Agenda Packets - 2010/03/08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council January 25, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 4 stated they were unable to get a new car franchise at this location because of those laws but if a 1 new dealership becomes available, they will get it. He assured the Council that they will have a 2 new car license in this market and if it had not been for Motor Trend, they would have “shut the 3 lights off.” 4 5 Mayor Flaherty agreed the City does not want a lot of used car lots and because of the current 6 CUP requirements, it would be fiscally prohibitive. He stated he knows Motor Trend deals with 7 higher end used vehicles and likes that the cars would remain on the lot only 30 days. 8 9 Council Member Stigney noted this property has a Meineke franchise operation as well as used 10 cars and if there is a new car franchise, there is nothing to prohibit adding that to this site. Mr. 11 Price stated they believe that because of the national recognition of Motor Trend, it would be a 12 good offering for used cars and complement a new car operation. He advised that at their 13 Shakopee location they have Motor Trend with a Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealership. 14 15 Council Member Stigney stated the Council has not seen the CUP or conditions that could be 16 added related to having only cars that are certified and remain on the lot for only 30 days. He 17 remained concerned about the impact to future applications. 18 19 Mayor Flaherty asked for staff’s opinion of the CUP. Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated he 20 acknowledges Council Member Stigney’s concerns but does not think that adopting this 21 amendment to the CUP would result in problems with this facility and aside from having newer 22 looking Saturns; most people will not recognize the difference. 23 24 Council Member Stigney suggested those conditions be added to the CUP. Mr. Price stated 25 when they first came to Mounds View, City staff stopped them from changing oil on any cars 26 they did not sell but they need the freedom to operate as a free enterprise. He stated they are a 27 good neighbor, operate a good facility, and if the City places many restrictions they will not 28 move forward. Council Member Stigney stated that Mr. Price has indicated verbally these 29 conditions will be the case but if the CUP specifies those items, they would not go forward. Mr. 30 Price stated he could not go forward if the City places too many restrictions on the business. 31 32 Council Member Mueller commented that due to the difficult economy, a number of businesses 33 have approached the Council for help to keep their business open and jobs in the community. 34 She stated she sees the big picture of a business owner coming before the Council to adapt his 35 business to keep it strong and viable. Council Member Mueller felt Mounds View was fortunate 36 that this business is not moving to another location with fewer restrictions or more traffic than 37 Mounds View can offer. She indicated support to amend the CUP to achieve what the business 38 owner needs to remain in Mounds View. 39 40 Mr. Price noted they do not have minimum wage jobs. Their employees are well paid and can 41 afford to spend money, make purchases, and buy houses in Mounds View. He stated they have 42 great employees and are making this request to keep them employed. 43 44 Council Member Stigney noted that Item 6 indicates approval of the CUP amendment will not 45