Oak Grove City Council meeting, July 28, 2025

Motions and votes

7 motions on the record.

• M1MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEST TO APPROVE THE REGULAR AGENDA AS PRESENTED.

  Exact transcript text

  MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEST TO APPROVE THE REGULAR AGENDA AS PRESENTED.

  moved by WEST, seconded by TRADEWELL

  Passed

  MOTION CARRIED 4-0.

  p. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEST TO APPROVE THE REGULAR AGENDA AS PRESENTED. SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER TRADEWELL. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.

• M2MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER TRADEWELL TO APPROVE THE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FOR JULY 14, 2025.

  Exact transcript text

  MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER TRADEWELL TO APPROVE THE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FOR JULY 14, 2025.

  moved by TRADEWELL, seconded by WYLIE

  Passed

  MOTION CARRIED (4-0).

  p. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER TRADEWELL TO APPROVE THE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FOR JULY 14, 2025. SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER WYLIE. MOTION CARRIED (4-0).

• M3MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEST TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS A, B, C.

  moved by WEST, seconded by WYLIE

  Passed

  MOTION CARRIED (4-0).

  p. 2↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEST TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS A, B, C. SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER WYLIE. MOTION CARRIED (4-0).

• M4MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WYLIE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-101 DENYING THE APPLICATION OF JERRY BAUER FOR A VARIANCE RELATING TO A CUL-DE-SAC THAT IS PROPOSED TO BE SHORTER THAN ALLOWED FOR THE PROPOSED SUBDIVISION TO BE NAMED WICKSTROM ESTATES SOUTH LOCATED AT PID 06-33-24-31-0002.

  Exact transcript text

  MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WYLIE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-101 DENYING THE APPLICATION OF JERRY BAUER FOR A VARIANCE RELATING TO A CUL-DE-SAC THAT IS PROPOSED TO BE SHORTER THAN ALLOWED FOR THE PROPOSED SUBDIVISION TO BE NAMED WICKSTROM ESTATES SOUTH LOCATED AT PID 06-33-24-31-0002.

  moved by WYLIE, seconded by WEST

  Passed

  • NTRADEWELL

  p. 2↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WYLIE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-101 DENYING THE APPLICATION OF JERRY BAUER FOR A VARIANCE RELATING TO A CUL-DE-SAC THAT IS PROPOSED TO BE SHORTER THAN ALLOWED FOR THE PROPOSED SUBDIVISION TO BE NAMED WICKSTROM ESTATES SOUTH LOCATED AT PID 06-33-24-31-0002. SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEST. MOT…

• M5MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER TRADEWELL TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-105 AUTHORIZING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS PREPARATION FOR THE CEDAR DRIVE NW (SAP 223-103-002) IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AND TO INCLUDE THE EXTENSION ONTO SWAN LAKE DRIVE NW.

  Exact transcript text

  MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER TRADEWELL TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-105 AUTHORIZING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS PREPARATION FOR THE CEDAR DRIVE NW (SAP 223-103-002) IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AND TO INCLUDE THE EXTENSION ONTO SWAN LAKE DRIVE NW.

  moved by TRADEWELL, seconded by WYLIE

  Passed

  MOTION CARRIED (4-0).

  p. 3↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER TRADEWELL TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-105 AUTHORIZING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS PREPARATION FOR THE CEDAR DRIVE NW (SAP 223-103-002) IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AND TO INCLUDE THE EXTENSION ONTO SWAN LAKE DRIVE NW. SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER WYLIE. MOTION CARRIED (4-0).

• M6MOTION BY MAYOR ROLF, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WEST FOR THE COUNCIL TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION under MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 13D.05, SUBDIVISION 3(B) FOR AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT PROTECTED DISCUSSION WITH THE CITY'S ATTORNEY REGARDING THREATENED LITIGATION FROM THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES REGARDING MRTA, LLC'S TIMBERS HIDEAWAY DEVELOPMENT.

