing world; and empowering our organization to meet evolving community expectations. Please see oakdalemn.gov for full details. [00:02:49] **Kyle (Finance Director):** Here are some common property tax terms. Market Value: an assessed value determined by the Washington County Assessor's office. Market value is determined as the usual selling price at the time of assessment. "Pay" values signify the property values used on the proposed and the final tax statements. The Pay 2025 values are based on the 2024 Assessor's report. The Median Value Residential Property is a term used throughout the presentation as a representative sample of property taxes. [00:03:22] **Kyle (Finance Director):** Here is a general property tax timeline. In September, the proposed levy for Oakdale was approved. In November, proposed tax statements were mailed out. And in December, the final levy is set, which is the purpose of this meeting. [00:03:36] **Kyle (Finance Director):** Why do property taxes change? There are many reasons outside of the local tax jurisdiction's authority, including fluctuations in market values, changes in non-levy revenue sources, levies at other jurisdictions, and changes in state or federal mandates. For the proposed levy, total citywide assessed property values are up 1.5% from 2024, with apartment classifications increasing about 22% while residential decreased about 1%. The estimated median residential property is $337,000, which is down 1.6%. This median property value has increased 75% since 2014. The estimated city tax rate is 41.2%, which is a 5.9% increase from 2024. [00:04:22] **Kyle (Finance Director):** Highlights for the budget connected to that levy: there's an investment in Pro-rated Policing including funding for one new licensed Sergeant; two replacement squad vehicles; one unmarked traffic enforcement vehicle; and one replacement vehicle for the Community Service Officers. There’s a commitment to the full career-modeled Fire Department, including one new Fire Marshal along with the replacement of Fire Engine 2. There's investment in city facilities, trails, and parks, including internal funding of vehicles and equipment, eliminating equipment certificate debt. There's an annual replacement of one existing playground structure. There's increased support for the growing city, including one full-time equivalent increase for the Finance/Human Resource Generalist. This budget and related levy reduced the debt levy for the fifth consecutive year to the lowest level since 2017. [00:05:14] **Kyle (Finance Director):** Valuation changes and tax impacts: Washington County provides our assessing services. The assessed market values established through the 2024 Assessor's report are based on real estate market trends from October 1st, 2022, through September 30th, 2023. This table summarizes Oakdale's values by property type. Total value is about $4.2 billion with a 1.5% change from the previous year. Total new construction increased the value by about $115 million, while existing property decreased about $53 million. [00:05:49] **Kyle (Finance Director):** Here is a comparison of Oakdale to Washington County. Washington County has a higher concentration of residential and agricultural value, while Oakdale has more apartment and commercial industrial value. Looking at the change in residential assessed values for Pay 2025, there are approximately 9,700 residential parcels in Oakdale. The median residential market value trend shows that in 2008, a median property was valued at $222,000, and for 2025, it is at $337,000. Comparing Oakdale to other larger cities in Washington County, the median value decreased about 1.6% or $5,500. [00:06:42] **Kyle (Finance Director):** Here is a heat map on the percentage change in the median value property. Oakdale is bolded in the middle. We saw a 19.2% increase in 2021-2022, 9% in 2022-2023, and then a decrease of 1.6% this year. The value increases seen were primarily due to housing stock appreciating. Now, here is a comparison with the proposed taxes on that median-valued residential property. Oakdale is green, third from the bottom. With the 5.9% levy increase, city taxes are estimated to be $1,326. Oakdale city taxes compare well to other cities in Washington County. [00:07:22] **Kyle (Finance Director):** Moving to the proposed budget, we break the levy into three primary components. First, the General portion: approximately $15 million, a 5.5% increase. This supports the General Fund, including administration, police, fire, public works (excluding utilities), and recreation. Second, the Capital Improvement Plan: just under $2 million, a 16.6% increase. This allows the city to issue less debt, saving money on interest. Third, the Debt Levy: just over $2 million, a slight decrease. This is for payments on city General Obligation bonds. In total, the levy is just over $19 million with a 5.9% increase. [00:08:14] **Kyle (Finance Director):** Regarding budgeted general fund revenues, there is a 5.2% increase. There's a decrease in permits due