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North Oaks, MN

North Oaks public meetings in 2025

36 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Thu Dec 11, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

Council will discuss and possibly set the 2026 city budget and tax levy

The North Oaks City Council meeting will consider routine consent items such as approval of 2026 arborist and mechanical licenses, the meeting minutes, Resolution 1585 for the 2026 recycling fee, Resolution 1586 certifying unpaid utility charges, and the NYFS agreement. A Truth in Taxation hearing will address discussion and possible action on a resolution to set the 2026 budget and levy. Additional discussions include amending the council meeting schedule and replacing oversized water meters.

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✓ Decided: Council approved the 2026 tax levy and budget with a 4‑1 vote

The North Oaks City Council certified the 2026 tax levy (Resolution 1587) by a 4‑1 vote, with Councilor Gaspard opposing. The council also unanimously approved the agenda, the consent agenda items, closed the Truth in Taxation hearing, amended the meeting calendar to Jan. 15, 2025, authorized purchase of water meters, and adopted the 11th amendment to the 1999 PDA correcting driveway width to 18 feet.

Thu Nov 20, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

Council will consider an objection to the Metro Council’s 2025 System Statement

The North Oaks City Council will review an objection filed against the Metropolitan Council’s 2025 System Statement for the city. The council will also consider a request to hold a hearing before the Court of Administrative Hearings under Minnesota Statute § 473.857. No other agenda items are listed for this special meeting.

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✓ Decided: City Council approved Resolution 1584 to object to Metropolitan Council system statement

The council voted 4-1 to adopt Resolution 1584, formally objecting to the Metropolitan Council's 2050 system statement and requesting revisions to population forecasts and MUSA sewer extensions. The resolution argues the current density requirements are unattainable for North Oaks and cites aging septic systems as a public‑health concern. The city must submit its response to the Metropolitan Council by November 23. All other agenda items were approved without dissent.

Thu Nov 13, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

North Oaks City Council to review Joint Powers Agreements and water management

The City Council will discuss Joint Powers Agreements with White Bear Township and Lino Lakes and review a proposal for the Pleasant Lake Water Management Plan. The body is also considering the engagement of outside counsel for Comprehensive Plan system state matters.

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✓ Decided: Council authorizes contract for Pleasant Lake water quality plan

The North Oaks City Council unanimously approved the agenda and the consent agenda items, which included routine licenses and resolutions. Councilors also voted unanimously to move forward with negotiations with North Oaks Company regarding water meter pit agreements. Finally, the council authorized the mayor, city administrator, and city attorney to sign a contract with Barr Engineering, NOHOA, and the city for the Pleasant Lake water management plan.

Thu Nov 13, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

North Oaks City Council to discuss 2026 budget and tax levy

The City Council is holding a workshop to discuss the 2026 budget and tax levy. The meeting includes a review of the Financial Management Plan and long-range budget projections.

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✓ Decided: City Council unanimously approved the meeting agenda

The council approved the agenda by a unanimous roll‑call vote. The meeting then proceeded to a budget and levy discussion workshop presented by Ehlers Financial, reviewing the proposed 2026 budget, tax levy impacts, and reserve considerations. No formal actions or votes on budget items, tax rates, or reserve usage were taken during this session.

Mon Oct 27, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

Council to discuss joint powers agreements for water, sewer and road projects

The North Oaks City Council will discuss and possibly act on a three‑party joint powers agreement with Lino Lakes and White Bear Township, a two‑party agreement with Lino Lakes concerning improvements and maintenance of Wilkinson Lake Boulevard and the Wilkinson Waters project, and the retention of a lobbyist for Metropolitan Council matters along with hiring outside special legal counsel. These items address regional water and sewer services and local roadway improvements.

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✓ Decided: Council recessed Oct 27 meeting and set reconvening for Oct 29 at 9 a.m.

On October 27, Councilors voted unanimously to recess the meeting and reconvene on Wednesday, October 29 at 9:00 a.m. The October 29 session was called, and Councilors unanimously approved the agenda as amended. No other actions were voted on during these meetings.

Thu Oct 9, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

Council to approve gambling permit for Women's Guild silent auction

The North Oaks City Council will vote on approving an exempt gambling permit for the North Oaks Women's Guild silent auction scheduled for December 14 and 15, 2025. The council will also adopt the monthly financial statements and approve a septic variance for 3 Sandpiper Lane. Additional items include a cooperative services agreement with the USDA and several licensing approvals for local contractors. Several discussion items cover public safety, beach task force updates, and planning commission matters.

