--- ## author: Sara Ludwig date: D:20260428134923-05'00' --- ## WORKSHOP MINUTES ## OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL ## APRIL 14, 2026 The City Council held a Workshop on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting began at 5:00 PM. ## Present: Mayor Kevin Zabel ## Council Members: Kari Moore ## Andy Morcomb ## Gary Severson ## Katie Wrich ## City Staff Members: Chris Volkers, City Administrator ## Sara Ludwig, City Clerk ## Brian Bachmeier, Consulting City Engineer ## Jake Foster, Assistant City Administrator ## Andy Gitzlaff, Community Development Director ## Melanie Lee, Human Resources Director ## Luke McClanahan, Planning Manager ## Lori Pulkrabek, Communications Manager ## Ivan Stepanov, Finance Director ## Ryan Stuart, Police Captain ## Cory Tietz, Public Works Director ## Others Present: Dick Friedrichs, Capital Partners MN ## Peter Mork, Capital Partners MN Jesse Neumann, Designing Earth Contracting, Inc. ## Joe Radach, Capital Partners MN ## CAPITAL PARTNERS MN – NINETY FOUR EXCHANGE – DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT PLAN Planning Manager Luke McClanahan gave an overview of the development proposal consisting of two large-scale, light industrial buildings as phase one of a three-phase development, at the property addressed 7049 4th St N. He mentioned that the City Council reviewed three conceptual site layouts developed by City staff, at their August 26, 2025 Workshop, to help explore future development options; and due to anticipated development, approved an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance that included allowing Light Manufacturing as a principal use in the B-2 zoning district, earlier this year. Mr. McClanahan continued, several applications and requirements would be necessary to move forward as notated in the Council Memorandum. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about the loading area screening requirement, Mr. McClanahan stated that this is required by the Zoning Code. Council Member Severson asked if the Comprehensive Plan can be amended for this specific parcel. Mr. McClanahan confirmed that is allowable. ## WORKSHOP MINUTES ## APRIL 14, 2026 ## PAGE TWO Peter Mork with Capital Partners MN gave a background on himself and the company. He stated that the proposed industrial buildings will be built to serve the local and regional users in the community. The construction timeline has a target end date of fall 2027. Additionally, there are two other lots on the site that are identified for future development opportunities, possibly build-to-suits, medical office, lodging, daycare, etc. In response to Council Member Severson’s question about traffic control and truck traffic on 4 th St N and Hadley Ave N, it was confirmed there is a stoplight at that intersection with trucks primarily coming in on Hadley Ave N onto 4 th St N. He also expressed support for the vision of the other two lots on the site. In response to Council Member Moore’s question about the number of parking spaces, Mr. Mork stated that double-loaded parking is typical for this building style. He offered a “proof of parking” option for any stalls that exceed parking minimums, which allows for the creation of additional parking for future needs. For reference, the Zoning Code requires 192 parking spaces and there are 218 parking spaces proposed. Council Member Morcomb inquired about any past environmental assessments for this site. Mr. McClanahan confirmed that City staff is not aware of any, but is requesting an environmental review. Council Member Wrich expressed support for the “proof of parking” option. Mayor Zabel agreed. Joe Radach with Capital Partners MN stated that mass grading of the site will take place at one time to get the entire site ready for construction on the proposed development and pad- ready for the two other lots. Mr. Mork added that doing so will make the site attractive for prospective tenants. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about any Zoning Code language that prohibits grading prior to approvals, Mr. McClanahan noted that a grading permit would be required. Community Development Director Andy Gitzlaff added that ideally all project approvals and a signed Development Agreement would be in place before mass grading. There was general Council support for the proposed development as presented. Regarding a formal environmental assessment, Mr. McClanahan went through various reasons why City staff is making this recommendation to have the developer do a formal environmental assessment, including guidance received from environmental review consultants. The size of the development as proposed is very close to the threshold for a mandatory environmental review under State Statute. Jesse Neumann with Designing Earth Contracting, Inc. explained that there will likely be