Brian Bachmeier

The meeting included the confirmation of the Chair Pro Tem due to the absence of the Chair and Vice Chair, and the approval of the minutes from the August 3rd meeting. The primary focus was a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit (CUP) for a home occupation dog grooming facility, What The Fluff LLC, located at 6740 4th Street North in an R1 zone. The applicant is working to bring the existing business into compliance, addressing issues related to a complaint, particularly the need for a new commercial sewer line connection compliant with State Plumbing Code (60 inches below grade). The commission reviewed CUP criteria regarding employees, operational impact (hours limited to 8 AM to 5 PM weekdays and 8 AM to 1 PM Saturdays, 6-8 appointments/day), and noise/nuisance factors. The body recommended approval subject to three conditions, including the sewer compliance and operating hours. The commission also discussed the draft Glenbrook Small Area Plan, which proposes creating a new Frontage Road to divert truck traffic from residential streets, and recommended future land use changes, such as reclassifying certain commercial parcels near the Eastgate Apartments.

The Oakdale City Council meeting included a public hearing to certify outstanding utility, mowing, weed removal, and other delinquent accounts (past due 90 days or greater) to be placed on property taxes. The council approved Resolution Number 2020 certifying these outstanding accounts. Minutes from a City Council workshop on September 22, 2020, and regular meetings from October 13, 2020, and October 27, 2020, were approved. During the open forum, no audience comments were made. Consensus motion A was approved. The Community Development Director provided updates regarding significant development interest in the Helmo Station transit-oriented development area and progress on the Tanner's Lake development, including a circulation plan. It was also announced that Priority Courier purchased the Schreyer property for headquarters relocation. Council members congratulated Council members Zavel and Ingridson on winning their seats. Finally, the completion of the I-94/694/494 bridge and interchange project was noted, followed by the approval of claims totaling $1,647.69 for the period of October 24, 2020, through November 6, 2020. The council then adjourned to convene a special meeting for the canvassing of votes from the November 3rd general election.

The meeting initiated discussions regarding amendments to Oakdale's ordinances to support becoming an Electric Vehicle (EV) ready community, stemming from the city's Comprehensive Plan goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Key discussion points centered on sample zoning and subdivision ordinance language, drawn from best practices compiled by the Great Plains Institute and local edits. Commissioners debated various aspects, including whether amendments should focus primarily on businesses or also include residential standards, fire safety concerns related to EV charging installations (especially in parking structures), and the impact of EV charging stations on parking minimums and accessibility requirements. There was specific discussion about a provision reducing parking minimums by half for every installed EVCS, which some viewed as a clarity measure while others perceived it as an incentive, juxtaposed against concerns about creating a protected class by reserving desirable parking spots for EV owners. Furthermore, the commission addressed standards for EV charging in the right-of-way and inquired about the fire department's training readiness for EV battery fires.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to a public hearing regarding a zoning ordinance text amendment related to signage for big box retail establishments, initiated by Home Furniture for their planned remodel of the old theater building. The proposed amendment aims to establish clear standards, allowing larger wall signs (up to 350 square feet) for big box retailers (defined as 60,000 square feet or greater) and specific allowances for sub-tenants. Discussions clarified the intent regarding wall sign allowances per street frontage and pylon sign area calculations. The commission voted to recommend approval of this zoning ordinance text amendment. Other updates included progress on the George Floyd trial contingency planning, the upcoming vote on a new parking standard request, progress on the local options sales tax strategy for a police and public works building, and updates on construction progress for Eagle Point Elementary, Autozone, and the Willowbrook neighborhood development.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of the new City Clerk, Sarah Ludwig. The agenda approval process followed. Key discussions focused on a public hearing and subsequent council actions regarding a significant development proposal: a 155-unit market-rate apartment building located within the Oakdale Marketplace PUD. This required a PUD amendment to permit multi-family use, as the current zoning only allowed commercial uses. The request also involved deviations from setback and height requirements. Significant conditions of approval included partner dedication, an additional sewer availability charge of $300 per unit, and developer contribution of approximately $100,000 toward improvements at the intersection of 34th Street and Marketplace North. The Council also addressed the proposed parking ratio deviation, noting that the applicant provided a parking study and an existing cross-parking easement offers flexibility during construction. Furthermore, the applicant committed to including walk-out units facing Marketplace and enhancing landscaping buffers. After applicant commentary, the council voted to approve the PUD amendment, the preliminary/final plat, and the site plan, passing with a three-to-one majority on the respective motions.