Oak Park Heights public meetings in 2023

Parks Trails Commission

The Oak Park Heights Parks and Trails Commission is meeting to approve minutes, receive liaison reports, and hear public comment. New business includes reviewing quotes for swings at Oak Park Crossing Park and discussing an upcoming commission vacancy. No public hearings or old business are scheduled.

• Quotes for swings at Oak Park Crossing Park
• Upcoming Parks and Trails Commission vacancy
• Approval of October 16, 2023 meeting minutes
• Public comment period (3-minute limit)

The Parks and Trails Commission approved the advertisement for an upcoming commission vacancy. They also heard reports on completed fall tree planting (55 trees), upcoming prairie management, and a possible quote for re-wiring lights at Cover Park. No action was taken on swing quotes for Oak Park Crossing Park.

• Approved the agenda as presented (4-0).
• Approved the October 16, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0).
• Approved the advertisement for the upcoming commission vacancy (4-0).
• No action taken on swing quotes for Oak Park Crossing Park.

Planning Commission

The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to review a Conditional Use Permit request from Xcel Energy for a 10-foot security fence and screening at its substation on Stagecoach Trail. The commission will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and set the 2024 meeting schedule.

• Conditional Use Permit for 10-foot security fence at Xcel Energy Substation, 5789 Stagecoach Trail N.
• Approval of October 12, 2023 meeting minutes
• 2024 Meeting & Commission Representative Schedule
• Council representative assignments: Nov 28, 2023 (Van Dyke), Jan 9, 2024 (Van Denburgh)

The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend City Council approval of a conditional use permit for a 10-foot security fence at the Xcel Energy substation at 5789 Stagecoach Trail N, subject to conditions in the November 2, 2023 Planning Report. The commission also approved the agenda and October 12, 2023 meeting minutes, and tabled the 2024 meeting and commission representative schedule for further discussion at the next meeting.

• Recommended approval of Xcel Energy CUP for 10-foot security fence (5-0)
• Approved agenda as presented (5-0)
• Approved October 12, 2023 meeting minutes with amendment (5-0)
• Tabled 2024 meeting and commission representative schedule

Parks Trails Commission

The Parks and Trails Commission is holding its regular meeting immediately following a 5:00 p.m. ribbon cutting at Swager Park. The agenda is mostly procedural, covering approval of minutes, liaison reports, and public comment, with no public hearings or new business listed.

• Ribbon cutting at Swager Park, 14290 58th Street North, at 5:00 p.m.
• Approval of August 21, 2023 meeting minutes
• Public comment period limited to three minutes per speaker
• Next meeting scheduled for November 20 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall

The Parks Trails Commission held a routine meeting with no public comment, public hearings, old business, or new business. The only actions were approving the agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting, both carried 4-0. Reports were given on tree pruning, an EAB grant application, park vandalism, and the Trail Maintenance Plan being incorporated into the city budget.

• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved October 16, 2023 minutes (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission is meeting to consider a conditional use permit for a veterinarian clinic and office at 14231 60th St. N. The agenda also includes approval of previous meeting minutes and public comment.

• Conditional Use Permit request for House Paws Home Veterinary Care at 14231 60th St. N.
• Approval of September 14, 2023 Planning Commission meeting minutes
• Public comment period (3-minute limit per speaker)

The Planning Commission voted 4-0-1 to recommend City Council approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a veterinarian clinic and office for House Paws Home Veterinary Care at 14231 60th St. N., subject to 12 conditions. Commissioner Freeman abstained due to a potential conflict of interest. The recommendation includes conditions on site improvements, lot combination, screening, and animal care.

• Approved agenda as presented (5-0)
• Approved September 14, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Recommended City Council approval of a Conditional Use Permit for House Paws Home Veterinary Care, subject to 12 conditions (4-0-1, Freeman abstained)
• Closed the public hearing for the House Paws CUP request (5-0)
• Adjourned the meeting at 6:33 p.m. (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two conditional use permit requests: one for wall signs at HealthPartners/Lakeview EMS and another for an amended permit and site plan for Discount Tire. The commission will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and hear public comments.

