This transcript identifies the speakers based on the provided context of the Oakdale City Council. **Note on Council Members:** The transcript phonetic spellings ("Morham", "Willen", "her") have been corrected to the names provided in your list (Morcomb, Wrich, Moore). "Inger Britson" is identified as a Council Member in the transcript but was not on your provided list; she is likely a member not included in the initial context. *** [00:00] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: No one staff can fill in. All right, we're going to go ahead and call to order the regular meeting of the Oakdale City Council, May 14th, 2024. Sarah, will you take the role? [00:10] **Sarah (City Clerk)**: Council member Moore? [00:11] **Council Member Kari Moore**: Here. [00:12] **Sarah (City Clerk)**: Council member Inger Britson? [00:13] **Council Member Inger Britson**: Here. [00:14] **Sarah (City Clerk)**: Council member Morcomb? [00:15] **Council Member Andy Morcomb**: Here. [00:16] **Sarah (City Clerk)**: Council member Wrich? [00:17] **Council Member Katie Wrich**: Here. [00:18] **Sarah (City Clerk)**: Mayor Zabel? [00:19] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Here. Please join me for the pledge of allegiance. [00:22] **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. [00:35] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: First up on our agenda is the approval of the agenda in front. No, no amendments. I love it. Nice job team. Uh so can I get a motion to approve the agenda as presented? [00:45] **Council Member Andy Morcomb**: So move. [00:46] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: There's a motion. Is there a second? [00:47] **Council Member Kari Moore**: Second. [00:48] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Motion a second. Uh any conversation? All those in favor say I. [00:52] **Council Members**: I. [00:53] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Opposed. And the agenda is adopted. Next up, we'll take the approval of the minutes. We have two sets in front of us tonight. First up, workshop meeting minutes from April 23rd, 2024. Council members, any changes or corrections? I'll look for a motion. [01:05] **Council Member Andy Morcomb**: So move. [01:06] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: There's a motion. Is there a second? [01:07] **Council Member Katie Wrich**: Second. [01:08] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Motion a second. All those in favor say I. [01:10] **Council Members**: I. [01:11] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Opposed. And the workshop meeting minutes are approved. Next up, we have regular meeting minutes from April 23rd, 2024. Council members, any changes or corrections? I'll look for a motion. [01:20] **Council Member Kari Moore**: So moved. [01:21] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: There's a motion. Is there a second? [01:22] **Council Member Andy Morcomb**: Second. [01:23] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Motion a second. Any conversation? All those in favor say I. [01:25] **Council Members**: I. [01:26] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Opposed. And the regular meeting minutes are approved as well. We have one public hearing on the agenda tonight. The annual storm water pollution prevention plan. Mr. Bachmeire, I know this is your favorite presentation to give. Come on down. [01:40] **Brian Bachmeier (Consulting Engineer, Bolton & Mink)**: Good evening, mayor and council members. Uh, two purposes tonight. One is to give you an update on our storm water pollution prevention program, and the second is to conduct the public hearing to give the public an opportunity to present any concerns they have regarding the surface waters in the city of Oakdale to the council. In regards to our storm water pollution prevention program, there's only two items I was going to comment on. Uh, we've completed a lot of the items. However, there are still uh two things that we need to finish. One is kind of updating our policy as it relates to erosion control practices. So, we're very close to completing those items. And the second item is um working on the inspection of the elicit discharge inspections that we need to do in our community. We've developed the map. We just need to develop the routine to do those inspections. Uh with that, I stand for any questions that council may have. [02:40] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Council members, any questions for Brian? All right. Uh Jim, I do have to have a like a traditional public hearing for this right? He has to open it up and open and close. Okay. Um so at this time, we'll go ahead and open the public hearing uh to hear any comments from the audience. If you are joining us tonight and would like to speak on the storm water pollution prevention plan, please feel free to step up to the podium, state your name and address for the record, and share anything any comments you may have. I'm going to go ahead and close the public hearing. Uh, do we have to adopt the annual report? No. Okay. Um, for the public's benefit, I assume the annual report is on our website if they really want to read it. Perfect. Um, I'm sure it's a light read. You know, everybody's favorite topic, storm water. Um, so we'll go ahead and move on to open forum. Um, before we get to that, I do have a few proclamations that I