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Mounds View Planning Commission January 18, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 5 ________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Scotch asked if there has been talk of the sushi bar taking on more space. Director Ericson stated that may have been discussed when they originally purchased the Donut Connection property but they may want to wait to see if their business “gets off the ground” before acquiring more land. He advised that the canopy is currently resting in their parking lot. Commissioner Miller asked how long the gas station has been there. Director Ericson stated it has been there since 1968 and the owners are not local. The property is owned by an investment group with one owner living in Wisconsin and the other Idaho or Washington. The investment group leased the property to Oasis markets who in turn subleased to another entity. Director Ericson explained the current operator admitted to the Council that he has no lease and is operating without any vested interest in the property. Commissioner Zwirn asked if there has been any communication with the investment group about maintaining the property. Director Ericson stated they have had communication with them and a court citation has been issued so they will be responsible for abatement of the property. He explained that if they don’t pay for correction, the City would assess the cost to the property taxes. He explained that the operator, the leasee, and Oasis have all said the violations were someone else’s problem. Because of this, it takes up a lot of staff’s time and there seems to be no resolution so the Council is supportive of the acquisition. Commissioner Scotch stated the City has done other property acquisitions and asked about the approximate cost. Director Ericson explained that depends on the acreage and improvements to the property. He reviewed that the property located at Eastwood and County 10 was purchased by the City, the building demolished, and the site “sat green” for a number of years until the Mounds View Animal Hospital purchased the lot. Also, the Gas for Less property on Bronson and County 10 was reutilized as a Snyder Store. Director Ericson explained that staff would look at the County assessed value and negotiate the sale based on removal of the tanks, removal of the buildings, and disposal of the canopy. Commissioner Zwirn asked if the City would incorporate the Donut Connection property into the purchase. Director Ericson clarified that staff would not include the Donut Connection property in the acquisition even though there has been discussion in the past about packaging them for acquisition. Commission Scotch asked when the last Comprehensive Plan was done. Director Ericson stated it was approved in 2002 and the Metropolitan Council will require an update by 2008 consistent with their 2032 Framework Plan. Commissioner Meehlhause stated as a citizen who drives by the location every day, this would be a positive move. Commissioner Miller concurred. Commissioner Scotch stated her agreement, depending on the cost.