to development trends and a decrease in intergovernmental aid because of one-time safety aid in prior years. Budgeted expenditures are also balanced at a 5.2% increase, primarily due to personnel costs. [00:08:34] **Kyle (Finance Director):** The Capital Improvement Plan includes over $47 million in expenditures planned for 2025. Significant projects include the Public Works and Police buildings, street reconstruction, Fire Engine 2, and drinking water settlement projects. The Debt Levy is at its lowest since 2017. [00:08:58] **Kyle (Finance Director):** For a sample city tax calculation on a median value home, with the 5.9% increase, estimated taxes are $1,326, which is an increase of $41, or about $3.50 per month. That $110-per-month total is allocated: $29 for police, $17 for Public Works, $16 for Fire/EMS, and $1 each for Debt Service and Capital. [00:09:28] **Kyle (Finance Director):** The tax statements you received in November include market value and taxable market value. The Homestead exclusion was increased from a $30,000 max to a $38,000 max for 2025, which helps lower the taxable value for eligible properties. On the statement, you will see proposed taxes by jurisdiction. Oakdale's levy was noted at 6.1% on the mailed notices but has been decreased to 5.9%. Of each tax dollar, 40% goes to the school district, 35% to the city, and 20% to the county. [00:10:24] **Kyle (Finance Director):** Minnesota offers property tax relief programs: the regular refund and the special property tax refund. There is also the senior citizen property tax deferral program. Please consult the state website for information. Tonight's action items are to conduct the hearing, allow for public comment, and consider resolutions for the tax levies and budgets. Our digital budget book is completely online. With that, I'll turn it back to the Mayor. [00:11:06] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Thank you, Kyle. In one minute, I'm going to go ahead and open the Truth and Taxation public hearing. A few things first: Kyle just covered a lot of information. If you ever have questions about the slides or where to find our financial transparency tools, please reach out to staff or Council. Oakdale has stressed for years that we have nothing to hide. Tools like OpenGov have made our books even more transparent. [00:11:39] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** At this time, I'm going to go ahead and open the public hearing. Please state your name and address for the record. Feel free to speak on property taxes, the budget, city debt, or assessed value. I see our County Commissioner walk in—Stan, you can talk to him about assessed values as that's the county's responsibility. Come on, don't be shy. Going once, going twice... all right, I'm going to go ahead and close the Truth and Taxation public hearing. Kyle, do you have anything additional to say? [00:12:13] **Kyle (Finance Director):** Nothing further, Mayor. [00:12:15] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** City Administrator Volkers, is there anything you would like to say about your amazing staff that have guided us through this process? [00:12:20] **Christina Volkers (City Administrator):** Well, you just said it. The Council went through a lot of iterations this year, and staff worked very hard. It was a team effort. Kyle led the effort, thank goodness for Kyle, but all staff were very involved. Thank you everyone for the hard work. [00:12:35] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Thank you, Chris. Council members, let's roll into the first action. [00:12:38] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** I'll make a motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution 2024-114, adopting the final 2024 Pay 2025 property tax levy and 2025 General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, Debt Service Fund, and Enterprise Fund budgets. [00:12:54] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? [00:12:55] **Council Member Jake Ingerbritson:** Second. [00:12:56] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Motion and a second. Final comments: this is a lengthy process. Oakdale wants to be nimble. The big takeaway is that we are investing in our staff because they provide outstanding service. We are also transitioning away from debt; for the fifth straight year, our interest payments are going down. We are investing in roads and services to make Oakdale a tremendous place to live. All those in favor say aye. [00:13:58] **Council Members:** Aye. [00:13:59] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? And the 2025 property tax levy and budget is adopted. We have one more action. [00:14:04] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** I'll make a motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution 2024-115, approving the 2025 to 2029 Capital Improvement Plan and authorizing fiscal year 2025 projects. [00:14:16] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? [00:14:17] **Council Member Kari