StoryProperty Tax Abatements

Oakdale approves $66 million infrastructure plan with bond funding

The Oakdale City Council unanimously approved a major capital improvement plan on July 23 that will fund three major city projects—a new Public Works facility, police expansion, and City Hall renovation—through $25 million in bonds over the next four years.

Meeting date: Jul 24, 2024
Published Jun 22, 2026

The council gave preliminary approval to issue Capital Improvement bonds and adopted a related spending plan that totals $66 million through 2028. The bonds will cover $25 million of the costs, with a not-to-exceed limit of $30 million. The remaining funding will come from local sales tax and grants. Finance Director Kyle explained that the three projects—the Public Works facility, police expansion and remodel, and City Hall renovation—are critical infrastructure investments for the city.

In other unanimous votes, the council approved a property tax abatement for The Springs at Willbrook apartment complex. The abatement will redirect $1.75 million of the city's tax revenue from that parcel to pay for four public improvements in the Willbrook development: a commons area, trails, open space, and parking. According to Kyle, the abatement doesn't change the total taxes owed on the property—it simply sets aside the city's share of tax revenue for debt service on bonds funding these projects.

The council also approved a $415,000 project to upgrade lighting at Walton Park's ballfields. The work will replace outdated high-pressure sodium lights installed in the late 1980s with energy-efficient LED lights across four fields. The project came in under the original $500,000 budget and is scheduled for completion in late summer or early fall, after the adult softball league concludes.

In a 4-1 vote, the council approved a new resolution governing how write-in votes will be counted in the 2024 elections, based on a new Minnesota state law. Council Member Morham dissented, stating a preference for the current method and concern about adopting new rules without an identified problem, though he supported the motion.

The council also unanimously approved a conditional use permit allowing Jacob Murray to build a 180-square-foot shed at 4603 Hillville Way North—60 square feet larger than normally allowed in the residential district. Staff confirmed the structure meets all setback and height requirements.

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Property Tax Abatements for The Springs at Willbrook

Approved Unanimously

Moved by Unknown [4:32] · Seconded by Unknown [4:41]

Finance Director Kyle presented on the proposed tax abatement for The Springs at Willbrook, explaining it would be used to pay debt service on bonds for Willbrook Commons, trails, open space, and parking projects. These four projects are estimated to cost $5 million, with $1.75 million funded by the abatement bonds. The abatement does not affect the amount of taxes levied on the parcel but puts aside a piece of the city's share. The parcel was chosen due to its direct benefit from the projects and its ability to meet debt service requirements for the bond. The public hearing was opened and closed without comment.

Preliminary Approval to Issue Capital Improvement Bonds and Related Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

Approved Unanimously

Moved by Unknown [8:07] · Seconded by Unknown [8:19]

Finance Director Kyle presented the preliminary approval for Capital Improvement bonds and the related CIP. This specific CIP covers projects to be financed by these bonds, not the full annual city CIP. Projects include the Public Works facility, police expansion/remodel, and City Hall renovation. Total estimated costs are $66 million (2024-2028), with bonds funding $25 million ($8M Public Works, $5M Police, $12M City Hall), and a not-to-exceed limit of $30 million for the bond portion. Other funding comes from local sales tax and grants. Council had been briefed on this previously. The public hearing was opened and closed without comment.

Award of Bid for Walton Park Ballfield Lighting Upgrade to LED

Approved Unanimously

Moved by Unknown [20:06] · Seconded by Unknown [20:30]

Interim Public Works Director Kevin W presented the bids for upgrading the Walton Park Ballfield lighting to LED. The project will replace high-pressure sodium lights from the late 1980s across fields 1-4. Bids were split into material (two bidders) and labor (two bidders). The timeline is late summer/early fall 2024 after adult softball league concludes. Staff recommended approving low bids and amending the budget from $500,000 to $415,000, including Professional Services and contingency for existing light poles. Council Member morham inquired about potential delays due to wet weather and bid validity, to which Kevin W expressed hope for timely completion.

Conditional Use Permit for Oversized Accessory Building at 4603 Hillville Way North

Approved Unanimously

Moved by Unknown [21:59] · Seconded by Unknown [22:12]

Community Development staff Max presented a request from Jacob Murray for an oversized shed. The property is in an R4 middle-density district, where sheds up to 120 sq ft are allowed by right, but Murray requested 180 sq ft via a conditional use permit. Max confirmed the shed meets all setback and height requirements, aligning with ordinance criteria for oversized accessory structures. The Planning Commission had previously reviewed and recommended approval. No questions were raised by council members.

