Oak Park Heights public meetings in 2022

Parks Trails Commission

The Oak Park Heights Parks and Trails Commission will hold a regular meeting with routine items including approval of minutes and liaison reports. There are no public hearings. The main business is old business on the Swager Park playground and new business to set 2023 meeting dates.

• Swager Park playground discussion
• 2023 meeting dates
• Approval of November 21, 2022 minutes
• Public comment period (3-minute limit)

The Parks Trails Commission recommended Option 2, proposal #6137, for the Swager Park playground, with a specific layout and colors to be determined. The recommendation passed 4-0. The Commission also approved the 2023 regular meeting dates and the August 15, 2022 minutes. No public hearings or public comments were held.

• Recommended Swager Park playground Option 2, proposal #6137 (4-0)
• Approved 2023 regular meeting dates (4-0)
• Approved August 15, 2022 minutes (4-0)
• Approved agenda (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission recommended City Council approval of a variance request from Cates Fine Homes/Setac Properties to allow construction of two single-family homes on two existing lots at 15222 and 15xxx 62nd St. N., subject to amended conditions including landscaping review, engineering approval, and home style consistency. The commission also recommended approval of zoning ordinance amendments clarifying language for home occupation permits and day care nursery facilities. Both recommendations passed 4-0.

• Recommended approval of variance for two single-family lots at 15222 and 15xxx 62nd St. N. (4-0)
• Recommended approval of zoning ordinance amendments to sections 401.15.M and 401.15.N (4-0)
• Approved agenda as presented (4-0)
• Approved November 10, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)

Parks Trails Commission

The Oak Park Heights Parks and Trails Commission will meet to approve minutes, hear liaison reports, and take public comment. The main items are a discussion of the city parks and trails budget and filling a commission vacancy. No public hearings are scheduled.

• City Parks and Trails Budget Discussion
• Parks and Trails Commission Vacancy
• Approval of October 17, 2022 minutes
• Joint worksession with City Council on December 5, 2022

The Parks and Trails Commission voted to ask the group behind the Oak Park Crossing Park skills park proposal to present detailed plans and a specific dollar request, after resident Neil Swenson estimated $55,000 for design and installation. The commission also directed staff to advertise a commission vacancy and approved the agenda and prior minutes. No other new business was discussed.

• Approved agenda and August 15, 2022 minutes (4-0).
• Requested detailed plans and specific dollar amount for skills park proposal (4-0).
• Directed staff to advertise and publish commission vacancy (4-0).

Planning Commission

The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend City Council approval of a conditional use permit for outside storage and design guidelines/site plan review for a proposed office/warehouse at 5416 Stagecoach Trail N. The recommendation includes 15 conditions, such as a development agreement, trail easement, and operational limits. Commissioner VanDyke opposed the motion.

• Approved the agenda as presented (5-0).
• Approved the October 13, 2022 meeting minutes as presented (5-0).
• Closed the public hearing for the Croixview Holdings request (5-0).
• Recommended City Council approval of the conditional use permit and site plan, subject to 15 conditions (4-1; VanDyke opposed).
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:01 p.m. (5-0).

Parks Trails Commission

The Oak Park Heights Parks and Trails Commission is meeting to approve minutes, hear liaison reports, and take public comment. The main item of business is a proposal for a mountain bike skills park under old business. No public hearing is scheduled. The next meeting is set for November 21, 2022.

• Mountain Bike Skills Park Proposal (old business)
• Approval of July 18, 2022 minutes
• Public comment period (3-minute limit)
• Arborist and Public Works Director reports

The Parks and Trails Commission voted 4-1 to recommend City Council approval of a mountain bike skills area in Oak Park Crossing Park, as presented by Stillwater resident Mike Lyner. The recommendation is a one-time approval of the shown concept, with any expansion requiring future Commission approval. The Commission also suggested adding a budget discussion for a potential City funding contribution to the next agenda.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved August 15, 2022 minutes (5-0)
• Recommended approval of mountain bike skills area in Oak Park Crossing Park (4-1, Van Dyke opposed)
• Suggested budget discussion for City funding contribution to next agenda

Planning Commission

The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend City Council approval of a Planned Unit Development for a 79-unit apartment building at Norwich Ave. N. and 58th St. N., with conditions. The project, proposed by Senior Housing Partners for Valley Senior Services Alliance, includes a general plan, conditional use permits, preliminary and final plat, and design review. The recommendation includes 14 conditions, such as allowing a 28-foot setback (where 30 is required), 487-square-foot alcove units (where 600 is required), and a parking reduction to 154 spaces (where 158 are required).

