09-14-2017 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 properties, so staff s opinion is that the proposed signage is not out of character for the area. The Associate Planner reported that the architectural guidelines discourages the use of backlit cabinet signs, and when they are proposed, the recommendation has been to require the coloring to be a dark background with light lettering. She stated that the applicant has proposed a white background with dark lettering, so Staff suggests it be reversed. The Associate Planner explained that to be consistent with the City's handling of vertical signs in the PUD districts, Staff recommends that the applicant be required to install a sign base with a planting area or some type of brick casing around the sign post in order to achieve a higher quality look for the sign along Country Drive. She noted that the monument sign proposed along Rice Street shows materials that are complimentary of the building. Buesing suggested the monument sign on Rice Street might look better and more residential if it was uplighted rather than backlit. The Associate Planner stated that if the sign was uplighted, then it could have a white background with dark letters. Schwalbach stated that he thinks that is a good suggestion, but does not want to require a specific sign and prefers to allow the applicant to decide on a sign style. Schwalbach recommended approving a Planned Unit Development Amendment to allow signage in excess of that allowed by code and a 20'x20' accessory recreational building (gazebo) at 3300 Rice Street, subject to the conditions in the Planner's report, and the gazebo will be subject to a design review for compatibility with the building. Motion seconded by Kwapick. Motion carried 6 — 0. JOINT The City Planner stated that he has been collecting feedback from the WORKSHOP community survey and working on layouts for the Comp Plan, and will WITH CITY send drafts to the Commissioners prior to the October 25 workshop. COUNCIL The City Clerk reported that the Council has scheduled a joint workshop with the Planning Commission on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 6:00pm. She explained that the City Planner will be discussing the Comprehensive Plan, and the Council requested Staff to draft a code amendment to address some of the requests from Jim Schwalbach regarding outdoor storage in commercial zoning districts. She noted that there will also be some discussion about expectations of the Planning Commission and it is important that all of the Commissioners attend. -3-