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111 Mounds View Planning Commission July 7, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 6 Commissioner Miller asked what plans the applicant had for snow removal. Mr. Winslow stated that they had four-by-four trucks and a plow in their fleet. He stated that they could dedicate a truck for the purpose of snow removal and do the maintenance themselves. Commissioner Miller asked where the snow would be placed. Ericson stated that previous owners of the site had designated areas on the property for snow storage, and added that the applicant could indicate the snow storage location on the site plan. Commissioner Hegland asked if the applicant had any intention of expanding the paved area to increase the parking capacity in the back of the property, noting that it appeared that there was room to expand in that area, and that this would be the time to address that issue. Mr. Winslow stated that both he and co-applicant Dave Besonen had concentrated on the site and location, without examining the details of the parking situation, but that he was agreeable to looking into the issue at this time. Chair Peterson requested clarification to the location of a fence in back of the parking lot, in relationship to the property lines. Ericson as stated that the fence was located a good distance from the property line. He stated that there was some treed area behind the building, and the fence was located closer to the building so as not to interfere with the trees. Mr. Winslow stated that this might provide an option to the parking requirements, and that they would look into it further. Commissioner Kaden stated that he would like to see some additional landscaping at the location. Chair Peterson stated that the evergreen trees originally planted by the previous applicant were smaller in size than the City had requested. Ericson stated that the trees were not only small, but they had not been well attended, and appeared to be in poor health. Commissioner Kaden suggested that the applicant consult with the City Forester regarding which type of plantings do well in this area. Chair Peterson explained that the City Forester has provided assistance with hardiness issues, and low maintenance types of plantings that are also attractive in the past. He stated that the applicant could discuss the landscaping issues with staff and the City Forester to determine an economical and attractive landscaping plan. Dave Besonen, co-applicant representing Thrifty Car Rental, stated that he was the manager of the business' off-airport locations. He stated that he managed a lot in downtown Minneapolis which had only four parking spaces, and that he had no trouble keeping cars off of that lot. He stated that they would be servicing some of the automobiles on site, for minor repairs such as oil changes, fixing headlights, and replacing windshield wipers. He stated that this would only be for their automobiles, and not the public's. Mr. Besonen asked what would be allowable in terms of indicating that they had cars for sale. Ericson stated that any type of permanent signage advertising the sale of automobiles should not be allowed. He stated that sales was considered strictly an accessory use, and to allow signage might categorize it as part of the principal use, which could cause concern among other parties who had wanted to utilize the property for an auto sales operation. He also addressed the issue of fairness and legality, and the possibility of violation of the City Zoning Code.