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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COM^^SSION MEETING <br />Monday, June 17,2002 <br />6:30 o'clock p.m. <br />Mr. Johnson pointed out that the interior sales floor only makes up 20% of the whole building. While <br />there needs to be a small outside display area for potential buyers to test the vehicles. Monies will not be <br />marketing a specific brand of automobile and rely less on advertising. He added that the buyer they will <br />be focusing on will be the commercial or fleet buyer, or commercial leasing customer. <br />Smith inquired whether an individual could stop in to buy or lease a car. <br />Mr. Johnson stated that while the individual could purchase a car, the City could monitor this and <br />reminded the Commission that these are not the concentrated market. <br />(WI2-2795 WJM PROPERTIES, Continued) <br />Bellows questioned why the building needs cars placed front and center if the object is not to attract <br />customers from the street. She asked if this parking area could be eliminated altogether and the cars <br />moved to the back, thus eliminating the need to be lit up at all times. <br />Mr. Johnson contested that Morries wants to put their best face forward and these cars are placed near <br />the front door where desired customers will enter. If reversed, the body shop would be in front, rather <br />than screened and situated along the lower west boundary. He reiterated that this will be a post sale, car <br />sales operation, but very much a sales operation whose goal is to sell or lease automobiles. <br />Bellows stated that she didn’t believe the screening wrapped around the sides of the building adequately. <br />She continued by voicing her concern over how the building sounds more and more like retail sales. If it <br />looks anything like a car dealership, she maintained that Orono does not want it here. <br />Mr. Johnson indicated that Morries had proposed a S’ high screen and reduced the level of lighting, after <br />meeting with staff to determine how the lights should be situated and directed. He insisted they’ve made <br />an effort to create a clear professional appearance for the site on Wayzata Blvd. <br />Berg inquired over the lit signage and hours of operation. <br />PAGE 30 OF 42 <br />lii rtniWIi