• Conditional Use Permit for two wall signs at 14702 60th St. N. (HealthPartners/Lakeview EMS)
• Amended Conditional Use Permit/Planned Unit Development for a fourth wall sign and tire storage building at 13341 60th St. N. (Discount Tire)
• Site Plan/Design Guidelines Review for Discount Tire
• Approval of August 10, 2023 meeting minutes

The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend City Council approval of a conditional use permit for HealthPartners/Lakeview EMS to install two wall signs at 14702 60th St. N., subject to conditions. The Commission also voted 4-0 to recommend approval of an amended conditional use permit/planned unit development for Discount Tire at 13341 60th St. N., allowing a fourth wall sign, a tire storage building, and site plan changes, with conditions. Both recommendations are subject to City Council final approval.

• Approved agenda as presented (4-0).
• Approved August 10, 2023 meeting minutes with spelling correction (4-0).
• Recommended City Council approval of HealthPartners/Lakeview EMS conditional use permit for two wall signs, subject to conditions (4-0).
• Recommended City Council approval of Discount Tire amended conditional use permit/planned unit development for tire storage building, fourth wall sign, and site plan review, subject to conditions (4-0).
• Adjourned meeting at 6:37 p.m. (4-0).

Parks Trails Commission

The Oak Park Heights Parks and Trails Commission will meet to approve minutes, receive liaison reports, and discuss old and new business. The main action item is setting a date for the Swager Park playground ribbon cutting. The agenda is largely routine, with no public hearings scheduled.

• Set ribbon cutting for Swager Park Playground
• Approve Parks and Trails Commission Meeting Minutes – July 17, 2023
• Review Parks and Trails Walkthrough Notes
• Public comment period (3-minute limit)

The Parks Trails Commission approved the agenda and July minutes, and directed staff to obtain a quote for swings at Oak Park Crossing Park. They also set a ribbon cutting for the Swager Park playground on October 16, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. No public hearings or public comments were held.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved July 17, 2023 minutes (5-0)
• Directed staff to obtain quote for swings at Oak Park Crossing Park (5-0)
• Set ribbon cutting for Swager Park playground on October 16, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission is meeting to consider two conditional use permit requests: one for setback reductions for a new home at 15405 57th St. N., and another for an amended permit and site plan review for an office/warehouse at 5416 Stagecoach Trail N. The agenda also includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

• Conditional Use Permit for setback reductions at 15405 57th St. N.
• Amended Conditional Use Permit and Design Guidelines/Site Plan Review for office/warehouse at 5416 Stagecoach Trail N.
• Approval of May 11, 2023 meeting minutes
• Public comment period (3-minute limit)

The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission recommended City Council approval for a conditional use permit allowing setback reductions for a new home at 15405 57th St. N., and for an amended conditional use permit and site plan for an office/warehouse building at 5416 Stagecoach Trail N. Both recommendations were carried 5-0. The commission also approved the agenda and minutes from the May 11, 2023 meeting.

• Recommended approval of conditional use permit for setback reductions at 15405 57th St. N. (5-0)
• Recommended approval of amended conditional use permit and site plan for office/warehouse at 5416 Stagecoach Trail N. (5-0)
• Approved agenda as presented (5-0)
• Approved May 11, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

Parks Trails Commission

The Parks and Trails Commission approved the Oak Park Heights Trail Maintenance Plan. Commissioners also discussed potential park improvements, including a splash pad, pickleball courts, a basketball court at Swager Park, and a switchback trail at Valley View Park, with staff to compile notes for future consideration.

• Approved the agenda as presented (5-0).
• Approved the May 15, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0).
• Approved the Oak Park Heights Trail Maintenance Plan (5-0).
• Adjourned the meeting at 6:18 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 business is a discussion of the Middle St. Croix Valley Regional Trail Master Plan, followed by the annual election of commission officers.

• Discussion of Middle St. Croix Valley Regional Trail Master Plan
• Annual election of Parks Commission officers
• Approval of April 17, 2023 meeting minutes
• Public comment period (3-minute limit per speaker)

The Parks and Trails Commission voted 4-1 to recommend that the City Council approve a resolution supporting the Middle St. Croix Valley Regional Trail Master Plan, following a presentation by Washington County's Connor Shaefer. The commission also elected new officers, appointing George Hoeppner as Chairperson and Tom Thiets as Vice-Chairperson, both by unanimous votes. Other actions included approving the agenda and the April 17, 2023 minutes, and receiving reports on the spring mow/fall planting contract, Swager Park playground equipment installation, and upcoming community events.

