This transcript has been formatted with speaker names based on the context of the Oakdale City Council meeting held on November 12, 2024. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** All right everybody, we're going to go ahead and call to order the regular meeting of the Oakdale City Council, November 12, 2024. Sarah, will you please take the roll? **[00:00] Sarah [City Clerk]:** Council Member Inabrittson? **[00:00] Jake Inabrittson:** Here. **[00:00] Sarah [City Clerk]:** Council Member Morcomb? **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** Here. **[00:00] Sarah [City Clerk]:** Council Member Wrich? **[00:00] Katie Wrich:** Here. **[00:00] Sarah [City Clerk]:** Mayor Zabel? **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Here. Please join me for the Pledge of Allegiance. **[00:00] 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] Kevin Zabel:** All righty. First up on the agenda is the adoption or the approval of the agenda. Council members, we have a slightly amended version in front of us tonight. Were there any other changes? I'll look for a motion. **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** So moved. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? **[00:00] Jake Inabrittson:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and a second. All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Council Members:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? And the agenda is adopted. Next up, we have approval of the minutes. Two sets in front of us tonight. First up, Workshop meeting minutes from October 29, 2024. Council members, any changes or corrections? I'll look for a motion. **[00:00] Katie Wrich:** So moved. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and a second. Final comments? All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Council Members:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? And the Workshop meeting minutes are adopted. Next up, regular meeting minutes October 29, 2024. Council members, any changes or corrections? I'll look for a motion. **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** So moved. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? **[00:00] Jake Inabrittson:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and second. Any conversation? All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Council Members:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? And there was an echo there... regular meeting minutes October 29, 2024, are adopted. Next up, we have public hearings. We have two tonight. First up is for a conduit debt financing approval. Staff presentation, Community Development Director Andy Gitzlaff. Welcome. **[00:00] Andy Gitzlaff:** Yes, thank you Mayor and Council. Good evening. I’ll start by giving a brief update and be available to answer questions prior to opening of the public hearing. So, the item before you is conduit debt financing approval for Metis Development Group. They specialize in development of both market-rate and affordable housing. They are proposing to purchase, rehab, and own three affordable housing projects, including one in Oakdale—Gentry Townhomes. As part of this project, they have requested the City service as their conduit bond issuer for all three projects through the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget. The money would be used for bonds for purchase and rehab of the properties and to extend the existing affordability contracts. The state does require a minimum of about 15% of the bond allocation to be spent on rehab for each of the properties, and the developer has shared their early redevelopment plans with City staff for review. This item was before the Council previously on May 28, 2024. Council gave preliminary approval to service as that bond issuer. After such time, the application was successful and received approval from MMB, and now Metis is seeking final approval for bond issuance from the City. As noted in the intro, a public hearing is required to consider the issuance of bonds and the associated housing program. A few things to note since May: the original request was $17,350,000 and that was spread across five projects. Since then, that’s been reduced to a total bond amount of $14,542,550. Metis does plan to come back the next cycle and submit those projects to the City for conduit debt financing for the remaining two in 2025. Conduit debt—we do have a City policy on that. We do allow for tax-exempt financing for projects that benefit the City, including housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons, those with physical disabilities, or the elderly. There is no requirement that the projects must reside in the city. Doing that analysis, the project is expected to create a net positive because it does include a project in the city as part of the overall package. Gentry Townhomes has 48 affordable units and has an existing affordable contract that’s set to expire in 2027. Preserving existing affordable housing is consistent with the Housing section listed in the Comprehensive Plan. The property is also listed as a priority site in that plan as well, and the conduit bond financing would keep this project affordable for another 15 years. A couple quick financial considerations: as part of processing the bond application, the City and Metis have agreed to a 1% issuance fee, so approximately $145,000. They’ve also paid the non-refundable $3,000 application fee for processing and are responsible for reimbursement of any outside expenses incurred by the City for legal counsel, bond counsel, and processing of the request. Lastly, I want to note that Gentry Townhomes is considered a 4D project right now. That means that its market value is at 25% of the overall value versus a typical apartment that’s at 1.25%. So with this proposal, it’s not changing that at all from what it currently is because the number of units remains the same, but it is expanding that out another 15 years and again, keeping that project affordable but also adding additional investment into that project, Gentry Townhomes. I will note too as well that Matt Taswell from Metis Development Group is here as well if he wishes to speak in the public hearing or if Council has any questions of him. There is a resolution for Council to act on tonight as well that’s in the packet. So at this point, I’m happy to stand for any questions. