Central to the meeting was a public hearing regarding the proposed amendment for a property on Helmo Avenue, currently vacant and designated for high-density multifamily development. The amendment aims to accommodate a planned 133-unit apartment building by increasing the height limit from three to four stories. In exchange for this additional story, the developer proposed increasing the setback from the northern property line from 30 feet to 40 feet to minimize the visual impact on the Oakrun Shores neighborhood.

The Planning Commission had previously reviewed the amendment, raising concerns about stormwater management and traffic impacts. The developer must obtain permits from the Watershed District for stormwater management, and an updated traffic study is required as a condition of approval.

During the council’s deliberations, a discussion emerged about the definition of “stories” within the PUD. One council member questioned the absence of a specific height limit per story, expressing concern that without such a specification, the visual impact could be subjective. The response clarified that while the PUD limits the total number of stories to four, it does not define the height of an individual story. A viewshed analysis, part of the conditions for site plan approval, will assess the visual impact from neighboring properties after the PUD amendment.

Another topic of debate was whether the PUD amendment would revert to its original language if the project did not proceed. It was clarified that the amendment would remain in effect, changing the zoning for the property regardless of the project’s progress. The council also discussed establishing a maximum height limit for the building, with suggestions ranging from 50 to 52 feet, to balance developer flexibility with neighborhood concerns.

Douglas G. Nelson, a resident, voiced concerns about the impact on properties in a nearby cul-de-sac, particularly regarding the overshadowing effect of the taller buildings. Nelson emphasized the need for compliance with conditions outlined in the amended ordinance and urged the council to ensure residents’ participation in evaluating these conditions. Another citizen, Bob Beetle, raised concerns about compensable damages from construction noise and dust, warning that the city might face legal challenges if residents sought compensation.

After closing the public hearing, the council returned to discuss the revised language for the ordinance, including the proposed height limit. The council members confirmed their understanding and proceeded to vote, adopting ordinance number 929 to allow multifamily buildings up to four stories, with the specified height limit included.

The meeting also featured the Acorn Awards presentations, recognizing well-maintained properties in Oakdale. Transfiguration Church won the public category for its grounds at 6133 15th Street North, and the Aonso family won the residential category for their property on Upper 17th Street North. Proclamations were presented to recognize September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and September 1st as Building and Code Professionals Appreciation Day.

During the open forum, a resident named Timothy Rick raised concerns about increased traffic near Northdale Park and suggested multilingual signage to direct visitors. The City Administrator was tasked with assessing the signage around the park based on Rick’s comments.

A significant portion of the meeting revolved around a proposed building project that raised fire safety concerns due to the absence of a sprinkler system. The council discussed the appropriateness of granting flexibility regarding the sprinkler requirement, with the City Attorney explaining the 2,000 square feet threshold for requiring a sprinkler system. The council ultimately approved the project as presented, despite concerns about safety.

The meeting concluded with updates from various advisory boards, logistical information about upcoming events, and the approval of financial claims amounting to over 1.8 million dollars. The council then entered a closed session to discuss threatened litigation related to amendments to the Oakdale Marketplace PUD.