Moore:** Second. [00:14:18] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Motion and a second. All those in favor say aye. [00:14:19] **Council Members:** Aye. [00:14:20] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? Resolution 2024-115 is adopted. One more action. [00:14:24] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** I'll make a motion to approve the 2025 to 2034 Vehicle and Equipment Replacements (VERP). [00:14:29] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? [00:14:30] **Council Member Kari Moore:** Second. [00:14:31] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Motion and second. All those in favor say aye. [00:14:32] **Council Members:** Aye. [00:14:33] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? And the 2025 through 2034 VERP is approved. Kyle, thank you. You've been a very steady hand in frantic conversations over the last eight months. [00:14:43] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Next up is administering the oath of office to three police officers and a firefighter paramedic. This is always a special occurrence. All four have completed their one-year probationary period. Chief Newton, could I have Andrew Ashley, Jeffrey Robinson, Daniel Rogers, and Michael Wallace come sit in the front row, please? *(Administrative discussion regarding photos and microphone placement)* [00:15:35] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Could I have Andrew Ashley join me up here, please? Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, Andrew Edward Ashley, do solemnly swear... [00:15:47] **Andrew Ashley:** I, Andrew Edward Ashley, do solemnly swear... [00:15:50] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America... [00:15:53] **Andrew Ashley:** ...that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America... [00:15:56] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...the Constitution of the state of Minnesota... [00:15:59] **Andrew Ashley:** ...the Constitution of the state of Minnesota... [00:16:01] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...and that I will faithfully, justly, and impartially... [00:16:04] **Andrew Ashley:** ...and that I will faithfully, justly, and impartially... [00:16:07] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...discharge the duties of police officer... [00:16:10] **Andrew Ashley:** ...discharge the duties of police officer... [00:16:12] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...for the City of Oakdale, Minnesota... [00:16:14] **Andrew Ashley:** ...for the City of Oakdale, Minnesota... [00:16:16] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...to the best of my judgment and ability... [00:16:19] **Andrew Ashley:** ...to the best of my judgment and ability... [00:16:21] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...so help me God. [00:16:22] **Andrew Ashley:** ...so help me God. [00:16:23] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Congratulations! [00:16:47] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Jeffrey, come on up. Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, Jeffrey Lewis Robinson, do solemnly swear... [00:16:58] **Jeffrey Robinson:** I, Jeffrey Lewis Robinson, do solemnly swear... [00:17:01] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America... [00:17:04] **Jeffrey Robinson:** ...that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America... [00:17:07] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...the Constitution of the state of Minnesota... [00:17:10] **Jeffrey Robinson:** ...the Constitution of the state of Minnesota... [00:17:12] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...and that I will faithfully, justly, and impartially... [00:17:15] **Jeffrey Robinson:** ...and that I will faithfully, justly, and impartially... [00:17:18] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...discharge the duties of police officer... [00:17:21] **Jeffrey Robinson:** ...discharge the duties of police officer... [00:17:23] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...for the City of Oakdale, Minnesota... [00:17:25] **Jeffrey Robinson:** ...for the City of Oakdale, Minnesota... [00:17:27] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...to the best of my judgment and ability... [00:17:30] **Jeffrey Robinson:** ...to the best of my judgment and ability... [00:17:32] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...so help me God. [00:17:33] **Jeffrey Robinson:** ...so help me God. [00:17:34] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Congratulations. [00:17:58] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Daniel, raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, Daniel Eric Rogers, do solemnly swear... [00:18:07] **Daniel Rogers:** I, Daniel Eric Rogers, do solemnly swear... [00:18:10] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America... [00:18:13] **Daniel Rogers:** ...that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America... [00:18:16] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...the Constitution of the state