01-10-2002 Planning Comm. Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 10, 2002 It was pointed out that another bus bench company has recently made an appearance in Little Canada. Ameribench Company had 2 bus benches in the City and recently dropped off an additional 14. It was the appearance of these additional benches that recently triggered the issue from a code enforcement standpoint. Knudsen asked how other cities determine who will get to install benches at bus stop locations. Danielson reported that the City of New Hope, as an example, identifies the locations for the benches, and then utilizes a lottery system to determine which companies get certain locations. Keis asked how effective the advertising is on those benches. Scott Barraclough reported that he will abstain from voting ou this issue as he c~u~rently advertises on two bus benches in the City (one with each company). Barraclough reported that he sees this advertising as effective. Barraclough stated it was his feeling that the benches should be allowed, and that the City come up with a plan for number and location of benches. Barraclough stated that ~he also supported the lottery system. Roycraft stated that even though the benches are privately sponsored, in people's minds they will be City benches and must be maintained prope~iy. Royaaft stated that if the benches are allowed on a private basis, property maintenance will have to be required of the companies. Kevin Moss, Ameribench Company, pointed out that they would provide benches as a service and would expect that the City would collect a fee for each bench. 1<eis reported that he takes the bus to work each day. He indicated that he pays no attention to the advertising on the bench, nor does he sit to wait for the bus. I<eis suggested that if this is allowed, the City determine the number of benches allowed as well as location. Keis felt that only City bus benches should be allowed along Little Canada Road and in redevelopment areas. Len Thiel, U.S. Bench Corp., reported that they have operated in the City for 28 years and no one even knew they were here until another company moved benches into the City. Thiel reported that they operate under very strict self-imposed rules and regulations as for the type of advertising they allow as well as maintenance they provide. Thiel reported that they have the City as a named insured under their liability policy. This is something they did on their own without any requirement of the City. I~