would like to read. Uh I'm going to mix these up just a little bit. Uh first is recognizing public works week. [04:05] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Um and the proclamation reads as such. Whereas public works services provided in our community are an integral part of our citizens everyday lives. And whereas the support of an understanding and informed citizenry is vital to the efficient operation of public works systems and programs such as water, sewer streets parks forestry environmental services, public buildings, and fleet services. And whereas the health, safety, and comfort of this community greatly depend on these services. And whereas the quality and effectiveness of these facilities as well as their planning, design and construction are vitally dependent upon the efforts and skill of public works staff. And whereas the efficiency of the qualified and dedicated personnel who staff the public works department is materially influenced by the people's attitude and understanding of the importance of the work they perform. And whereas the American Public Works Association will celebrate the 64th annual National Public Works Week, which will be held the third week of May with the theme advancing quality of life for all. Therefore, I, Kevin Zabel, mayor of Oakdale, Minnesota, do hereby proclaim the week of May 19th to May 25th as public works week in the city of Oakdale. I know I speak for the entire city council when I offer a tremendous thank you to our public works department. It is truly impressive the amount of ground, pun intended, um that they cover every single day. Um from parks to streets to so many facets of our community that you don't see, you know, our our sewer infrastructure, water infrastructure. Um they they cover so many services that every resident and business in Oakdale needs that we don't think about or sometimes maybe even take for granted. So, a big thank you to everybody that works at public works for everything they contribute to our city. [06:20] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Next is a proclamation recognizing mental health awareness month. Whereas mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, shaping our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and influencing our ability to cope with life's challenges, build meaningful relationships, and pursue our goals and dreams. And whereas mental health awareness month provides an opportunity to raise awareness, promote understanding, and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness, encouraging open dialogue, compassion, and support for individuals living living with mental health conditions and their families. And whereas mental health affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. And addressing mental health needs is essential for fostering resilience, promoting recovery, and improving the quality of life for individuals and families. And whereas mental health awareness month highlights the importance of access to mental health care and support services, advocating for equitable access to treatment resources and interventions that address the diverse needs of individuals experiencing mental health challenges. And whereas mental health awareness month celebrates the resilience and strength of individuals living with mental illness, recognizing their courage, determination, and achievements in overcoming obstacles, seeking help, and embracing hope and healing. And whereas mental health awareness month serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and policymakers to prioritize mental health and well-being, invest in prevention, early intervention, and support services, and to work together to create a more inclusive and compassionate and supportive society. Therefore, I Kevin Zabel, mayor of Oakdale, Minnesota, hereby proclaim May as mental health awareness month in the city of Oakdale. [08:15] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Finally is a proclamation recognizing National Police Week. Whereas in 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week to pay special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. And whereas the International Association of Chiefs of Police has declared police officer safety and wellness a top priority. and the IACP Center for Officer Safety and Wellness promotes the importance of individual agency family and community safety and wellness awareness. And whereas it is important that all citizens know and understand the problems, duties, and responsibilities of their police department, and that members of our police department recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property by protecting them against violence and disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression and intimidation. And whereas the city of Oakdale commends the brave men and women of our law enforcement community for continually summoning the courage to fulfill their solemn oath to protect and serve. And whereas the city of Oakdale also takes pause to remember those men and women of our law enforcement community who have lost their lives and have suffered permanent disabilities defending their communities. And whereas the city of Oakdale honors Burnsville police officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand for their ultimate sacrifice given on February 18th, 2024. Therefore, I Kevin Zabel, mayor of