Hannah Dunn

The City Council meeting addressed various municipal matters, including the renewal of liquor licenses, approval of noise variances for the Summerfest event, and a delay in the effective date for repealing the ordinance on THC consumable products. Key actions included approving 2026 work plans for advisory commissions, authorizing the issuance of solid waste hauler licenses, making appointments for Public Works and Street Maintenance positions, and awarding a contract for streetlight supplies. The Council also approved a resolution to apply for a state outdoor recreation grant for Tanners Lake Park improvements and discussed budgetary and operational updates for ongoing city projects.

The council agenda and supporting materials cover a variety of administrative and operational items, including the approval of liquor license renewals, noise variances for the Summerfest event, and the delay of the repeal date for THC consumable product ordinances. Additional actions include appointing a Public Works Operations Manager and a Street Maintenance Worker, awarding a contract for streetlight poles and fixtures, authorizing grant applications for Tanners Lake Park, and approving work plans for city advisory commissions. The document also includes minutes from previous workshops and meetings detailing development concept plans, budget carryforwards, and affordable housing aid agreements.

The meeting discussions centered on the 2026 annual work plan, future direction for the commission, and extensive planning for the upcoming Eco Fair, including vendor organization and a clothing swap. Key agenda items also included reviewing the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, evaluating the 2025 Washington County Recycling Grant projects, and strategizing on potential 2026 projects such as park recycling and compost promotion. The commission discussed the 2026 environmental communications strategy and editorial calendar, the Adopt-a-Drain schedule for Richard Walton Park, and proposed amendments to City Code Chapter 24 regarding turf grass height and native plantings. Additionally, updates were provided on the City Hall remodel, park playground accessibility, and public works facility construction.

The Regular Meeting agenda included a proclamation supporting the Just Deeds Coalition. Key consensus motions involved the appointment of Mikaela Huot as a full-time probationary Finance Director effective April 20, 2026, and authorization for the Mayor and City Administrator to execute the Development Agreement for Oakdale Garage Lofts. The Council was set to address award of bids, staff reports on Community Development regarding a Conditional Use Permit for an oversized accessory structure at 7684 Stillwater Way North, and Engineering reports concerning the approval of plans and specifications for several 2026 street reconstruction, overlay, and repaving projects. The Administrator's report included approving Amendment #1 to the BKV Group Professional Services Contract for the Police Expansion and City Hall project. Claims totaling $1,271,072.71 for the period February 25, 2026, to March 10, 2026, were recommended for approval.

This document outlines the City of Oakdale's legislative priorities for 2026, categorized into Oakdale-focused, East Metro-focused, and statewide initiatives. Key priorities include infrastructure projects such as the 40th Street Pedestrian Bridge, water main replacement, and Interstate 694 noise walls, alongside seeking sales tax exemptions for city construction. East Metro priorities focus on the State Highway 36 and Highway 120 interchange, water quality, funding for the East Metro Public Safety Training Facility, and addressing arbitrary population forecast freezes. Statewide priorities supported include law enforcement recruitment and retention, mental health response, increased Municipal State Aid and Local Government Aid, substantial bonding for infrastructure, addressing ambulance service costs, and granting cities broadband franchising authority.