Oakdale approves $31.3M Public Works facility, largest project ever
The Oakdale City Council unanimously approved bids for the city's largest capital project—a new $31.3 million Public Works facility on Granada Avenue—and authorized placing a sales tax extension on the November ballot to cover inflation-driven cost increases.
The council's decision marks a historic milestone for the growing city. The facility, which will serve residents and visitors for decades, is expected to break ground in late September 2024 and open in November 2025. The project includes a 22-foot fleet storage addition and a fuel island, and the city acquired the Granada Avenue site with 3M retaining environmental responsibility.
To manage the project's complexity, the council unanimously granted the City Administrator authority to approve individual change orders up to $100,000 without requiring full council approval. Don Tyson, the project's owner's representative, explained that construction management projects involve numerous contracts where a single decision can trigger multiple change orders. Any change order exceeding $100,000 or affecting the total project budget will still require council approval.
The council also unanimously approved placing two ballot questions before voters in the November 2024 general election. The measures would extend the existing local option sales tax from 25 to 30 years and increase funding by $9 million total—$6 million for the Public Works facility and $3 million for a police facility. City Administrator Chris Viken noted that inflation since the initial 2020 approval necessitated the extension and increase. Importantly, if voters approve the measure, about 50% of the additional cost will be borne by non-residents shopping in Oakdale, reducing the burden on local property taxpayers.
In other business, the council welcomed Jake Foster as the new Assistant City Administrator, a position vacant since 2017. Foster brings experience from Watertown, Lake Elmo, and Chanhaska and is returning to the east Metro area. Mayor Zuel emphasized that the position addresses a significant need created by the city's recent growth.
The council also recognized two retiring commissioners: Dave Helper, who retired from the Economic Development Commission, and Bonnie Wilson, who completed six years on the Environmental Management Commission, where she contributed to the Green Step Cities program and an EV-ready Community Study.
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Other Topics from This Document
Local Option Sales Tax Extension for Facilities
City Administrative Appointments and Delegated Authority
Community Engagement and Commission Updates
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