Resolution Governing Right-in Vote Counting for the City of Oakdale

4-1 Approved

Dissent: Council Member Morham (implied 'no' vote based on comment, although the final stated vote tally was 'I opposed no')

Moved by Unknown [23:58] · Seconded by Unknown [24:06]

City Administrator Chris Fulus presented a proposed resolution regarding right-in vote counting for the 2024 elections, based on Minnesota Statute Section 204B.09 subdivision 3. The resolution dictates that write-in votes for an individual candidate will only be recorded by the county (which manages Oakdale's elections) if the total number of write-in votes for that office is equal to or greater than the fewest number of votes for one of the balloted candidates. Council Member morham stated a personal preference for the current method and a general aversion to new rules without a problem, but supported the motion.

The tax payment would be used to pay the debt service on bonds to fund the construction of four projects these projects are the willbrook commons trails open space and parking area.

Kyle [2:19]
Property Tax Abatements for The Springs at Willbrook

The mechanics of the tax AB bment will put aside a piece of the city's share of taxes received from the indicated parcel to pay for the related abatement bonds. This does not affect the amount of taxes levied against the parcel and the parcel's tax statement will not show any different than prior to the tax payment.

Kyle [2:51]
Property Tax Abatements for The Springs at Willbrook

These projects are the Public Works facility the police expansion Remodel and the City Hall renovation.

Kyle [5:51]
Preliminary Approval to Issue Capital Improvement Bonds and Related Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

Total estimated costs of the three projects uh is currently around 66 million over the course of years 2024 through 2028 of that the capital Improvement bonds are estimated to fund 25 million.

Kyle [6:16]
Preliminary Approval to Issue Capital Improvement Bonds and Related Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

This resolution would also set a not to exceed of 30 million for the capital Improvement Bond portion.

Kyle [7:12]
Preliminary Approval to Issue Capital Improvement Bonds and Related Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

Before you tonight is the uh Walton Park um Ballfield lighting upgrade to LED um this is a project that um would replace the current uh high pressure sodium lights that have been that were installed in the late 1980s.

Kevin W [16:39]
Award of Bid for Walton Park Ballfield Lighting Upgrade to LED

I know we've had a very wet summer and being able to do work high in the air probably depends on having Solid Ground is there a chance if it doesn't dry out that this might not actually get done this fall?

Council Member Morham [19:02]
Award of Bid for Walton Park Ballfield Lighting Upgrade to LED

We're certainly hopeful things will dry out but yes there's always that risk if if we can't we don't want to do more damage um to the soil and to the ground in the event that you know it is too wet.

Kevin W [19:13]
Award of Bid for Walton Park Ballfield Lighting Upgrade to LED

The property is located in the R4 middle density uh zoning District where sheds may be allowed up to 120 square feet by right and larger sheds are allowed through the conditional use permit process here the applicant is seeking approval for a shed that is planned to be 180 Square ft.

Max [21:07]
Conditional Use Permit for Oversized Accessory Building at 4603 Hillville Way North

The resolution that we're proposing governs that um we will or we meaning the county who manages our elections let me be clear on that that um the city of Oakdale only requires that WR in votes for an individual candidate be recorded if the total number of WR in votes for that office is equal to um or greater than the fewest number of WR in votes for one of the balloted candidates.

Chris Fulus [23:10]
Resolution Governing Right-in Vote Counting for the City of Oakdale

Personally I don't see a problem with the the way we do it currently um and I'm usually a big fan of government not passing new rules if there's not actually a problem.

Council Member Morham [24:14]
Resolution Governing Right-in Vote Counting for the City of Oakdale
Source document

[0:10] all right we're going to go ahead and call to order the regular meeting of the Oakdale city council July 23rd 2024

[0:15] Sarah will you take the role council member her here council member Ina britson here council member morham here

[0:21] council member will bring here mayor zabble here please join me in the Pledge of

[0:27] Allegiance I pledge of aliance to the flag of the United States of America and

[0:33] to the Republic for it stands one nation God indivisible with liberty and justice

[0:40] for all all

[0:46] righty first up on the agenda tonight is approval of the agenda council members no changes in front of us so can I get a

