Oakdale Council Approves $25M Conduit Financing
The Oakdale City Council approved a conduit debt financing package of up to $25 million Monday for Ebenezer York Associate's Oak Meadows assisted living facility improvements.
The council unanimously passed Resolution 2025-100 following a public hearing on the tax-exempt bond issuance. The financing will fund deferred maintenance and upgrades at the facility at 8134 North Street, combined with another Ebenezer project in Edina. Brett Anderson, Ebenezer CEO, thanked the council during the public hearing and confirmed the organization operates as a for-profit entity that pays property taxes to the city.
The bonds are special limited revenue obligations that carry no liability for city taxpayers, with Ebenezer solely responsible for repayment. Under the city's conduit debt policy, Oakdale will collect an estimated $217,000 in fees from the transaction.
In other business, the council swore in Katie Rich as the newest council member, filling the seat vacated by Susan Willenbring's resignation in June. Rich will serve the remainder of the term through January 4, 2027.
The council also approved meeting minutes from October sessions and passed consent agenda items including Resolution 2025-102, which was added during the meeting.
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Summary
The Oakdale City Council held its regular meeting on November 10, 2025, addressing several routine matters and one significant appointment. The council approved conduit debt financing for Ebenezer York Associate's Oak Meadows assisted living facility, which will generate approximately $217,000 in fees for the city while requiring no taxpayer liability. The meeting concluded with the swearing-in of Katie Rich as a new council member to fill the vacancy left by Susan Willenbring's resignation in June. The meeting was relatively brief and procedural, with council members approving minutes from three previous meetings, consent motions, and a claims roster totaling $2.9 million. Mayor Zabel announced several upcoming community events, including the city's first-ever tree lighting ceremony on December 4th and the annual Winter Wonderland event on December 20th. The council also recognized Veterans Day and thanked election judges for their service during the recent election.
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Other Topics from This Document
Conduit Debt Financing for Oak Meadows Assisted Living Facility
The council held a public hearing and approved conduit revenue bonds up to $25 million for Ebenezer York Associate to finance improvements at Oak Meadows assisted living facility in Oakdale and York Gardens in Edina. The bonds carry no taxpayer liability and will generate approximately $217,000 in fees for the city. The financing will address deferred maintenance and upgrades at the facilities.
Appointment of Katie Rich to City Council
Katie Rich was appointed and sworn in as a new city council member to fill the vacancy created by Susan Willenbring's resignation in June. Rich will serve the remainder of the term ending January 4, 2027. The council initially forgot to formally vote on the appointment before administering the oath of office, requiring them to backtrack and complete the procedural step.
Community Events and Holiday Programming
Mayor Zabel announced several upcoming community events for the holiday season, including the city's first-ever tree lighting ceremony with Santa on December 4th at City Hall and the annual Winter Wonderland event on December 20th at Discovery Center. Additional events include the Oakdale Indoor Market on November 15th and the Art Discovery Fair on November 22nd, both offering opportunities for holiday shopping from local vendors and artists.
Veterans Day Recognition and Election Judge Appreciation
Mayor Zabel recognized Veterans Day, with city offices closing November 11th in observance, and expressed gratitude to all veterans, particularly those serving in city government. He also thanked election judges who served during the recent election, acknowledging their important but often thankless work in supporting democracy.
Routine Administrative Business
The council approved routine administrative matters including the meeting agenda (with amendment to add Resolution 2025-102), minutes from three previous meetings (October 28th workshop, October 28th regular meeting, and October 30th special workshop), consent motions A through J, and a claims roster totaling $2.9 million. The Planning Commission report indicated they reviewed a conditional use permit, rezoning for live-work units on Highway 36, and their 2026 work plan.
Annual Photo Contest Voting
Mayor Zabel announced that voting is open for Oakdale's annual photo contest through November 30th. Six finalists have been selected, and residents can vote for their favorite photo on the city's Facebook page. The top three photos with the most likes will be declared winners.
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