Oakdale Council approves property management overhaul, spending
The Oakdale City Council unanimously approved new policies for managing unclaimed property and authorized nearly $11 million in city spending at its January 14 meeting, as officials work to streamline operations and reduce outside storage costs.
The council passed Ordinance 958, which updates how the city handles unclaimed property like evidence and uncashed checks. City Administrator Chris explained the change aligns Oakdale with state law and other cities' practices, allowing the city to auction or dispose of items in certain situations. "We are intending to get rid of our outside storage in the next few months," Chris said, highlighting the practical benefit of the new authority.
To support the ordinance, the council also amended existing Policy FR015—renaming it "Unclaimed Property and Uncashed Checks"—and adopted a new companion policy, FR015A, titled "Unclaimed Property - All Others." All three measures passed unanimously.
In other business, the council approved two claims rosters totaling $11.05 million in city expenditures. The first covered December 10-23, 2025, and totaled $4.25 million. The second, spanning December 24, 2025 through January 13, 2026, came to $6.79 million. Officials noted the larger second amount reflected a month-long gap in approvals.
The council also unanimously approved a $500 donation from John and Kathy Spencer for the 2025 Winter Wonderland event, which was used to purchase four quality slides as giveaways. Public Works Director Corey Tits explained the donation was accepted by the city administrator due to timing constraints, and the council's approval was sought retroactively.
Other unanimous approvals included a secondhand goods dealer license for Shorty's Appliances and More LLC, affirmation of 2026 council liaison and board assignments, and designation of Council Member Morham as Acting Mayor for the year. Mayor Zabel joked about his planned vacations, saying "I'm planning a lot of vacations in 2026," before handing responsibilities to Morham.
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Votes (9)
Issuance of Secondhand Goods Dealer License to Shorty's Appliances and More LLC
Moved by Council Member [00:07:05] · Seconded by Council Member [00:07:22]
The council considered the application for a secondhand goods dealer license. No staff presentation or public comments were made, leading directly to a council motion for approval.
Approval of Consensus Motions
Moved by Council Member [00:08:42] · Seconded by Council Member [00:08:58]
The council reviewed a set of consensus motions (A through H, J, K, and M) from which some items had been pulled for individual consideration (though not detailed in the transcript). The remaining motions were then approved as presented.
Affirmation of 2026 Council Liaison and Board Assignments and Designation of Acting Mayor
Moved by Council Member [00:09:50] · Seconded by Council Member [00:10:24]
The council affirmed the appointments for council liaisons and other assignments for 2026, noting that most were carryovers from 2025 with a few deletions. Council Member Morham was designated as the Acting Mayor for the year.
Acceptance of Donation from John and Kathy Spencer
Moved by Council Member [00:13:30] · Seconded by Council Member [00:13:58]
Public Works Director Corey Tits presented a request for council approval of a $500 donation from John and Kathy Spencer, made for the 2025 Winter Wonderland event. The donation, used to purchase four quality slides as giveaways, had been accepted by the administrator due to timing, and retrospective council approval was sought.
Adoption of Ordinance 958 Amending Unclaimed Property Code
Moved by Council Member [00:17:15] · Seconded by Council Member [00:17:49]
City Administrator Chris explained the need to update the city's code of ordinances regarding unclaimed property, particularly concerning disposal and auction in line with state law. This change supports the police department's management of evidence and uncashed checks, and aids in the city's plan to reduce outside storage.
Amendment and Renaming of City Policy FR015
Moved by Council Member [00:18:27] · Seconded by Council Member [00:18:57]
As part of the comprehensive update to unclaimed property management, City Policy FR015 was amended and renamed to clarify its scope, specifically 'Unclaimed Property and Uncashed Checks'. This action streamlines the city's internal procedures.
Adoption of New City Policy FR015A (Unclaimed Property - All Others)
Moved by Council Member [00:19:27] · Seconded by Council Member [00:19:42]
In conjunction with the amendment of Policy FR015, a new city policy, FR015A, was adopted to address 'Unclaimed Property - All Others', further detailing the city's approach to managing diverse categories of unclaimed items and ensuring comprehensive coverage under updated guidelines.
Approval of Claims Roster (December 10, 2025 to December 23, 2025)
Moved by Council Member [00:28:13] · Seconded by Council Member [00:28:28]
The council approved a claims roster totaling $4,252,848.95 for expenditures made during the specified period.
Approval of Claims Roster (December 24, 2025 to January 13, 2026)
Moved by Council Member [00:28:57] · Seconded by Council Member [00:29:10]
The council approved a second claims roster, amounting to $6,793,072.80, covering expenses for the period leading up to the current meeting, noting the high amount as a result of taking a month off.
Notable Quotes (3)
Uh final comments other than I'm planning a lot of vacations in 2026. [laughter] So you're up.
Um, typically that would be uh we would have received council approval prior to that event, but because of the timing of that in the in the total uh administrator vocals vulkers accepted it. Um, and so we're just looking for follow-up approval on that.
We wanted to expand that authority like most other cities have done and allow some auction in some situations, allow disposal. We are intending to get rid of our outside storage in the next few months.
Ordinances & Resolutions (5)
Accepting a $500 donation from John and Kathy Spencer for the 2025 Winter Wonderland event.
Amending Chapter 2, Article 6 of the city's code of ordinances regarding custody and disposal of unclaimed property to align with state law.
City policy on unclaimed property, amended and renamed to 'Unclaimed Property and Uncashed Checks'.
New city policy adopted for 'Unclaimed Property - All Others'.
Zoning ordinance amendments discussed by the Planning Commission.
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Other Topics from This Document
Planning Commission Activities for 2026
Community Support and Social Issues
City Services and Infrastructure Updates
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