[0:51] motion so moved there's a motion to approve the agenda is presented can I get a second second motion a second all

[0:57] those in favor say I I oppose and the agenda is adopted next up uh we have

[1:03] approval of the minutes first is Workshop meeting minutes from July 9th 2024 uh council members any changes or

[1:10] Corrections I'll look for motion so moved there's a motion is there second second motion a second any comments all

[1:17] those in favor say I I opposed and the minutes are adopted next up we have regular meeting minutes from July 9th

[1:24] 20124 council members any changes or Corrections look for motion they moved

[1:29] there's a motion is there second second it got really bright in here we're missing one more set I look better with

[1:35] a tan there we are thank you sunglass next

[1:41] meeting all right I heard a motion I heard a second any comments all those in favor say I oppose and the regular

[1:47] meeting minutes from July 9th 2024 are adopted next up we have a couple public hearings in front of us tonight first

[1:54] dealing with property tax abatements Chris do we have a staff presentation Finance director k Jessica

[2:05] welcome uh good evening mayor council uh this public hearing is for the

[2:10] consideration of a tax abatement on the listed apartment parcel uh the Springs at willbrook uh within the willbrook

[2:19] development the tax payment would be used to pay the debt service on bonds to

[2:25] fund the construction of four projects these projects are the willbrook commons trails open space and parking

[2:32] area the city is responsible for the construction of multiple parks and amenities uh in the willbrook

[2:38] neighborhood for the master plan unit development agreement including these four projects are estimated to cost 5

[2:46] million with uh 1.75 million funded uh through the tax payment bonds the

[2:51] remaining through the park Capital fund the mechanics of the tax AB bment will put aside a piece of the city's share of

[2:58] taxes received from the indicated parcel to pay for the related abatement bonds

[3:04] this does not affect the amount of taxes levied against the parcel and the parcel's tax statement will not show any

[3:10] different than prior to the tax payment parcel is chosen as it is directly

[3:16] benefits uh from the willb projects and its annual tax payments meet the requirements for The Debt Service on a

[3:23] uh $1,750,000 Bond uh note this has been a summary review of the tax batement attached to

[3:30] tonight's agenda as a PowerPoint with additional information uh along with prior briefings with City Council on the

[3:36] subject including at the March 12th Workshop uh finally after the stated

[3:41] public hearing Council will consider the attached resolution approving the tax abatement if approved bonds would be L

[3:49] uh issued later in 2024 and with that I stand for any questions council members any questions

[3:55] for Kyle all right at this time I'm going to go ahead and open the public hearing um

[4:00] we propose property tax abatements uh for the purpose of issuing tax abatement bonds to finance certain public

[4:07] improvements at this time if anybody in the audience would like to comment on this specific um item please feel free

[4:14] to step up to the podium state your name and address for the record and proceed with your

[4:20] comments seeing none I'm going to go ahead and close the public hearing and bring it back for Council consideration uh council members let's

[4:28] get a motion and then we can go into questions or comments um can I get a motion I'll make a motion to wave

[4:34] reading and adopt resolution 2024 63 approving property tax abatements there's a motion is there a second

[4:41] second motion a second uh any comments or questions hearing none all those in

[4:47] favor say I I opposed and resolution 2024 63 is approved do we is there a

[4:53] second one there uh second item this top one

[5:01] um that is this right but there SE separate recommendation here I don't no

[5:08] but the first recommendation is not a it's not a resolution it's just having the public hearing fair enough okay

[5:14] right I'm looking at legal yeah yeah we'll go with that okay sometimes we just we'll figure it

[5:20] out as we go public hearing Item B Kyle do we have a presentation on that as well yes uh mayor take it away the next

[5:27] public hearing is to consider two items first one preliminary approval to issue Capital Improvement bonds uh the second

[5:34] one is to consider approval of the related Capital Improvement plan or CIP note that this CIP reference

[5:41] throughout the process is uh not our full comprehensive CIP that the city approves annually uh this CIP is

[5:48] specifically uh for the projects to be financed through the capital Improvement bonds uh these projects are the Public

[5:55] Works facility the police expansion Remodel and the City Hall renovation

[6:00] uh this this CIP is set up to meet State statutes to issue the capital Improvement

[6:06] bonds and has been reviewed by the city's Bond attorney uh the CIP is available for public viewing for the

[6:12] hearing notice total estimated costs of the three projects uh is currently

