Appointment of Full-Time Probationary Street Maintenance Worker, Leif Gustafson

The City Administrator recommended the appointment of Leif Gustafson as a full-time probationary Street Maintenance Worker, effective June 24, 2026, at a rate consistent with the City base pay schedule, conditioned on passing all background requirements. Mr. Gustafson has prior public works experience.

Approving Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Oakdale and the Law Enforcement Labor Services Employee’s Union, Local 197 (Patrol Officers)

Staff negotiated a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Employee’s Union, Local 197, reaching an agreement regarding Behavioral Health Unit Office Assignment Premium Pay. The MOU is effective upon ratification through December 31, 2027.

Approve the Purchase of Water Meters and Transmitters from Ferguson Waterworks

The procurement of new water meters and transmitters is included in the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (U2022-01). The purchase of a pallet of Neptune meters and transmitters for $49,248 will result in a savings of $18 per meter, totaling $2,592 per pallet, against a budget of $350,000.

Approve Reappointment of Advisory Body Members

Council Liaisons confirmed interest from individuals with expiring terms to be reappointed to the Environmental Management Commission, Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Tree Board. All reappointments are for terms expiring June 30, 2029, in accordance with City Policy CC-002.

Cronk Conditional Use Permit – Oversized Accessory Building (Shed) at 6966 40th Street North

Shane Cronk requested a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a 920 sq ft accessory building, exceeding the 200 sq ft maximum allowed without a CUP. The Planning Commission recommended approval on June 4, 2026, with conditions, noting the applicant's willingness to address early grading work.

The Energy Conservatory – Site Plan Amendment for 403 Hayward Avenue North

The Energy Conservatory, Inc. requested a Site Plan Amendment to build a 1,140 sq ft detached training center, providing more realistic conditions for multi-family energy testing compared to a previous addition plan. The Planning Commission recommended approval on June 4, 2026, with conditions including no residential use, no subdivision without removal of the building, and provision of a photometric plan and rooftop utility screening details.

Adoption of a Parameters Resolution regarding the Issuance of the G.O. Bond Series 2026A and Establishing a Pricing Committee

The City Council considered authorizing the sale of General Obligation Improvement, Sales Tax, and CIP Bonds, Series 2026A, with a maximum par amount of $20,000,000 and interest rate of 4.75%. A Pricing Committee, consisting of the City Administrator and Finance Director, would be established to award the bond sale, anticipated for August 13, 2026, within specified parameters.

Donation to the City – Recreation Division, from Larry and Vickey Eberhard

The Council considered accepting a $1,500 donation from Larry and Vickey Eberhard of the Eberhard Group with Keller Williams. This donation is intended to sponsor the Oakdale Nature Preserve 5K race and requires a 2/3’s vote for acceptance.

Approve Claims for the period June 10, 2026 to June 23, 2026

The City Council was presented with claims for approval totaling $1,071,371.01 for the specified period.

Review of 2025 Financial Audit

Jackie Huegel from LB|Carlson presented the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, noting an unmodified 'clean' audit opinion. Discussions included the composition of Public Works Facility restricted funds, compliance with the City’s fund balance policy, estimated fund balance reduction of $3-4 million, and potential utilization of the Surface Water Fund for stormwater infrastructure.

Police/City Hall Budget and Value Engineering

The Council discussed value engineering decisions to reduce project costs for the Police/City Hall project, ahead of a larger discussion on revenue sources at a special workshop. Mayor Zabel expressed concern about the sequence of decision-making. Specific agreements included using Norman brick, removing interior lobby brick, exploring solid surface countertops, and requesting more information on the Veteran’s Memorial and plantings.

Wetland Outlots and City Ownership

Discussion revolved around ensuring wetland preservation, the necessity of ordinance language, and the City’s ability to waive Subdivision Code provisions. The Council agreed that the City should maintain control of wetlands, either through easements or outlots, and ensure access. Staff will develop a revised Development Review Committee process and wetland ownership framework.