• Recommended approval of Valley Senior Services Alliance PUD and related permits (4-0)
• Approved agenda as amended, removing Hampton Companies public hearing (4-0)
• Approved September 8, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0-1, White abstained)
• Closed public hearing for Valley Senior Services Alliance (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:53 p.m. (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend the City Council deny a request for a 60-foot driveway curb cut at 15242 64th St. N., instead recommending approval of a 30-foot curb cut with conditions. The Commission also voted 4-0 to recommend approval of a building expansion for Sodie's Cigar at 5946 Osgood Ave. N., subject to conditions including a pedestrian safety device. Both items will go to the City Council for final action.

• Approved agenda and August 11, 2022 meeting minutes, both 4-0.
• Recommended City Council denial of 60-foot curb cut for Rickie Nelson property at 15242 64th St. N., 4-0.
• Recommended approval of 30-foot curb cut for same property, subject to conditions including drainage review, 30-foot width limit, and 15-foot landscaped boulevard, 4-0.
• Recommended City Council approval of Sodie's Cigar building expansion at 5946 Osgood Ave. N., subject to conditions including lighting, screening, signage, and pedestrian safety device, 4-0.
• Adjourned meeting at 6:53 p.m., 4-0.

Parks Trails Commission

The Oak Park Heights Parks and Trails Commission is meeting to approve prior minutes, hear liaison reports, and take public comment. The main business is a follow-up discussion on the proposed mountain bike skills park, plus an update on the 2022 summer park program. No public hearing is scheduled.

• Follow-up discussion on Mountain Bike Skills Park Proposal
• 2022 Summer Park Program Update
• Approval of July 18, 2022 commission minutes
• Public comment period (3-minute limit)

The Parks and Trails Commission approved its agenda and the July 18, 2022 minutes, both by 4-0 votes. Public Works reported two new crosswalks on Nova Scotia Avenue and Norwich Parkway, and the City Council approved a bylaw change for meeting start times. No action was taken on the Mountain Bike Skills Park proposal, but the group was asked to provide a concept for the next meeting.

• Approved the meeting agenda (4-0).
• Approved the July 18, 2022 minutes (4-0).
• Adjourned the meeting at 6:16 p.m. (4-0).
• No action taken on Mountain Bike Skills Park proposal; requested concept for next meeting.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend City Council deny a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the land use classification from low density residential to high density residential for the property at 5676 Oakgreen Ave. N. The Commission also recommended approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a car wash at 14447 60th St. N. and a Planned Unit Development Concept Plan for a mixed-use development near Norwich Ave. N. and 58th St. N., both subject to conditions.

• Recommended denial of Comprehensive Plan Amendment for 5676 Oakgreen Ave. N. (5-0)
• Recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit for St. Croix Car Wash at 14447 60th St. N. (5-0)
• Recommended approval of Planned Unit Development Concept Plan for Valley Senior Services Alliance (5-0)

Parks Trails Commission

The Oak Park Heights Parks and Trails Commission is meeting to approve minutes, hear liaison reports, and take public comment. The main item is a follow-up discussion on a proposed mountain bike skills park. They will also schedule a worksession to review the Capital Improvement Plan and long-term planning.

• Follow-up discussion on Mountain Bike Skills Park Proposal
• Schedule worksession to review CIP/long-term planning
• Approve minutes from June 20, 2022 meeting
• Public comment period (3-minute limit)

The Parks and Trails Commission voted 5-0 to recommend amending its bylaws to start future meetings at 5:30 p.m. instead of 6:00 p.m. The Commission also approved the agenda as amended and the June 20, 2022 minutes. No action was taken on the Mountain Bike Skills Park proposal, which was discussed but deferred to a worksession.

• Approved the agenda as amended, adding a discussion on meeting start time (5-0).
• Approved the June 20, 2022 minutes (5-0).
• Recommended amending bylaws for a 5:30 p.m. meeting start time (5-0).
• Scheduled a worksession for August 15 at 5:00 p.m. to review the CIP, with a regular meeting to follow if needed.
• Took no action on the Mountain Bike Skills Park proposal, deferring discussion to the worksession.

