City of Oakdale

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the May 20th meeting. Commissioners provided feedback on recent events, including Summerfest, the 5K walk run, and the concert/fireworks event, noting their successful organization despite weather challenges. The commission recognized and thanked outgoing commissioner Steve Meyer for his service. New leadership elections were held, resulting in Jen Shore being elected as Chairperson and Mike Proer as Vice Chairperson. Staff updates covered the conclusion of summer sports, preparations for fall sports, maintenance of park turf following Summerfest, and scheduling for various upcoming summer programming, including farmers markets with new vendors like Belly Bites and Sticks (Ice Pop Shop), live music performances, Raptor Center and Sustainable Safari visits, the summer concert series featuring Salsa D Soul, the upcoming Movie in the Park (Moana 2), a Red Cross blood drive, Sunday bingo, and a popup water slide event. Additionally, there was discussion regarding ongoing public works facility construction and future city hall/police building projects impacting Walton Park, and a concern raised about overgrown landscaping visibility at a roundabout intersection.

The meeting initiated with a public hearing concerning the Willowbrook Neighborhood Planned Unit Development Preliminary and Final Plat, which involves changing the land use from a multi-use industrial park to a new residential neighborhood. Key discussion points included the small area planning process that established goals and policies now integrated into the city's 2040 comprehensive plan. Further discussion involved design standards, a zoning map amendment, and subdivision review. Specific queries addressed the distinction between various submitted attachments (E, F, G) concerning development details, traffic patterns, and the status of roundabout implementation versus turn lanes along Ideal Avenue, noting ongoing discussions with Lake Elmo and the County. Other topics covered included multi-family housing density parameters (35 to 55 dwelling units per acre) and utility easement restrictions impacting road and trail placement. Developers expressed anticipation for commencing grading and site preparation, contingent upon pending permits.

The regular meeting began with the approval of the agenda, which included amendments regarding the addition of regular meeting minutes and removal of an item from the consent agenda. Minutes from the workshop meeting of April 25, 2023, and regular meetings of April 25, 2023, and April 11, 2023, were approved. A public hearing was held regarding the annual report for the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, detailing compliance with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency permits (construction and MS-4), updates on educational components, ordinance adoption regarding ice control material storage, and ongoing policy updates. Proclamations were read recognizing Public Works Week (May 21st through 27th) and National Police Week (May 14th through 20th). A certificate of recognition was presented to Stan Karwaski for his long service on the Tree Board, including his role as a founding member and liaison. Consensus motions A through C were approved. The Economic Development Commission reported on an update regarding the business retention program. The Council then addressed the award of a bid for the annual Street Reconstruction Program, recommending that the contract be awarded to the low bidder, Miller Excavating, necessitating a proposed revised budget due to the bid exceeding the engineering estimate. Discussion followed regarding potentially avoiding the issuance of additional general obligation bonds to cover the shortfall by exploring internal funding adjustments.

The meeting included introductions for the new Community Development Specialist, Max Losi. Key discussion points revolved around business retention visits. Specific updates were provided for "Little Inspirations," a woman-owned business celebrating its 10-year anniversary, noting their growth, staffing, adoption of technology for parent communication, and exploration of partnerships. The commission also reviewed High Five Sports Zone, discussing its sports-oriented business model, facility, and minimal Minnesota presence relative to its Illinois origins, along with its location being advantageous for adaptive reuse of space. The progress of CCF Bank was also discussed, noting a recent review meeting, staff turnover, and observations regarding the future of brick-and-mortar banking, including the reliance on drive-throughs and remote work capabilities. Finally, an update was provided on the Glenbrook Small Area Plan study, which received grant funding and is currently reviewing draft options due to the existing mix of heavy industrial, residential, and commercial uses, and the potential future MnDOT interchange project.

The meeting included the call to order, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the roll call. The primary new business involved consideration of two site plan options for the Larson family real estate LLP Forefront commercial retail property, located at the Northwest Quadrant of 34th Street and High Point Drive within the 3M Imation planned unit development. Option one proposed a grocery store and parking area, while Option two proposed a car wash and another commercial use in lieu of the grocery store's parking area. Discussion focused on required traffic improvements, internal road sufficiency, stormwater provisions, and ensuring compliance with architectural and screening ordinances. Conditions for approval included developer responsibility for certain traffic and sidewalk improvements, and obtaining necessary permits from the Fire Marshal and Watershed District. The commission also discussed water usage concerns related to the car wash option.