[6:18] around 66 million over the course of years 2024 through

[6:23] 2028 of that the capital Improvement bonds are estimated to fund 25 million

[6:29] uh 8 million for the public works 5 million for the police and 12 million for the city hall the remaining funding

[6:34] for the project is through Local Sales Tax Grants and other sources uh note this has been a summary

[6:41] review attached to tonight's agenda is a PowerPoint with detailed information along with the CIP referenced uh Council

[6:49] has also been briefed on this subject including at the March 12th and May 14th workshops after the public hearing

[6:55] Council will consider the attached resolution approving the C IP and giving

[7:01] preliminary approval to issue Capital Improvement bonds if approved the city would then

[7:06] issue the bonds over the next few years based on each Project's budget and schedule this resolution would also set

[7:14] a not to exceed of 30 million for the capital Improvement Bond portion note this uh note the

[7:20] preliminary approval on the capital Improvement Bond issuance uh at Future

[7:26] the actual issuances would follow similar pass practice practice and come back to council with that I stand for any

[7:33] questions council members any questions for Kyle on this item saying none at this time I'm going

[7:40] to go ahead and open the public hearing for this specific agenda item if anybody in the audience would like to speak on

[7:45] um the intent to issue General Obligations uh Capital Improvement bonds please feel free to step up to the

[7:51] podium sh share your name and address for the record and proceed with your

[7:57] comments saying none I'm going to go ahead and close the public hearing and bring it back for a council consideration uh council members any

[8:03] final questions or comments I'll look for motion I'll make a motion to wave reading and adopt resolution

[8:17] 2024-the second motion a second final comments all those in favor say I I opposed and

[8:25] resolution 2024 64 is approved next up is our opportunity to move into or next

[8:31] up is open Forum an opportunity for anybody in the audience that would like to share any comments that are on their mind please feel free to step up to the

[8:37] podium state your name and address for the record proceed with your comments um our house rules for open Forum ask you

[8:43] to please keep your comments to three minutes or so um any questions directed at the city council won't necessarily be

[8:49] responded to um at the moment but we can send them over to our city staff for further investigation welcome thank you um good

[8:58] evening all of you my name is Laura last name fener maker and um I'm here to talk to you

[9:04] briefly get your address for the record sure 7559 5th Street North in Oakdale

[9:11] 55128 thank you and unfortunately my computer is circling I had my comments

[9:17] on a Word document I'll do my best um anyways I'm here and so are some other

[9:23] people um we are all members of the LA Fitness here in Oakdale and um we're very concerned

[9:28] because there are rumors that the LA Fitness is closing and I think all of you are aware of that as well I did send

[9:35] you an email last Thursday and thank you mayor for responding and I did talk to council member her on the phone um you

[9:42] know it is the only Club in Oakdale that offers all of the things that it does it

[9:49] has the pool I swim five times a week and most of the people that are here are swimmers um anytime that you come to the

[9:56] to the gym you will see at least three times a week that there are classes and there are minimally

[10:01] 35 primarily women but also men who were taking those you know aquasize classes

[10:07] and then on Saturday is usually the bigger day and sometimes you can see as many as 50 in there um so the membership

[10:15] is concerned I did go around and started to get petitions and sign um membership

[10:20] signing a petition I only got to about 35 people and then the staff at LA Fitness told me to stop may I may I uh

[10:27] please hand it to our city okay um anyway I would have gotten you a lot more there is a lot of concern um so

[10:36] location it's a fantastic location we have members that come as far as New Richmond Wisconsin that particular

[10:42] member works out seven days a week he's there at 5:00 a.m. um so location

[10:48] location location as we all know when you're looking at a house they tell you you know to look at property and look at

[10:53] the value of it and see where it is and the location location location it's an awesome location it's accessible and um

[10:59] the amenities again back to the amenities it has a pool it has a racket ball um it has racketball courts it has

[11:05] a basketball court it has a spinning room and then it has two rooms for classes and then it has all the

[11:11] equipment so not there's nowhere else you can go for that you can go into Woodberry and you can pay so our

[11:17] membership is around anywhere between $43 and $50 a month it's outstanding um

[11:23] if you were to go to La if to Lifetime Fitness um their membership is $150 65

[11:29] if you go to the YMCA in um Woodberry the membership for one adult is $75 and

[11:35] that does not include tax and it's $120 for a family so um so the economics for