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✓ Decided: Council approved a $50,000 USDA deer management contract (4-1 vote)

The council approved the meeting agenda after removing the USDA Cooperative Services Agreement item. All consent‑agenda items—including a gambling permit, financial statements, prior meeting minutes, contractor licenses, and a septic variance—were approved unanimously. The USDA deer‑management contract was authorized up to $50,000 with a 4‑1 vote. The 2026 council calendar was amended to add meetings on Oct 27 and Nov 13, also by unanimous vote.

Thu Oct 9, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

North Oaks City Council to discuss 2050 Comprehensive Plan and staff allowances

The City Council will meet to review routine approvals and discuss several new business items. Key topics include the 2050 Comprehensive Plan system statements and staff health insurance and cell phone allowances.

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✓ Decided: City Council approves $50,000 USDA deer management contract

The council approved the meeting agenda after removing the USDA Deer Management item. The consent agenda items, including a gambling permit and several licenses, were approved unanimously. The USDA Deer Management contract authorizing up to $50,000 for deer and goose removal was adopted by a 4‑1 vote. The council also amended the 2026 calendar to add meetings on Oct 27 2025 and Nov 13 2025.

Thu Sep 25, 2025

Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes

Planning Commission to consider septic variance for 3 Sandpiper Lane

The North Oaks Planning Commission will meet on September 25, 2025 to approve the minutes from its August 28 meeting and to discuss a septic variance request for 3 Sandpiper Lane. The request seeks a 12.6‑foot setback, less than the required 30 feet, to replace a failing subsurface sewage treatment system. The property is in the shoreland district of Pleasant Lake and includes a rear‑yard wetland. The commission may vote to approve the variance with conditions outlined in the staff report.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission unanimously approves septic variance for 3 Sandpiper Lane

The commission approved its agenda and the August 28, 2025 minutes, both unanimously. It then approved a septic variance for the property at 3 Sandpiper Lane, subject to staff‑recommended conditions, also unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m.

Thu Sep 11, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

City approves $4.9 million educational facilities revenue note refund

The North Oaks City Council will vote on several consent‑agenda items, including routine license approvals and the city’s financials. It will also adopt resolutions for a septic variance at 11 Woodhill Lane, a conditional‑use permit for combined garages over 2,500 sq ft at 61 W. Pleasant Lake Road, and the issuance of a $4,900,000 educational facilities revenue refund note for the St. Odelia School project. Additional discussion items cover the Abdo auditor contract through 2028, a quiet‑zone railroad request, a cooperative road construction agreement, and the preliminary 2026 tax levy.

financebondszoningpermitscontractspublic-safetyroads
Thu Sep 11, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

City Council to approve auditor contract and zoning resolutions

The North Oaks City Council will consider approving a contract with Abdo Auditor through 2028, along with resolutions for a septic variance and a conditional use permit. The meeting will also include a discussion on the preliminary 2026 budget and tax levy.

budgetzoningcontracttaxpublic-safetytransportation
Thu Aug 28, 2025

Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes

Planning Commission to vote on large garage and septic variance requests

The North Oaks Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on two requests: a conditional use permit for a garage exceeding 2,500 sq. ft. at 61 W. Pleasant Lake Road, and a septic variance for a property at 11 Woodhill Lane. The meeting will also include approval of previous minutes and a discussion on proposed septic ordinance changes.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission unanimously approved a garage permit and a septic variance

The commission approved its agenda and the July 31 minutes, both unanimously. It held a public hearing and then unanimously approved a Conditional Use Permit for a 2,150‑sq‑ft garage addition at 61 W. Pleasant Lake Road, subject to staff‑recommended conditions. The commission also unanimously approved a septic setback variance for 11 Woodhill Lane, also subject to conditions.

Thu Aug 14, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

North Oaks Council to discuss building height limits and road agreements

The City Council will consider an ordinance changing maximum building heights in the Residential Single-Family Low-Density District. Members will also discuss a cooperative construction agreement for County Road J and I-35E and a joint powers agreement with White Bear Township.

