02-08-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 8, 2012 outdoor storage and all goods are sold and stored indoors. The Clerk indicated that application materials are in order and the City has received a satisfactory background check on Tateosian. Staff recommends approval of the Second Hand Goods Dealers License. Jeffery Butwinick, Mattress Monster, appeared before the Council and reported that the owner of property has assured him that the lease with Planet Thrift would not allow for the sale of mattresses and furniture. Butwinick was concerned that Planet Thrift, which is located in the same building as Mattress Monster, would compete with his business if they are allowed to sell mattresses and furniture. Butwinick asked that the Council place a restriction on the Second Hand Goods Dealers License that prohibits the sale of mattresses and furniture. Keis indicated that the Council does not regulate competition between businesses, i.e. two gas stations or two drug stores in close proximity to one another. Butwinick was concerned that Planet Thrift would have an advantage as this business would sell used merchandise at much less cost than the new merchandise that Mattress Monster sells. Butwinick reported that Mattress Monster sells new mattresses and furniture. Phillip Tateosian, Planet Thrift, indicated that he does not intend to sell mattresses, noting that they take up a lot of space and generate little revenue. However, it is his intention to sell furniture. Montour asked if Planet Thrift would have a drop -off area for people making donations. Tateosian indicated that there would be no drop -off area, but people would be able to bring things into the store for donation during business hours. Tateosian stated that it not their intent to advertise as a donation center. The City Administrator pointed out that when the Salvation Army had a store in Little Canada, it was not a drop -off site. I- Iowever, people would drop items near the building after hours leaving a mess. The Administrator indicated that if this happens at Planet Thrift, the operator should clean these items up immediately. Montour pointed out that Dock 86 is just up the block and would be a competitor to Mattress Monster. Butwinick indicated that his concern was the pricing advantage that Planet Thrift would have over Mattress Monster. Blesener felt that Mattress Monster and Planet Thrift would cater to two different customer groups, one group interested in new merchandise and the other used. 2