04-21-2009 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 21, 2009 2 REGULAR AGENDA: Audio visual improvements MOTION: Council Member DeLapp moved to continue the audio visual improvements agenda item until the May 5, 2009 City Council meeting. Council Member Park seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0. Sign Ordinance Revisions – An ordinance repealing existing sign code regulations and adopting new regulations to govern signs in all zoning districts Ben Gozola, Consulting Planner, presented a proposed ordinance to repeal all existing sign code regulations in favor of revised sign controls. He said the proposed regulations have been drafted in response to public input, and had to remain within constitutional guidelines. The goal of the City is to balance the need for businesses to advertise themselves and to address residents’ aesthetic concerns. The Planning Commission had held a public hearing and subsequently recommended approval of the proposed ordinance to update the City’s sign regulations as presented. Neil Krueger, 4452 Lake Elmo Avenue N., believed the entire sign ordinance was very complicated and should be simplified. Deb Krueger noted the size of the lettering on neighborhood signs should be addressed because they were difficult to read. She asked the Council to address signs for residents who want to sell eggs or hay. Joe Heinen, who owns a building at 9242 Hudson Blvd., believed the sign regulations were too restrictive for a multi-tenant building. Among the items considered, the Council debated whether neighborhood entrance signs attracted buyers to model homes and helped realtors sell homes or directed people to neighborhoods. The Council agreed on restrictions placed on signs in the Old Village which would have limited illumination and design guidelines imposed on them. There was disagreement on a provision that would allow 12-foot signs in the Old Village. With growth and changes to the City’s comprehensive plan, Council member Emmons suggested looking at the sign criteria for the business corridor along Interstate 94. MOTION: Council Member DeLapp moved to table the sign ordinance revision to the May 5, 2009 City Council Meeting. Council Member Smith seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0. Update on house rehabilitation, 9224 31st Street N. Ben Gozola, Consulting Planner, reported the City Council entered into an agreement with Linda and David Hardy to address all issues surrounding the house rehabilitation at 9224 31st Street. The agreement established a list of 25 items that needed to be completed by April 7, 2009, to allow the City to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy for the house. Staff recommended delaying action until the new City Attorney is on board in early May.