• Recommended City Council approval of a resolution supporting the Regional Trail Master Plan (4-1, Van Dyk opposed)
• Appointed George Hoeppner as Chairperson (5-0)
• Appointed Tom Thiets as Vice-Chairperson (5-0)
• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved the April 17, 2023 minutes (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission will meet to approve the April minutes, elect a Chair and Vice Chair for two-year terms, and continue discussing amendments to Zoning Ordinance 401.15.F regarding off-street parking, loading, and landscape requirements related to urban heat islands. The meeting also includes public comment and informational updates on upcoming meetings.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair for two-year terms
• Continued discussion on urban heat islands and amendments to Zoning Ordinance 401.15.F
• Approval of April 13, 2023 meeting minutes
• Public comment period limited to three minutes per speaker
• Upcoming council representative assignments: May 23 (Commissioner VanDyke), June 27 (Commissioner VanDenburgh)

The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend City Council approval of amendments to Zoning Ordinance 401.15.F related to off-street parking, loading, and landscape requirements, as detailed in the May 3, 2023 memorandum. The commission also elected a new Chair and Vice Chair for two-year terms. No public hearings or public comments were held.

• Approved agenda as presented (5-0)
• Approved April 13, 2023 minutes as amended to correct name spellings (5-0)
• Elected Commissioner Van Denburgh as Chair for 2023-2025 (4-0-1, Van Denburgh abstained)
• Elected Commissioner Van Dyke as Vice Chair for 2023-2025 (4-0-1, Van Dyke abstained)
• Recommended City Council approval of zoning ordinance amendments for parking and landscaping (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. New business includes a memorial bench donation for Autumn Hills Park and a potential grant for Brekke Park ball field improvements. No public hearings or old business are scheduled. The meeting is largely routine with two concrete action items.

• Memorial bench donation for Autumn Hills Park from the Martinez family
• Brekke Park ball field improvements, possible MN Twins Community Fund grant
• Approval of March 20, 2023 commission minutes
• Public comment period limited to three minutes per speaker

The Parks and Trails Commission voted 4-0 to recommend City Council approval of a memorial bench donation for Autumn Hills Park from the Martinez family. The commission also approved the agenda and the March 20, 2023 minutes. No action was taken on the Brekke Park ball field improvements grant, which was only reported on.

• Approved the meeting agenda 4-0
• Approved the March 20, 2023 minutes 4-0
• Recommended City Council approval of the memorial bench donation for Autumn Hills Park 4-0
• Adjourned the meeting 4-0

Planning Commission

The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission is meeting to discuss and potentially amend Zoning Ordinance 401.15.F, which covers off-street parking, loading, and landscape requirements, as part of a continued discussion on urban heat islands. The agenda also includes routine items such as approving the previous meeting's minutes and public comment.

• Continued discussion on urban heat islands and amendments to Zoning Ordinance 401.15.F
• Approval of March 9, 2023 meeting minutes
• Public comment period (3-minute limit per speaker)

The Planning Commission closed the public hearing on proposed amendments to Zoning Ordinance 401.15.F regarding off-street parking, loading, and landscape requirements, with no additional public comment. The commission will continue its discussion at the May 11, 2023 meeting. The commission also approved the agenda and the March 9, 2023 meeting minutes as amended, both by a 4-0 vote.

• Approved the agenda as presented (4-0).
• Approved the March 9, 2023 meeting minutes as amended (4-0).
• Closed the public hearing on Zoning Ordinance 401.15.F amendments (4-0).
• Scheduled continued discussion on the ordinance for May 11, 2023.

Parks Trails Commission

The Parks and Trails Commission is holding its regular meeting, including a worksession for interviews. The main business is filling a commission vacancy and approving the minutes from the February 27 meeting.

• Worksession interviews for commission vacancy
• Approval of February 27, 2023 meeting minutes
• Commission vacancy under old business

The Parks and Trails Commission approved its agenda and prior minutes, then voted to recommend Jon Marquardt to the City Council for appointment to fill a commission vacancy. The commission also heard reports on Arbor Day and lawn care contracts, but took no other action.

• Approved the meeting agenda, carried 4-0
• Approved the February 27, 2023 minutes, carried 4-0
• Recommended Jon Marquardt for appointment to the commission, carried 4-0
• Adjourned the meeting at 5:45 p.m., carried 3-0

Planning Commission

The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to Zoning Ordinance 401.15.F regarding off-street parking, loading, and landscape requirements to address urban heat islands. The commission will also make recommendations to the City Council for appointments to the Planning Commission, including a one-year extension for Tim Freeman and a three-year term for Jim Kremer.

