10-10-01 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 10, 2001 There was no one else present from the general public wishing to comment on this matter. Upon motion by .LaValle, seconded by Montour, the public hearing was closed. The City Administrator reported that the potential outdoor storage user mentioned by the church has contacted the City and from initial conversations, a CUP may be necessary for the wholesale/outdoor storage use they are proposing. The Administrator reported that he informed the user that the City may not look favorably on their proposal given an expansion of outdoor storage. Fahey noted that the difficult issue here is what is the most appropriate and compatible use for this property. Fahey stated that he is impressed with what the church wants to do and their proposal to partner with the community. However, given the size of Little Canada and the amount of property already off the tax rolls, this proposal would have a lat~ge impact on this City. Fahey felt that the highest and best use for the property would be an industrial park type use given the surrounding area. Scalze was concerned with the church's suggestion for along-term lease with an outdoor storage user. Scalze felt the City now had an opportunity to upgrade the use of the I{nox site, and the City should maximize that opportunity. Scalze felt continuation of the outdoor storage use on this property was not something the City should do. Scalze felt that rezoning the property to Industrial Park made the most sense. LaValle agreed with the comments by Fahey and Scalze. While the church would be a wonderful addition to the community, it is not an appropriate land use for this area and the continuation of the outdoor storage use is also something the City would not want to do. Anderson agreed. He pointed out Schroeder's earlier comment about cities not wanting to give up retail space. Anderson pointed out that since Little Canada does not have a lot of retail land, it is the City's commercial land that becomes premium and important to the City's long-term planning. Anderson pointed out that the City has been working to improve the area. This is not to say that another church in the City would not be a great addition, but the City does not have a lot of land available. Schroeder felt that the City has this opportunity to create a green gem that it may never get again. Schroeder acknowledged that while the Council has a vision for the City, it is also important the way people view the City.