[11:43] us as members is very beneficial as well um so amenities economics accessibility

[11:51] location um we're just really here to find out what you know too I know that I was told

[11:58] that I can ask questions but I am interested in knowing what you do know and I had emailed you to see if your

[12:03] staff has reached out I even reached out to um Fitness International in Irvine California to see if I could get any

[12:10] other kind of answer you know it was just a standard you know we close some we open some um we're concerned because

[12:16] the Roseville one has closed the maple one is not as not as you know adequate

[12:21] it doesn't have all of the amenities that the other one does um they did say somebody has said that they are closing

[12:27] down and they're redoing it I don't know what that means um so anyway there's

[12:34] that I'm sorry that my document is not working um the last thing I would just say is I don't know if there's any you

[12:40] know tax increment financing on this kind of a thing that you can do tax abatement um I looked up what tax

[12:45] abatement and tax increment financing is I don't know if that's something on the front end of a project that has to be

[12:51] done I don't know if any of you can you know get in touch with whoever owns um

[12:56] you know that LA Fitness Fitness International talk to them and see what they can tell you I know the staff is

[13:02] concerned I can tell you that our membership is 800 plus I asked one of the staff people on a on one daily you

[13:09] know just a daily number and she said yes a daily number is we've had 800

[13:14] people in here on a daily basis so um that's what I guess I would ask you and

[13:19] I I would really love it I I don't know in this setting um do you not answer any

[13:25] questions and okay so then how do you go about communicating with you in terms of a response as to what you guys are doing

[13:32] if you would like to stay until the end of the meeting we can chat um about what we know um but as I said during open

[13:39] Forum we don't engage in conversation on topics raised okay Mr Mayor

[13:45] if um we do follow up so staff will follow up with you and and share what we

[13:51] have called them and we'll talk to you about that okay perfect I really appreciate your time thank you so much

[13:56] thank you is there anybody else that would like to speak under open form tonight please feel free to step up to the

[14:04] podium seeing none we're going to keep things moving and go into our consensus

[14:10] motions in front of us tonight we have a through e council members are there any that you would like to pull for

[14:15] individual consideration seeing none can I get a motion make a motion to approve

[14:21] consensus motions A3 e is presented there's a motion is there a second second motion and a second all those in

[14:26] favor say I I oppose consensus motion a through e are pres uh approved as

[14:31] presented next up is our opportunity to check in with our advisory boards and commissions we had a couple uh in the

[14:37] last few weeks first up Planning Commission council member anger britson is their liaison they met on July 11th

[14:42] Jake any update uh just uh the item on the agenda tonight the Murray conditional use permit and then uh we

[14:51] there was a discussion about the development uh on the city-owned property at Tanner

[14:56] Lake excellent I know I'll just dig a little bit deeper I'm not supposed to I know that is we all know that as a topic

[15:03] of great interest to that area um it is working its way through the process there have been I want to clear up some

[15:09] um misinformation out there there have been no scheduled Chris I'm looking at you no scheduled city council action on

[15:15] that as of today um so it's still working its way through the process so

[15:21] um parks and rec council member morham you are there Le yeah know it was a good

[15:26] meeting for Parks mer commission uh we talked about the master Parks plan that's in process right now shared

[15:32] concept plans at a very rough draft level on what we want our parks to look

[15:37] like across Oakdale and so it looks at uh playground amenities um all kinds of

[15:43] open space but we've got 27 28 parks in Oakdale uh we want to have a long range

[15:49] plan for what we want to invest in those Parks what we want them to look like so right now there is uh surveys open on

[15:55] the city website for every park across Oakdale and I encourage anyone uh who's seeing this now please take a minute go

[16:02] and fill out some information about what you'd like to see in those parks and the commission is going to get to weigh in

[16:07] again the city council will weigh in but that survey is open through August 31st I believe but that is the primary topic

[16:15] we covered that is a very important Endeavor our city is undertaking right now so as council member morham said

[16:22] public uh involvement is very important uh Awards of bid or Award of

[16:27] bids there we go we we have one tonight uh city project

[16:33] 20243 up to you all right interum Public Works director Kevin W welcome yeah

[16:39] thank you mayor and Council uh before you tonight is the uh Walton Park um Ballfield lighting upgrade to LED um

[16:47] this is a project that um would replace the current uh high pressure sodium

