The council’s most pressing agenda item was the public hearing for the Atoria Oak Marsh development, which proposed an 89-unit senior living cooperative on approximately 5 acres of land at 80014 Street. This development aims to provide market-rate housing without income restrictions, featuring a four-story structure with underground parking. Mr. Mlanahan, the city planner, detailed the project, which required variances for building height, setbacks, and minimum lot size. The building is designed to be 46 feet tall on average, exceeding the R5 zoning district’s 40-foot restriction, with a portion reaching 62 feet. Council members weighed the benefits of the development against the need for these variances, considering the project’s potential to address the lack of senior housing options in the area.

Council members, including a query from Moore, focused on the height variance and design alternatives. The developer, Josh Common, emphasized the importance of affordability, explaining that a vertical design was necessary to maintain financial viability while minimizing the building’s footprint. This approach allowed for sufficient green space and avoided density issues. The public hearing invited comments from residents, but none were forthcoming, which led to a swift closure and subsequent council approval of the project through resolutions 2025-34, 2025-35, and 2025-36.

Beyond the development discussion, the meeting recognized community events through proclamations. Mayor Kevin Zabel declared May as Building Safety Month. The council also celebrated Arbor Day, honoring former Mayor Pete Grasskey’s legacy with a tree giveaway that saw all 200 trees claimed within hours.

Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month was similarly acknowledged, with an emphasis on educating residents about sun safety and the importance of regular skin checks to prevent cancer. These proclamations aimed to raise awareness and encourage proactive community engagement.

In the meeting’s latter part, the Age-Friendly Task Force presented its action plan, spearheaded by Colleen Herman. The task force, established after Oakdale’s designation as an age-friendly community, aims to improve transportation, social participation, and safety for seniors. They planned educational classes on using the Gold Line service and sought to combat isolation through collaboration with local organizations. The task force also focused on safety enhancements, partnering with entities like the Red Cross and fire departments. Council members expressed appreciation for the task force’s efforts, recognizing their grassroots nature and the need to align these initiatives with the city’s strategic plan.

The meeting concluded with administrative items, including the approval of bids for city projects. McNamara Contracting was awarded the street improvement project, with their bid coming in below budget. The council also approved an architectural services contract with BKV Group for police facility expansion and potential city hall renovations. These approvals underscored the city’s ongoing investment in infrastructure and community services.