  Exact transcript text

  MOTION BY MAYOR ROLF, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WEST FOR THE COUNCIL TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION under MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 13D.05, SUBDIVISION 3(B) FOR AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT PROTECTED DISCUSSION WITH THE CITY'S ATTORNEY REGARDING THREATENED LITIGATION FROM THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES REGARDING MRTA, LLC'S TIMBERS HIDEAWAY DEVELOPMENT.

  moved by ROLF, seconded by WEST

  Passed

  MOTION CARRIED 4-0.

  p. 4↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025MOTION BY MAYOR ROLF, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WEST FOR THE COUNCIL TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION under MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 13D.05, SUBDIVISION 3(B) FOR AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT PROTECTED DISCUSSION WITH THE CITY'S ATTORNEY REGARDING THREATENED LITIGATION FROM THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES REGARDING MRTA, …

• M7MOTION TO ADJOURN MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WYLIE.

  moved by WYLIE, seconded by ROLF

  Passed

  MOTION CARRIED (4-0).

  p. 5↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025MOTION TO ADJOURN MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WYLIE. SECOND BY MAYOR ROLF. MOTION CARRIED (4-0). MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:36 PM.

What was on the agenda

20 items as recorded in the agenda and minutes, each with a short summary of what was at issue.

1. 1Call to Order

   Called to order at 6:00 PM.

   No action
   PDF↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agenda1\. CALL TO ORDERp. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025The Regular Meeting of the Oak Grove City Council was called to order by Mayor Rolf at 6:00 PM on Monday, July 28, 2025.

2. 2Pledge of Allegiance

   Pledge was said.

   No action
   p. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agenda2\. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEp. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025Pledge of Allegiance was said, and roll call taken.

3. 3Roll Call

   Roll call taken; Angie Bray Johnson absent.

   No action
   PDF↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agenda3\. ROLL CALLPDF↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025Present: Weston Rolf, Mayor Paul Tradewell, Council Member John West, Council Member Mike Wylie, Council MemberPDF↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025Absent: Angie Bray Johnson, Council Member

4. 4Announcements

   Closed session announced; mayor updated council on JLEC levy vote and noted 17% increase.

   • JLEC operating levy

   Discussion only
   PDF↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agenda4\. ANNOUNCEMENTSp. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025Mayor Rolf announced that there would be a closed session at the end of the meeting.p. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025He noted that they voted on the 2026 JLEC operating levy as presented. The increase is 17% for the year.

5. 5Setting of Regular Agenda

   Approved 4-0.

   Approved
   p. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agenda5\. SETTING OF REGULAR AGENDAp. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEST TO APPROVE THE REGULAR AGENDA AS PRESENTED. SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER TRADEWELL. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.

6. 6Public Forum

   Speakers are requested to come to the podium, state their name and address for the record, and limit their remarks to three minutes.

   Opened and closed; hearing none.

   No action
   p. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agenda6\. PUBLIC FORUM Speakers are requested to come to the podium, state their name and address for the record, and limit their remarks to three minutes.p. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025Mayor Rolf opened the Public Forum. Hearing none, he closed the public forum.

7. 7Approval of Council Minutes for July 14, 2025

   Approved 4-0.

   • Council minutes

   Approved
   p. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agenda7\. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES FOR JULY 14, 2025p. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER TRADEWELL TO APPROVE THE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FOR JULY 14, 2025. SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER WYLIE. MOTION CARRIED (4-0).

8. 8aAnoka County Sheriff's Office Monthly Report - June

   Monthly report presented; lieutenant reported June activity and announced Night to Unite (Aug 5).

   • Sheriff report
   • Public safety

   Discussion only
   p. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agendaa. Anoka County Sheriff's Office Monthly Report - Junep. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025Lieutenant Knotz reported that in June there were 282 calls for service, including 2 theft, 2 assault, 6 personal injury accident, 8 property damage accidents, 27 medicals, 28 animal complaints, 16 alarms, 3 gross misdemeanor arrests, 6 misdemeanor arrests, 4 DUI arrests, 2 domestic assault arrest, 2 warrant arrests, 1…p. 2↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025Lieutenant Knotz announced that Night to Unite would be on August 5th.

9. 9aConsent Agenda: Claims and Accounts

   Approved as part of one consent motion (A, B, C) carried 4-0.

   • Consent agenda
   • Claims

   Consent calendar
   PDF↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agenda9\. CONSENT AGENDA a. Claims and Accountsp. 2↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEST TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS A, B, C. SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER WYLIE. MOTION CARRIED (4-0).

10. 9bConsent Agenda: Resolution 2025-103 Bench Donation

    Approved as part of one consent motion (A, B, C) carried 4-0.