[16:53] lights that have been that were installed in the late 1980s um this is an upgrade to a full LED

[16:59] um lighting system within that complex um it's the main pin wheel complex it's

[17:05] Fields 1 through four uh with the concession stand in the middle closest to Hadley um this project was bid into

[17:12] two separate um categories one was the material the actual lights themselves we

[17:18] had two people bid on that um and then the other one was the actual labor the installation to install the product

[17:23] which was um two people bid on or two companies bid on that as well

[17:30] um the project timeline uh if approved would start after the um adult softball

[17:35] league which is severely behind with all the rain so um we're looking at later this summer or early fall um to start

[17:43] and then be completed this year as well um this project here obviously will enhance um the use that people use those

[17:51] facilities for with a with a much greater LED component versus these high- press sodiums which aren't reliable and

[17:57] old technology and stuff um so staff recommends um approving and

[18:02] going with the low bid in each of these categories um and also we're going to amend the budget the budget for this C

[18:08] this CIP expense was 500,000 and uh we're amending it to more in line with

[18:13] where we're at which is $415,000 and the breakdown is uh the two

[18:18] different uh bid amounts as well as Professional Services which uh Council

[18:24] approved the um project manager earlier this year to oversee this project which we think that helped in um bringing the

[18:31] bud the the amount way under budget with their help and then as well as some contingency um the one thing to note we

[18:38] are going to use the existing uh light poles uh if we can but there's some contingency rolled in there if we can't

[18:44] and we find the polls some of the other poles are bad or the bases need to be replaced so that total project cost is

[18:50] around 415,000 well within the budget so there's an amendment to that as well in

[18:55] here and I'll stand for any questions council members any questions for chief wal yeah just one question I know we've

[19:02] had a very wet summer and being able to do work high in the air probably depends on having Solid Ground is there a chance

[19:09] if it doesn't dry out that this might not actually get done this fall you know we're confident that um we have to do

[19:15] some prep especially in the outfields um where they uh some of the tree areas in

[19:21] order for to get some equipment back there but uh we're certainly hopeful things will dry out but yes there's always that risk if if we can't we don't

[19:27] want to do more damage um to the soil and to the ground in the event that you

[19:33] know it is too wet so we'll keep monitoring that and and hopefully it'll dry out sure and as a followup to that

[19:38] if for some reason it doesn't happen this fall with the bids still hold through the winter and into the

[19:45] spring um that's a great question and I can follow up with that but um I I think

[19:51] we would have some struggles with that so we need to address that so we're going to hope we can get it done this year yeah well I mean given the good

[19:57] work that's uh being done I have no problem with what's being presented it was just curious so thank you y thank

[20:03] you council members any other questions I'll look for motion I'll make a motion to wave reading and adopt resolution

[20:15] 2024-25 d03 Walton Ballfield lighting upgrade to LED authorizing the mayor and City

[20:22] administrator authority to execute applicable agreements and to amend the budget to 415 000 there's a motion is

[20:30] there a second second motion second any final conversation looking none all those in

[20:36] favor say I I opposed and that bid is awarded thank you Chief thank you uh

[20:42] next up we are under staff report uh checking in with Community Development first we have one item

[20:48] tonight Max

[20:54] welcome thank you and good evening mayor and Council uh before tonight is a request by Jacob Murray for an oversized

[21:02] shed at the applicant's property at 4603 hillville Way North the property is

[21:07] located in the R4 middle density uh zoning District where sheds may be

[21:12] allowed up to 120 square feet by right and larger sheds are allowed through the

[21:18] conditional use permit process here the applicant is seeking approval for a shed that is planned to be 180 Square ft uh

[21:25] rather than the allowed 120 square ft based on the applicant's plans the shed appears to meet all setback and height

[21:32] requirements as well as the specific criteria laid out in the ordinance for oversized accessory structures as a

[21:38] result staff is recommending approval Additionally the Planning Commission did hear this request earlier this month at

[21:44] the July 11th Planning Commission meeting during this meeting the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval

[21:50] of the request uh with that I'm happy to take any questions with regard to this request council members any questions

[21:56] from Max all right let's get to the recommendation I'll make a motion to wave reading and adopt resolution

[22:03] 202462 approving conditional use permit for an oversized accessory building at

[22:08] 4603 hillville Way North subject to conditions there's a motion is there a second second motion a second final

