The Oakdale City Council approved two major residential developments and accepted the resignation of longtime Council Member Susan Willen during their May 27 meeting.

The council unanimously approved the Willoughbrook 12th Edition development, a 98-unit townhome project at the northeast corner of 40th Street and Highway 694. The development, which represents the final phase of the Willoughbrook planned unit development, required density and setback variances from city standards. Council Member Moore cast the lone dissenting vote on the plat and site plan approvals, citing unresolved concerns about setbacks.

Council members also advanced the Enclave Helmo Station project, approving the final plat and noise variance for the 262-unit apartment and 112-unit townhome development near Helmo Avenue and Fourth Street. However, they tabled execution of the development agreement until June 10 to allow more time for review.

In other business, the council approved an electronic sign permit for 1803 Geneva Avenue and authorized bidding for the Hadley Avenue overlay project, which will resurface pavement and upgrade street lighting from 10th Street to Hallmark Avenue.

The meeting concluded with an emotional farewell to Council Member Susan Willen, who announced her resignation effective June 6 after serving 6.5 years. Mayor Kevin Zabel praised Willen as a "gardener" who helped Oakdale grow, while colleagues thanked her for her passionate advocacy and institutional knowledge. The council will fill the vacancy by appointment, with the process to be determined at a future meeting.