Oakdale City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Recognition of National Police Week
Recognition of Public Works Week
Recognition of City Administrator Christina Volkers
Tanner Lake Project and Park Improvement Suggestions
City Staff Appreciation and Operational Updates
Discussion of Pending Lawsuit and Attorney-Client Privilege
Votes (7)
Proclamation of National Police Week (May 10th-16th, 2026)
Mayor Zabel read a proclamation recognizing law enforcement officers, acknowledging their sacrifices and dedication to public safety, and commending the Oakdale Police Department for its service. He emphasized the IACP's focus on officer safety and wellness.
Proclamation of Public Works Week (May 17th-23rd, 2026)
Mayor Zabel read a proclamation celebrating the Public Works Department's essential services, which underpin the community's daily life. He highlighted the importance of an informed citizenry and acknowledged the efforts of the Public Works staff, referencing the new Public Works campus and its staff's skill.
Commissioner's Service Award for Christina Volkers
Washington County Commissioner Stan Karwaski presented Christina Volkers with an award for her six years of exemplary service. He praised her as a 'great relationship builder' and highlighted her effectiveness in working with the county on projects like road improvements, the embedded social worker program, and the new city buildings. The presentation emphasized her leadership and ability to build confidence with the Council and staff.
Amendment to City Code of Ordinances Chapter Two Administration
Moved by Council Member Moore [0:37:34] · Seconded by Council Member Morcom [0:37:48]
City Administrator Chris Volkers presented proposed updates to Chapter Two of the city's code of ordinances, describing them as a 'cleanup' effort. The specific changes were detailed in the Council RCA, and two separate motions were required for their adoption and publication.
Authorization of Publication for Ordinance Number 962
Moved by Council Member Moore [0:38:22] · Seconded by Council Member Morcom [0:38:34]
Following the adoption of Ordinance 962, a motion was made to authorize its publication by title and summary, a standard procedural step to ensure public notification of the adopted ordinance.
Approval of Claims Roster (April 29th - May 12th, 2026)
Moved by Council Member Morcom [0:52:19] · Seconded by Council Member Moore [0:52:26]
The claims roster, totaling $1.299 million, for the period of April 29th through May 12th, 2026, was presented for approval. No council members requested to pull any specific claims for individual consideration.
Motion to Close Meeting for Attorney-Client Privilege Discussion
Moved by Council Member Moore [0:53:23] · Seconded by Council Member Morcom [0:53:27]
A motion was made to close the meeting to the public as per Minnesota State Statute 13D.05 subdivision 3B. City Attorney Jim explained that the request was made by him to discuss privileged matters related to a pending lawsuit between the City of Oakdale and Oakdale Marketplace LLC, emphasizing that confidentiality outweighed the public's need to be present.
Notable Quotes (5)
Therefore, I Kevin Zabel, Mayor of Oakdale, Minnesota do hereby proclaim May 10th through the 16th, 2026 as National Police Week to commemorate police officers past and present who by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities have rendered a dedication of service to our community and in doing so have established for themselves an enduring reputation in preserving the right rights and security of all Oakdale residents.
Therefore, I, Kevin Zabel, Mayor of Oakdale, Minnesota, do hereby proclaim the week of May 17th through the 23rd, 2026, as Public Works Week and acknowledge the important contributions that the Public Works Department makes every day to our health, safety, comfort, and quality of life here in the city of Oakdale.
On behalf of a grateful county, the undersigned commissioner Stan Karwowski, hereby extends recognition and appreciation to Christina Volkers for her outstanding career in state, county, and city city public administration and service on this May 12th, 2026.
about this item on the agenda, chapter two um the city code of ordinances chapter two, we made some updates and you can see in the um workshop or I'm sorry, workshop the Council RCA what the changes specifically are, but it does have a a cleanup. We've been working on it for a while.
Uh this uh request to hold the closed session has been at my request um because there are things I need to talk to you about the lawsuit that the need for confidentiality under the attorney-client privilege outweighs the uh, the need of the public to be present. So, that's why I'm making that request.
Ordinances & Resolutions (4)
Amending the code of ordinances for the city of Oakdale, specifically Chapter Two Administration.
Authorizing publication of Ordinance number 962 by title and summary.
Statute cited for closing the meeting to discuss attorney-client privilege matters.
Entity involved in a pending lawsuit with the City of Oakdale.