Oakdale City Council Faces Legal Threat Over Planned Unit Development Amendments
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
10/29/2024
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Recording Published:
10/29/2024
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Duration:
77 Minutes
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Washington County
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Towns:
Oakdale
- Meeting Overview:
At the recent Oakdale City Council meeting, discussions primarily revolved around proposed amendments to the Oakdale Marketplace and Oakdale Station Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), with the potential for legal action looming over the proceedings. Concerns were raised about the legality of the proposed changes, particularly regarding allowable uses and vested rights. This led to a heated public hearing where legal and community concerns were voiced, influencing the council’s decision to delay action on one of the PUDs.
The Oakdale Marketplace PUD amendments faced strong opposition from Jack Perry, who represented Oakdale Marketplace LLC and Launch Properties LLC. Perry challenged the city’s interpretation of the PUD agreement, labeling it “fundamentally legally flawed.” He warned of possible legal consequences, including constitutional claims for compensable takings, which underscored the seriousness of the legal threats. In light of these concerns, the City Attorney recommended postponing any decision on the Oakdale Marketplace PUD to allow for a closed session discussion on the potential litigation. Subsequently, the council voted to defer action on the Oakdale Marketplace PUD amendments, prioritizing a careful legal review.
Meanwhile, the Oakdale Station PUD amendments proceeded without opposition, with the council approving changes to allow residential use on certain designated properties. This decision followed a recommendation from the Planning Commission, which had previously endorsed the amendments for Oakdale Station but not for Oakdale Marketplace, reflecting the complexities and varying perspectives on each PUD.
The meeting also featured other discussions, including a public hearing for a malt liquor license for Quantum Sports LLC, conducting business as Smash Hub. The license was approved without public objection, following a thorough background check by the Oakdale Police Department.
The council also addressed community grievances during the open forum segment. Residents voiced frustrations about neighborhood maintenance issues, particularly in the Tanner Lake Heights area, citing neglected properties and traffic safety concerns. One resident highlighted the need for increased police presence and a stop sign to address speeding, expressing dissatisfaction with the city’s previous lack of response to these issues. Their plea underscored a broader sentiment of neglect in older sections of Oakdale, prompting calls for more robust code enforcement and better communication with residents.
Additional topics included a hearing concerning Super Smoke, a local business fined for selling THC products without a license. The business owner, Mahm Hanon, expressed confusion over the licensing requirements and sought leniency from the council, arguing that there was a misunderstanding about compliance with state regulations. The council debated the appropriateness of the imposed fines, reflecting differing interpretations of city codes and the business’s compliance efforts.
In administrative matters, the council addressed updates to city ordinances, including revisions to the Parks and Recreation section and changes to liquor control and charitable gambling regulations. These updates were adopted without opposition after prior discussions in council workshops. The council also acknowledged community contributions, such as a donation for the Veterans Memorial beautification and recognized local businesses celebrating anniversaries.
As the meeting concluded, the council reminded residents about upcoming events and community engagement opportunities, including early voting details for the upcoming election and a survey for input on zoning and subdivision code updates.
Kevin Zabel
City Council Officials:
Andy Morcomb, Jake Ingebrigtson, Susan Willenbring, Noah Her, Christina Volkers (City Administrator)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
10/29/2024
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Recording Published:
10/29/2024
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Duration:
77 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Washington County
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Towns:
Oakdale
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