[22:15] comments all those in favor say I I opposed and that conditional use permit is approved thank you Max uh next is our

[22:23] opportunity to check with our City attorney Rachel tney Rachel thanks for joining us tonight thank you it's lovely

[22:29] to be here I don't have anything to share with you today council members any questions for Rachel all right and turn

[22:35] to your right and we will check in with our city administrator M vkr hi mayor council I have one item on the agenda it

[22:42] is um a proposed resolution if for your consideration to govern the right and vote counting um for the elections in

[22:50] 2024 and and essentially what it is is is 2023 legislature Minnesota

[22:56] Legislature Min they passed min statute section 204b .09 subdivision 3 which authorized

[23:04] the city to um approve a resolution governing the counting of right in votes

[23:10] um we are proposing that resolution which is before you today the resolution that we're proposing governs that um we

[23:18] will or we meaning the county who manages our elections let me be clear on that that um the city of Oakdale only

[23:26] requires that WR in votes for an individual candidate be recorded if the total number of WR in votes for that

[23:33] office is equal to um or greater than the fewest number

[23:39] of WR in votes for one of the balloted candidates so essentially The Proposal

[23:44] before you is that the right in votes will not be counted unless that condition

[23:50] occurs that is what um is on for your consideration today council members any questions for

[23:56] Chris look for a motion make a motion to wave reading and adopt resolution 202

[24:02] 2-60 governing right-in vote counting for the city of Oakdale there's a motion is there a second second motion a second

[24:09] any comments I'm going to make one comment I'm going to vote now you know it's

[24:14] personally I don't see a problem with the the way we do it currently um and I'm usually a big fan of government not

[24:21] passing new rules if there's not actually a problem so um that's just a personal thing for me I think the way we do it works but that's how it works

[24:29] um there's motion as there second all those in favor say I I opposed no uh and

[24:35] resolution o 2022 60 should that be 2024 202 24- 60 is the resolution you have

[24:42] inform just a little typo on the agenda okay 202 24-6 I I read it as it's on the agenda

[24:48] so good catch thought I was having a flashback there to a few years

[24:54] ago uh that resolution is um approved 4 to1 Council presentations council

[25:00] members we got anything tonight let's check down here Noah yeah U Mr Mayor um

[25:05] I would just like to share uh in this public meeting that um it is with a

[25:10] heavy heart that I would like to announce that I will not be seeking election uh this fall and that um those

[25:17] who are interested I would highly encourage you to um take that leap of

[25:22] faith and you know test out this uh civil work of uh trying to do some work

[25:27] on ided on behalf of the residents uh of the city of Oakdale I've learned a lot

[25:33] um through uh this process I've uh grown a lot uh I've made some great relationships with my fellow councel

[25:39] members here um and that would be my you know big uh advocacy right now is really

[25:45] to say hey July 30th uh it's going to open up for uh candidates to put in

[25:51] their um name in the hand to run for the seat and I would encourage everyone to do so um you know the one

[25:59] comment that I would add in addition is you know let's get more people of color up here you know we need people who can

[26:06] bring a different and a different voice a diverse voice uh to help um bring some

[26:12] different perspective um it's always nice to think that you can come in here and do something and be a game changer

[26:19] but at the end of the day um you know there there's more than that and and I think uh that's what I've learned in my

[26:26] time here is uh learning to have a unified voice uh learning to find Common

[26:31] Grounds where we can uh work together um and so it's uh been my honor and um I

[26:37] want to thank uh the residents of Oakdale for allowing me this chance to serve in this capacity and I also want

[26:44] to thank these uh four great individuals for trusting me and and appointing me to

[26:50] this seat um I really appreciate uh the trust that you guys had bestowed on me

[26:57] um and it's a lesson that I will take on uh into my future uh careers uh Chris

[27:02] fulus you're an amazing City administrator and thank you so much for everything that you've done to um walk

[27:10] alongside me and and help me get um acquainted and and into the groove of

[27:17] being a council member um I think I wouldn't be able to do this job if if there wasn't you here so I I really mean

[27:23] that and um whoever is looking to run learn to become Chris's best friend does

[27:29] it it it does it does help you know having having that relationship does can

[27:35] I second that motion and and so it is with that uh you

[27:40] know my I'm not sure what my future holds uh but I do want to make that public announcement that I will not be

[27:46] seeking uh election so thank you Kevin for the time uh Susie anything actually

