04-23-08 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 23, 2008 parks. Allan stated that she would rather see buildings constructed than outdoor storage. Allan expressed concern that now the direction is to expand outdoor storage to allow off-site outdoor storage. Allan asked if the expansion of allowed outdoor storage will result in the need for full- time code enforcement. Blesener noted that the proposal would be to have both an interim use permit fee and an annual outdoor storage license fee. Allan did not feel the license fees would be adequate to cover the City's code enforcement costs. Allan also noted the amount of time and effort that it requires deal with violating businesses. Lee Rossow, Comfort Bus, spoke in support of the off-site outdoor storage pointing out that it allows him the opportunity to generate revenue from his property and addresses the additional outdoor storage needs that Quality Contracting has. Rossow pointed out that Quality Conriacting is a good, quality, and expanding Little Canada business. Rossow felt that the outdoor storage license was a good control mechanism for the City. He also noted that off-site outdoor storage has been approved in the City in the past, as he received such approval for the storage of school buses. Rossow felt that most of the Ryan Indusri•ial Park businesses would like to work with the City on cleaning up the park. Rossow also indicated that he would like to see the I-1 District amendments passed so that the businesses can move on. He noted that the ordinance before the Council provides some compromises that should work for both the City and the business owners. Rossow felt that the off-site outdoor storage would help the quality businesses in Little Canada. He suggested the Council should give this ordinance a chance and felt they will be happy with the outcome. Allan expressed concern that Rossow has stated many times over the years his plans to construct a building on his property. She felt that expanding the outdoor storage to allow off-site outdoor storage will prevent that from happening. Rossow pointed out that he has constructed three buildings on his Rice Street property. He felt that given the current economy a building was not feasible at this time. Rossow felt that the businesses in the Park needed a breather at this point because of the economy, and should be able to rent off-site outdoor storage. Allan suggested that due to the Little Canada location, any indoor storage buildings would have no problems being rented. Rossow pointed out that there are a lot of vacancies in the area, and stated that other than Quality Contracting, he has had no interest expressed in his properties recently. Keis asked if Quality offered to purchase the property. Rossow replied that that was discussed. He pointed out, however, even if Quality purchased the property they would not put up a building.