of Minnesota... [00:18:19] **Daniel Rogers:** ...the Constitution of the state of Minnesota... [00:18:21] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...and that I will faithfully, justly, and impartially... [00:18:24] **Daniel Rogers:** ...and that I will faithfully, justly, and impartially... [00:18:27] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...discharge the duties of police officer... [00:18:30] **Daniel Rogers:** ...discharge the duties of police officer... [00:18:32] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...for the City of Oakdale, Minnesota... [00:18:34] **Daniel Rogers:** ...for the City of Oakdale, Minnesota... [00:18:36] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...to the best of my judgment and ability... [00:18:39] **Daniel Rogers:** ...to the best of my judgment and ability... [00:18:41] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...so help me God. [00:18:42] **Daniel Rogers:** ...so help me God. [00:18:43] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Congratulations. [00:19:02] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Michael, your oath is longer. Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, Michael William Wallace, firefighter paramedic for the City of Oakdale... [00:19:11] **Michael Wallace:** I, Michael William Wallace, firefighter paramedic for the City of Oakdale... [00:19:14] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...will support the Constitution of the United States of America... [00:19:17] **Michael Wallace:** ...will support the Constitution of the United States of America... [00:19:20] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...the Constitution of the state of Minnesota... [00:19:22] **Michael Wallace:** ...the Constitution for the state of Minnesota... [00:19:24] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...and the ordinances of the City of Oakdale. [00:19:27] **Michael Wallace:** ...and the ordinances of the City of Oakdale. [00:19:29] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** I will do my duty to the best of my ability... [00:19:32] **Michael Wallace:** ...I will do my duty to the best of my ability... [00:19:34] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...and serve my commanding officers and subordinates... [00:19:37] **Michael Wallace:** ...and serve my commanding officers and subordinates... [00:19:39] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...with respect and dignity. [00:19:42] **Michael Wallace:** ...with respect and dignity. [00:19:43] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** I understand that there is a responsibility as a firefighter and paramedic... [00:19:47] **Michael Wallace:** ...I understand there is a responsibility as a firefighter and paramedic... [00:19:50] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...to serve with compassion... [00:19:53] **Michael Wallace:** ...to serve with compassion... [00:19:54] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...dedication, honor, and integrity. [00:19:58] **Michael Wallace:** ...dedication, honor, and integrity. [00:20:00] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** I will uphold the highest professional standards and proud traditions... [00:20:04] **Michael Wallace:** ...I will uphold the highest professional standards and proud traditions... [00:20:07] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** ...of the Oakdale Fire Department. [00:20:09] **Michael Wallace:** ...of the Oakdale Fire Department. [00:20:11] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Congratulations. *(Photos taken with Fire and Police departments)* [00:21:40] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Approval of the minutes. First up, Workshop meeting minutes, November 26, 2024. Council members, any changes? I’ll look for a motion. [00:21:51] **Council Member Kari Moore:** So moved. [00:21:52] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Second? [00:21:53] **Council Member Jake Ingerbritson:** Second. [00:21:54] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** All those in favor say aye. [00:21:55] **Council Members:** Aye. [00:21:56] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Minutes are adopted. Regular meeting minutes from November 26. Motion? [00:22:02] **Council Member Kari Moore:** So moved. [00:22:03] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Second? [00:22:04] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** Second. [00:22:05] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** All those in favor say aye. [00:22:06] **Council Members:** Aye. [00:22:07] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Approved. Next up, we have another public hearing. City Administrator Volkers, tee this up for us. [00:22:12] **Christina Volkers (City Administrator):** Thank you, Mayor. Every year we look at the fee schedule and try to rightsize it to actual costs. This year there are minimal changes, but some to ensure we are in line with true costs. That is what is before