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✓ Decided: Council rescinds old agenda policies, adopts new guidelines (4‑1 vote)

The council voted 4‑1 to rescind prior agenda and conduct policies and adopt the new guidelines presented by Administrator Kress. The public‑safety task force priorities were approved unanimously. The consent agenda was approved unanimously, including the appointment of Councilor Shah as the NOHOA representative on the joint resolution.

Thu Aug 14, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

City Council to vote on building height changes and bond sale

The North Oaks City Council will meet to discuss and potentially decide on several items, including an ordinance amendment to change maximum building height standards in residential areas, a joint resolution with the North Oaks Homeowners Association, and the approval of general obligation bonds. The meeting will also include routine approvals such as licenses and financials.

zoningbondsbuilding-heightfinancialslicensesjoint-resolutioninfrastructure
Thu Jul 31, 2025

Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes

Planning Commission to consider building height and septic ordinance changes

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to maximum building height standards in the RSL- Residential Single-Family Low Density District. The body will also consider amendments to the city's septic ordinance.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission approved amendment to City Code on RSL building height

The commission unanimously approved the agenda and the June 30 minutes. It also unanimously approved an amendment to City Code XV, Chapter 151 that changes the approval process for building height in the Residential Single‑Family Low‑Density (RSL) district. The commission discussed possible changes to the septic ordinance but deferred any amendment to the August meeting. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

Thu Jul 10, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

North Oaks Council to consider city code repeal and bond issuance

The City Council will discuss repealing and replacing the existing North Oaks City Code and the sale of General Obligation Bonds, series 2025A. The body is also reviewing a conditional use permit for a home height exception.

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Mon Jun 30, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

North Oaks authorizes $2 million in bonds for fire station and utilities

The City Council met to authorize the issuance and sale of $2,000,000 in General Obligation Bonds, Series 2025A. These funds are designated for the city's share of a new fire station in Arden Hills and various utility system improvements.

bondsfire-stationutilitiesfinancepublic-safety
Mon Jun 30, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

City Council to discuss issuance and sale of General Obligation Bonds, series 2025A

The City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss and potentially take action on the issuance and sale of General Obligation Bonds, series 2025A.

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✓ Decided: Council approved $2 million bond sale resolution for fire station project

The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda. It then approved Resolution 1659, which changes the proposed General Obligation Bond sale amount from $1.3 million to a flat $2,000,000 for the fire‑station capital project. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

Mon Jun 30, 2025

Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes

Planning Commission to consider zoning code overhaul and home height permit

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding the repeal and replacement of the city's Zoning Code and Subdivision Regulations. The body will also consider a conditional use permit for a new home's height at 10 Evergreen Road.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission repealed and replaced Chapters 151 & 152 of city code

The commission unanimously approved a Conditional Use Permit for a home exceeding height limits at 10 Evergreen Road. It also unanimously voted to repeal and replace Chapter 151 and Chapter 152 of the North Oaks City Code. Both actions were adopted without any public comments.

🏢 Building at this address: 6 m tall
Thu Jun 12, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

North Oaks City Council to hold hearings on fee schedules and bond refinancing

The City Council will discuss a 2025 Fee Schedule Ordinance and the refinancing of the St. Odilia Conduit Bond. The body will also consider a Comcast franchise agreement extension and a conditional use permit for home height at 1 Catbird Lane.

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Thu Jun 12, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

City Council to consider 2025 fee schedule and St. Odilia bond refinancing

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding the 2025 Fee Schedule Ordinance and the refinancing of the St. Odilia Conduit Bond. The body will also consider a franchise agreement extension for Comcast and a conditional use permit for a home height exception.

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Thu Jun 12, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

North Oaks City Council to hold public hearings on fees and bond refinancing

The City Council will discuss a 2025 Fee Schedule Ordinance and the refinancing of the St. Odilia Conduit Bond. The body is also considering a Comcast franchise agreement extension and a conditional use permit for home height.

