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and move on. If the Planning Commission does not agree, we can look at the conditional <br />use permit. <br />Mike Renford, Facilities Manager, and Bob Nief, Director of Hardware, Quality and <br />Testing, were in attendance representing the applicant. Mr. Renford stated that Hunt <br />Technologies did not realize the property was zoned Rural Residential. When the new <br />tenant came forward, they were informed they would need a conditional use permit and <br />be rezoned. Hunt Technologies is a growing company with many divisions across the <br />country. Hunt is planning a testing facility on the lot to the west of the call center <br />property. Timeliness is important as the testing facility could be moved elsewhere. They <br />are looking to install a meter farm to test meters. This would be quiet with no debris or <br />motor noise. Mr. Renford handed out pictures. No structures are required as they are <br />designed to be in real life environments, such as a home. Mr. Marohn stated that this <br />would not be a commercial use, consistent with the way the property is currently zoned. <br />The definition of Commercial Use is: The use of land or buildings for the sale, lease, <br />rental, trade of products, goods or services. The applicant could open the call center, put <br />up the testing devices and begin work. <br />Mr. Renford stated that in the future they may be restricted for a proposed use by the <br />property not being zoned commercial. Mr. Marohn stated that if they are changing the <br />use or adding a use, they would need a Conditional Use Permit. Rezoning creates <br />problems for the City, such as spot zoning, it goes against the Future Land Use Map and <br />was rezoned in the city wide rezoning. The zoning is the biggest hang up. Staff has tried <br />to simplify the process. Rezoning requires a supermajority vote. Future uses could be <br />discussed at a later date. Mr. Renford asked if there were time restrictions for a <br />Conditional Use Permit. Mr. Marohn explained that the Conditional Use Permit would <br />run indefinitely with the property and would only expire if the use was voluntarily <br />discontinued. <br />Mr. Habein stated he was concerned with spot zoning which would jeopardize our Future <br />Land Use Plan by setting precedence. <br />Public Comment: Kevin Close, Close /Converse, realtor. He asked what the thought <br />process had been to rezone the property to Rural Residential with a commercial building. <br />Mr. Marohn explained that Crow Wing County had spot zoned the property and that <br />historically carried through with Sibley Township zoning it Light Industrial. There was a <br />conscious desire to not have commercial development all along the road. He also <br />explained the opt out process available to property owners at the time of the city side <br />rezone. <br />Sheila Haverkamp, BLADC, stated that Hunt Technologies is a tremendous company for <br />our area. They have a major office building here and anything the City can do to <br />accommodate their needs will be appreciated. True Protection Home Security was <br />looking for sites where you can just flip the switch or is site ready. Pequot Lakes was <br />fortunate to have those opportunities for this company. <br />Minutes 3 <br />Pequot Lakes Planning Commission <br />July 16, 2009 <br />