Oakdale, Minnesota, do hereby proclaim May 12th through the 18th as National Police Week to commemorate police officers past and present who by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities have rendered a dedicated service to their communities and in doing so have established for themselves an enduring reputation for preserving the rights and security of all Oakdale residents. [10:30] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: I wanted to save that one for last. Um because I think it's a really tough time uh for our police officers. You know, when we hear when we hear statistics about the number of safety incidents or attacks on police officers, I think we sometimes gloss over it too quickly. Um, you know, our our police chief Newton gave a presentation at the last Oakdale Chamber of Commerce um meeting about safety in our community. And, you know, while there are a lot of statistics that we can, you know, grab on to in terms of public safety, the one that should give us all pause is the number of incidents against our police officers, they're absolutely off the charts. Um, and for a profession that leads with distinction and honor and compassion. Um, that also at the same time is facing um staffing struggles. Um it it should be a call for all of us to stop and pause and say, you know what, we need to do more to to support our police, to support our department, um and ensure that that vital lifeline is always there when people need it. So we all need to do more and um this week is a good reminder for us to live out that call. So, Chief Newton, from all of us, please extend our our heartfelt gratitude to your entire department for everything they do for our community. Um, if anybody is available tomorrow, I think at noon, uh, Chief Newton's going to be given a a great speech at the at the law enforcement uh, memorial event at the Stillwater Courthouse, I'll be out there cheering him on. Um, but we encourage everybody to please just take a moment anytime you interact with a police officer, remember how how difficult their their job is and those little those little moments of appreciation really make a big difference for our officers. Thank you, Chief Newton. [12:15] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Uh, we're still under open forum, so if there's anybody in the audience that would like to step on up to the podium and share with us whatever's on your mind, uh, the floor is open. Um, please feel free to do so. uh begin with your name and address for the record and then we ask uh comments be kept to three minutes or so, but please feel free. [12:35] **Dave Langanger**: I'll fill this out for you when I'm done. Is that okay? Good evening, mayor and council members and staff that's here. My name is Dave Langanger with Langanger Real Estate Services and I represent uh owners of property along uh Highway 36. I think the address is 6138 highway 36 north side of 36 east side of Century. Um been marketing the property for it's my longest listing in ever. It's at seven years I believe maybe almost eight years. Um lots of reasons for that but that's not why I want to get into that today. is more so is we had an informational meeting with city staff Andrew and Luke and then the state uh this past week and it was to say what's happening what's going on here because our big issue is I can't tell a buyer how they access the property because this looming project has been there for I don't know how many years well how they're going to restructure all this but nonetheless um had a meeting about about it and they said, "Hey, yeah, we've we have concepts. We have ideas as well as the city has done some studies and those things too. And we are working on final plans. Then we got to work on getting final funding. Then we got to get final design. Then we have to get it priced and then get it built." So I said, "Okay, I need to tell my owners who have owned this property for a very long time and they're all up in age." I said, "I need to have an idea." and they said, "Well, I want to say 7 years plus or minus 2 years before we're going to have that intersection taken care of." So, that might be news to you. You might know that. I don't know. But, but they're saying by the time we get that figured out, it'll be seven years. [14:10] **Dave Langanger**: In reality is for us is this land up there is not usable to anybody. I can't get anybody to buy it. uh unless it was mini storage which has been poo pooed by the city uh several years ago but I could have sold it four or five times from mini storage but nonetheless that's our issue is that we need to wait to figure this out so time out on that so then we have a a gentleman with high high adult daycare out of St. Paul and he is very interested in being able to have a community garden there. And this is we're thinking this is a short-term use because you may know we had a homeless encampment there over the last couple years and we did the best we could. City staff helped out. We got the county involved to help address those issues. So, it's still it's not going to go away. And I know my time is just about up, but nonetheless, we're trying to say, can we find a way to have this interim use which can be renewed every year or two, but we know that we can't do anything with this property more than likely for seven years plus or minus a couple years. We're trying to figure out something