The Oakdale City Council accepted a $174,543 grant from the Metropolitan Council on Monday to remove and replace ash trees in targeted neighborhoods.

The community tree planting grant will fund the removal of 114 ash trees from census blocks with high supplemental demographic index scores and elevated land surface temperatures, according to Public Works Director Corey Teeth. The grant requires no local match and must be spent by June 30, 2027.

The city was one of 14 recipients selected from 30 applications for the competitive grant program, which targets municipal agencies impacted by trees lost to pests and disease. The funding will cover contractor work and operational expenses for both tree removal and replacement.

Council members also received results from the city's 2025A bond sale, which raised $1.6 million at a 4.02% interest rate. Finance Director Christina reported the sale received eight competitive bids, with Raymond James and Associates submitting the winning proposal. The bonds will fund street reconstruction, the public works facility, Willowbrook Park improvements and trails.

Mayor Kevin Zabel announced upcoming community events, including Family Fun Inflatables on Sept. 13 at Walton Park and the citywide cleanup event on Sept. 20 at Oakdale Public Works.