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Thu May 29, 2025

Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes

Planning Commission to hold hearing on home height permit for 1 Catbird Lane

The Planning Commission will conduct a continued public hearing regarding a home height permit. The body will also discuss a septic variance request and provide an infrastructure update.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission approved conditional use permit for 1 Catbird Lane home height

The commission unanimously approved the agenda and the April 24 minutes. It approved a conditional use permit allowing a home at 1 Catbird Lane to exceed the 35‑foot height limit, subject to staff‑listed conditions. The septic variance request for 10 Evergreen Road was continued to the June 26 meeting, and the commission unanimously recommended that the City Council review the height‑restriction CUP policy. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

Wed May 28, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

City Council to discuss collaboration with NOHOA

The City Council will hold a joint discussion with the North Oaks Homeowners Association (NOHOA) regarding shared activities and interests. The body intends to develop a joint decision-making process and a vision/action/mission strategy.

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✓ Decided: Council approved eight joint action items for City‑NOHOA collaboration

The North Oaks City Council adopted a set of joint action items with the NOHOA Board to guide shared vision, board role clarity, and utility planning. Items covering utilities, a problem‑solving framework, innovation, regular meetings, communication, a multi‑year utility plan, standing agenda updates, and legal obstacle identification were all moved to an action strategy by vote. A proposal to develop a recreation facilities plan did not pass. The council also agreed to schedule a future four‑hour session to continue the collaboration work.

Thu May 22, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

City Council to vote on capital improvement bonds and public safety plan

The North Oaks City Council will hold a public hearing on issuing general obligation bonds for capital improvements and discuss the Public Safety Initiative Plan. The meeting will also include approvals for licenses, financials, and fireworks permits for NOHOA Summerfest.

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Mon May 12, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

✓ Decided: Council adjourned the meeting; no substantive actions were taken

The council held a joint session with NOHOA to discuss collaboration and decision‑making processes. No formal approvals, denials, or policy changes were enacted. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous motion.

Thu Apr 24, 2025

Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes

Public hearing on conditional use permit for home height exceeding 35 feet at 1 Catbird Lane

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider a conditional use permit for a new home at 1 Catbird Lane with a proposed height of 43 feet 7.6 inches, exceeding the 35-foot maximum. The commission will also receive an infrastructure update, likely regarding utility planning in the Wildflower Way area as discussed in the previous meeting.

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✓ Decided: Commissioners postponed the conditional use permit decision to May 29

The Planning Commission approved its agenda and the March 27 minutes unanimously. A public hearing on the conditional use permit for excess height at 1 Catbird Lane was opened and closed, also unanimously. The commission voted to continue reviewing the permit application at the May 29, 2025 meeting. An infrastructure update was presented but no action was taken.

Thu Mar 27, 2025

Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes

Public hearing on conditional use permit for grading at 48 Raven Road

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider action on a conditional use permit for grading over 100 cubic yards at 48 Raven Road. They will also continue discussions on setback definitions and ASC policies, and review an engineering memo related to water and sanitary utilities.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission approves conditional use permit for 48 Raven Road

The commission unanimously approved the agenda with an added Wilkinson Waters update and approved the February minutes. A public hearing on the 48 Raven Road grading permit was opened and closed without comments. The commission then approved the conditional use permit for 48 Raven Road with staff‑recommended conditions. No other items were decided at this meeting.

🏢 Building at this address: 5 m tall
Tue Mar 4, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

City Council to hold strategy session on budget, utilities, and safety

The City Council will meet to discuss a broad strategy session covering funding sources, utility extensions, and public safety. The body will also consider routine approvals for city licenses and financial reports.

budgetutilitiespublic-safetylicensingfire-department
✓ Decided: Council authorizes $20K USDA goose management contract

The North Oaks City Council approved a $20,000 contract with the USDA for goose management, including egg painting and other measures, with a 4-1 vote. The council also formed a working group to explore City Hall location options, authorized up to $20,000 for a third-party consultant to align City and NOHOA priorities, and requested NOHOA to delay Wildflower Way resurfacing for utility review. The Lake Johanna Fire Department joint powers agreement was tabled for further revision.

Thu Feb 27, 2025

Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes

Public hearing on conditional use permit for grading at 48 Raven Road; staff recommends continuance

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for a conditional use permit to enlarge an existing berm at 48 Raven Road by grading over 100 cubic yards. Staff recommends continuing the hearing because the applicant has not submitted required materials. The commission will also discuss city setback ordinances and alignment with Architectural Supervisory Committee policies.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission continues Raven Road grading hearing to March

The Planning Commission opened a public hearing for a conditional use permit for grading over 100 cubic yards at 48 Raven Road but continued it to the March 27, 2025 meeting because the application was incomplete. The Commission also discussed inconsistencies between City ordinances and NOHOA's ASC policies regarding setbacks, particularly for retaining walls, and agreed to continue that discussion. No final decisions were made on either item.