you. [00:22:30] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** I’m going to go ahead and open the public hearing for the fee schedule. Any comments? Seeing none, I’ll close the public hearing. Action? [00:22:45] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** I'll make a motion to waive reading and adopt Ordinance Number 942, revising the fee schedule for 2025. [00:22:52] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Second? [00:22:53] **Council Member Kari Moore:** Second. [00:22:54] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** All those in favor say aye. [00:22:55] **Council Members:** Aye. [00:22:56] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Adopted. [00:22:57] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** I'll make a motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution 2024-118, authorizing summary publication of Ordinance Number 942. [00:23:05] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Second? [00:23:06] **Council Member Kari Moore:** Second. [00:23:07] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** All those in favor say aye. [00:23:08] **Council Members:** Aye. [00:23:09] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Adopted. Next up, I have a presentation announcing our 2024 Volunteer of the Year. Each year, we recognize an individual or group. Our 2024 Volunteer of the Year has led the Chamber’s efforts for Holiday Helping Hands, served on the board for Carol Math Center, and helped save Summerfest. Our 2024 Volunteer of the Year is Angie Propp! [00:24:28] **Angie Propp:** I did not expect this, so thank you very much. I've obviously lived in Oakdale for a very long time and I've cared about this community for a very long time. I've been on the Chamber for 30 years—I started when I was 12, I promise. I wouldn't do it if I didn't care. Thank you. [00:25:05] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Open Forum. Is there anyone who would like to speak about anything not on the agenda? Seeing none, consensus motions A through M. Any pulls? [00:25:20] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** I'd like to pull consensus motion D. My son is one of the applicants to be an ice rink attendant. [00:25:35] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Understood. Motion to approve A through C and E through M? [00:25:40] **Council Member Kari Moore:** I'll make a motion to approve consensus motions A through C and E through M as presented. [00:25:45] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Second? [00:25:46] **Council Member Katie Wrich:** Second. [00:25:47] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** All those in favor say aye. [00:25:48] **Council Members:** Aye. [00:25:49] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Adopted. For item D, motion to approve? [00:25:52] **Council Member Kari Moore:** I make a motion to approve consensus motion D as presented. [00:25:55] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Second? [00:25:56] **Council Member Katie Wrich:** Second. [00:25:57] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** All those in favor say aye. [00:25:58] **Council Members:** Aye. Opposed? Abstentions? [00:26:00] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** Abstain. [00:26:01] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** 4-0 to 1. Advisory Boards? Jake? [00:26:05] **Council Member Jake Ingerbritson:** Planning met for an accessory building CUP. Nothing spectacular but important work. [00:26:20] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Award of Bid. Brian, staff presentation? [00:26:23] **Brian (Staff):** We collected bids for recoding Water Tower 3. Low bidder was Classic Manufacturing at $1,766,750. [00:26:45] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** I'll make a motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution 2024-109, awarding the bid for Water Tower 3 reconditioning to Classic Protective Coatings. [00:26:55] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Second? [00:26:56] **Council Member Kari Moore:** Second. [00:26:57] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** All in favor? Aye. Adopted. [00:27:03] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** Motion to authorize the City Administrator to approve change orders up to $24,999. [00:27:08] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Second? [00:27:09] **Council Member Kari Moore:** Second. [00:27:10] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** All in favor? Aye. Granted. Community Development, Andy Gitzlaff. [00:27:16] **Andrew Gitzlaff (Community Development Director):** The Norhart apartment site plan amendment for a loading zone, replacing two on-street parking spaces. Also cleaning up a Transformer placement with screening. We recommend approval with three conditions. [00:28:18] **Council Member Kari Moore:** I'll make a motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution 2024-116, approving the site plan amendment for the commercial loading