HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991/02/11 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular (2) MINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
February 11, 1991
1 . Call to order
Mayor Hanks called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
2. Roll call
The following Council members were present at roll call : Bruce Battaglia,
Allen Friedman, Keith Meland, Larry Mitchell , Jane Tschida and Lyle Hanks.
Also present were the City Manager (Bill Dixon) and Director of Community
Development (Dave Hagen) .
34Public Hearing - Request of Harvey Wilkins to change
Request for rezoning zoning from PUD to I-2, industrial
district, at 3501 Hwy. 100 So. (former
Westinghouse site)
Mr. Dixon gave brief background material .
There being no one wishing to speak, the Mayor closed the hearing with the
right of Council to reopen and continue it at a future date.
Councilmember Friedman was concerned about making zoning changes as different
needs arise. He asked what was the purpose of_ a change on this property at
this time.
Chris Dietzen, attorney for the applicant, said Wilkins had entered into
a purchase agreement for the property, had incurred sizeable holding costs
and presently had no real prospect of moving its auto dealership to this
location. Wilkins has had problems with General Motors and has been sued
by another Pontiac dealership. The reason for the rush now was that Gabberts,
which is thinking of relocating to the site, has given Wilkins a Feb. 15
deadline. If Wilkins does not go forward, the deal with Gabberts is off and
Wilkins does not generate a much needed cash flow.
Councilmember Friedman alluded to the fact that as part of the settlement
agreement the dealership would move to the 3501 Hwy. 100 site.
Mr. Dietzen said one of the contingencies of the agreement was that Wilkins
would move if the property was rezoned and they got approval from GM. In
1988 the property was rezoned and Wilkins was ready to go; however, GM would
not approve relocation to that site at that time.
Councilmember Friedman asked if GM did now approve the relocation. Mr. Dietzen
said that was correct.
Councilmember Friedman asked if Mr. Dietzen' s client did not intend to stay
in the auto business.
Mr. Dietzen said wilkins does not have the money to relocate because they
don't have sufficient funds.
Councilmember Friedman felt that rushing into a rezoning, from the City's
standpoint, is not beneficial to the City. He appreciated Wilkins' problems
but the best interests of the City would be served by tabling this item
in order for more discussions to be held and agreements to be studied.
It was moved by Councilmember Friedman, seconded by Councilmember Battaglia
to table.
The motion passed 6-0.
4. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:45
p.m.
Mayor
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