The proposed Enclave of Helmo Station development took center stage, with its comprehensive plan that includes a 262-unit apartment building, a 112-unit townhome section, and a 2.8-acre public park. This development, situated at the southeast quadrant of Helmo Avenue and Fourth Street, is designed to integrate into the existing community, offering market-rate housing options with no income restrictions. The project’s layout aims to enhance pedestrian access, featuring a north-south pedestrian spine and additional sidewalk extensions, addressing concerns raised by the council and residents.

A notable aspect of the development is its parking plan, which proposes 1.79 parking spaces per unit, exceeding the PUD’s maximum allowance of 1.5 spaces per unit. This includes 31 “proof of parking” spaces, reserved for future need, which would remain as green space if not required. This strategy is intended to prevent parking shortages that could deter residents from renewing leases, as the council was reminded by a developer representative during the meeting.

The PUD also includes deviations from original requirements, such as increasing the setback from the apartment building to the park from 10 feet to 28 feet. The park within the development is designed with amenities like pickleball courts, a half basketball court, playground equipment, and a dog run, expanding its size by 50% beyond initial plans.

The council members approved Ordinance Number 941, amending the Helmo Station PUD, and resolutions to support the preliminary plat and site plan for the development. These actions followed a public hearing where residents like Alexander Pavs raised concerns about environmental impacts, including water drainage and potential flooding, which were addressed by the Public Works Director.

Cannabis regulations were another focal point of the meeting, with the council adopting multiple ordinances and resolutions to align local laws with state requirements. Ordinance number 937 establishes zoning and development standards for cannabis businesses, while ordinance number 938 amends the city’s code of ordinances to include cannabis and hemp business regulations. These measures create a framework that requires registration rather than licensing, with the state handling the latter.

The council emphasized the importance of these regulations, recognizing the challenges cities face in adapting to cannabis legalization. While acknowledging that the regulations are not final and will need adjustments, council members viewed this as a step forward.

In support of local commerce, Mayor Kevin Zabel proclaimed November 30, 2024, as Small Business Saturday, encouraging residents to shop locally. This initiative aims to bolster the local economy by highlighting the contributions of small businesses.

During the open forum, resident Dan Zimlet urged the council to prioritize commercial development near Target, highlighting community preferences for local shopping options over nearby Woodbury.

The meeting also included updates from advisory boards, such as the Environmental Management Commission, which discussed plans to raise environmental awareness in 2025. The Parks and Recreation Commission reported on park improvements and strategic planning, highlighting the need for enhanced maintenance and drainage solutions.

Further developments at the Oakdale Marketplace PUD were considered, with debates on increasing residential density in a commercial area. While some council members favored commercial expansion, others supported mixed-use development as a potential solution to community needs.

Finally, the meeting addressed logistical items like the upcoming Aldi store opening on December 6, and a reminder about the community survey open until December 5. Residents were encouraged to participate in the budget process, with an invitation to the truth and taxation meeting on December 10.