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Council members, any questions for Andy? How about questions for the representative from Metis Development Group? None? Okay. At this time, I’m going to go ahead and open the public hearing. This is an opportunity for anybody in the audience to speak that would like to step up to the podium and speak to this agenda item specifically. Please feel free to do so. We ask that you start with your name and address for the record. Please keep your comments to 3 minutes or less. If you would like to speak on this, the public hearing is now open. Seeing none, I’m going to go ahead and close the public hearing and bring it back up for Council consideration. Council members, any questions or comments? I’ll look for a motion. **[00:00] Jake Inabrittson:** I'll make a motion to wave reading and adopt resolution 2024-100, a resolution relating to the issuance, sale, and delivery of its conduit multi-family housing revenue bonds for the Washington 3 portfolio project, adopting a housing program, authorizing the execution and delivery of the bonds and related documents, providing for the security rights and remedies with respect to the bonds, and granting approval for certain other actions with respect thereto. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and a second. Final comments? All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Council Members:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? And resolution 2024-100 is adopted. Next up, we have a public hearing related to tax increment financing for Tiff District 2-12. Andy, you again. **[00:00] Andy Gitzlaff:** Yes, Mr. Mayor. Taking this one. Thank you very much. Providing a little background on this: this is related to the redevelopment of EDA-owned parcels on the west side of Tanner Lake. The City, for a period of over 16 years, has been trying to redevelop this site, which started with purchases in 2008 and 2010 of the properties. Properties have been deemed substandard and blighted according to Minnesota statute and identified as a redevelopment area. After a number of proposals, there was a renewed effort back in 2022 to solicit proposals for the redevelopment. On August 23, 2023, the EDA authorized the execution of an exclusive rights agreement with Tanner Lake LLC for the development of the site. Staff has received direction from Council for things such as the inclusion of financial assistance, and staff has endeavored to meet or exceed those expectations. A little bit about the project: it includes acquisition of both EDA and private property, demolition, environmental remediation, site improvements, and infrastructure for an approximately 178,000 square foot building with 138 residential units on the 2.84-acre site. Total redevelopment costs of this project are $48,635,529. So, there is a resolution before Council tonight and it’s capturing two different things: one is the Tiff Amendment and the other is the Purchase and Development Assistance Agreement. I’m going to cover the Tiff Amendment first because that’s what really is the subject of the public hearing tonight. The reason why we’ve combined them is just for a sense of transparency so we can paint the entire picture of what’s going on with this approval. For the Tiff Amendment: there’s an original District 2-12 created in 2017. When these districts are created, you’re kind of guessing at what might be the redevelopment, what would be the cost, what would be the taxes generated, but you don’t quite know. So it’s often common for something like this—it’s been seven years now—to come back later and amend the district with actual projections of things like new taxable value, which is a minimum of $24.9 million according to the County Assessor’s office. The number of units that are on here... all these figures... that’s really what’s being amended as part of this Tiff District plan here tonight, to sync it up with the actual project costs. The other item that is part of the resolution is the Purchase and Development Assistance Agreement. This is what, based on the parameters set by Council, staff has been working with the developer to come to agreement on. We also have had Baker Tilly, our financial adviser—Michaela Hewitt is here as well tonight—who prepared a memo to make sure that any financial assistance that we’re giving to the developer is only what is needed to make the project happen, which is often called the "but-for" analysis. As part of this agreement, here are some high-level outcomes: Land conveyance. In this scenario, the EDA would convey the property to the developer with a right of entry if there is a breach of contract. The developer has agreed to purchase the property for $2.4 million, which includes $1.4 million upfront and the remaining balance to be paid over a period of 10 years with interest. As part of this, the financial assistance would be approximately $2,516,000 in the form of an interest "pay-as-you-go" note. The pay-as-you-go would be payable for a period of 20 years based on the tax increment generated from Tiff District 2-12, the one that we are requesting Council amend here tonight. Other key provisions: State statutes allow tax increment from the Bergen Tiff District to repay an interfund loan issued to the EDA from the City in 2008. Now, that principal balance on that loan was $1.5 million, but since 2008 that’s been incurring interest, totaling $5.1 million. The way that works out in this agreement is it allows the Bergen Tiff to be used as the funding source for the pay-as-you-go note to the developer in order to use their tax increment as a source of debt on the 2008 interfund loan. Separate from this, in a separate action, there would still be a remaining balance on that loan. We would come back at a future meeting and seek direction from Council