Administrator Update (City Policy CC-002 and Oakdale Marketplace LLC Mediation)

An update on City Policy CC-002 regarding advisory body member attendance led to a decision to waive the current attendance requirement and revisit sections of the policy in a future workshop. Additionally, an update on the Oakdale Marketplace LLC mediation confirmed that Mayor Zabel would attend or be remotely available for the July 20, 2026 mediation.

Council Topics (Climate Action Plan, AI Pilot Program, US 250th Anniversary)

Mayor Zabel suggested bringing the Climate Action Plan and 2050 Comprehensive Plan back to a future workshop for further discussion. He also mentioned a Regional Council of Mayors discussion on AI and the opportunity to apply for a pre-release pilot program through Government Analytica. The Council agreed on social media acknowledgement for the US 250th anniversary due to budget and timing constraints.

Washington 3 Portfolio Project – Conduit Debt Financing Approval

Moved by Council Member Severson · Seconded by Council Member Moore

The City was requested to act as a conduit revenue bond issuer for the Washington 3 Portfolio Housing Project, involving $17 million in financing for three affordable housing properties (Gentry Townhomes, Westridge Townhomes, Victory Villa). This financing extends affordability contracts by 15 years, with the City incurring no financial liability but receiving an issuance fee.

Proclamation: Maplewood Oakdale Lions Community Strides Day

Mayor Zabel officially proclaimed June 20, 2026, as 'Maplewood Oakdale Lions Community Strides Day.' Doug Olson, the Maplewood Oakdale Lions Club Treasurer, invited the public to participate in a Diabetes Awareness Walk on that day.

Recognition of Outgoing Parks and Recreation Commissioner: Glen Bearth

Mayor Zabel and Council Member Morcomb thanked Glen Bearth for his dedicated service on the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mr. Bearth received a certificate of recognition and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the community.

Resident Concern: City's Deer Population

During the Open Forum, Oakdale resident Mike Bender raised concerns about the growing deer population within the city and requested that the City Council consider measures to manage or reduce it.

Approval of Consensus Motions A-B and D-H

Moved by Council Member Severson · Seconded by Council Member Wrich

The Council approved a series of routine consensus motions including the purchase of body-worn and in-squad cameras, renewal of Secondhand Goods Dealer licenses for Game Related, LLC and Guitar Center #394, appointment of Brady Spets as a Community Service Officer, issuance of Tent Sale Licenses for TNT Fireworks, Inc. and Homestead Steaks, acknowledgment of the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, and appointment of Seasonal/Temporary Public Works Maintenance staff.

Agreement with Washington County for Coordinated Mental Health Response

Moved by Council Member Morcomb · Seconded by Council Member Wrich

Council Member Morcomb highlighted the immense support for this program, noting it was the culmination of over three years of collaborative work. The agreement with Washington County aims to provide residents with additional resources and support for mental health, with the program scheduled to commence on July 1st.

Planning Commission Report

Council Liaison Severson reported on the June 4, 2026, Planning Commission meeting. Key items included tabling the Oakdale Marketplace Planned Unit Development Plan Amendment until July 9, approving a Conditional Use Permit for an Oversized Accessory Building, and approving a Site Plan Amendment for The Energy Conservatory.

Mayor's Announcements

Mayor Zabel made several announcements including the new location for the Oakdale Farmers Market, City office closures for the Juneteenth holiday, a detailed overview of the upcoming Oakdale Summerfest events (Medallion Hunt, Walton Park activities, Oakdale Nature Preserve 5K, Ted Bearth Grande Parade, Fireworks), and a call for nominations for the Oakdale Acorn Award recognizing landscaped properties.

Approve Claims for the period May 27, 2026 to June 9, 2026

Moved by Council Member Morcomb · Seconded by Council Member Severson

The City Council approved claims for the period of May 27, 2026, to June 9, 2026, totaling $1,566,385.51.