HomeMy WebLinkAboutweekly notes 1-13-23
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS – WEEKLY NOTES for: January 13th, 2023
TO: City Council Members& Staff
FROM: Eric Johnson, City Administrator
Zoning & Development Items:
1.No new applications have been received for the FebruaryPlanning Commission.Staff continues to completethe final CUP documents for a
number of projects, including CATES, Siegfried and VSSA- Boutwell’s Housing project – all of these can take some time for final reviews
and signatures.
2.The Planning Commission did have good discussion aboutthe prospect of reducing the City’s parking-lot space requirements – and appeared
to find it generally favorable. They did ask Staff to bring back some updates and follow-ups for further discussion in February - so a public
hearing may be held in March.
3.A letter was set to a residentreminding them ofa need to get a KENNEL LICENSE.
4.Staff has been communicating with the KOHLS site manager about the sign hanging on their north face, that is poor condition and was not
permitted initially. It was to be removed by the EOD 1/13/23.
5.As approved by the City Council in late 2022, Staff has reachedout to the Brackey area ownership to see if they would be willing to participate
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in a roundtable related to the development and access issues between 58 – Neal and 60. See enclosed. I am hoping there is some interest
in meeting – slated for 2/22/23. If there seems to be some semblance of common goals among the parties, the CIty will then bring in its
STANTEC consultant.
6.We are advised that PACIFIC DENTAL will be starting their renovations to move into the former Kay Jewler’s Site –adjacent to DISCOUNT
TIRE. And, Starbucks apparently will be openingin late February at the former White Castle.
Other Items:
As it may impact the City in June, the State is discussing
Senate file No.13 related to Juneteenth. If this passes,
the City may not conduct generalized public business on
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.
such day – in this case it wouldbe Monday – June 19
This wouldthen besimilar to other Stateholidays.
The State DEED Office - from Ms. CarlaVita – whom the
Council has met did supply an articleabout a power plant
redevelopment occurringin Wisconsin – south of
Milwaukee. See enclosed. (havinglived near this areain
the early 1990’s) it is largely an industrial area now – in
general.There likelywill be more examples to draw from
as these continue to close.
Please see thecompliment to the CIty Public Works and
all Staff.
The City’s 2023 Pay equity report has been filed.
Mayor McComber Provided:
NLC Update for 1/10/23
LMC Career Advantage Case Study.
EMWREP update.
City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Phone (651) 439-4439 Fax (651) 439-0574
1/13/2023
OSHI PropertiesOak Park Ponds, LLC
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13025 60St N.4590 Scott Trail # 103
Stillwater, MN 55082Eagan, MN 55122
Robert BrackeyMenardsInc.
80 Arlington Ave. E.4777 Menard Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55117EauClaire, WI 54703
Leonard Investments, LLCKruger Lane LLC
1000 Concord Street4999France Ave, #126
South St. Paul, MN, 55075Minneapolis, MN 55410
Dear Property Owner:
In2022 Bob Brackey– the owner of lands highlightedin the attachedmapsought topursuea sale anddevelopment of such lands.
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Some ofthe challengesto that possibility included access issues along 58street/ Neal Ave., priordevelopmentagreementsand
howretail worldmay be changing ina post-COVIDlandscape. Ultimatelythis proposal did not moveforward.
The lands highlighted are thelargest remaining undevelopedpropertiesin our City. Lands such as this– generallyas“in-fill”
developmentbecome land-lockedand/orexperience more development challenges compared to other properties in moreopen or
new development areas.
As the City does haveaninterest in seekingfiscally responsibledevelopmentthat also embodies sound access and development
patterns– weare seeking to host a conversation withthe owners of the landsin andaroundthis area to see what concerns you all
may haveand/or how these area may be consideredin order tofacilitate apossiblefuture project– especiallyas it relates to
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access on 58street, Neal Ave and 60Street.
Accordingly, Staffhere at the Citywould be curiousif you wouldlike toattend a round-tablediscussionabout these lands
and related access / development issues ---on February 22,2023– hereat City Hall– 10:00am---
I am not sure exactly what an outcome wouldbe and we arenot seeking commitments from anyone, butI anticipatethat having
entities have atleast some conversation abouttheir goals and desires could not necessarily be a negative.We can talk more about
other or future discussions ifthere seems to be somethought that itwouldbe needed or valuable.
PLEASE RSVP To me ateajohnson@cityofoakparkheights.comor call me at 651-439-4439if you believe you would be
willing and able to attend – of if you have questions.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Eric Johnson, City Administrator