productive that will that'll help keep the lawn mowed, keep it clean, make it look good, and deter or discourage a homeless encampment on the property. And as my out of community owners stand, they, you know, they they they they can't look at it every day and even city staff can't see it every day because it's up on the fringe of of the community. So we're the quick question so I can stop for you is that if there's any consideration that staff can make to allow a interim use for the short term of this property to be used for a community garden maybe a farmers market down the road something like that. I think that um to with with high high adult daycare would love to talk more with city staff or council about it later. He's here today and probably still in the back room, but they're here today as well. So, I'll leave it at that is is my comment and you can proceed with the evening. Thank you. [16:05] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: All right. Thanks. Is there anybody else that would like to join us for open forum tonight? Welcome. [16:12] **Luke Leoo**: Hello. My name is Luke Leoo. I live at 7057 28th Street North and I want to talk about some animal laws here, how it's been limited about the amount of chickens that you can have. And I feel like if you have a big enough area, a good coupe and stuff, you should be able to keep more chickens. And another thing is I have a little 50 cc dirt bike and I want to be able to ride it like down the sidewalk to go like grocery shopping for my mom who can't drive a lot of the times or I can go up and get food for my little brother or stuff like that and I want that to be legal. That's all. Thank you. [16:45] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Uh is there anybody else that would like to speak under open form tonight? Seeing none, we'll go ahead and keep things moving um and move into our consensus motions. We have A through I in front of us tonight. Um are there any that council members would like to pull for individual consideration? I will look for a motion. [16:55] **Council Member Katie Wrich**: I'd like to make a motion to approve consensus motion A through I as presented. [17:00] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: There's a motion. Is there a second? [17:01] **Council Member Gary Severson**: Second. [17:02] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Motion a second. All those in favor say I. [17:04] **Council Members**: I. [17:05] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Opposed and those motions are approved. Next up is our opportunity to check in with our advisory boards and commissions. Uh planning was the only one that met and Council Member Inger Britson isn't with us tonight. So we will just carry over his update to our next meeting and he can apprise us of their developments then. Uh no award of bids tonight. So we'll move into staff reports. Check in with our city attorney Jim. [17:25] **Jim (City Attorney)**: Any Mr. Mayor, members of Council? Nothing specific to report tonight, but happy to answer any questions. [17:30] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Council members, any questions for Jim? All right, and turn to our right. Let's check in with our city administrator, Miss Volkers. [17:35] **Christina Volkers (City Administrator)**: Thank you, mayor, city council. Um, two items on the agenda tonight. We have a donation from a local artist who does um who does a Discovery Art Center event and she has donated 10% or $120 of her um earnings from her sales of her art and she would like to just simply donate that to the city in appreciation for allowing or having that event and for the encouragement and support that she's received from the recreation staff. So that's the first thing in front of you and I look for a motion to approve that donation. [18:05] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Alrighty. Council members, any questions for Chris? I look for a motion. [18:10] **Council Member Kari Moore**: Make a motion to wave reading and adopt resolution 2024-42 accepting a donation from Beth Meyers in the amount of $120. [18:18] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: There's a motion. Is there a second? [18:19] **Council Member Katie Wrich**: Second. [18:20] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Motion and a second. Any final comments? All those in favor say I. [18:23] **Council Members**: I. [18:24] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Opposed. And that donation is graciously accepted. Thank you, Beth. [18:27] **Christina Volkers (City Administrator)**: Yes. Thank you, Miss Myers. Okay. Second thing I have on the agenda is a master service agreement with um for professional engineering services with Bolton Mink for our consulting gen or consulting engineer to go I'm stuttering to um step into the vacancy that we have for city engineer. Um Brian has worked for the city for 34 years. He left a couple years ago. He works for Bolton Mink. He's willing and able and we are thrilled to have him step in during this time of vacancy. We don't expect to fill the position for a little while. Um the agreement is retroactive to April 1st mostly because we're working on a master service agreement which we've been striving to do for years. And so we got that done and what that does is allow for all um possible needs but with task orders and all the legalities