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Mounds View City Council January 25, 2010 <br />Regular Meeting Page 4 <br />new dealership becomes available, they will get it. He assured the Council that they will have a • <br />new car license in this market and if it had not been for Motor Trend, they would have "shut the <br />lights off." <br />Mayor Flaherty agreed the City does not want a lot of used car lots and because of the current <br />CUP requirements, it would be fiscally prohibitive. He stated he knows Motor Trend deals with <br />higher end used vehicles and likes that the cars would remain on the lot only 30 days. <br />Council Member Stigney noted this property has a Meineke franchise operation as well as used <br />cars and if there is a new car franchise, there is nothing to prohibit adding that to this site. Mr. <br />Price stated they believe that because of the national recognition of Motor Trend, it would be a <br />good offering for used cars and complement a new car operation. He advised that at their <br />Shakopee location they have Motor Trend with a Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealership. <br />Council Member Stigney stated the Council has not seen the CUP or conditions that could be <br />added related to having only cars that are certi�ed and remain on the lot for only 30 days. He <br />remained concerned about the impact to future applications. <br />Mayor Flaherty asked for staff's opinion of the CUP. Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated he <br />acknowledges Council Member Stigney's concerns but does not think that adopting this <br />amendment to the CUP would result in problems with this facility and aside from having newer <br />looking Saturns; most people will not recognize the difference. • <br />Council Member 5tigney suggested those conditions be added to the CUP. Mr. Price stated <br />when they first came to Mounds View, City staff stopped them from changing oil on any cars <br />they did not sell but they need the freedom to operate as a free enterprise. He stated they are a <br />good neighbor, operate a good facility, and if the City places many restrictions they will not <br />move forward. Council Member Stigney stated that Mr. Price has indicated verbally these <br />conditions will be the case but if the CUP specifies those items, they would not go forward. Mr. <br />Price stated he could not go forward if the City places too many restrictions on the business. <br />Council Member Mueller commented that due to the difficult economy, a number of businesses <br />have approached the Council for help to keep their business open and jobs in the community. <br />She stated she sees the big picture of a business owner coming before the Council to adapt his <br />business to keep it strong and viable. Council Member Mueller felt Mounds View was fortunate <br />that this business is not moving to another location with fewer restrictions or more traffic than <br />Mounds View can offer. She indicated support to amend the CUP to achieve what the business <br />owner needs to remain in Mounds View. <br />Mr. Price noted they do not have minimum wage jobs. Their employees are well paid and can <br />afford to spend money, make purchases, and buy houses in Mounds View. He stated they have <br />great employees and are making this request to keep them employed. <br />Council Member Stigney noted that Item 6 indicates approval of the CUP amendment will not • <br />change the type of operation on this site, which is not the case since it will change from new to <br />