05-08-2006 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, May 8, 2006 7:00 o'clock p.m. • (6. #06 -3185 WJMPROPERTIES, 2605 WAYZATA BOULEVARD WEST, Continued) from becoming a retail sales lot. In addition, the total storage on the site of `demonstration vehicles, new vehicles, and finished vehicles ready for delivery to dealerships' would be limited to 320. Gaffron indicated that the Planning Commission also concluded that the flagpoles would be limited to a height of 25' based on the height of the building. Gaffron stated that staff recommends approval of the building and parking expansions /relocation. Staff also recommends approval of the proposed revised language regarding display and demonstration vehicles. Staff concurs with the Planning Commission recommendation regarding the flagpole height limit. Finally, Gaffron indicated that staff has not reviewed the on -site signage request for a 3'X12' sign on the site and has no comments at this point. Sansevere asked whether the body shop was a retail establishment and if the staff was willing to work with individual buyers. Peter Johnson, Attorney representing the Applicant, stated that if an individual wished to purchase a vehicle, they would be directed to a dealership, rather than this connmercial site. He pointed out that the proposed sign would be placed near the body shop to direct incoming customers. Sansevere asked whether this proposal would be the last retail use on the site. Johnson stated that he thought so for now, but pointed out that things change. • Murphy voiced his concern that as this establishment evolves, it is moving towards a new and used car lot outside the building. Although it is intended for fleet leasing and fleet sales, he questioned what the difference was between that and individual leasing or sales. He did not wish to get into semantics by confusing the language and using things interchangeably that do not work that way and leave the City with a retail sales lot on the front of that building. Johnson stated that this is a low volume body shop business in an industrial area with an enclosed evaluation area inside. Murphy suggested the Council take a tour of the facility as soon as possible to allay any fears members might have. White pointed out that the language in the original approvals guards against this becoming a used car lot. Johnson stated that his client had been told that the City can allow an intensification of the original CUP. Johnson noted that Morrie's intends to be here a long time and to comply with the CUP. He stated that it is in writing in the CUP that retail sales are not in the plan, for instance a dealership cannot show various autos and makes on the same floor, but fleet agencies are allowed to show together, which is what is proposed here with conunercial buyers coming to one location to choose their companies' vehicles. McMillan pointed out that this center operates as a distribution site for his dealerships as well, adding the used car prep to the new car sale. 0 PAGE 12 of 17