02-08-07 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 8, 2007 reviewed a graphic of the proposed sign, noting that the sign would be modernized, would have an electronic price display, would be reduced in square footage, and would be lowered to approximately 19 feet in height. Dehn indicated that the electronic price sign will eliminate the hazard generated by employees on ladders or utilizing a long pole to change gas price displays. Duray asked if the electronic price sign was allowed by Code. The City Planner reported that the City's Code allows electronic messages as long as they are static. The messages cannot move or scroll or flash. Duray asked if this would be the first electronic gas price sign in the City. Dehn thought it would be. Barraclough asked about the two line reader board under the electronic price sign. Dehn indicated that that portion of the sign would not be electronic and would be solid letters that could be changed to advertise various product sales. Dehn then indicated that it is likely that this portion of the sign will advertise the fact that diesel fuel is available at Sinclair Station. The price of diesel fuel will not be displayed, however. Helmeke asked if the electronic price signs are what the City can anticipate at gas stations. Dehn replied that that was correct, and pointed out that the signs look nicer and it is much easier for employees to change gas prices. The City Planner indicated that he has seen a lot of gas stations changing to this type of signage. Duray asked if Dehn was willing to lower the height of this sign to meet the ordinance requirements. The Planner indicated that the current height of the sign is 24 feet and the applicant has proposed to lower it to 19 feet. The Code sets a maximum height for this sign at 16 feet. Dehn indicated that they would lower the sign to 16 feet to comply with the ordinance. Todd Tolifson, Rose City Sign, indicated that the Little Canada Road pylon sign would be refaced and lowered and brought into compliance with the City's ordinances. Duray asked if the sign would meet the City's Architectural Guidelines. The City Planner replied that the Little Canada Road pylon would comply with Architectm•al Standards given the message is reversed out on the green background. The high-rise pylon sign on the fi•eeway, however, has a white background with darker letters. Duray asked Dehn's plan for the freeway pylon. Dehn stated that he is aware that the freeway sign does not comply with Code. He also indicated that he has plans to do some additional improvements to the Sinclair Station in the spring, and would like to delay discussion of the freeway pylon until that time. Dehn noted that he just took over the site and is working to get the Sinclair's name on the freeway signage that lists the gas -2-