Oakdale council confirms nuisance finding, orders abatement notice for tree infected with emerald ash borer

The City of Oakdale City Council on April 8, 2025, confirmed that a nuisance exists at 3195 Granada Way North under the City of Oakdale Code of Ordinances (Chapter 2, Article 6) and directed staff to proceed with next steps, including issuing an abatement notice to the property owner.

Corey (public works staff) told the council that the city forester inspected trees on several properties and determined they were infected with the emerald ash borer, a tree pest that the staff identified as the cause of the trees’ condition. "From his perspective, these trees are infected," Corey said, and staff proposed issuing notices that property owners abate the nuisance within 20 days if the council agreed with the inspection results.

Council discussion noted that one of the complaints dated to May 2024 and therefore had exceeded the extended timelines the council considered at a prior workshop. Council members agreed to confirm the nuisance finding for 3195 Granada Way North and defer action on two other properties pending the council’s upcoming code revisions to Chapter 22. Councilmember comments in the meeting indicated that the deferred items would have their compliance clocks reset consistent with the council’s guidance on revised timelines.

Mayor Zabel made the motion confirming the nuisance finding and asking staff to determine next steps consistent with the potential revisions to Chapter 22; the motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote. The council’s action directs staff to issue formal notices under the city code and to treat the other two complaints in line with the anticipated code changes.

City Attorney Jim Thompson was present and available to answer questions; he did not offer additional legal guidance during the discussion. The council did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript; the motion passed by voice vote.