a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment required upon development. Additionally, there will be government agencies on site while grading takes place to ensure that any issues ## WORKSHOP MINUTES ## APRIL 14, 2026 ## PAGE THREE encountered will be addressed properly. The required formal environmental review could delay the construction timeline 6-12 months. Because of the built-in environmental review requirements and checkpoints, the Council agreed that a formal environmental review is not necessary unless statutory thresholds are met. Mr. Radach reiterated that all aspects of an environmental review will be completed without completing the formal environmental review. ## FOLLOW UP DISCUSSION ON SPECIAL USE DISTRICTS WITHIN THE PARKING RESTRICTIONS ## CITY POLICY Consulting City Engineer Brian Bachmeier explained that this is a follow-up from the February 10, 2026 Workshop. Staff is seeking Council feedback on the definition of a Special Use District, the audit of the existing parking restrictions in the City, and the administrative cost associated with this proposed City Policy. Mr. Bachmeier indicated that an audit of the City’s current parking restriction street signage should take place as part of this process. Regarding the definition of a Special Use District, Mayor Zabel cited how schools and churches may not fit the same criteria, and ultimately how churches may not fit this definition at all. Council Member Moore suggested an automatic review and expiration process for parking restriction street signage. Mayor Zabel agreed, but only applied to Special Use Districts. Council Member Severson questioned whether parks should be included in the definition of Special Use Districts. The Council agreed that churches and parks should not be included in the definition of Special Use Districts. The proposed change to subsection 3.6 is a defined list of schools. In practice, if City staff receives a parking restriction request, and it does not meet the criteria then the request does not move any further in the process. Regarding current parking restriction street signage, if an instance does not meet the new criteria, affected residents will be notified and signage will be removed. In response to Council Member Moore’s question about Tartan High School creating additional parking spaces as part of their recent remodel, Mr. Bachmeier did not recall that to be the case. The parking restriction audit list was reviewed, and the Council agreed on the following changes to City of Oakdale Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12, Article 3, Section 12-19: • “48th Street from T.H. 120 to Gershwin Gentry Avenue, north and south sides” due to public safety reasons. • “Gresham Avenue from Gresham Court to 40 th Street, east side”. • “Grospoint Avenue between 15 th Street and Greystone Avenue, east side”. ## WORKSHOP MINUTES ## APRIL 14, 2026 ## PAGE FOUR Staff was asked to notify adjacent property owners of the above-noted changes (with justification). In reference to the current parking restriction street signage on 40 th Street, east of TH 120, south side, near House of Prayer Lutheran Church, Mr. Bachmeier offered to research the historical reason, and only if it is related to public safety then it will remain. The current parking restriction street signage on 40 th Street, 450 feet east of TH 120 to 630 feet east of TH 120 and from 860 feet east of TH 120 to 1,040 feet east of TH 120, north side, will remain due to the Fire Department’s access to the buildings. For the administrative fee, City Administrator Chris Volkers suggested using the actual staff cost plus ten percent, which will be outlined in the City’s fee schedule. The Council was amenable. ## 2027 BUDGET SCHEDULE Ms. Volkers stated that staff will proceed with scheduling a Special Workshop on May 28, 2026 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM. Mayor Zabel inquired about restructuring the budget process to allow for simultaneous discussions of funds and revenues as many decisions have a cause and effect. Ms. Volkers offered longer meeting periods to cover more information at one time. Council Member Moore was in favor of meeting for longer periods of time to assist with information retention and overlap. The Council agreed to lay as much groundwork as possible within the budget process before onboarding incoming City Administrator Kelli Bourgeois. In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about the vision of the utility rate study, Assistant City Administrator Jake Foster said it is to inform the 2027 utility rates. Preliminary deliverables will be presented at the May 26, 2026 Workshop. It was determined that revenues will be discussed at the May 28, 2026 Special Workshop, followed by the Enterprise Fund and General Fund expenses. The 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Special