Parks Trails Commission

The Parks and Trails Commission met on June 20, 2022, to approve May minutes and receive departmental reports. The agenda included discussions on the annual parks walkthrough and a follow-up on the mountain bike skills park proposal. No public hearings or old business were scheduled for this meeting.

• Discussion of the Annual Parks Walkthrough
• Follow-up discussion on the Mountain Bike Skills Park Proposal

The Parks and Trails Commission reviewed the annual parks walkthrough list, directed staff to update trail maps and pedestal positioning, and requested several items be added to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). They also discussed a pickleball net rental program for Brekke Park and directed staff to remove splash pads from the wish list. No action was taken on the Mountain Bike Skills Park proposal, which will be discussed further at the next meeting with Xcel Energy representatives.

• Approved the agenda 3-0.
• Approved the May 15, 2022 minutes 4-0.
• Directed staff to update trail maps and pedestal positioning.
• Requested several items be added to the CIP.
• Discussed a pickleball net rental program for Brekke Park.
• Directed staff to remove splash pads from the wish list.
• Took no action on the Mountain Bike Skills Park proposal.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend City Council approval for two development requests: a Chase Bank at 5907 Neal Ave. N. and a Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen restaurant at 13523 60th St. N. Both recommendations are subject to conditions listed in the June 2, 2022 Planning Report, with specific amendments for each site. The Commission also approved the agenda and minutes from March 10, 2022, and received updates on the Minnehaha Transportation approval and the Norell Ave. construction project.

• Approved agenda as amended, adding Oak Park Heights Condos update to New Business (5-0)
• Approved March 10, 2022 meeting minutes as presented (5-0)
• Recommended City Council approval of Chase Bank PUD amendment, CUP for drive-through, and site plan review, subject to conditions including amended condition 8 (5-0)
• Recommended City Council approval of Popeye's PUD-General Plan, CUP for drive-through, and site plan review, subject to conditions (5-0)
• Adjourned at 7:11 p.m. (5-0)

Meeting

The report outlines a strategic plan for the City of Oak Park Heights following Xcel Energy's plan to retire the Allen S. King Plant by 2028. It details necessary infrastructure upgrades, potential funding opportunities, and steps for future land use coordination.

• Estimated $4,800,000 cost for water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater facilities
• Estimated $4,100,000 cost for a new water tower and water supply well
• Xcel Energy plan to retire the plant in 2028 and replace 600MW of generation by 2030
• Proposed appointment of two City Council representatives to Xcel stakeholder meetings

Parks Trails Commission

The Oak Park Heights Parks and Trails Commission will meet to approve prior minutes, hear liaison reports, and take public comment. Under new business, they will discuss a proposal for a mountain bike skills park and schedule the annual parks walkthrough. They will also address commission vacancies.

• Mountain Bike Skills Park Proposal
• Parks and Trails Commission Vacancies
• Schedule Annual Parks Walkthrough
• Approve minutes from Feb 28 and worksession notes from Mar 21

The Parks and Trails Commission recommended Jennifer Van Dyke and Tom Thiets for appointment to the commission. It also directed staff to seek a City Attorney opinion on liability for a proposed mountain bike skills park at Oak Park Crossing Park and to contact Woodbury and Eagan about their experiences. The annual parks walkthrough was scheduled for June 6.

• Recommended Jennifer Van Dyke and Tom Thiets for appointment to the Parks and Trails Commission (3-0)
• Directed staff to obtain City Attorney interpretation on liability for the mountain bike skills park and to contact Woodbury and Eagan (3-0)
• Scheduled the annual parks walkthrough for Monday, June 6 at 4:00 p.m. starting at Cover Park (3-0)

Meeting

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has approved a modified version of Xcel Energy's Alternate Plan to guide energy investments. The decision includes retiring all coal-powered generators and adding significant solar and wind power. The plan also seeks to extend the life of the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant.

• Retirement of all Xcel coal-powered generators
• Addition of substantial solar and wind-powered generation
• Extension of the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant life
• Target of 81% carbon-free electricity by 2032
• Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 86% relative to 2005 levels

Meeting

The Allen S. King Plant Reuse Advisory Panel is presenting its findings and two reuse concept plans to the Oak Park Heights City Council. The panel held ten workshops over two years to study the closure of the Xcel Energy plant, which is scheduled for 2028, and to develop a vision for the 140-acre property. The City Council will take the work under advisement to inform future land use decisions.

