In a unanimous 5-0 vote, the Oakdale City Council recently approved a resolution allowing dogs involved in minor biting incidents to be quarantined at home under specific conditions, rather than being automatically sent to the city’s animal shelter.

The approved ordinance amends Section 4-16 of the Oakdale Municipal Code and introduces a “Home Quarantine Option,” giving the Chief of Police or a designated official discretion to allow in-home quarantine if certain safety and compliance criteria are met. The change is designed to reduce stress on animals, alleviate overcrowding at the shelter, and streamline the city’s response to minor bite incidents.

“This is not, to be clear, a blanket thing where everybody gets to keep their dog at home,” Council Member Christopher Smith emphasized during the June 16 meeting. “Each situation is reviewed. Maybe a small dog got carried away one day and bit somebody. If it was a minor incident, there’s no reason for that family pet to sit in an impound cage for 10 days.”

According to the ordinance, in-home quarantine may be permitted if: the dog’s rabies vaccination is current; the injury to the victim was not severe; the owner can demonstrate the ability to securely confine the dog; and animal control officials can feasibly perform regular compliance checks.

Failure to meet these conditions will result in the immediate transfer of the dog to the city shelter for the remainder of the mandatory 10-day quarantine.

Support Division Lieutenant Gary Vanderheiden, who presented the staff report, noted that the change aligns Oakdale with “best practices observed in other municipalities” and maintains a strong focus on both public safety and animal welfare.

Interim City Manager Jerry Ramar added that Oakdale has recorded 20 dog bite incidents so far in 2025.

“The majority of our dog bites are minor,” Ramar said. “What it’s going to do is open up space for some other dogs, maybe to have a little better life in the shelter until they’re adopted.”

Council members voiced strong support for the measure.

“There is a lot of stress putting a dog in an impound cage,” Smith said. “This just makes sense.”

The ordinance will go into effect 30 days after its second reading, which is scheduled for July 7.

Downtown Parking

Following a recent informational update about the downtown parking ordinance, the City of Oakdale has issued a response to clarify several points based on community feedback.

The city noted that while the ordinance was revised, many of the practical enforcement practices remain unchanged. Following is a breakdown of key updates and clarifications.

Two-hour parking limit formalized: Although the prior ordinance listed a one-hour limit, city staff had been enforcing a two-hour time frame for years. The updated ordinance now formally recognizes the two-hour limit.

Adjustment authority granted: The new ordinance allows the city’s Public Services Director to adjust parking time limits as needed, without requiring a full ordinance amendment. This change is intended to make parking management more flexible and responsive.

Move 150 feet after two hours: Vehicles must move at least 150 feet after parking for two hours in one spot to ensure turnover and access for new customers.

Off-street parking remains unchanged: While officials considered implementing a four-hour limit, the existing long-term parking approach continues to serve both businesses and customers well. No changes are being made at this time.

ADA parking review underway: There are currently six on-street ADA-compliant parking spots in the downtown area. City staff are evaluating additional locations for more accessible parking. However, adding ADA spaces may reduce the total number of general parking spots due to required spacing and design standards.

Overnight parking enforcement suspended: A clause in the ordinance prohibits overnight parking downtown. However, the Oakdale Police Department has been directed not to enforce this portion, as it is considered outdated. City staff plan to amend this section in the near future.

“We appreciate the feedback from residents and business owners, and we’re committed to making parking in downtown Oakdale work for everyone,” city staff said in a social media post. “These changes reflect both current best practices and input from our valued community.”

For more information or to provide feedback, contact Oakdale City Hall at 209-847-2244.