2014 06-17 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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obtain a business license from White Bear Township. Council member Bosak asked Ms. Gonzalez if there was a contract in place to purchase Hi Tech Auto from its previous owner to which she responded in the affirmative. City attorney Kelly next provided background by listing the neighboring businesses that had obtained business licenses, then outlined the original conditional use permit (CUP) list of conditions that were associated with the original owner of Hi Tech Auto. Kelly then explained how that when the new owners attempted to obtain a new business license on 5-1-2014 from White Bear Township, it was the first knowledge the city had that the business had been sold to Mr. Ruiz by the original owner. Kelly stated that all records involving this business have been shared with counsel representing Mr. Ruiz. Kelly outlined the next steps: the current moratorium expires on June 30, 2014; Mr. Ruiz cannot apply for a CUP until after the moratorium expires; should the city council approve Resolution 2014-09 it would create a non-conforming use for Hi Tech Auto; the 2014 business license will expire on December 31, 2014. Per the May city council action, Hi Tech Auto is allowed to operate until August 1, 2014 at which time the city council will consider future actions relating to the business. Kelly concluded by listing possible actions the city council may take relating to Hi Tech Auto after August 1, 2014. This discussion tonight was for information purposes only, to make the city council aware that Hi Tech Auto is working towards resolving this issue. Presentations from the public – Sheila Waldoch spoke on behalf of Hi Tech Auto and stated she recommends to her tenants that they follow Gem Lake city rules. She then asked about other auto- related businesses should Resolution 2014-09 be approved by the city council. Mayor Uzpen responded that existing auto-related businesses will be grandfathered into the new ordinance as existing businesses. Paul Emeott advised the city council that the current draft of Ordinance 107A does not indicate the ordinance number on the cover and that a legend reflecting approved changes be included in the document. Jay Johnstone of Second Hand Tools stated that he applied for a business license and wanted to know why a pawnshop license was also needed. Attorney Kelly responded that the Ramsey County Sheriff’s office had approached the city regarding the need for a pawnshop license. Upon a motion by Artig- Swomley seconded by Kuny, the council voted 5-0 to ask Attorney Kelly to arrange a meeting with Mr. Johnstone, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s office, and attorney Kelly’s office to discuss the pawnshop issue and to report results to the city council. Presentations from the council – Lindner advised the council of a discussion he had with Vadnais Heights city engineer Mark Graham regarding a possible change in ownership of the land parcel currently owned by Priority Couriers located in Vadnais Heights. Artig-Swomley asked about recent burglaries in Gem Lake, to which Mayor Uzpen responded that Ramsey County sheriff deputies will have increased foot patrols near Gem Lake Hills golf course due to recent burglary activities near there. Kuny suggested the council refrain from using the word “commercial” when referring to the “neighborhood center” portion of the Gateway District to avoid confusion. Mayor Uzpen talked briefly about those candidates who intend to file for city council office in 2014.