• Presentation of two basic reuse concept plans for the 140-acre Allen S. King Plant property
• Plant closure scheduled for 2028 per Xcel Energy's Integrated Resource Plan
• Vision includes mixed-use development, shoreline restoration, and tax base replacement
• Threats identified: tax increases, job loss, remediation costs, and regulatory challenges
• Panel included representatives from Xcel Energy, MN DNR, National Park Service, and local cities

Parks Trails Commission

The Oak Park Heights Parks and Trails Commission met to discuss summer park programming and interview candidates for a commission vacancy. No formal action was taken on these items. Councilmember Johnson also provided updates on the Cover Park Garden and sign, a walk/run event, and community garden bed reservations.

• Summer Park Program schedule and programming reviewed by Coordinator Annie Berres
• Two candidates interviewed for Parks and Trails Commission vacancy
• Cover Park Garden and sign plan to be discussed by City Council in April
• City to host walk/run event in 2022
• Community garden beds available for reservation

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend City Council approval of a Conditional Use Permit for Minnehaha Transportation, Inc. to allow outside truck storage, truck repair, and a body shop at 5280-5288 Stagecoach Trail N. The recommendation includes 22 amended conditions from the March 3, 2022 Planning Report, such as a cap of 85 vehicles stored outdoors, hours of operation limits, noise mitigation, and annual review. The Commission also elected Commissioner White as Chair and Commissioner Van Denburgh as Vice Chair for terms through March 2024.

• Recommended approval of Minnehaha Transportation CUP for 5280-5288 Stagecoach Trail N (5-0)
• Approved agenda as presented (5-0)
• Approved November 18, 2021 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Closed public hearing for the CUP request (5-0)
• Elected Commissioner White as Chair (4-0-1, White abstained)
• Elected Commissioner Van Denburgh as Vice Chair (4-0-1, Van Denburgh abstained)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:31 p.m. (5-0)

Parks Trails Commission

The Oak Park Heights Parks and Trails Commission is meeting remotely to handle routine business, including approving minutes, receiving liaison reports, and accepting a resignation from a commission member. The commission will also schedule interviews for vacancies and plan a worksession with the Summer Park Program Coordinator. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Accept resignation of Annalise Berres from Parks and Trails Commission
• Schedule interviews for commission vacancies
• Schedule worksession with Summer Park Program Coordinator
• Approve minutes from January 24, 2022 meeting

The Parks and Trails Commission accepted the resignation of Commissioner Annalise Berres and scheduled interviews for her replacement to begin 15 minutes before the next meeting. The commission also set a worksession with the Summer Park Program Coordinator for March 21 at 5:00 p.m. and approved the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.

• Approved the agenda 3-0.
• Approved the January 24, 2022 minutes 4-0.
• Accepted the resignation of Commissioner Annalise Berres 4-0.
• Scheduled interviews for the vacancy starting 15 minutes before the next meeting 4-0.
• Set a worksession with the Summer Park Program Coordinator for March 21 at 5:00 p.m. 4-0.
• Adjourned at 6:27 p.m. 4-0.

Parks Trails Commission

The Oak Park Heights Parks Commission is holding its regular meeting with a worksession interview beforehand. The main items are discussions on replacing playground equipment at Swager Park and the summer park program coordinator position, plus filling commission vacancies and electing officers. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Swager Park playground equipment replacement discussion
• Summer Park Program Coordinator position discussion
• Parks and Trails Commission vacancies
• Election of officers for the annual meeting
• Public comment period (3-minute limit)

The Parks and Trails Commission recommended Option 2 for the Swager Park playground equipment replacement to the City Council, and also recommended Annie Berres as the Summer Park Program Coordinator. The commission accepted Hal Peterson's resignation, recommended Randy Thoreson for a second term, and voted to advertise the vacancy. The annual meeting and officer elections were postponed until the commission has a full board.

• Approved the agenda and the December 20, 2021 minutes (3-0).
• Recommended Option 2 for Swager Park playground replacement to City Council (3-0).
• Recommended Annie Berres as Summer Park Program Coordinator to City Council (3-0).
• Recommended Randy Thoreson for a second term, accepted Hal Peterson's resignation, and voted to advertise the vacancy (3-0).
• Postponed the annual meeting and officer elections until the commission has a full board (3-0).