and EDA regarding using the remaining balance of the Bergen Tiff District to repay the outstanding balance of the 2008 interfund loan. That would be a separate action from this agreement. A couple other things in this agreement: we asked for a minimum assessment agreement. I mentioned $24,900,000; that’s to make sure that no matter what, they’re paying a base level of taxes. We’ve had look-back provisions to allow reduction in the Tiff note if the development costs decrease beyond what they proposed or if the property is sold or refinanced in 10 years. We have construction commencing within 30 days. We have the developer setting up an escrow to pay 100% of the cost for modifying the Tiff District and any other out-of-pocket expenses. So, that’s the overall summary of both the Tiff District Amendment and the Purchase and Development Assistance Agreement. I will mention that there’s another party that needs to sign off on both these actions, which is the City Council sitting as the EDA, which will occur later tonight after the conclusion of this meeting. Again, the EDA being the underlying property owner. With that, Mayor and Council, I’d be happy to answer any questions. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Thank you, Andy. Council members, any questions for Mr. Gitzlaff? All right. At this time, I’m going to go ahead and open the public hearing. Again, this is an opportunity for anybody in the audience that would like to speak to this specific agenda item. Please feel free to step up to the podium, state your name and address for the record, and proceed with your comments. Seeing none, I’m going to go ahead and close the public hearing and bring it back up for Council consideration. Council members, let’s take the motion first, then we can get into comments. **[00:00] Jake Inabrittson:** I'll make a motion to wave reading and adopt resolution 2024-102, approving an amendment to the tax increment financing plan for Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment District Number 2-12, Tanner Lake Redevelopment Project, and authorizing the Mayor and City Administrator to execute certain development documents including, but not limited to, the Purchase and Development Assistance Agreement. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? **[00:00] Katie Wrich:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and a second. Final comments? I'm going to make one, and this will surprise absolutely nobody. I am beyond thrilled that this project is moving forward. I think it is a tremendous project for this site—a very complicated site. But I have always held a philosophical opposition to tax increment financing, and I am not willing to change that position based on the project. So, I will be respectfully voting no on this tonight, with the sincere hope that this project absolutely moves forward because I think it'll be a great addition in Oakdale. There's a motion and a second. Any final comments? All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Council Members:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** No. And resolution 2024-102 is adopted. Thank you, Andy. Next up is Open Forum. This is an opportunity for anybody that has anything on their mind. Please feel free to step up to the podium and share whatever is on your mind. Similar rules as public hearing: state your name and address for the record, please keep your comments to three minutes or so. But whatever you have for us, please feel free. Oh, come on, nobody? All right, we'll keep things going. Consensus motions. Council members, we have A through E in front of us tonight. Are there any that council members would like to pull for individual consideration? I’m going to pull A. So could I get a motion to approve consensus motion B through E as presented? **[00:00] Katie Wrich:** I'll make a motion to approve consensus motions B through E as presented. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and a second. All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Council Members:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? And B through E are approved as presented. I pulled A. What is this item? It is the canvassing of the returns of the November 5th, 2024, election. First off, it’s very odd that we’re tackling this at a normal council meeting. Usually, we have to have a special meeting to tackle this responsibility given to us by state law. Essentially, what this is: the City Council acts as the canvassing board for local election results. The County serves as the canvassing board for County-related election results and the State has a board. Our responsibility is to go through the abstract of votes cast—a recording of all votes cast for each individual, for each ballot question in each precinct of our city—providing a double, triple, quadruple check of what has been reported to us by election officials at the county and the city. Since we don't typically get to do this at our council meeting, I thought it was kind of important to say this is one of those safeguards that we have in place to finalize the election results. I also want to take the opportunity to, one, thank all six candidates who filed for two city council seats. It is no small feat, no small endeavor, to put your name on a ballot, to put yourself out there to all of the voters in the city, and raise your hand and say you're willing to serve your community. It is the only way that this process in local government works and we are deeply appreciative of everybody that puts their name forward. I also want to congratulate Gary Severson and Kari Moore, the winners in the city council races. They will be—Gary will be joining us tonight on an appointment on a partial term—and Kari will be joining us in January. But they will be wonderful additions to this group, and they will be very busy because we have a lot of work ahead, so we are very excited to welcome you. Also included in our canvas tonight are the results of the two city ballot questions. Now that it’s over, we can advocate for it and say thank you to our residents. We know it was unorthodox to have a local sales tax question back on the ballot two years after you approved it the first time, but it was done that way because the City Council felt this was the most financially responsible way to close the funding gap caused by inflation on the two capital projects, in a way that keeps it off property taxes. So we are appreciative of the voters who overwhelmingly approved it, but we also respect those that voted no on it. We understand why—you know, especially with the financial constraints people are feeling every single day. I’m going to stop talking. Can I get a motion to approve consensus motion A as presented? **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** So moved. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Was there a second? **[00:00] Jake Inabrittson:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and a second. Any final comments? Actually, I made one because I jotted down the numbers here. Turnout in the city of Oakdale was 79.95% of eligible voters. That is fantastic! Wow. Almost 80% of voters showed up. Not just voters that were already registered; almost 1,300 people registered the day of to cast a ballot. That is fantastic. Motion and second. Final comments? All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Council Members:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? And the returns of the November 5th, 2024, general election are canvassed. Next up is our opportunity to check in with advisory boards and commissions. First up, we have Economic Development Commission. The liaison role for that was vacant—I was supposed to do it, I admit I forgot. Sorry about that! But we do have an Economic Development Commissioner here with us tonight who’s going to talk about what they worked on at their last meeting. Welcome, Gary. What have you guys been up to? **[00:00] Gary Severson:** Well, the Oakdale Economic Development Commission met on Wednesday, November 6th, last Wednesday. We received an update from staff on the business retention, expansion, and attraction program. They had made visits to the Waters of Oakdale and also to LA Fitness which, ironically, is no longer in Oakdale. In addition, staff sought feedback from the Economic Development Commission on the 12th and Geneva Redevelopment Study visioning. And lastly, we had an opportunity to review and comment on the 2025 Economic Development Commission work plan. And that was our meeting. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Thank you, Gary, and thank you for bailing me out. Planning Commission also met. Council Member Inabrittson is their liaison. Jake? **[00:00] Jake Inabrittson:** Yeah, if I remember correctly, there was a just a CUP for an accessory dwelling, and then... am I right, Chris? Do you even know? I'm trying to remember, I was there for so many development things. And then the Planning Commission... what’s that? Zoning? Yeah, the zoning. Then Planning Commission had a discussion on the zoning code changes, which I did not stay for, but yeah. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Thank you, Jake. No other boards met in the last two weeks, so we'll move on to Award of Bids. Nothing tonight, so we'll just slide right into Staff Reports. Finance—Kyle, let's talk about bonds. **[00:00] Kyle Stasica:** Good evening, Mayor and Council. So, I will start with a summary of the results and kind of the process of the 2024A Bond issuance, and then we do have our financial adviser, Baker Tilly representative here, Michaela Hewitt. She will add a little more detail. With that, the 2024A bonds were issued this past October 17th. They’re issued to fund the street reconstruction project this year, the new Public Works building, and several parks projects within the Willowbrook development. The bond issuance process started with the approval of last year’s Capital Improvement Plan and included six public meetings throughout the year. The City retained Baker Tilly as its independent financial adviser for the sale of bonds. In conjunction with City staff representatives, we conducted the sale and the final results met the approved Council parameters of an approximately $24 million face value with a true interest rate cost of 3.77%, maturing no later than February 1st, 2053. As part of the issuance, Moody’s credit agency rated the city as Aa1. This reaffirmed our prior rating. This is the second-highest rating available from Moody’s and reflects the City’s strong local economy, robust financial position, and moderate liabilities. This high credit rating is similar to a high personal credit score. No city council action is requested tonight; this is informational only. I want to thank the City Council for their direction and support, City Administrator, the Community Development Director, and all other City staff for assistance. And with that, I’d like to introduce Michaela Hewitt, Director with Baker Tilly, who’s our primary contact, and then we will both stand for any questions Mayor and Council may have. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Thank you, Kyle. Michaela, welcome back. **[00:00] Michaela Hewitt:** Thank you. Good evening Mayor, members of the Council. Kyle did a good job describing or summarizing the bonds. Maybe just a few things I’ll add: There was one series, 2024A, but there were four different purposes for which the bonds were issued due to the distinctly different projects being financed. Related to that, there were different terms for each of the purposes. The improvement portion is 10 years and consistent with past City financing for that type of project; a 15-year term for the abatement portion to finance the parks improvements; and then the sales tax portion was 24 years to reflect the collection of sales tax revenue starting from April of 2023 through the remaining 25-year term that was initially allowed with the legislation. The last five years were financed through a CIP portion—part of the Capital Improvement Plan that Kyle mentioned was approved earlier this year. The day of the sale, there were seven bids that were received and the lowest bid was 3.77% with some restructuring of the bonds. So, favorable rates from where we were initially looking as we were projecting the rates moving for sale. And maybe the last piece again, touching on that Moody’s did reaffirm the city’s rating is Aa1, which is indicating the healthy economy, very strong financial position of the city, and moderate leverage for financing. So I think all in all, favorable sales results and Moody’s rating with this year's process. So again, I would stand for any questions that you have. Again, just informational only tonight. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Council members, any questions for Michaela and Baker Tilly? How about questions for Kyle? Thank you both. Chris, is there anything you wanted to add? **[00:00] Christina Volkers:** Thank you. No, Mr. Mayor. I'm very proud of the staff and the results of this, and you should be too. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Yes, anytime the interest rate comes in lower than we budgeted for, that's a good sign. Next up, Human Resources. We have one item tonight. Do we have Melanie? **[00:00] Christina Volkers:** Mr. Mayor, if I may, I'll take this one. So, we've been going through a really thorough review of city policies—and there are a lot. Much like the police and fire are doing, we are bringing them as they need to be amended. There are four policies that need revision tonight based on two clarifying policies that we have met and conferred with the unions on those that are in negotiations. What this is about is the four policies have a lot of various language about funeral or bereavement leave kind of embedded within the four policies. We brought it out; it was very confusing, and then we've got five union contracts that may have conflicted. So we brought it out and put it in its own individual, standalone policy. As I talked about, we already talked with the union about this and what our plan was, and they're very well aware. So there, as far as I know, aren't any concerns with that policy. In addition, we expanded the family member or relationship for the ability to take bereavement leave. We've expanded it significantly. We follow ESS law now, which is extremely expanded over what it was. In addition, we say that the employee can name someone important and significant in their life, and that person as well, if it's not covered in those hybrid of ESS definitions. The second one is the "out-of-class" policy. That one, there is no policy, frankly, in the city, which gives us full discretion, but it's nice to have some parameters and that's what this policy is meant to do. We've talked to the unions about those as well. So if somebody is working out of class for some significant period—I won't define "significant"—but for example, if we had a Public Works Director vacancy and maybe the Fire Chief stepped in for nine months or a year, we may want to pay them a little "out-of-class" above and beyond what they were making at their other jobs. There are real situations where I felt some parameters were needed. So that's what this policy is about. That is before you tonight. A couple of motions are outlined in the packet for you. I'll take any questions. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Council members, any questions for Chris? All right, two recommendations. Let's tackle them. **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** I'll make a motion to amend City policies PE-019 (Leaves), PE-020 (Paid Time Off PTO/Annual Leave), and PE-031 (Personnel) related to funeral/bereavement leave. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? **[00:00] Katie Wrich:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and second. Final comments? All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Council Members:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? And those policy amendments are adopted. One more. **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** I'll make a motion to amend City policy PE-023 (No Policy) and rename as City policy PE-023 (Out of Class Pay). **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** You're getting me tonight a little bit, Chris. There's a motion. Is there a second? **[00:00] Jake Inabrittson:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and a second. Any conversation? All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Council Members:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? And that City policy amendment is adopted. Before we move on from Human Resources, I wanted to... I was hoping our HR Director was going to be here tonight. **[00:00] Christina Volkers:** I could handle it! **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Well, I want to congratulate her. People may not know this, but on Election Day she was actually elected Mayor of Minnesota's newest city, Empire, Minnesota. **[00:00] Jake Inabrittson:** Where is it? **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Dakota County. Yes, it's by Burnsville, kind of. And Melanie ran unopposed, I believe, and was elected by Minnesota's new city. **[00:00] Christina Volkers:** Nice. So there's two mayors in the city hall now! **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** We got a problem... no, I'm kidding. And as I mentioned under when we were talking about canvassing, it's incredibly important when people step up to serve their community, and she should be commended for that. So congratulations, Melanie. We know you'll do a wonderful job. City Attorney, Jim, what do you got for us? **[00:00] Jim Thomson:** Mr. Mayor, members of Council, nothing specific tonight, but happy to answer questions after spending so much time with you two weeks ago. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** You got nothing for us tonight? Jeez. Council members, anything for Jim? All right, let's look back to Chris. Chris, three items for you tonight. **[00:00] Christina Volkers:** Yes, thank you, Mr. Mayor and Council. On-site gambling: there is a request before you. Much explanation I do not think is needed; however, we are recommending that Climb Theater be allowed and approved for an on-site gambling premise permit for them at Pins in Oakdale. So that's what's before you tonight. