Oak Park Heights City Council — Transcript
Monday, August 24, 2026
Officer Swearing-in Ceremony
Cable Access Center Future
Watershed District Concerns (Browns Creek & Middle St. Croix)
Police Department Update & Community Engagement
Recycling Award
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Extension
Food Truck Event Approval
Votes (2)
Resolution approving an extension for the conditional use permit and design guidelines site plan review for 5963 Odell Avenue North
Dissent: None
Moved by Councilmember Swenson [Later] · Seconded by Councilmember [Later]
The item addressed a petitioner's request for a second 1-year extension for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for an office warehouse building. City staff recommended denial, citing no visible progress on site since 2024, unconvincing special circumstances for delay, and persistent issues with outstanding invoices and property maintenance. Councilmembers debated the duration of the extension and the need for stricter conditions to ensure compliance and address past issues. The Mayor noted the property's long vacancy prior to the applicant's purchase.
Request for a two-day food truck event at Green Twigs Villas 2
Dissent: None
Moved by Councilmember [Later] · Seconded by Councilmember [Later]
The request involved placing one food truck for two days during a craft market at Green Twigs Villas 2. City staff presented the application with no objections, noting that Council approval was necessary because the event was marketed to the general public and spanned multiple days, exceeding administrative review authority. A council member suggested implementing a nominal fee for similar future applications.
Notable Quotes (5)
First of all, there hasn't been any visible progress on site since the approval in 2024. ... There were some challenges that we had in getting the petitioner to complete payment of outstanding invoices and also maintain the property.
I also know that property just sat empty for a long long time before um the applicant came forward and and purchased it and and it has committed to to putting a building there and I I mean I I do have a personal relationship with Paul and I know he's a man of his word.
Cuz then especially if the property really my main concern is the invoices and maintaining the property cuz I agree with the mayor that it's not it's better to have someone controlling the property than an abandoned property. So, maybe extending it to like six months, we do a check-in, make sure the property's still being maintained, invoices are being paid.
any condition on the extension in terms of uh keeping the property maintained, I think that's a fair uh um addition to the extension itself.
because this is being marketed to the general public and is a multi-day event, the approval for this does require city council approval rather than administrative review and approval. So, I have included in the packet for you the application and requesting um approval. Uh staff has no objections.
Ordinances & Resolutions (7)
Long-term plan of the Browns Creek Watershed District, subject to City comments.
Permit for an office warehouse building at 5963 Odell Avenue North, for which an extension was requested.
Component of the original approval for the office warehouse building at 5963 Odell Avenue North.
The official document debated and approved to grant an extension for the CUP.
Governs the requirements and opportunities for extending Conditional Use Permits.
City document containing charges for services; discussed for potential additions regarding permit extensions and event applications.
Request submitted for a two-day food truck event at Green Twigs Villas 2.