HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes07_1023City of Falcon Heights
Planning Commission Minutes
October 23, 2007
PRESENT: Commissioners Long, Lukermann, Mercer-Taylor, Rodich, Noble, Watkins and Councilmember Kuettel. Also present was City Administrator Miller, City Attorney Sam Edmunds and Staff
Liaison Jones.
ABSENT: Salzberg
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Rodich at 7:06 p.m. The minutes of the August 28, 2007, meeting were approved with one correction.
PUBLIC HEARING: Proposed amendment to the PUD ordinance for Falcon Heights Town Square for a pediatric clinic sign
Prior to the opening of the hearing, staff liaison Jones presented the staff report. The property owner, Sherman Associates, and their tenant, Central Pediatric Clinic, have applied
for an amendment to the PUD to allow a projecting wall sign that exceeds the one-foot limit for a projecting sign. The proposed sign would project two feet from the wall and is intended
to direct Snelling traffic to the entrance on Larpenteur. The larger sign is preferred in order to provide reasonable visibility to drivers trying to find the urgent care clinic, especially
after dark. The staff recommended approval of the amendment.
The Chair opened the hearing. The first speaker was Tom Lageson of 1740 Pascal. Mr. Lageson has no objection to the proposed sign and said his children go to the clinic. However, he
shared concerns about other signs at the site, particularly the large number of temporary signs advertising rentals and the townhomes for sale. He feels there are too many and they detract
from the appearance of the Falcon Heights Town Square complex. Mr. Lageson also shared concerns about parking on and around the site.
Frank Meah, 1597 Hollywood Court, welcomed Central Pediatrics to Falcon Heights. He had concerns about traffic visibility and asked how high the sign will be. He agrees with Mr. Lageson
about the temporary signs being a problem. Ms. Jones said staff will take this issue up with the property management.
Rob Kost of Sherman Associates came to the podium to respond to the residents’ questions and concerns. He said that the bottom of the sign will be about 22 feet from the ground, according
to the photo provided. Staci Forde of Sherman Associates confirmed that the sign will not be illuminated but said there should be plenty of light from nearby street lights. She will
take the issue of signs back to the company. In response to a question from Commissioner Lukermann, Ms. Forde said that there
are additional clinic signs on the front (Larpenteur Street) side of the building that make it evident where drivers should turn in.
Dale Ostermann, administrator of Central Pediatrics, said that the clinic has already met with great success at the new Falcon Heights site. The clinic is open at 7:45 a.m., Monday through
Friday. The priority clinic (urgent care) is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 on Saturday and noon to 8 on Sundays.
As no one else came forward to speak, the Commissioner Rodich declared the hearing closed.
DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION:
Commissioner Lukermann moved that the Commission recommend approval of the amendment. Commissioner Noble seconded. A brief discussion followed. Mr. Rodich acknowledged Mr. Lageson’s
concerns, although they are not relevant to the application at hand. The motion passed unanimously. The matter will go to the City Council on November 14.
INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The staff liaison reminded the commissioners and audience that the Planning Commission does not meet in December due to the Christmas holiday. If there is no business, the November
meeting will be canceled also.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah Jones, Staff Liaison