Agenda Packets - 2010/03/08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council January 25, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 2 1 A. 7:05 p.m. Public Hearing to Consider Resolution 7566, a Conditional Use Permit 2 Amendment for Saturn of St. Paul, 2375 Highway 10. 3 4 Planning Associate Heller presented the request of Jim Price, representing Saturn of St. Paul, for 5 an amendment to an existing conditional use permit. They are asking the City to remove an 6 existing City condition that states: “The dealership in operation on this property shall maintain a 7 new car sales license at all times” (Resolution 5042). She stated this business has been in 8 Mounds View since 1992 and been a good business partner to Mounds View. Due to the recent 9 buyout of by General Motors, they need to make some changes in their business. This location 10 does not qualify for another new car dealership due to its location but they will sell Saturns until 11 October. After that point, they want to become a Motor Trend location. Planning Associate 12 Heller reviewed staff’s consideration and advised the Council that the Planning Commission 13 unanimously voted to recommend approval of this CUP amendment on January 6, 2010. The 14 Planning Commission stated that Saturn has been a good business in the community, they 15 provide a good service, and keep their property well maintained. 16 17 Jim Price, applicant, explained that Saturn quit producing new cars some time ago but the 18 property owners want to stay in business in Mounds View as a used cars sales facility and as a 19 Saturn service facility for both Saturns and for other types of cars. Motor Trend is a new 20 franchise dealing with higher end guaranteed used cars with stringent rules on the types of cars, 21 so it fits well with their business model. If approved, it would be the second franchise in 22 Minnesota and their ownership, management, and support staff will remain the same. 23 24 Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:20 p.m. 25 26 Ron Mikolai, property owner close to the Saturn site, stated he is pro-business and not concerned 27 with the car dealership or mechanical work but is bothered by the loud noise from the car wash 28 fans at this location. 29 30 Hearing no additional public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:22 p.m. 31 32 Council Member Mueller asked about the number of full- and part-time employees at this 33 dealership. Mr. Price stated they have 45 employees, mostly full-time, and that number will 34 remain the same and possibly increase with Motor Trend. 35 36 With regard to the car wash blowers, Mr. Price stated this is the first he heard of a noise 37 complaint. He explained it is an exit-type blower system so it operates when the door opens but 38 they will look at modifying the equipment when it needs to be replaced. Mayor Flaherty asked 39 staff to contact another car wash and find out what type of dryer is used at that location. 40 41 Council Member Stigney asked if they anticipate general repair, sale of tires, replacement of 42 brakes, or oil changes to be available to the public or only for the cars they sell. Mr. Price stated 43 they have always taken care of all customers, and makes and models of cars, whether or not they 44 sold the vehicle, and they look to expand that service. He stated the number of cars on the site is 45