Environmental considerations have been a focal point of the Tanner Lake development. Concerns were raised about the existing asphalt parking lot and its impact on stormwater runoff. In response, the mayor emphasized that the project would prioritize mitigating stormwater runoff and enhance water quality through shoreline restoration efforts. The city had previously collaborated with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to adopt a shoreline ordinance that regulates interactions with the shoreline, further underscoring the commitment to environmental stewardship at Tanner Lake.

The topic of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations also surfaced during the meeting. While the city code permits the inclusion of EV stations, it does not require them. This aspect of the development sparked interest among commissioners, who inquired about the specifics of the housing units and the potential integration of sustainable infrastructure.

Beyond the Tanner Lake development, the commission delved into the 2024 Washington County Recycling Grant, which continues to play a vital role in supporting Oakdale’s recycling efforts. The grant has historically aligned with the commission’s work plan, facilitating various successful activities such as social media outreach for waste reuse and recycling, the pumpkin recycling drop-off at City Hall, and the distribution of trial kits and compost pails for food scraps collection. Looking forward, the city plans to apply for the 2025 grant to fund additional recycling and waste reduction projects, with a particular focus on enhancing recycling access in parks. Currently, only two parks are equipped with recycling facilities, highlighting the need for dual-stream waste bins that differentiate between trash and recycling, thereby reducing contamination.

Despite the progress, the commission acknowledged the need for further community engagement and educational initiatives to promote both residential and commercial recycling. During the meeting, the feasibility of holding the fall collection event annually was also discussed, with the suggestion that including it in the grant application could secure funding for consistent implementation. Input from public works staff was identified as a crucial component for assessing the practicality of this proposal.

Another notable point of discussion was the preparation for the comprehensive plan update, which seeks to align the commission’s work with broader city goals and those of the metropolitan council, Washington County, and state initiatives. The importance of visualizing this alignment was emphasized, as it would facilitate better coordination and integration with external government plans. The commission was encouraged to consider incorporating feedback from a recent community survey, particularly concerning the park system, into their early 2025 planning discussions.

The meeting also addressed the city’s purchasing policies, highlighting the absence of a designated green purchasing policy that emphasizes environmental considerations in procurement decisions. The commission showed interest in exploring what other cities have implemented in this regard to develop a policy that aligns with sustainability goals.

As the meeting concluded, attention was drawn to upcoming events and initiatives. The commissioners were reminded of the Eco Affair, an event that aims to engage residents and groups in environmental activities, with an emphasis on broad outreach. Additionally, the adopted drain clearing schedule in Walton Park and the City Hall parking lot was discussed, with commissioners sharing their experiences and emphasizing the importance of timely leaf removal to prevent clogging of storm drains.