Oakdale City Council — Transcript
Thursday, August 13, 2026
City Planning Commission Update
Park System Plan Implementation and Playground Improvements
Pedestrian Safety and Intersection Improvements
Community Engagement and Upcoming Events
Pending Litigation Closed Session
Votes (7)
Approval of Consent Agenda Items A through E
Moved by Councilmember Malcolm [5:17] · Seconded by Councilmember [5:25]
The council reviewed and approved the consent agenda, which contained routine items, without any specific items being pulled for individual consideration or extensive debate.
Award of Bid for Tower and Golf View Parks Playground Improvements and Budget Amendment
Moved by Councilmember [10:56] · Seconded by Councilmember Rich [14:48]
Staff presented the bid award for Tower and Golf View Park improvements, identifying Pember Companies Inc. as the lowest bidder. The project, including replacing equipment, upgrading surfacing, and adding accessibility features, came in under anticipated costs, but a budget amendment for Golf View Park was still required to cover the bid and contingency. The discussion highlighted the long-term strategic importance of these investments, driven by a comprehensive park system plan to address aging infrastructure and enhance community access.
Authorization to Sign Contract with Pember Companies Inc.
Moved by Councilmember [15:10] · Seconded by Councilmember [15:16]
Following the approval of the bid award, the council authorized the Mayor and City Administrator to formally execute the contract with Pember Companies Inc. to proceed with the Tower and Golf View Parks playground improvements.
Approval of Playground Equipment Purchase and Installation Services for Tower and Golf View Parks
Moved by Councilmember [19:40] · Seconded by Councilmember [20:38]
Staff presented a proposal for purchasing playground equipment and shade from Landscape Structures and installation services, surfacing, and site furnishings from Flagship Recreation for Tower and Golf View Parks. The designs were developed with extensive community feedback, including surveys and pop-up events, and include features enhancing accessibility and play experiences for various age groups. This action readies the parks for construction.
Cooperative Agreement with Washington County for Intersection Improvements at County Road 14 / 34th Avenue and Highpoint Drive / Marketplace
Moved by Councilmember [23:38] · Seconded by Councilmember [23:54]
Public Works staff presented a plan for intersection improvements focused on pedestrian safety, signal modifications, and geometric changes at County Road 14 (34th Avenue) and Highpoint Drive/Marketplace. The project, anticipated due to increased development and pedestrian traffic, is supported by city funds and developer contributions, and requires a cooperative agreement with Washington County for implementation.
Approval of Claims Roster
Moved by Councilmember [33:10] · Seconded by Councilmember Rich [33:23]
The council reviewed and approved the claims roster for expenditures from July 29th through August 12th, totaling approximately $1.9 million, without any questions or items pulled for additional information.
Motion to Enter Closed Session for Pending Litigation
Moved by Councilmember [35:52] · Seconded by Councilmember [35:57]
The council considered and approved a motion to enter a closed executive session to discuss pending litigation between the City of Oakdale and an employee, Jeff Cousling. The Mayor explicitly outlined the legal basis for closing the session, citing Minnesota state statute 13D.05 subdivision 3B, emphasizing the need for confidentiality for candid legal strategy discussions that impact city operations and finances.
Notable Quotes (3)
Yeah, this is exciting. Um not only because it's a big step in a long process of reinvesting in our parks, but we've been able to go to Willow Brook... This is the first major reinvestment into our parks in over half a decade.
Um you know, the only comment I would add is I think a lot of residents um don't always realize, you know, our some of these playgrounds are 25 years old... The driving force behind the park system update was to get a full understanding of our equipment in the city and put it on a replacement schedule...
The city's need for absolute confidentiality outweighs the purposes served by the open meeting law in this case based on the following. Absolute confidentiality is necessary so that the city council and legal counsel can have a candid and open discussion to determine the available legal options to handle this litigation including response strategy and possible areas for reconciliation.
Ordinances & Resolutions (9)
Permit type for a car wash and a house of worship.
Permit type for MC Club on Geneva Avenue.
Comprehensive roadmap for park improvements, completed last year.
Identified Tower and Golf View Parks as 2026 projects.
City project ID for Tower Park playground improvements.
City project ID for Golf View Park playground improvements.
Awarding the bid for Tower and Golf View Parks playground improvements to Pember Companies Inc.
Approving the purchase of playground equipment and installation services for Tower and Golf View Parks.
Statute cited for closing the meeting due to pending litigation.