Thu Feb 20, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

Council and NOHOA discuss collaboration, deer control, and infrastructure

The North Oaks City Council holds a joint discussion with the North Oaks Homeowners Association (NOHOA) on alignment processes for collaboration, communication, long-term vision, enforcement priorities, and the new Public Works Director's interface. They also discuss natural environment topics including deer and goose management, water quality, stormwater, tree health, and infrastructure items like the Master Infrastructure plan, LPR status, and Operation Clearview for road safety. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is a discussion-only workshop.

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✓ Decided: City Council and NOHOA hold joint brainstorming session on collaboration

The North Oaks City Council held a joint meeting with the North Oaks Homeowners Association (NOHOA) and North Oaks Company to brainstorm ways to improve collaboration. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was a discussion session covering topics such as infrastructure maintenance, communication, long-term vision, enforcement priorities, and the new Public Works Director role. The group agreed to consider creating a request for proposals (RFP) for an independent facilitator to help develop a shared vision and action items.

Thu Feb 13, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

North Oaks Council to discuss fire station funding and fee updates

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding updates to the 2025 fee schedule for cannabis and sewer/water rates. Members will also consider resolutions to support construction and funding for the Lake Johanna Fire Department's new headquarters.

budgetpublic-safetyutilitiescannabiscontracts
Thu Feb 13, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

Council to consider resolution supporting Lake Johanna Fire Department headquarters construction and grant funding

The City Council will discuss and possibly vote on a resolution to support Lake Johanna Fire Department's new headquarters station construction and related grant funding, including assignment of a fiscal agent and amendment of the joint powers agreement. A continued public hearing on updates to the 2025 fee schedule for cannabis and water/sewer rates is also scheduled. The consent agenda includes approval of business licenses for arborists and mechanical contractors, approval of minutes from prior meetings, and a contract with Granicus.

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Thu Jan 30, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

Council to discuss pending lawsuit in closed session and hold strategy session

The North Oaks City Council will hold a strategy session on pending and future city matters including budget, utilities, roads, safety, and environmental issues. The council will also enter a closed session under attorney-client privilege to discuss pending litigation: Damien Lepoutre and The Lepoutre Family Revocable Trust v. City of North Oaks.

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✓ Decided: Council holds strategy session, sets 2025 priorities, enters closed litigation session

The City Council held a special strategy session to discuss 2025 priorities, including budget, utilities, roads, safety, and environmental matters. No formal decisions were made; the session was for discussion and priority setting. The Council also unanimously voted to enter a closed session to discuss pending litigation (Damien Lepoutre v. City of North Oaks) and later reconvened and adjourned.

Thu Jan 30, 2025

Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes

North Oaks Planning Commission to hold training and appoint Vice-Chairman

The Planning Commission will conduct training for members on land use ordinances and setbacks. The body will also discuss the appointment of a Vice-Chairman and establish its annual meeting calendar.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission appoints Rick Kingston as Vice Chair

The North Oaks Planning Commission held a regular meeting on January 30, 2025, and took several actions. They unanimously appointed Rick Kingston as Vice Chair, approved the 2025 meeting calendar, and received training for commissioners. The meeting also included a summary of 2024 activities and reports on community issues.

Thu Jan 9, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

Council to hold public hearing on cannabis and water/sewer fee changes

The City Council will hold a public hearing to consider an ordinance amending the fee schedule for cannabis and water/sewer rates. The consent agenda includes routine approvals of city financials, 2025 meeting and holiday schedules, contractor licenses, and the hiring of a Public Works Director. Council members will also consider appointing members to the Planning Commission.

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Thu Jan 9, 2025

City Council Agenda & Minutes

Public hearing on cannabis fee schedule and water/sewer rate changes

The North Oaks City Council will hold a public hearing and consider an ordinance to amend the city fee schedule for cannabis and water/sewer rates. The consent agenda includes approval of city financials, 2025 licenses for arborists, mechanical contractors, and a general contractor, as well as the hiring of a Public Works Director and adoption of meeting schedules. The council will also consider a resolution for Planning Commission appointments and receive monthly reports from the deputy, forestry, building official, and mosquito control district.

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