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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 8, 2024 23 <br /> Mr. Smith explained he does not have an interior cleaning operation in Minnesota. He stated this <br /> was a very new and unique operation. He reported the desire would be to have the exterior clean <br /> open first and brought up to a level of operational excellence and the interior clean would be <br /> brought on later. <br /> Ms. Grant indicated it takes three to four years to build a superior customer base for car washes. <br /> She discussed how this phased approach has been successful in another market. <br /> Mayor Grant questioned why only two sites had the interior/exterior model and the rest were <br /> only exterior cleaning car washes. <br /> Ms. Grant explained the interior/exterior model was much more labor intensive. She noted the <br /> roots were to provide full service, but in 1985 the focus shifted to exterior only because it was less <br /> labor extensive. She reported over time the interior cleaning model has been investigated and the <br /> first site opened in Indiana three years ago. She noted three more sites in Indiana would be <br /> opening later this year. <br /> Mayor Grant asked if a phased PUD required an applicant to build the second phase. <br /> Community Development Director Jagoe stated this would not be required. <br /> Councilmember Holden indicated she believed there were a lot of issues with the proposal. She <br /> requested further information regarding the proposed exterior building materials. <br /> Ms. Grant explained she spent $6.5 million on the exterior of buildings. She indicated Crew <br /> Carwash would be investing over $10 million on this property. She commented on how Crew <br /> Carwash built things to last, using brick, limestone and steel in order to stand the test of time. She <br /> then provided the Council with a materials board. <br /> Councilmember Holden asked if the brick would be veneer. <br /> Ms. Grant stated she would be using real limestone on this building and not veneer. <br /> Councilmember Holden requested further information on the lighting and asked why Crew <br /> could not meet the City's requirements. <br /> Ms. Grant discussed how important safety was to Crew Carwash. She reported she would have <br /> 16, 17 and 18 year old team members working onsite. She explained having the property well-lit <br /> during business hours was important for both the employees and visitors. <br /> Mr. Smith noted the only area that required lighting flexibility was at the entrance of the <br /> property. <br /> Councilmember Fabel questioned if the vacuum stations would be installed in Phase 1. <br /> Ms. Grant explained these would be installed with Phase 1. <br /> Councilmember Monson reported the applicant does have a lot of variance requests. She <br /> indicated this was a really busy looking site with additional lighting and signage. She stated this <br />