In light of recent misinformation circulating within the community, the City of Maple Plain is issuing this public statement to provide a transparent and factual update on the compliance status of Collision Corner. Our intent is to ensure residents have accurate information regarding the city’s role and actions in this matter.
The City of Maple Plain is committed to a fair, transparent approach to business compliance, and we aim to address recent questions about Collision Corner’s compliance requirements and the city’s intentions regarding its operation.
1. Background of Compliance Standards
Collision Corner has operated under a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) since 1985, with amendments made over the years to adapt to the business’s growth and evolving compliance needs. Following a series of compliance issues, the City Council took action in 2022 to revoke the CUP, leading to legal proceedings. During these proceedings, the court reviewed the city’s actions and ruled in favor of the City, finding that the revocation of the CUP was reasonable and supported by factual records. In December 2023, both the city and Mr. Kroll, owner of Collision Corner, reached a legally binding settlement agreement, allowing Collision Corner to continue operating under an updated Interim Use Permit (IUP). This settlement outlined specific steps and requirements designed to ensure compliance while enabling the business to maintain its current operations. The terms of this settlement, which Mr. Kroll participated in drafting, permit Collision Corner to operate as it does today, but failure to comply with the IUP would require the business to revert to standards set prior to 1985.
2. Current Compliance Status
As of the October 28, 2024, City Council meeting, Collision Corner has met nearly all requirements laid out in the settlement agreement, with only one remaining item: ensuring that each of the 10 vehicles allowed for sale on-site displays a sale sign. Once this item is completed, Mr. Kroll will be required to maintain all standards set forth in the agreed-upon settlement agreement to remain in full compliance. This progress reflects a cooperative effort between the city and Collision Corner to bring the business into full alignment with the terms of the IUP.
3. Addressing Comments on Compliance Focus
Several comments have suggested that the City is only focusing on Collision Corner. The City of Maple Plain enforces compliance requirements across all businesses fairly and consistently. Compliance issues have been addressed with other businesses as well, and these businesses have complied without issue, which has not required further attention. The situation with Collision Corner has required more city involvement due to ongoing and unaddressed compliance items specific to its settlement agreement.
4. City’s Commitment to Business Success and Fair Treatment
The City of Maple Plain does not seek to shut down Collision Corner. Our goal is simply to ensure that the business meets agreed-upon standards, preserving a safe and orderly environment for the community. The compliance standards for Collision Corner reflect terms that Mr. Kroll participated in drafting, with the goal of balancing business needs with city requirements.
5. Encouraging Public Inquiries and Transparency
The City of Maple Plain values transparency and encourages residents to reach out with questions or concerns. We are committed to providing accurate, factual information to address any misunderstandings. For those interested in further details, the city has made public documents available outlining the history, terms, and compliance requirements associated with Collision Corner. These documents are accessible at https://evogov.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/meetings/168/attachments/13289.pdf
We appreciate the public’s engagement on this matter and encourage anyone seeking additional information to contact the City Administrator’s office. Our goal remains to support a fair, compliant, and thriving community.
City Administrator’s Office
Email: cityadmin@mapleplain.com
Jacob Kolander City Administrator
