12-22-08 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 22, 2008 Keis stated that he would like to see an 18 month grace period. After that time if the project is proceeding, but not quite completed, he would be willing to consider an extension. Keis felt that as long as substantial progress is being made, he would support a 3 or 4 month extension. Biegelbach noted that R & S has property constraints to work with given there is a pipeline through the property as well as other easements. To add on to their existing building to create office space for their tenants, they have to determine if that is feasible given these easements. Dave Sandberg, R & S, also indicated that the economy will be a factor into whether or not they are able to add on to their building. Biegelbach indicated that he and R & S will work with the City. He noted that this business is Dave Sandberg's and Lewie Rustad's livelihood. Biegelbach also noted that the salvage license could be a means of revenue for R & S Automotive. They are willing to forego this license fora 24 month time period to bring their property into compliance. The City Administrator noted that the circumstances of the other business that staff is recommending 18 months to bring the property into compliance. That business was compliant with the Code until just recently when one tenant vacated office space and only has outdoor storage space. The Administrator also reported on the history of the salvage yard and staff's position that this use has been discontinued for some time. The Administrator recommended that if the 18 month grace period is granted, it be tied to staff's position that the salvage yard is not grandfathered in. Blesener pointed out that the City will not go back to the situation where R & S is operating a salvage yard and crushing cars. Biegelbach indicated that R & S has no intention of doing so. Rocky Waite appeared before the Council and reported that R & S Automotive has operated in the City for a number of years and had paid property taxes. Waite also pointed out the difficult economic times. He urged the Council to give R & S at least 24 months to bring their property into Code compliance. He noted that the property is hidden from view, and also pointed out that the property is neat and organized. Waite commented on other businesses in the City as well as the City's rental of the water tower as an income source. Waite urged the Council to let R & S use their property and maintain an income stream from this property. With regard to comments related to some other businesses in the City, Blesener noted that the existing businesses are Code compliant, the proposed businesses will be Code compliant, and all bring in jobs to the community as well as add to the City's tax base. Waite commented on the CVS development which will displace existing jobs. The City Administrator noted that the CVS project will receive no City assistance, 11