    • Consent agenda
    • Donation

    Consent calendar
    p. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agendab. Resolution 2025-103 Bench Donationp. 2↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025B. Resolution 2025-103 Bench Donation C. Resolution 2025-104 Funds Transfers - 2025 Budget MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEST TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS A, B, C. SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER WYLIE. MOTION CARRIED (4-0).

11. 9cConsent Agenda: Resolution 2025-104 Funds Transfers - 2025 Budget

    Approved as part of one consent motion (A, B, C) carried 4-0.

    • Consent agenda
    • Budget
    • Fund transfers

    Consent calendar
    p. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agendac. Resolution 2025-104 Funds Transfers - 2025 Budgetp. 2↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEST TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS A, B, C. SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER WYLIE. MOTION CARRIED (4-0).

12. 10aOld Business: Resolution 2025-101 Variance Denial - Bauer

    Council revisited the Bauer variance request that had previously been tabled after a 2-in-favor/2-abstentions vote, discussed the lack of new information and options to fit lots on the site (including concerns about emergency vehicle access), and ultimately adopted Resolution 2025-101 denying the variance for a shorter-than-allowed cul-de-sac for the proposed Wickstrom Estates South subdivision; the motion carried 3-1 with Tradewell opposed.

    Council adopted Resolution 2025-101 denying the variance; motion carried 3-1 (Tradewell no).

    • Variance
    • Wickstrom Estates South
    • Bauer

    Approved
    p. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agenda## 10. OLD BUSINESS a. Resolution 2025-101 Variance Denial - Bauerp. 2↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WYLIE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-101 DENYING THE APPLICATION OF JERRY BAUER FOR A VARIANCE RELATING TO A CUL-DE-SAC THAT IS PROPOSED TO BE SHORTER THAN ALLOWED FOR THE PROPOSED SUBDIVISION TO BE NAMED WICKSTROM ESTATES SOUTH LOCATED AT PID 06-33-24-31-0002. SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEST. MOT…

13. 11aFire Chief Updates

    Fire Department June statistics and upcoming events discussed; grant mentioned for EV fire blankets.

    • Fire Department
    • Grant

    Discussion only
    p. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agenda## 11. FIRE CHIEF a. Fire Chief Updatesp. 3↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025The statistics for the month of June included: 5 Building fires 1 MISC 1 Smoke Investigation 25 Medical calls 9 Motor vehicle accidents 1 Gas Leak/Explosion/Power line 2 Public assistance calls 1 Dispatched/Canceled/False Alarm 3 Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Detector 2 Special Incident Type 50 total calls for the month of Jun…p. 3↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025Chief Engler mentioned that the Fire Department received a grant from CenterPoint Energy and is planning on using the money for blankets to put over electric vehicles that are on fire.

14. 12aResolution 2025-105 Authorizing Plans and Specifications Preparation for the Cedar Drive NW (SAP 223-103-002) Improvement Project

    Council heard the engineer explain the plans and project cost (amount not stated in these minutes), noted some incorrect dates in the anticipated schedule, discussed adding an extension of at least 50 feet on Swan Lake Drive NW, and adopted Resolution 2025-105 to authorize plans and specifications preparation for the Cedar Drive NW improvement project including the Swan Lake Drive NW extension.

    Adopted; included extension onto Swan Lake Drive NW; carried 4-0.

    • Cedar Drive NW project
    • Engineering
    • Road improvement

    Approved
    p. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agendaa. Resolution 2025-105 Authorizing Plans and Specifications Preparation for the Cedar Drive NW (SAP 223-103-002) Improvement Project.p. 3↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025MOTION MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER TRADEWELL TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-105 AUTHORIZING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS PREPARATION FOR THE CEDAR DRIVE NW (SAP 223-103-002) IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AND TO INCLUDE THE EXTENSION ONTO SWAN LAKE DRIVE NW. SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER WYLIE. MOTION CARRIED (4-0).

15. 12bEngineer Updates

    Updates on Nightingale Road closure notices and county road closures impacting CR 47.

    • Road closure
    • Nightingale Road
    • County Road 47

    Discussion only
    PDF↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agendab. Engineer Updatesp. 3↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025Engineer Schwartz updated the Council that notices were distributed regarding the closure of Nightingale Road. He added that the County has a road closure in St. Francis and will have minor impacts on County Road 47.

