05-08-08 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 8, 2008 The City Planner felt that the drawing submitted this evening moved in the right direction, but indicated that he would have to verify the percentage of outdoor storage. Duray asked the Commission's preference for tabling this matter until its June meeting to allow the Planner time to verify the outdoor storage percentage, or if the matter could be moved on to the Council subject to this verification. Rossow again reviewed the three tenants for this property and their operations. Rossow indicated that he is willing to work with the City to ensure that the outdoor storage requirements are met. Rossow also noted that the outdoor storage use will need to be licensed, therefore, the City has another mechanism of control. The Planner stated that he just needs to do some additional calculations on the plan submitted. Duray pointed out that if the outdoor storage exceeds 60%, it would have to be decreased. Duray felt the City would hold fast to the 60% maximum. Rossow indicated that he has no problem with that. Justin Hetherington, Auto Rescue, appeared before the Commission and outlined the nature of their business. He reported that the business had been located in North St. Paul for the past four years and they have outgrown that site. Auto Rescue does towing for the North St. Paul Police Department as well as private parties. Vehicles that are involved in an accident and towed are stored until the insurance company and police can complete their investigation. Operable vehicles are stored for a maximum of 45 days. Inoperable vehicles are taken to a recycling yard. Duray asked what the longest duration would be that a vehicle would be stored on this site. Hetherington reported that a vehicle being forfeited may have to be stored for six months while the forfeiture process is being followed. Duray asked if Auto Rescue tows trailers and boats. Hetherington replied that they do if they were attached to a vehicle that had to be towed. They do tow motorcycles on occasion. Duray asked about the towing of clips of vehicles. Hetherington replied that they do if the vehicle was involved in an accident. Hetherington reported that Auto Rescue will tow Junkers upon request, but take them directly to a metal reduction yard. Barraclough pointed out that if the City allows the CUP for Auto Rescue, it would be limited to licensed and operable vehicles. Hetherington replied that he is aware of that and has another location to bring damaged vehicles. Rossow asked Hetherington how many vehicles he had stored last year for over 45 days. Heatherington estimated that he had one. That vehicle was a forfeiture. -6-