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Mounds View Planning Commission July 5, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 6 ________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Hegland asked if it was possible to locate two billboards in the area along Highway 35W or County Road 10. Director Ericson responded that due to the spacing requirements from the existing billboard at Mounds View Manufactured Home Park and the one proposed on the Building A site along Highway 35W, if another billboard were located south of that it would be too far from the interstate to be viewed. It is not likely that another billboard could be located along 35W. Commissioner Scotch asked if the City would benefit from the billboard. Director Ericson replied the City would not directly benefit from the billboard. Commissioner Scotch asked if the maintenance of the billboard would be done by Clear Channel. Director Ericson stated the Mermaid entered into a lease agreement with Clear Channel that states Clear Channel would assume all maintenance for the billboard. Commissioner Scotch asked Mr. Sonterre to come forward to explain the terms of the lease. Mr. Sonterre explained the duration of the lease would be for a minimum of 30 years. Commissioner Scotch asked what would happen if the status of the Mermaid changes. Mr. Sonterre stated the billboard goes with the property and the lease would transfer to the new owner. Commissioner Hegland asked if the terms of the lease began at the golf course. Mr. Sonterre stated the 30 years starts with the new lease. Commissioner Miller talked about County Road 10 being the entry to Mounds View and making it more attractive. She opposes the billboard at this location and asked if there are any other locations the billboard could be constructed at the height of 35 feet. Director Ericson stated that given the number of trees and the turning radius of the roadway, visibility is limited to the north. The host property owner would like it at the location chosen. There are two other businesses that could host the billboard but he is not sure that given the visibility, either is acceptable. Commissioner Scotch asked about a location along the frontage road near 35W or on the north side of County Road 10. Mr. Sonterre said it would not be allowed because, per the Code, it would be on the wrong side of County Road 10. They did look at the two alternate properties and declared the County Road H Bridge would obstruct the visibility from 35W. Mr. Sonterre indicated Clear Channel is remarkably restricted in terms of the areas where they can relocate the billboards relative to zoning and spacing issues. Part of the agreement is large and broad and they have an obligation to make a good faith effort to relocate these billboards. Mr. Sonterre feels Clear Channel is doing their part to find areas that meet the Code and have participation by a landowner. The City by the same agreement must provide a good faith effort to assist Clear Channel find a location to relocate the billboards. If both parties make a good faith effort but are not able to meet the requirements or find host sites, there are contingencies for this also. They are doing their part to identify where they can locate the billboards. Clear Channel believes it is part of the greater civic good to help the City in its redevelopment of the golf course.