07-05-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View Planning Commission July 5, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 7 ________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Hull asked Director Ericson if the City Council looked at a buyout option. Director Ericson replied this is one of the options Mr. Sonterre is referring to that if sites are not available a buyout is a contingency. When the agreement was first drafted, Clear Channel was not open to a buyout. The value to Clear Channel is having the signs out there. If both parties make a good faith effort and no site can be found, Medtronic would provide the buy out. Commissioner Hegland asked about contact from residents opposing this. Director Ericson said those who responded were not property owners adjacent to the Mermain site or close by. Chair Stevenson clarified that the City said the property is consistent with the Code, that a billboard can be relocated here, it meets the requirements, there is a willing property owner, and a willing Clear Channel. He believes the Commission is faced with the fact that if this is going to be allowed, this is where it would be allowed. Denying it is really not going to make a difference. The only thing the Commission can do is make a recommendation. The public hearing was opened at 7:40 p.m. Mr. Glidden, 5240 Edgewood Drive, addressed the Commission and stated two things struck him. The first is he heard the property owner said he only wants the sign at the location chosen. This is a property owner that benefits from this billboard. Mr. Glidden said he is a property owner that would see this billboard every time he drives by. He believes there are better locations for the billboard on the Mermaid property. Secondly, Mr. Glidden made reference to Commissioner Miller’s comments as to County Road 10 being the entry to Mounds View. He has heard the term beautification of County Road 10. This billboard is not going to improve the look of County Road 10. The Planning Commission has the opportunity to carry out one strategy or another. He is one property owner that is voicing his opposition to the location of the billboard. He does not have a problem relocating these billboards where feasible. The location chosen directly affects people driving through Mounds View and this is not something the Planning Commission should be choosing to add to the City. Commissioner Scotch stated there are two situations before the Commission. There is a problem with businesses staying on County Road 10. If the Mermaid benefits by the revenue, she would like to help them. On the other hand, Medtronic was another deal that should have included the billboards. Commissioner Miller reminded the Planning Commission that it is not to consider financial gain when making a decision on this issue. Chair Stevenson stated, that pre-2000, they talked about their opposition to County Road 10 looking like Central Avenue and others streets relative to advertising. As a Commission, they made a solid point that one billboard was allowed on County Road 10 and no others. Mr. Glidden encouraged the Planning Commission to not approve this request.