[27:52] yeah I would like to say to Noah that it was a pleasure meeting you and getting to know you you and working with you I'm

[28:00] sad to see you go but I wish you the best thank you soon he let's not say our goodbyes yet he has a lot of work to do

[28:06] yes yes yes I'm just said we we got some more work to get out of him before he

[28:12] leaves nobody gets to leave [Laughter] yet uh thank you did you have anything

[28:17] else you wanted to come no I'm good thanks okay thanks suie uh Jake Randy and I guess for me just piggybacking on

[28:24] Noah and you know a comment to Noah and everybody up here it's it's good that you know the friction has been minimal

[28:31] um I would tell anybody who's thinking about running for city council um you

[28:37] know if you have that axe to grind if you're going to run great but leave that axe at home CU we've got work you've got

[28:45] work to do and the biggest thing here is that everybody get along you know we can

[28:52] disagree and we often do but you know when when when when the majority votes a

[28:59] certain way we put it behind us and move forward and that's uh that would be that

[29:05] would be my message to anybody thinking about running so and you want to be Chris's best friend too

[29:12] so um but uh yeah no it's been a pleasure and uh Jake I have a feeling

[29:18] I'll still see a lot of you for better or worse so always for

[29:24] better anything else Jake nope Andy no thanks no for the the heads up appreciate it I'm not saying my goodbyes

[29:31] yet because we will cover that in December yes that's what we do around here um but I do have some City

[29:37] announcements that um staff wants me to cover first reminder Oakdale Farmers Market continues every Wednesday from

[29:43] 2:00 to 6 p.m. in the City Hall Parking Lot through mid- October our outstanding local vendors have all kinds of products

[29:49] Sweet Treats produce flowers uh most times you can get your knives sharpened out there there's usually a food truck

[29:55] um you can chat with City staff there's a lot going on so please come come out uh come on out every Wednesday 2: to 6:00 p.m. City Hall parking lot it's a

[30:01] lot of fun uh we're halfway through our summer concert series so bring your lawn chairs to the Walton Bandell every

[30:06] Wednesday uh at 7 p.m right after the farmers market wraps up to enjoy the following live music performances uh

[30:12] tomorrow we have the beat Nick Brothers playing hits from the 50s 60s and 70s uh

[30:18] next Wednesday we hit on July 31st we have the bazillions a show for kids and families and then on August 7th we have

[30:24] the backyard band playing danceable rock and roll and country so that's always a good time I don't think any have gotten

[30:31] rained out this year right I don't think so knock on wood um no it looks like a

[30:38] lot of people have had fun at the summer concert series so please continue to join us at the ball uh if you have an interest in Civic

[30:45] engagement serving the community consider applying for a city advisory body we have openings on our Economic

[30:50] Development commission and the Environmental Management commission uh each commission meets eight times per year to learn more and apply visit the

[30:56] city website Oakdale lemon .ov uh finally it's hard to believe but night to un night is just two weeks away uh

[31:03] taking place on Tuesday August 6th this is a great opportunity to host a neighborhood gathering with a visit from

[31:09] the Oakdale Police and Fire Departments to support uh safety and crime prevention uh if you plan to host an

[31:14] event please register on the city website at Oakdale m.gov by this Friday July

[31:19] 26th um that's always a a really fun night so last year it was a little rainy

[31:25] to start and then it cleared up and it was crazy humid but hopefully we're going to have beautiful weather this

[31:30] year always really nice to see neighborhoods getting together for that event um let's pay some bills we have a

[31:36] claims roster in front of us July 10th through July 23rd 2024 in the amount of 2.1 million in change council members

[31:43] can I get a motion make a motion to app approve claims as presented there's a motion is there a second second motion

[31:48] and a second any final comments all those in favor say I I opposed and the

[31:53] bills are paid can I get a motion to adjourn so mov there's a motion is there a second second motion a second all those in favor say I I opposed we are

[32:01] adjourned thank you and good night

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Other Topics from This Document

  • Capital Improvement Bonds and Plan (CIP)

  • Community Concern: LA Fitness Closure Rumors

  • Advisory Board Updates

  • Walton Park Ballfield Lighting Upgrade

  • Oversized Accessory Building Conditional Use Permit

  • Resolution Governing Right-in Vote Counting

  • Council Member Noah's Resignation Announcement

  • City Announcements

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