Revenue Funds will be discussed later in the process. Of note, there may need to be a philosophical discussion on future full-time employees (FTEs) once Ms. Bourgeois has started. Council Member Morcomb suggested a Strategic Plan check-in prior to the budget process, possibly incorporating it into the Department Head general fund budget discussions with Council. Mr. Foster offered a broader check-in prior to those discussions, such as an emailed memorandum. ## WORKSHOP MINUTES ## APRIL 14, 2026 ## PAGE FIVE In response to Mayor Zabel’s question about the long-term financial plan, Ms. Volkers indicated that incoming Finance Director Mikaela Huot will work with Mr. Gitzlaff to update it and present at the May 26, 2026 Workshop. Once the 2027 budget schedule is updated based on Council’s direction, Ms. Volkers will send to Council. ## PROPOSED CHANGES TO CITY OF OAKDALE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 2 – ## ADMINISTRATION Ms. Volkers gave a brief overview of the proposed changes to City of Oakdale Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2 – Administration. Regarding Article 8 – Public Improvement Revolving Fund, this article will be repealed as this is a nonexistent fund, unless an explanation can be found for its establishment. Regarding Article 9 – Street Lighting Enterprise Fund, this article will either be moved to another Chapter, if applicable, or remove entirely as there is a current City Policy with similar language. Council Member Morcomb inquired whether the authority to issue City-owned laptops and cell phones to Council Members lies in this Chapter or City Policy. Ms. Volkers confirmed that authority would be within City Policy. Next steps include staff following up on Articles 8 and 9, then bringing the proposed changes to a future regular City Council meeting for formal approval. ## ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE Ms. Volkers reminded the group that there will be several upcoming moves affecting many City staff and services. She noted the following changes: • During construction, the public will go to the new Public Works facility for all City Hall and Public Works services. • The utility payment and mail drop boxes will be moved to the far north area of the current City Hall/Walton parking lot. • The Farmers Market will be moved to the southwest parking lot off 15 th St N. • One medication drop box will be moved to Fire Station 2. The other will be put in storage. • The Safe Exchange location will be moved to Fire Station 2. • A Police Department banner has been ordered to cover the Fire Station 2 sign. • The large Oak Tree sculpture outside current City Hall will be placed at a to-be- determined location on site once construction is complete. • The pieces making up the current Veterans Memorial will be safely packaged and placed at a to-be-determined location on site once construction is complete. ## WORKSHOP MINUTES ## APRIL 14, 2026 ## PAGE SIX • The pieces honoring Officer Richard Walton will be placed in Walton Park. Council Member Moore suggested one comprehensive list of where services were and now where they can be found during construction. Communications Manager Lori Pulkrabek stated that staff will create this list along with the continued promotion of individual aspects of the move. Mayor Zabel brought up having City advertising on the screen wrap around the construction fencing. ## COUNCIL TOPICS Council Member Moore expressed her support for the upcoming Tanners Lake Park improvements. In response to Council Member Morcomb’s question about the Tanners Lake LLC redevelopment project, Ms. Volkers indicated that an update will be provided once further details are determined. Council Member Wrich inquired about the number of trash haulers that the City allows. Mayor Zabel provided context for why this decision was made years ago. Mayor Zabel reported that he received a few complaints about semi-truck noise around Norhart due to engine braking. The Council agreed to learn more about the process of petitioning MnDOT to install “No Engine Braking” signs in the affected areas. Ms. Volkers offered to connect with neighboring cities to gauge their interest on installing this type of sign in their jurisdictions as well. Mayor Zabel mentioned that there are seven stop signs within two City blocks near the Post Office. The Council was supportive of using the annual Street Improvement Project as the mechanism to review if street signage is in compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Staff was asked to compile a list of Council-requested street sign installation to review against the soon-to-be-approved parking restrictions City Policy. Mayor Zabel announced that he is running for re-election as Mayor. ## ADJOURNMENT The Workshop was adjourned at 6:54 PM. Respectfully submitted, ## Sara Ludwig, City Clerk