Minutes - 2010/01/25 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council January 25, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 2 A. 7:05 p.m. Public Hearing to Consider Resolution 7566, a Conditional Use Permit � Amendment for Saturn of St. Paul, 2375 Highway 10. Planning Associate Heller presented the request of Jim Price, representing Saturn of St. Paul, for an amendment to an existing conditional use permit. They are asking the City to remove an existing City condition that states: "The dealership in operation on this property shall maintain a new car sales license at all times" (Resolution 5042). She stated this business has been in Mounds View since 1992 and been a good business partner to Mounds View. Due to the recent buyout of by General Motors, they need to make some changes in their business. This location does not qualify for another new car dealership due to its location but they will sell Saturns until October. After that point, they want to become a Motor Trend location. Planning Associate Heller reviewed staff's consideration and advised the Council that the Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of this CUP amendment on January 6, 2010. The Planning Commission stated that Saturn has been a good business in the community, they provide a good service, and keep their property well maintained. Jim Price, applicant, explained that Saturn quit producing new cars some time ago but the property owners want to stay in business in Mounds View as a used cars sales facility and as a Saturn service facility for both Saturns and for other types of cars. Motor Trend is a new franchise dealing with higher end guaranteed used cars with stringent rules on the types of cars, so it fits well with their business model. If approved, it would be the second franchise in Minnesota and their ownership, management, and support staff will remain the same. • Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:20 p.m. Ron Micokoli, property owner close to the Saturn site, stated he is pro-business and not concerned with the car dealership or mechanical work but is bothered by the loud noise from the car wash fans at this location. Hearing no additional public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:22 p.m. Council Member Mueller asked about the number of full- and part-time employees at this dealership. Mr. Price stated they have 45 employees, mostly full-time, and that number will remain the same and possibly increase with Motor Trend. With regard to the car wash blowers, Mr. Price stated this is the first he heard of a noise complaint. He explained it is an exit-type blower system so it operates when the door opens but they will look at modifying the equipment when it needs to be replaced. Mayor Flaherty asked staff to contact another car wash and find out what type of dryer is used at that location. Council Member Stigney asked if they anticipate general repair, sale of tires, replacement of brakes, or oil changes to be available to the public or only for the cars they sell. Mr. Price stated they have always taken care of all customers, and makes and models of cars, whether or not they sold the vehicle, and they look to expand that service. He stated the number of cars on the site is • based on the turn of inventory and the current CUP indicates they can have as many used cars as