Burnsville City Council — Transcript
Monday, August 17, 2026
New Planning Commissioner Sworn In
Election of Planning Commission Leadership
Public Hearing for Basser Automotive Redevelopment
Planning Commission Updates and Staff Changes
Votes (3)
Swearing-in of New Planning Commissioner
Alex Raminer was introduced as the new Planning Commissioner and formally administered the oath of office by Director of Planning Mike Morosola. He affirmed his commitment to serving the Burnsville Planning Commission and the City.
Election of Planning Commission Chair and Vice-Chair
Moved by Commissioner [Not Recorded] · Seconded by Commissioner [Not Recorded]
The commission proceeded with the election of its leadership. Karen was nominated and unanimously approved as Chair, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving. John Hamm was nominated and unanimously approved as Vice-Chair, despite his absence.
Public Hearing: Basser Automotive Redevelopment (Zoning Ordinance Amendment, PUD, CUP)
Moved by Commissioner [Not Recorded] · Seconded by Commissioner [Not Recorded]
Assistant Planner Kira Chapman presented Basser Automotive's requests to redevelop 14801 County Road 5 into an auto repair facility. This involved a zoning text amendment for B2 districts, a conditional use permit for the repair business and outdoor storage with specific screening, and PUD flexibilities for setbacks, roof style, and landscaping requirements. Staff review found the proposal aligned with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, promoting reinvestment and economic vitality. Staff recommended approval with 25 conditions, addressing concerns like potential noise, light pollution, and environmental cleanup responsibilities from the site's previous use as a gas station. The applicant, Tom Basser, clarified operational intent to keep all repairs indoors for productivity and to mitigate neighborhood impacts.
Notable Quotes (10)
I, Alex Raminer, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the State of Minnesota. And I will faithfully discharge the duties as a member of the Burnsville Planning Commission and the city of Burnsville.
I really appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve. This has been a lot of fun for me. So, look forward to the next year.
The applicant is proposing three requests. The first is a zoning ordinance text amendment to allow minor auto repair businesses in the B2 district as a conditional use. The second is a conditional use permit for minor auto repair and the installation of a chain-link fence with slats. And the third is for planned unit development flexibility to address certain site constraints.
Staff is recommending that minor auto repair businesses shall be conducted entirely within a building, with associated outdoor storage permitted in accordance with Section 1098, and screened in accordance with Section 10921 of this title.
This zoning ordinance text amendment would not only affect the subject property, but other B2 properties as well. Burnsville has approximately 32 properties zoned B2. Staff would like to make this a conditional use to ensure that any site-specific concerns, such as noise, odors, and traffic, are mitigated on a case-by-case basis.
If they find additional ground contamination when they tear the building down, for instance if the lifts or whatever had been leaking for years, who is responsible for that cleanup process?
The applicant currently has a purchase agreement with the property owner, and as part of that purchase agreement, there was a condition that the property owner is responsible for that cleanup.
My idea is for all repairs to be done inside so you don't have to worry about the parking in the back. We don't do body work. We don't tear cars apart to the degree that we have to put them outside in an unidentifiable state.
My goal is all about productivity. So that way we can continue to keep everything inside the building. Putting things outside takes time and money. So it's not a desired thing in our operations.
Staff did add a condition that should there be three complaints within a six-month period, that there be some sort of mitigating action that staff helps support.
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
Request to allow minor auto repair businesses in B2 district as a conditional use.
Request for flexibility on setbacks, landscaping, flat roof, and parking lot green space.
Request to allow minor auto repair and an associated outdoor storage with a slatted chain-link fence.
The current guiding plan for the city, referenced for land use designations.
Upcoming update project for the city's comprehensive plan.
Neighborhood Business zoning district, focus of the text amendment.
Residential zoning districts adjacent to the subject property.
City code section related to outdoor storage.
City code section related to screening requirements.
Specific document detailing tree removal information.
IRS tax code provision allowing property exchanges to defer capital gains tax, relevant to Basser's business relocation plans.