16. 13aAttorney Updates

    Attorney discussed ongoing work on development agreements, minor subdivisions enforcement, and Comcast negotiations.

    • Legal
    • Development agreements
    • Comcast

    Discussion only
    p. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agenda## 13. CITY ATTORNEY a. Attorney Updatesp. 4↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025Attorney Sathe explained that his firm is continuing to work on development agreements, minor subdivisions enforcement matters, and the Comcast negotiations.

17. 14aAdministrator Updates

    City Hall/Fire Station building schedule discussed; likely late fall start.

    • City Hall/Fire Station building

    Discussion only
    p. 1↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agenda## 14. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATES & DISCUSSION ITEMS a. Administrator Updatesp. 4↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025Administrator Wickham updated the Council regarding the City Hall/Fire Station building. He noted he spoke with the contractor about the project schedule and it will likely be a late fall start.

18. 15Mayor/Council Requests/Updates

    Discussion requests included lot sizes, workshop/meeting with county officials, elections update, and reviewing ordinances (pole barn ordinance first).

    • Development lot sizes
    • Ordinance review
    • County coordination

    Discussion only
    p. 2↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agenda15\. MAYOR/COUNCIL REQUESTS/UPDATESp. 4↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025Council member Wylie stated that he would like to discuss lot sizes in developments. He suggested going back to the 2.5-acre lots because it would alleviate issues with the pole building sizes.p. 4↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025Mayor Rolf explained that Commission Braastad had mentioned having a workshop with the Council and the County Board.p. 4↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025Mayor Rolf noted he would like to discuss IUPs in the City. Council member Wylie and Council member West agreed. Council member West suggested reviewing an Ordinance each month. The Council agreed to review the pole barn Ordinance first.

19. 16Closed Session - Attorney Client Privilege (Minnesota Statute 13D.05, subdivision 3(b))

    Council voted to enter closed session under attorney-client privilege for a protected discussion with the city attorney regarding threatened litigation from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources concerning MRTA, LLC’s Timbers Hideaway development; closed session began at 7:04 PM and the regular meeting resumed at 7:36 PM.

    Council went into closed session at 7:04 PM and resumed regular meeting at 7:36 PM; purpose was attorney-client discussion re: threatened DNR litigation regarding MRTA, LLC’s Timbers Hideaway development.

    • Closed session
    • Threatened litigation
    • DNR
    • Timbers Hideaway
    • MRTA, LLC

    Approved
    p. 2↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agenda16\. CLOSED SESSION - ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGE, Minnesota Statute 13D.05, subdivision 3(b)p. 4↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025MOTION BY MAYOR ROLF, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WEST FOR THE COUNCIL TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION under MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 13D.05, SUBDIVISION 3(B) FOR AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT PROTECTED DISCUSSION WITH THE CITY'S ATTORNEY REGARDING THREATENED LITIGATION FROM THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES REGARDING MRTA, …

20. 17Adjournment

    Adjourned at 7:36 PM.

    Approved
    PDF↗Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agenda17. ADJOURNMENTp. 5↗Oak Grove — 07.28.2025MOTION TO ADJOURN MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WYLIE. SECOND BY MAYOR ROLF. MOTION CARRIED (4-0). MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:36 PM.

Alternatives considered

Options the council weighed, and what happened to them. The record of the road not taken.

• Bauer variance / Wickstrom Estates South cul-de-sac variance request

  rejected

  Approve a variance if Mr. Bauer could provide a design plan of all of the lots fitting on the site from the southern road

  Why: Council ultimately adopted Resolution 2025-101 denying the variance.

  Raised by Tradewell

• Cedar Drive NW (SAP 223-103-002) improvement project scope

  adopted

  Include an extension of the road of at least 50 feet on Swan Lake Drive NW

  Why: Council adopted Resolution 2025-105 including the extension onto Swan Lake Drive NW.

• Development lot sizes / pole building size issues

  under study

  Go back to 2.5-acre lots

  Why: Administrator stated the Planning Commission was working on a recommendation to bring back to council.

  Raised by Wylie

Sources

Documents and recordings archived for this meeting, when available.

• Document

  Oak Grove — 07.28.25 Council Agenda

  Agenda · Monday, July 28, 2025

  2 pages

  ↗
• Document

  Oak Grove — 07.28.2025

  Minutes · Monday, July 28, 2025

  5 pages

  ↗