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Council members, any questions for Chris? I'll look for a motion. **[00:00] Jake Inabrittson:** I'll make a motion to wave reading and adopt resolution 2024-74, approval of an on-site gambling premises permit with Climb Theater at Pins located at 7520 32nd Street North. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and a second. Final comments? All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Council Members:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? And resolution 2024-74 is approved. Chris? **[00:00] Christina Volkers:** Thank you, Mr. Mayor, City Council. The next item on the agenda is another donation. We have very generous residents. This one came to the City in the amount of $705, specifically slated to the Fire Department for some equipment—five New York hooks that they use in something. Everybody looks at the Fire Chief; we need the Fire Chief to explain! **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** He certainly can. Chief, do you have anything to say on that? Yeah, I clearly don't know what I'm doing, so... yes, Chief Wold, welcome. **[00:00] Kevin Wold:** Yeah, thank you, Mayor and Council. Yeah, so we were approached by a community member who wanted to make a donation specifically to firefighting equipment. So we identified new New York hooks, which are tools essentially to break windows, pull ceiling... they used to be called Pike poles back in the day and it's kind of transitioned to a New York hook. They're long devices that we can pull ceiling down with. We identified those as a need and presented it to her, and she was gracious enough to give us that donation. That's why it's exactly that $705, because that's the amount of the hooks. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Wonderful. Council members, any questions for Chris or Chief Wold? I'll look for a motion. **[00:00] Katie Wrich:** I’ll take one, why not? I’ll make a motion to wave reading and adopt resolution 2024-98, accepting a donation for $705 for equipment for the Fire Department from Audrey L. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and second. Any comments? I'll just add one comment: thank you, Audrey. We really do appreciate all donations we get from our residents. Thank you. All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Council Members:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? And resolution 2024-98 is adopted. Thank you, Chief. Next up, Chris, it's still you. **[00:00] Christina Volkers:** Okay. Last item. We saved the best for last. It is the swearing-in of our new council member, Kari Moore. And I think the Mayor already addressed the results of the election. As a result, Kari was elected the top vote-getter. As such, we have a vacant position on the Council, as you can see, from former council member Her. With him gone, the Council has decided to do an early appointment of the highest vote-getter, which is Kari. So with that, I will swear you in if you want to come up here... hey, we got to do the resolution first! We got to do it first. Do we have a letter of resignation from the Parks Commission? Can't hold two seats. **[00:00] Kari Moore:** I will get that tonight, for sure. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** All right. Who would like to make the recommendation? **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** I'll do it. I'll make a motion to appoint Kari Moore to the vacant council member seat for the remaining term ending January 6th, 2025. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? **[00:00] Katie Wrich:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and second. Final conversation? All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Council Members:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Anybody no? Okay, we're good. Kari Moore, welcome. Let's administer the oath of office. Council, let's fan out because they're going to do it at your chairs. **[00:00] Christina Volkers:** Will you raise your right hand and repeat after me? I, Kari Moore... **[00:00] Kari Moore:** I, Kari Moore... **[00:00] Christina Volkers:** Do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America... **[00:00] Kari Moore:** Do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America... **[00:00] Christina Volkers:** The Constitution of the State of Minnesota and the ordinances of the City of Oakdale... **[00:00] Kari Moore:** The Constitution of the State of Minnesota and the ordinances of the City of Oakdale... **[00:00] Christina Volkers:** And that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office of Council Member... **[00:00] Kari Moore:** And that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office of Council Member... **[00:00] Christina Volkers:** For the City of Oakdale for the term for which I've been appointed... **[00:00] Kari Moore:** For the City of Oakdale for the term for which I've been appointed... **[00:00] Christina Volkers:** To the best of my judgment and ability, so help me God. **[00:00] Kari Moore:** To the best of my judgment and ability, so help me God. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Congratulations! If you'd like to, please feel free to use the microphone. **[00:00] Kari Moore:** I think most importantly, I am just so thrilled for the support that I had from my family, from my dear friend Juan—hi sweetheart—and from the community. I am really looking forward to working with everybody up here for the best interest of Oakdale. Thank you. [Applause] **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Take a seat. Oh, she's got a plaque already? Wow, Sarah, that's efficient! Oh my goodness. Kari, welcome. Now you can't leave; that's the rule. So we are excited to have you. Council presentations. Kari, anything? **[00:00] Kari Moore:** I'm just so excited to be sitting here with you guys. