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<br /> Arden Hills Nursery <br /> 4350 Hamline Avenue North <br /> . Arden Hills, Mn 55112 <br /> (612) 636-8056 <br /> Dear Council Members: <br /> In December of 1993 you approved a Special Use Permit for Arden Hills Nursery. I am <br /> writing to request your review and consideration to waive the fees involved in filing for <br /> the SUP. My concern of these fees was originally brought up at the Planning <br /> Commission Meeting. They indicated it was a decision the City Council would need to <br /> make, and encouraged me to discuss this issue with you. However, due to the flow of <br /> the Council Meeting, we were not asked for additional comments and forgot to bring up <br /> this concern. <br /> Arden Hills Nursery began business in 1973. At that time, we worked with the city in <br /> good faith to comply with all ordinances. As you know, we were issued a retail sales <br /> license and sign permit then, and each year there after for 20 years. We have operated <br /> a rather subdued business, providing quality products and service to our customers. <br /> During our 20 years of business we have not received one complaint. Much to our <br /> surprise, early in 1993 we received a letter from the city indicating we did not comply <br /> . with city ordinances because a SUP was not on file, and requested that we apply for a <br /> SUP. <br /> We certainly understand the importance of having such an ordinance, to provide the city <br /> the ability to review each business before it begins operation. And, in order to do this <br /> there are going to be costs involved, which should be paid by the company wanting to <br /> begin business. <br /> During the 20 years of our business, we naturally assumed we were in compliance with <br /> all city ordinances. We can understand the city's desire that everyone comply, but in <br /> our situation we felt it should have been accomplished administratively and without cost <br /> to us. We willingly complied with the city's request to apply for the SUP, and (under <br /> protest) paid the $200 application fee. We had intended to discuss the fee at the City <br /> Council Meeting, but as mentioned before, we forgot. We now have received an <br /> additional fee of $94.00 for the attorney's review of our case. <br /> Due to the circumstances of our case, we sincerely feel the financial responsibility is not <br /> ours for any of the fees involved with this SUP process. Again, we would like to ask for <br /> your thoughtful review, and consideration to waive all fees associated with this 20 year <br /> belated SUP process. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> . ) <br /> ~O-h""_ <br /> Tom Goserud <br />