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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – MARCH 16, 2015 10 <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes stated that she believed that this was a unique business that required <br />pallets, and that it has had outdoor storage for years. She indicated that she would like the City to <br />work with its businesses to ensure their success. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung reiterated that the exterior storage should not have been allowed at <br />any time. <br /> <br />Mr. Frattallone commented that he was willing to buy the site and improve the property. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant understood that Frattallone’s was a long standing successful business in Arden <br />Hills. He supported the garden center. He wished that the site was larger in order to allow Mr. <br />Frattallone more options. He too struggled with the outdoor storage on this site. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes questioned when the outdoor storage would be at its peak. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant was in favor of the Council continuing to work with Mr. Frattallone. <br /> <br />Mr. Frattallone commented that his busiest time for outdoor storage was April and May; <br />however, he noted that the garden center would have items through the end of November. He <br />asked if the storage area could be treated as retail space associated with the garden center. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that City Code does not distinguish <br />between outdoor storage and outdoor sales display. She explained that a garden center was both <br />outdoor storage, display and sales. She believed that staff could figure this language out. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes suggested that staff request an opinion from the City Attorney on this <br />item. <br /> <br />Further discussion ensued regarding an outdoor sales area. <br /> <br />City Administrator Klaers concurred with Councilmember Holmes and stated that staff would <br />discuss the concerns of the Council with the City Attorney. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant requested that staff also speak with Councilmember Holden regarding this <br />Planning Case. <br /> <br />2. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES <br /> <br />Mayor Grant indicated the Energy Resiliency Task Force met last week. The group will be <br />presenting a final white paper to the JDA in April, and the information will also be shared with <br />the Council and staff. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant commented that the City was reactionary in terms of its code enforcement. He <br />believed that this was appropriate for residential properties, but not for commercially zoned <br />properties. He suggested that the City be more proactive on the business side. <br />