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Great. Katie? **[00:00] Katie Wrich:** No. Just want to congratulate Kari and Gary. I think it's funny that they rhyme, too. But no, just... it's a big responsibility and a privilege to serve, so just congratulations to you both. I'm done at the end of the year and I wish you guys well. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Jake? **[00:00] Jake Inabrittson:** Yep, good. Nothing. You did it well. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** All right, I got a few. Hard to believe the indoor market begins this weekend. So if you are around on Saturday, November 16th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., swing by the Discovery Center, 4444 Hadley Avenue North. Always a lot of great vendors there ranging from food to arts and crafts to Christmas gifts. So please join us at the Discovery Center for the Oakdale Indoor Market. Next weekend, you can also swing up to the Discovery Center for the Oakdale Art Fair, Saturday November 23rd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Again, a perfect opportunity to find some of those holiday gifts and support some local artists and crafters. More information and a full list of participating artists can be found at OakdaleMN.gov. We have a community survey going. This is something we do every few years. We take a random sample of our residents; they received the survey by mail that was out in mid-October. If you received that, we hope you take it, but it is a very important opportunity for our residents to share their feedback with us regarding city services—areas that you feel like we're strong in, areas that we can improve in, and shed some light on what matters most to you. So if you've received that survey through the mail, we encourage you to take it. Otherwise, there is an online open survey that will launch this Thursday, November 14th. If you would like to participate in that, we would really appreciate it. You can find it on our city website, OakdaleMN.gov. Both surveys close on December 5th. I filled out the first one; I think it took like five minutes, it's not very long, but it is very helpful feedback for us as we make decisions about what services we offer in our city. Another survey—sorry, we're surveying people to death!—but it is very important, we want people's feedback. This is relating to two new parks in the Willowbrook development. As you know, the first park in Willowbrook, Willowbrook Commons, opened this fall. It was the first of three. So the other two we are looking for your feedback on. One deals with more active athletic amenities, and the other one is a more passive, nature-oriented area. But we would love your feedback on proposed concepts and amenities. The survey is available now through November 25th, also on our website, OakdaleMN.gov. And finally, you know, just one final thank you to the voters in our community for showing up in crazy numbers. I mean, that is fantastic. Also for their support on our city ballot questions. I also want to add a very special call-out here to all of the election judges who volunteer and do absolutely incredible work, as well as our staff here at the City and County that work on elections. I know you have a big role in that. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that residents and voters don't always see, but we truly have the best group of people imaginable that care about executing high-integrity elections at every single level of government. We are incredibly lucky to have them. Thank you so much. It was a relatively seamless process other than some dreary weather—we can't complain if that's our biggest issue. So thank you to everybody involved in making Election 2024 a big success. Claims—time to pay the bills. We have a claims roster in front of us, October 30, 2024, through November 12, 2024, in the amount of 1.3 million and change. Council members, were there any questions on the bills? I'll look for a motion. **[00:00] Jake Inabrittson:** I'll make a motion to approve claims as presented. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? **[00:00] Katie Wrich:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and second. Final comments? All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Council Members:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? And the bills are paid for another two weeks. I will look for a motion to adjourn. Kari, you want to make it? **[00:00] Kari Moore:** I make a motion to adjourn. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** There we go! How about a second? **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and second. All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Council Members:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? We are adjourned. Thank you and good night. *** **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** The fun's not ending yet because we have an Economic Development Authority meeting. So, I’m going to go ahead and call to order the meeting of the Oakdale Economic Development Authority, November 12th, 2024. Sarah, will you take the role? **[00:00] Sarah [Clerk]:** Commissioner Inabrittson? **[00:00] Jake Inabrittson:** Here. **[00:00] Sarah [Clerk]:** Commissioner Moore? **[00:00] Kari Moore:** Here. **[00:00] Sarah [Clerk]:** Commissioner Morcomb? **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** Here. **[00:00] Sarah [Clerk]:** Commissioner Wrich? **[00:00] Katie Wrich:** Here. **[00:00] Sarah [Clerk]:** President Zabel? **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Here. First up in front of us is the approval of the agenda. No changes, so can I get a motion to approve the agenda as presented? **[00:00] Jake Inabrittson:** [Inaudible motion] **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and second. All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Commissioners:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? The agenda is adopted. We have approval of minutes. We have one set of minutes from October 29th, 2024. Commissioners, any changes or corrections? I'll look for a motion. **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** Moved. