08-14-2019 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 14, 2019 does not recommend a second pylon sign, especially along the same corridor. She stated that as an alternative, Caribou requested they be allowed to keep the existing pylon sign in place until the completion of the Rice Street and I-694 construction which should be done by Fall 2020. She noted that Caribou intends to install the new signage in the next couple of months and feels that keeping the existing pylon in place will help customers learn where to turn during the roadway changes. The City Clerk reported that the applicant is also requesting five more small informational signs in order to direct traffic at the entrance and exits. She noted there are currently four small signs in the drive-thru lane which will remain. She explained that the City Council can approve additional directional signs, so a variance is not needed for these. She explained that the Council is asked to consider how many sides of the building should be allowed to have wall signage, the total amount of signage allowed for the property and if a second pylon sign should be allowed. She noted that the additional issue to consider would be if a second pylon is not approved, could the current pylon remain until Fall 2020. The City Clerk stated that since the Zoning Code does not give direction for properties with more than two street frontages, City Staff would suggest that if the Council is supportive of more signage, they consider an alternate amount of total allowed signage, such as 400 square feet. She stated that the Planning Commission recommend signage be allowed on four sides of the building, up to a total of 400 square feet, and that the existing pylon sign can remain through construction, but must be removed by September 30, 2020. The City Clerk stated that the property will become very unique after the road reconstruction project is complete, and none of the changes were created by the landowner. She explained that southbound Rice Street customers will need to know there is a Caribou and where they are going prior to entering the round -a -bout, because if they miss the right turn in the round -a -bout, they will not be able to get to Caribou without going further down Rice Street and turning around. She reported that Staff does support increased signage on this property, but not the second pylon sign. Emily Heuring, Caribou Coffee, stated that this location has been a very good store for them and it is larger so it also has community rooms. She noted that the road construction. has been very tough on them, and sales are down 50% which will likely continue through at least the end of the year. She explained that round -a -bouts require a learning curve for drivers and that Caribou would prefer to have both pylon signs. Ms. Heuring stated that was correct as they feel the existing sign would help customers know to turn on to Country Drive Connection and keep the area safer. Fischer stated that he agrees this site and traffic will be a challenge and he supports the additional directional signs on the site. He is agreeable to the 3