--- ## author: Sara Ludwig date: D:20260709230854-05'00' --- ## WORKSHOP MINUTES ## OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL ## JUNE 23, 2026 The City Council held a Workshop on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at Oakdale Discovery Center, 4444 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting began at 6:00 PM. ## Present: Mayor Kevin Zabel ## Council Members: Kari Moore ## Andy Morcomb ## Gary Severson ## Katie Wrich ## City Staff Members: Kelli Bourgeois, City Administrator ## Sara Ludwig, City Clerk ## Andy Gitzlaff, Community Development Director ## Mikaela Huot, Finance Director ## Melanie Lee, Human Resources Director ## Nick Newton, Police Chief ## Lori Pulkrabek, Communications Manager ## Cory Tietz, Public Works Director ## Kevin Wold, Fire Chief ## WATER FILTRATION PLANT EXPANSION UPDATE Public Works Director Cory Tietz explained that Project 1007 – an East Metro flood control system project – is different from the City’s Water Filtration Plant Expansion project. Project 1007 is still in the conceptual phase and covers a broad geographical area. As part of Project 1007, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) may ask the City to pump out extra water up to the City’s maximum capacity, which would have an effect on operating maintenance and wear and tear of the system. If that time comes, formal agreements will be presented to the Council for approval and execution. Mr. Tietz noted that the Water Filtration Plant Expansion project ensures the City can provide per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ( PFAS)-free, filtered water to Oakdale residents. Mayor Zabel asked about the correlation between the MPCA-requested water pumping quantities and the City’s Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) water appropriation permit maximum. Mr. Tietz stated that any water pumped at the request of the MPCA will not count towards the City’s MN DNR appropriation limit. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about whether the MPCA would purchase wells from the City, Mr. Tietz said that is currently unknown. As a follow up, Mayor Zabel asked if the City is still using 3M Settlement Funds to cap wells it does not need. Mr. Tietz offered to provide an update on well adjustments later this year, with no final determination on well capping until at least early 2028. Council Member Morcomb suggested the possibility of the MPCA leasing City ground space for well placement. Mayor Zabel expressed concern about the balance between the uncertainty of capping the City’s wells and the use of the 3M Settlement Funds. Mr. Tietz echoed the sentiment, but added that the City will make the best decision for its residents. ## WORKSHOP MINUTES ## JUNE 23, 2026 ## PAGE TWO Regarding the old Public Works facility at 1900 Hadley Ave N, Mr. Tietz reported that City staff are working on grant applications for this project, with demolition possibly starting in early 2027. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about the budget for the Water Filtration Plant Expansion project, Mr. Tietz stated that funds are set aside for this project. Council Member Morcomb asked if other funding sources subtract from the 3M Settlement Fund appropriation. It was confirmed that is the case. ## REVIEW OF REPLACED CITY POLICY PE-027: USE OF MUNICIPAL VEHICLES/TAKE HOME VEHICLES City Administrator Kelli Bourgeois reviewed proposed changes to current City Policy PE-027: Use of Municipal Vehicles, including a name change to Take Home Vehicle Policy. Notable changes include clarifying which staff are eligible, clearing up contradictions between City policies, adding fringe benefit language, and including City Administrator authority for exceptions. An annual, and quarterly random, driver history search is performed on City staff whose job requires a driver's license. Ms. Bourgeois concluded that an updated policy will be presented at a future meeting for Council consideration. Council Member Morcomb suggested adding tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to the list of prohibited uses while operating a City vehicle. In response to Council Member Wrich’s question about random employee urinalysis tests, Human Resources Director Melanie Lee confirmed that anyone with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is randomly tested. ## ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE Ms. Bourgeois reported that there are four residential nominations for the Acorn Award as of tonight. Mayor Zabel stated that a conversation about the 2027 Acorn Award should occur later this year. Ms. Bourgeois noted that the candy bags for the Summerfest parade have arrived. Regarding the amended regular City Council meeting agenda, Ms. Bourgeois offered to answer any questions. ## COUNCIL TOPICS Council Member Moore requested that the Council discuss the City’s advisory bodies, specifically their purpose and attendance standards, at a future Workshop. She inquired about how the members execute their Work Plan without proper tools or empowerment. Mayor Zabel suggested that City staff evaluate their workload when it comes to advisory body tasks, and if things become overwhelming then City Council should step in to provide direction. Council Member Moore added that a standard operating procedure would set a baseline for City staff, City Council, and the advisory body members in this regard. Training for the members and attendance standards were also raised as items of discussion. Mayor Zabel proposed a change in the attendance standards, possibly allowing attendance at City and outside events to count towards the member’s overall attendance percentage. The Council agreed that there will be a future Workshop discussion about advisory bodies. ## WORKSHOP MINUTES ## JUNE 23, 2026 ## PAGE THREE Council Member Wrich brought up proactive code enforcement sweeps to gauge the Council’s interest in exploring this program for Oakdale. Mayor Zabel stated a program like this could make sense from an operational standpoint. If implemented, Council Member Morcomb suggested including a notice with the annual rental inspection letter that is sent to property owners. Council Member Moore added that the notice could be an insert in the Oakdale Update. The Council agreed to discuss the possibility of this program at the next Strategic Planning meeting. City staff will provide data on specific code enforcement areas within the City. Council Member Morcomb noted that there is a proposed 180-acre development to the east of Ideal Avenue in Lake Elmo. He will be attending the informational Open House next week, with the anticipated groundbreaking in 2027. Mayor Zabel pointed out that there is a sewer usage agreement between the City of Oakdale and Lake Elmo in which the entire sewer system for the proposed development runs on the City’s system. Council Member Severson asked whether Washington County will have input regarding the development given it affects three County roads. It was unclear at this time. With Council Member Morcomb and Mayor Zabel attending the Open House, the Council agreed to see how the proposed development progresses prior to continuing the conversation about Counci’s intent regarding sewer usage, traffic patterns, and land uses. ## ADJOURNMENT The Workshop was adjourned at 6:51 PM. Respectfully submitted, ## Sara Ludwig, City Clerk