10-13-05 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 13, 2005 movement, and speed of messages. Allowed only on monument or freestanding signs. The City Planner noted that Vadnais Heights allows electronic message board signs and require that these signs include time and temperature messages of an equal amount of time to business messages. The Roseville ordinance states that electronic message boards are allowed, but that messages cannot change more than once every 24 hours except for time and temperature. The Roseville ordinance is consistenC with the interpretation of LitCle Canada's ordinance. Steve Wethern, AE Sign Systems, reported that he is requesting an electronic message board with a static message that can be changed, similar to the changing of time and temperature. Wethern stated that time and temperature typically changes aC 3 second intervals. He is not requesting colored lights or flashing or scrolling messages. Knudsen asked if Wethern would like more intervals for messages than for time and temperature. Wethern replied that he would. He also noted that he is proposing that the electronic reader board be on a pylon sign. Knudsen asked if six messages in a minute would be adequate, noting that this would provide for time, Cemp, and message rotated at 3 second intervals. Wethern felt the 3 second interval for a message was good, but stated that he would prefer more messages than time and temp displays. He noted that it takes a vehicle 25 to 30 seconds to see the sign along Rice Street and drive by it. Duray asked if Wethern was looking for approval of scrolling messages. Wethern replied that he was not, and did not feel scrolling messages were readable. He indicated thaC he is asking for two lines of text, 10 inches high and 13 characters per line. Wethern reported that this sign would be easy to read. Another option would be one line of text, 18 inches high, and 13 characters. However, one line would severely limit the message. Duray asked about a larger sign that allowed for 3 or 4 lines of text. Wethern reported that most electronic message boards have 2 lines. Rheaume asked the distance that 10 inch high letters become readable. Wethern estimated that distance at 300 feet. Wethern reported that the Code Enforcement Officer's survey is not totally accurate, and noted that White Bear Lake allows electronic message boards by special use permit. He also noted that White Bear Township allows electronic message boards. Wethern further noted that there are electronic message boards in Maplewood along the freeway. -2-