10-12-11 Council Workshop Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 12, 2011 NORM'S TIRE SALES The City Administrator reported that Betty Strohbeen contacted him and asked if the City had any interest in purchasing the Norm's Tire property for use as a Public Works Garage. I -Ie reported that this use may have some potential and asked if the Council was interested in a cursory evaluation at this point. He noted that the main building is just under 19,000 square feet, and the smaller building is 2,000 square feet. Betty Strohbeen has had an appraisal done of the property that came back at $1.33 million with an additional $101,000 in value for the smaller building. The Administrator noted that if the City were to utilize this property for its Public Works Garage, it would need to install larger overhead doors and perhaps upgrade the facade of the building. He noted that if a new building were being constructed, we would want drive - through bays. That may not be possible with this property. Keis felt that the Public Works Garage use did not fit in the neighborhood, noting that if one were starting over with this property, the use would be something less industrial. The City Administrator noted that the property is zoned Auto - Oriented Use, B -2, and pointed out that a vehicle sales lot, tire and battery store, etc. would be allowed by Conditional Use Permit on this property. Montour noted that the Public Works Garage would have some outdoor storage. The Administrator indicated that it may be possible to store everything inside or provide adequate screening. Blesener supported taking a cursory look at the property to see if it would work for a Public Works Garage. Montour suggested that there may be some redevelopment potential for this property. The City Administrator felt redevelopment would be difficult given the site is just over 2 acres in size and there is a high building value. Keis pointed out that Little Canada Road is the City's gateway, and felt Public Works did not fit in that location. McGraw stated that he had concern with what the property might be used for. He pointed out that consolidating the Public Works operation in one location on this property may enhance efficiencies. McGraw stated that he did not want to see the property used for a car lot. Boss pointed out that the Norm's usage generates a lot of cars on the property during the day, and that Public Works vehicles would be stored inside in the evening. Boss suggested that Public Works might be a good fit for the property. The Public Works Superintendent stated that his concern is with building utilization given where the building sits on the property. He noted potential disturbance to the neighborhood with snowplows backing up and leaving the site during the middle of the night. He further pointed out that currently the City stores street sweepings at the former Roseville 4