03-23-2005 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 23, 2005 PUD PERMIT FOR COMPRE- HENSIVE SIGN PLAN — MARKET SQUARE TOWN OFFICES (Mayor Blesener opened the Public Hearing to consider a Planned Unit Development Permit for a Comprehensive Sign Plan for Market Square Town Offices as requested by Mendota Homes. He noted that the Planning Commission has recommended approval of the PUD Permit subject to compliance with the recommendations ofthe City Planner. Erin Mathern, Mendota Homes, appeared before the Council and presented their request for two of the three elements of the sign plan. She noted that Tim Walstrom, State Farm Insurance, would appear to present on the third element. Mathern presented their proposal for monument sign as well as individual tenant identification signs. Mathern noted that the City Planner has recommended that the lettering on the monument sign be reversed with white lettering on a clack background. Mathern reported that they are agreeable to making that change. Mathern described the location ofthe monument sign noting that they originally planned to locate it on the middle island between the parking lot entrances on Middle Street. However, due to the location of a street light on that island, they option is no longer available. She noted that the monument sign will be 8 feet wide by 7 feet tall and will be constructed on a 3 foot high pedestal. Mathern explained the individual tenant identification signs that will be located next to each business entrance noting that they are proposed to be 24 inches side by 36 inches tall. Allan noted that the architectural guidelines recommend a horizontal sign orientation. She felt that the monument sign proposed had the look of a pylon sign. Allan also noted that the site is "building heavy" on the north end of the property, and felt that the sign location adjacent to the building added to that impact. Allan felt the monument sign was better located on the middle island or the southwest corner of the site. The City Administrator suggested that the City could check with Xcel Energy on relocating the street light. Blesener felt that a lower sign would be preferable. Mathern felt that the southwest corner of the site was not a good spot for the monument sign since future surrounding development would block the view of that sign. Mathern pointed out that the sign has been designed in accordance with the City's architectural guidelines. She also noted that the buildings were located as they are in compliance with the architectural guidelines to give a more urban feel to the area. 6