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? **[00:00] Jake Inabrittson:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and second. All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Commissioners:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? And the minutes are adopted. **[00:00] Jim Thomson:** Hey Mr. President, I do have a practical matter. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** What did I do wrong? **[00:00] Jim Thomson:** Well, would... and maybe a question for Jim... would Kari’s motions be okay before she's officially been... before a motion's made to make her a commissioner? **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** She is a commissioner by right? **[00:00] Jim Thomson:** By right, okay. Very... I mean no disrespect by the question, it's strictly procedural to designate the Treasurer, a specific officer. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Okay. I wanted to make sure... I didn't want us to... she said the word, she's part of the Cool Kids Club! Okay. All right. **[00:00] Jim Thomson:** And again, I meant no disrespect. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Yes, process is important. But that brings us to our first business item. We have to fill the vacancy of Treasurer for the remainder of the year. That was Noah, right? Yeah. Commissioner Wrich, how would you like a promotion to Treasurer? Yeah? How exciting. Okay, so I’m going to make a motion to nominate Commissioner Wrich as Treasurer for the remainder of 2024. Can I get a second? **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and a second. All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Commissioners:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? Congrats, you're Treasurer. **[00:00] Katie Wrich:** We don't know what that means! **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** I was once before, too. Yeah. Check or something. Next up, we have a public hearing. Andy, welcome. **[00:00] Andy Gitzlaff:** Thank you, Mr. President, Commissioners. Yes, public hearing tonight on the sale of certain real property located near Tanner Lake, which also includes approval of the purchase and development assistant agreements with the City of Oakdale and Tanner Lake LLC and amendment to the tax increment financing plan for Tiff District 2-12. This may all seem familiar to you from the council meeting. As alluded to, Council and EDA both need to approve that Tiff Amendment and they’re also both signatories on that Purchase and Development Assistance Agreement. Because we covered that at length and it’s also in the memo, I’m just going to go with the very "cliff notes" version here and the nuance and the difference between the two. The one difference is Council had the public hearing on the Tiff Amendment; in this case, the public hearing is on the sale of the property. The sale of the property is part of the overall purchase and development agreement. Michaela Hewitt from Baker Tilly is here tonight, who put together the "but-for" analysis that lays out the rationale for the financing and funding level. This project's been a long time coming. On the sale of the property, the City will receive approximately $2.4 million back upfront and over time, which is the City’s original investment in that, and it’s going to result in the investment of a total redevelopment project of over $48 million and the cleaning up of a blighted property within the city. This has been a lot of work to the state to get to this point. I did want to thank my colleagues that I worked on this with: Kyle Stasica, Michaela, Jenny Bolton with Kennedy and Graven, John Stark (our special projects manager), Christina Volkers, and Council for having the foresight on this project and giving us the guidance and direction to put this together. Wanted to make sure that you're thanked in your capacity as EDA as well. So with that, I’d be happy to answer any questions on the purchase agreement, the Tiff District Amendment, or the mechanics of the sale of the property. Again, public hearing here tonight as well. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Commissioners, any questions for Andy? All right. At this time, I’m going to go ahead and open the public hearing. This is an opportunity for anybody in the audience to speak to this agenda item. If you would like to, please step up to the podium, state your name and address for the record, and proceed with your comments—no more than three minutes in length. Seeing none, I’m going to go ahead and close the public hearing and bring it back up for EDA consideration. Council members, any questions or final comments? All right, I'll look for a motion. Can we give this one to Kari? **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** Absolutely. **[00:00] Kari Moore:** I'll make a motion to wave reading and adopt resolution 2024-01, approving an amendment to the tax increment financing plan for Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment District Number 2-12, Tanner Lake Redevelopment Project, approving the sale of certain EDA property and authorizing the EDA President and Executive Director to execute certain development documents including, but not limited to, the Purchase and Development Assistance Agreement. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? **[00:00] Jake Inabrittson:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and second. Final comments? The only comment I will make is they're all kind of lumped together, which is fine, but my philosophy on Tiff has not changed, so I'll be respectfully voting no. Any other final comments? All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Commissioners:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** No. And resolution 2024-01 is adopted. Can I get a motion to adjourn? **[00:00] Andy Morcomb:** So moved. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** There's a motion. Is there a second? **[00:00] Jake Inabrittson:** Second. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Motion and second. All those in favor say aye. **[00:00] Commissioners:** Aye. **[00:00] Kevin Zabel:** Opposed? We are adjourned. Thank you and good night.