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Mounds View City Council January 25, ZO10 <br />Regular Meeting Page 3 <br />. they want. He explained their inventory will still be at other locations and brought to Mounds <br />View so they do not need to expand to another Mounds View location for storage of vehicles. <br />Council Member Stigney noted this was originally a new car franchise with Saturn and then it <br />was expanded and Mr. Price has indicated they can do pretty much what they want to do at this <br />location. Council Member Stigney stated the Council does not have a copy of the original CUP <br />to see the restrictions. Planning Associate Heller stated a CUP is required for used car <br />dealerships and the Council can dictate if it has to be only new cars. <br />Council Member Stigney asked how Saturn could be allowed used cars but not other applicants. <br />Clerk-Administrator Ericson explained the application from several years ago was denied based <br />on the variance application that did not meet the minimum threshold for a two-acre site. He <br />explained if the site is two acres and the conditions are met, the City cannot deny the request. <br />Council Member Stigney indicated concern this request will "open the door" for future requests. <br />Mr. Price stated that with today's costs for running a used car business it would be prohibitive on <br />a two-acre site. He stated if the Council places standard qualiiications for building design, green <br />space, and screening, an applicant for a"Lake Street car lot" could not afford it. <br />Council Member Stigney asked how old the used cars would be. Mr. Price stated the trades <br />would be inspected and if they meet qualifications they will attempt to sell them but if the trade <br />� cannot be guaranteed, the car would be wholesaled. Mr. Price stated their business model is to <br />turn over cars so they are kept for no more that 30 days. He invited the Council to view any of <br />their 78 dealerships across the country. <br />Council Member Gunn stated that a used car lot could still be considered if all conditions are <br />met. Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated this is correct if the zoning and other criteria are met. <br />He noted that the Code has been changed so the City no longer has used car lots. <br />Council Member Gunn asked if the City could include specific stipulations in the CUP about <br />auto sales. Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated the conditions have to be reasonable and relate to <br />the use. He cautioned the Council about being too specific, which would require the applicant to <br />come back each time the business climate or their business model changes. Council Member <br />Gunn stated that as a proud Saturn owner, she would like this business to remain in Mounds <br />View, noting they have been a wonderful business partner in the community. <br />MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7566, <br />Approving an Amendment to the Conditional Use Permit to remove the requirement of <br />maintaining a new car license for Saturn of St. Paul, 2375 Highway 10; Planning Case CM2009- <br />001. <br />Council Member Mueller asked how it is determined whether a new dealership can to come to <br />Mounds View at this location given the location of neighboring dealerships. Mr. Price explained <br />• the manufacturer and State have franchise laws related to distance between dealerships. He <br />stated they were unable to get a new car franchise at this location because of those laws but if a <br />