The Oakidge Conference Center, a historic property in Chaska, was a central point of discussion. The center’s representatives, including consultant Connie Kane and director of operations Susan Ay, shared their eagerness to reopen the facility as a hotel. They outlined the challenges they are addressing, such as security concerns due to past vandalism incidents. Kane assured the council that security measures, including a partnership with a security firm and the installation of cameras, were already underway.

The council deliberated on the conditions for granting a temporary certificate of occupancy, emphasizing the importance of adequate parking and landscaping as per previous agreements. A council member raised concerns about the practicality of opening the hotel without these facilities, prompting Kane and Ay to confirm that permits had been pulled and contractors engaged to meet parking requirements by June 15th. The city had retained funds to ensure compliance with these requirements.

Meanwhile, the Oakidge property’s significance to the community was highlighted, with ongoing discussions about its historical value and future contributions to local charitable organizations. The council acknowledged the need to remain informed about developments at Oakidge, considering its potential impact on the broader community.

The meeting then transitioned to downtown Chaska’s initiatives, with a focus on enhancing community engagement and business participation. An update on the downtown Chaska Facebook page revealed a 61% increase in page views, attributed to a partnership with Orange Ball. This surge in engagement, which included a post promoting Jones Coffee on National Coffee Day that received 23,000 views, demonstrated successful social media strategies in promoting local businesses.

The council also highlighted an upcoming Halloween event involving around 25 local businesses, designed as a “trunk or treat” and “sip and shop” event. Such events, with low barriers for business participation, were seen as scalable, potentially attracting up to 600 families, contingent on favorable weather.

Partnerships among local organizations, including the city’s parks and recreation department, the chamber of commerce, and businesses, were deemed critical for maximizing event potential and avoiding scheduling conflicts. The Downtown Business Alliance meetings have seen increased participation and engagement.

Further, the council reviewed a proposed industrial building at PB Business Center. The 18,000-square-foot facility, aimed at housing Southwest Rental and Sales and Crimson and Copper Plumbing, included outdoor storage—a contentious point due to visibility concerns from Highway 41. The council, while recognizing the need for such facilities, emphasized maintaining the business park’s professional appearance and clean aesthetics.

Landscaping improvements and fence design were acknowledged as critical factors in mitigating visibility concerns.

In addition to these major topics, the council addressed a concept plan for a three-lot subdivision on Zero Creek Road. The proposal included two platted lots for immediate development, with a third reserved for future use, adhering to low-density residential use guidelines. Council members discussed the challenges posed by the site’s significant topography and the importance of ensuring connectivity with future road developments.

The meeting concluded with discussions on upcoming community events, including a Halloween trick-or-treating event and other seasonal activities such as Deer Weekend and Small Business Saturday. Council members also shared personal anecdotes and emphasized the importance of maintaining safety during Halloween festivities.