that go with it. So we got that done um and that's what's before you tonight as a recommendation to approve that master service agreement. [19:20] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Council members, any questions for Chris? I just got one. Do we know anything about this guy, Brian? [19:25] **Christina Volkers (City Administrator)**: Yeah. I don't know. [19:26] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Do we trust him? [19:27] **Christina Volkers (City Administrator)**: 34 years. I think so. [19:28] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Is he trustworthy? Is he gonna fit in? [19:30] **Christina Volkers (City Administrator)**: He and he'll do a great job. [19:31] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: All right. Council members, can I get a motion? [19:33] **Council Member Andy Morcomb**: Absolutely. I'll make a motion to authorize the mayor and city administrator to sign the master service agreement for professional engineering services between Bolton and Mink, Inc. in the city of Oakdale retroactive to April 1st, 2024, which is the date the city engineer position was vacated, and to authorize the city administrator to approve task orders under the master services agreement. [19:55] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: There's a motion. Is there a second? [19:56] **Council Member Kari Moore**: Second. [19:57] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Motion a second. Final comments. All those in favor say I. [20:00] **Council Members**: I. [20:01] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Opposed. And that agreement is approved. Thank you. Uh next up is council presentations. Let's start over here. Council Member Morcomb, do you have anything? [20:10] **Council Member Andy Morcomb**: Nothing tonight. [20:11] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: All right. How about over here? [20:12] **Council Member Katie Wrich**: Nothing for me. [20:13] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Nothing. Nothing. All right, I got a few that staff would like me to cover. So, registration is now open for early summer programming through the Oakdale Recreation Department. Um, there are some great programs this summer. We encourage you to check out the full list of programs being offered um on our website, oakdalefun.com. We also have a new registration process this year. Um, I've used it uh signed somebody up for the Summerfest 5K. So, uh it's real slick, really easy to use. Uh we encourage you to check it out. Uh, our Oak or our Oakdale I'm pulling a Chris. I'm mixing up words. Um, our summer 2024 Oakdale update newsletter uh should arrive in mailboxes this week. Um, so we hope you check it out. This edition includes construction updates, seasonal reminders, um a summary of recreation programming, the schedule of events for Oakdale Summerfest, which is coming up very, very quickly, and much more. So, we hope you check that out. [21:10] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Speaking of Summerfest, our uh Cornerstone Community Celebration is just six week six weeks away. So we ask you to mark your calendars for June 24th through the 29th um for a lot of events. They have a lot going on this year including the Ted Bearth Grand Parade, free concerts at the band shell every night. Um the nature preserve 5K, food trucks, fireworks. Um, one thing I will note for Summerfest is a big area of focus for the group behind Summerfest this year was adding more programming for kids. That was their top priority this year. And so they have packed out the schedule with um activities and offerings um for kids of all ages. Uh giant inflatables, petting zoo, kids band. Um the fire department has graciously agreed to host a pop-up splash pad during Summerfest. Um there's so much going on. So, bring the kids out, have some fun, stay for the music. Um, it's Oakdale's 50th anniversary this year, so there's going to be some awesome fireworks going on. Um, it'll be a good time. Um, but we do want to call out the the date change this year and probably permanently going forward. Uh, it being the last weekend of June going forward. So, uh full schedule can be found on the Summerfest website, oakdalesummerfest.com. [22:25] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Let's pay the bills. Uh we have claims roster in front of us, April 24th through May 14th in the amount of 1.7 million and change. Can I get a motion? [22:35] **Council Member Andy Morcomb**: I'll make a motion to approve the claims roster for the period April 24, 2024 to May 14th, 2024 in the amount of $1,715,795.58. [22:48] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: There's a motion. Is there a second? [22:49] **Council Member Gary Severson**: Second. [22:50] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Motion a second. Any comments? All those in favor say I. [22:52] **Council Members**: I. [22:53] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Opposed. And the claims are approved as presented. Can I get a motion to adjourn? [22:57] **Council Member Kari Moore**: There's a motion everybody. [22:58] **Council Members**: [Various seconds]. [22:59] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: I hear and there uh all those in favor say I. [23:01] **Council Members**: I. [23:02] **Mayor Kevin Zabel**: Opposed. Uh we are adjourned. Thank you and good night.