pm_040208 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, April 02, 2008 Page 7 Lt. Rosand clarified that the City of Roseville licensing requirements require the pawn shop to keep the merchandise for a period of sixty (60) days. Mr. Smith opined that MN laws were ahead of other states regulating pawn shop businesses; and reiterated that he was a huge proponent of the APS system in keeping his business accountable, and his testimony from experience and working with law enforcement agencies in cross-referencing items, further opining that MN served as a model for other states. Mr. Smith advised that he had received an offer to purchase a chain of pawn shops in FL, a state not having the regulatory agencies that MN had, and he declined based on that lack of regulation. Mr. Smith further noted that he currently has two (2) stores in MO, and was considering closing those operations, since MO didn’t have an APS system either, and it wasn’t worth his business to operate outside the law. Mr. Smith recognized the various articles referenced by Ms. Goodwin, and criminals seeking instant cash for stolen items. Further discussion included clarification of hours of operation of the store, with Mr. Smith responding that they would be the same as the shopping center; Mr. Smith was amenable to any conditions the commission wished to apply to the CUP. Mr. Smith also thanked Lt. Rosand for his comments and clarification with respect to the proposed store. Chair Bakeman closed the Public Hearing, thanking all for their comments. Commissioner Wozniak questioned staff on the exterior of the building and minimum standards and/or prohibited features (i.e., no bars across windows). Mr. Lloyd advised that the City’s sign regulations would address the exterior; however, noted that the City’s Zoning Ordinance didn’t address security features, but that the license requirements may address some of those items. Commissioner Doherty advised that he had come into the meeting prepared to oppose the application, recognizing neighborhood concerns and the many changes occurring in that area at this time. However, Commissioner Doherty advised that, after hearing the compelling testimony of the owner and Lt. Rosand he didn’t see much connection between the application and events in the neighborhood. Commissioner Doherty opined that it appeared to be a “clean” business, and it certainly wouldn’t be in their best interest to buy stolen merchandise. Commissioner Doherty spoke in support of the application; opining that he didn’t believe the operation of this store would significantly increase crime or impact public health, safety and welfare. Commissioner Gottfried spoke as a counterpoint to Commissioner Doherty, advising that he’d come into the meeting skeptical of the idea of a pawn shop; and he maintained that skepticism based on the comments of the residents. Commissioner Gottfried opined that this went beyond the classic “Not in My Backyard (NIMBY)” attitude, and thanked the community for coming to the meeting and expressing their concerns. Commissioner Gottfried concurred with residents speaking, that this specific neighborhood had seen a lot of changes in the last few months. Commissioner Gottfried spoke in opposition to the application, agreeing with the neighborhood position, opining that the additional and revised conditions wouldn’t change his mind. Commissioner Martinson questioned how staff could appreciably measure the impact of the use on the market value of contiguous properties, as detailed in Section 6.5 of the staff report, specific to residential properties, not that of the strip mall or other commercial properties. Mr. Lloyd advised that, while staff was unable to perform a market analysis, the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, both of which allow uses including pawn shops, considered the compatibility of adjacent land use categories and zoning districts in an attempt minimize any negative impacts including reduction of property values. Mr. Lloyd further explained that, because the proposed use was allowed in the relevant