• Public hearing on amendments to Zoning Ordinance 401.15.F related to urban heat islands
• Recommendation to City Council for one-year extension for Tim Freeman
• Recommendation to City Council for appointment of Jim Kremer to a three-year term
• Approval of February 9, 2023 meeting minutes

The Planning Commission voted 4-0 to continue the public hearing on proposed amendments to Zoning Ordinance 401.15.F regarding off-street parking and landscape requirements to their April 13, 2023 meeting, allowing City Planner Richards to further address the proposal based on public discussion. The Commission also recommended a one-year term extension for Commissioner Freeman to May 2024 (2-0-2, with Freeman and Van Denburgh abstaining) and postponed a recommendation on appointing Jim Kremer to a three-year term until the vacancy is published in the City Newsletter (3-1, Freeman opposed).

• Approved agenda as presented (4-0)
• Approved February 9, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Closed public hearing on heat island ordinance at 6:22 p.m. (4-0)
• Continued public hearing on ordinance amendments to April 13, 2023 (4-0)
• Recommended City Council appointment of Commissioner Freeman to one-year term extension culminating in May 2024 (2-0-2, Freeman and Van Denburgh abstaining)
• Postponed recommendation on Jim Kremer's appointment until vacancy is published in City Newsletter (3-1, Freeman opposed)

Parks Trails Commission

The Parks Trails Commission recommended awarding the Swager Park playground project to Flagship Recreation for $74,982.33, with installation planned for August 2023. The commission also scheduled an interview for a commission vacancy on March 20, 2023, at 5:15 p.m. All votes were 3-0.

• Approved agenda (3-0)
• Approved January 23, 2023 minutes (3-0)
• Recommended Flagship Recreation for Swager Park playground at $74,982.33 (3-0)
• Scheduled commission vacancy interview for March 20, 2023 at 5:15 p.m. (3-0)

Planning Commission

The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission voted 4-0 to have staff amend proposed ordinance language on parking and landscaping, including accessory off-street parking setbacks, snow storage, screening of parked cars, stormwater treatment, and restaurant parking spaces. The matter was set for a public hearing at the March Planning Commission meeting. No other business was conducted; the meeting included only routine approvals of the agenda and prior minutes.

• Approved the February 9, 2023 agenda as presented (4-0).
• Approved the January 12, 2023 meeting minutes as presented (4-0).
• Directed staff to amend proposed parking and landscaping ordinance language as discussed (4-0).
• Set the amended ordinance for public hearing at the March Planning Commission meeting (4-0).
• Adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m. (4-0).

Parks Trails Commission

The Oak Park Heights Parks and Trails Commission is meeting to approve minutes, hear liaison reports, and discuss the Swager Park playground as old business. No public hearings or new business are scheduled.

• Swager Park playground discussion
• Approval of December 19, 2022 minutes
• Arborist and Public Works Director reports
• Public comment period (3-minute limit)

The Parks and Trails Commission voted 4-0 to recommend Option 2 for the Swager Park playground equipment, to be compared with the option recommended at the previous meeting. Public Works Director Kegley will prepare a comparison for review at the next meeting. The commission also approved the agenda and the August 15, 2022 minutes, and heard reports on the Tree City USA application and ice rink status.

• Approved the agenda 4-0.
• Approved the August 15, 2022 minutes 4-0.
• Recommended Option 2 for Swager Park playground equipment 4-0, to be compared with the prior option.
• Directed Public Works Director to prepare a comparison for next meeting.

Planning Commission

The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission is meeting to approve prior minutes, hear public comments, and discuss new business on urban heat islands related to parking requirements and landscaping. They will also receive information on starting a search for a new planning commissioner and upcoming meetings.

• Discussion of urban heat islands and parking requirements/landscaping
• Initiate search process for planning commissioner
• Approve December 8, 2022 meeting minutes
• Public comment period (3-minute limit)

The Planning Commission voted 3-1 to direct staff to search for two new commissioners: one to fill an immediate vacancy and one to fill the seat of Commissioner Freeman, whose term ends May 31, 2023. The commission also voted 4-0 to have staff refine a concept on parking and landscaping standards related to urban heat islands and bring it back for further review. No public hearings were held, and no other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved agenda as amended, adding 'Appoint New Commissioner' as Item B under New Business (4-0).
• Approved December 8, 2022 meeting minutes as presented (4-0).
• Directed staff to refine the urban heat island parking/landscaping concept and return for continued review (4-0).
• Directed staff to search for two Planning Commissioners: one for immediate vacancy and one for Freeman's term end (3-1, Freeman opposed).
• Adjourned at 7:03 p.m. (4-0).