zone. [00:28:25] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Second? [00:28:26] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** Second. [00:28:27] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** All in favor? Aye. Adopted. Public Works, Brian. [00:28:34] **Brian (Staff):** This is the feasibility report for reconstruction south of 6th Street. About 2.5 miles of street and 1 mile of water main. Hadley Avenue came in higher than budgeted, so we recommend removing Hadley from this phase. We recommend accepting the report minus Hadley and the extra water main. [00:29:41] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** I'll make a motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution 2024-117, accepting the feasibility report for the 2025 Street reconstruction, excluding Hadley and extra water main, and establishing a hearing for January 28th. [00:30:15] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Second? [00:30:16] **Council Member Jake Ingerbritson:** Second. [00:30:17] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** All in favor? Aye. Adopted. [00:30:20] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** Motion to authorize service contract with engineering consultant. [00:30:24] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Second? [00:30:25] **Council Member Jake Ingerbritson:** Second. [00:30:26] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** All in favor? Aye. Recreation, Julie. [00:30:31] **Julie Williams (Recreation Superintendent):** Bringing donations for Family Fun-flatables from OAA, Council candidates Escalante and Moore, Marcus Theaters, North Stars Skate School, and Parkview Chiropractic. Also a donation from Larry and Vicky Eberhard for the 5K. [00:31:18] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** Motion to adopt Resolution 2024-112, accepting $2,400 in sponsorships. [00:31:25] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Second? [00:31:26] **Council Member Kari Moore:** Second. [00:31:27] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** All in favor? Aye. [00:31:28] **Council Member Jake Ingerbritson:** Motion to adopt Resolution 2024-113, accepting $1,500 from the Eberhard Group. [00:31:34] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Second? [00:31:35] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** Second. [00:31:36] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** All in favor? Aye. Attorney report? [00:31:40] **Jim (City Attorney):** I decided to take it easy on you tonight. No report. [00:31:48] **Christina Volkers (City Administrator):** Thank you for everybody's work throughout the year. [00:31:58] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Announcements: Aldi grand opening was a success. Santa is coming on a fire truck tomorrow, December 11th. Winter Wonderland is December 21st. Last meeting of the year—happy holidays to all. Now, recognition of Jake Ingerbritson. Stan? [00:33:55] **Stan Kwasny (Washington County Commissioner):** It's an honor to recognize Jake. I served 16 years on this council. Jake, you’ve done amazing things: the 4th Street Bridge, Helmo Bridge, affordable housing, the 3M project. On behalf of a grateful County, I extend this recognition and appreciation for six years of service. [00:36:20] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** My turn. Jake has brought a unique way to doing this job. Records for medallion hunts and Brady Bunch quotes. He helped steer us through a pandemic and civil unrest. Jake, thank you for your commitment. To Sarah and the kids, thank you for sharing him. I have a gift: a piece of the "Jake" sign. [00:41:00] **Council Member Kari Moore:** Jake, I’ve enjoyed working with you. You're a unique individual. We had our ups and downs, but we remain friends. I love you very much. [00:41:22] **Council Member Katie Wrich:** I appreciate the time you spent with me to guide me. I respect you and your character. [00:42:00] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** You gave me great advice to show up and do the work. Disagreeing makes the city better. Good memories. [00:42:40] **Council Member Jake Ingerbritson:** Attendance was my big thing—97.4% attendance. Hiring Chris Volkers was our best move. I'm proud of the Public Works facility and policing decisions during the 2020 unrest. Sarah, kids, you get me back now. To my colleagues and residents: it's been the honor of a lifetime. Four words of wisdom: don't screw this up. [00:47:00] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Claims roster, Jake? [00:47:10] **Council Member Jake Ingerbritson:** Make a motion to approve claims as presented. [00:47:14] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** Second? [00:47:15] **Council Member Kari Moore:** Second. [00:47:16] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** All in favor? Aye. Adjournment? [00:47:17] **Council Member Jake Ingerbritson:** Motion to adjourn. [00:47:18] **Council Member Andy Morcomb:** Second. [00:47:19] **Mayor Kevin Zabel:** All in favor? Aye. Meeting adjourned.