06-22-05 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JUNE 22, 2005 considered outdoor storage. However, the parking of the trailers only would not be allowed under the ordinance. Montour asked if the City would require the removal of the blacktop and fencing at this site in the event the CUP for outdoor storage lapses. The City Planner indicated that while the ordinance addresses the use, it does not address the improvements. As a result, there is no requirement for removal of the fencing and the blacktop. Hobson indicated that if they purchase the property and need to add on to the building, they would likely add on in the area where the outdoor storage currently exists. There preference would be to expend the money to remove the fencing and blacktop at that time rather than sooner. Keis pointed out thaC while the Code might not require the removal of the fencing and blacktop, the City would certainly appreciate it being removed. Blesener again noted that the CUP is specific to a telecommunications company and would not transfer over to a steel company. LaValle asked how many employees the steel company would employee. Hobson replied that they currently have 30 employees and are based in Eagan. They are not sure if all employees would transfer to Little Canada, and are also looking to expand and add employment. Hobson noted that they nzn a 24 hours per day, 7 days per week operation. Allan noted that the survey information provided by City staff and the City Planner do not match. Blesener noted that this information is not an apples to apples comparison. Staff compared outdoor storage requirements for the highest industrial zones in the surrounding cities. LaValle felt that rather than immediately eliminate outdoor storage from the I-P District, it should be phased out over a period of time. LaValle suggested that initially the outdoor storage allowance be reduced from 75% of the building size to 50%. He suggested that the City look at the issue again in a year or two with the thought of reducing it down to 25%. LaValle felt that banning outdoor storage from the I-P District immediately may preclude a good business from locating in Little Canada. Blesener noted that eliminating outdoor storage in the I-P will not impact existing uses, only future uses. Keis stated that he agrees that improvements must be made that will impact the properties with freeway visibility. Keis also stated that he would like to see a reduction in outdoor storage in Little Canada. He felt,