The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission elected Commissioner Gerding as chair and Commissioner Dittle as vice chair for 2025 during their February 10 meeting at City Hall.

The commission spent considerable time planning their first-ever EcoFair, scheduled for April and coinciding with Arbor Day activities. Staff member Hannah reported that vendor coordination is progressing, with promotional materials and flyers to be developed in the coming weeks. The indoor event will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with one food truck stationed outside.

Commissioners discussed various promotional strategies for the EcoFair, including road signage, partnerships with local churches and the chamber of commerce, and outreach through radio stations serving diverse communities. The commission also explored kid-friendly activities such as composting demonstrations and nature-based crafts like bird feeder construction.

The commission adopted their 2025 drain cleaning schedule, continuing their voluntary program to maintain three city drains throughout the year. Individual commissioners will take responsibility for clearing debris from drains in the city hall and Walton Park parking lots during assigned months.

Mayor Zabel provided updates on city developments, including the new Public Works campus where walls went up that day, and the Metro Gold Line bus rapid transit service beginning March 22. The commission also discussed their annual environmental communication strategy, considering topics like water conservation and home energy audits for their 2025 editorial calendar.