Laserfiche WebLink
Mounds View Planning Commission September 5, 2001 <br />Regular Meeting Page 4 <br />________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />noted that the improvements to the sign, including the new sign base, will make the sign more <br />appealing. but there will be an impact to the wetland that should be looked at. <br /> <br />Chris McCarver of Clear Channel Outdoor thanked Community Development Director Ericson <br />for his accurate portrayal of the wishes of his company in regards to its sign. He then noted that <br />when the company first looked at improving the sign at this location it decided it wanted to <br />improve the aesthetics of the sign. He further stated that his company is interested in enhancing <br />the area by making the sign match the common design theme for the area. Mr. McCarver also <br />indicated that the power pole and overhead power would be eliminated. which should improve <br />the aesthetics of the sign. <br /> <br />Mr. McCarver explained that the current displays are the poster type and the new sign will be <br />printed or painted vinyl that looks cleaner and will not “flag” as the older posters had a tendency <br />to do. <br /> <br />Mr. McCarver provided pictures of the billboard for the Commission to review. <br /> <br />Commissioner Miller asked if the sign would be lit 24 hours per day. <br /> <br />Mr. McCarver explained that his company has a practice of turning the lights off at midnight. <br />He then stated that they could leave the sign lit 24 hours per day but said it is not something they <br />have done in the past or plan to do in the future. <br /> <br />Chairperson Stevenson suggested the City be certain that the sign is permanent before approving <br />an expansion. He explained that the City has tried to eliminate billboards from that area and he <br />does not want to agree to an expansion if there is a possibility of eliminating the sign. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Ericson indicated that the Code allows for the nonconforming <br />sign to remain indefinitely and said the easement makes it a permanent sign. He further <br />indicated that Staff had carefully considered the request to determine if it was good for the City <br />and had determined that, since the sign will be there forever, the City should take the opportunity <br />to improve the look of the sign. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Ericson explained that he had spoken to Mr. McCarver <br />earlier in the day and was told that he had intended to provide a color graphic of the proposed <br />sign for the meeting but did not have time due to confusion as to what date the matter was on the <br />Planning Commission agenda. <br /> <br />Commissioner Miller questioned whether the City could control what went on the billboard. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Ericson indicated what goes on the billboard is up to Clear <br />Channel Outdoor because it owns the sign. <br /> <br />Mr. McCarver explained that his company has an internal approval process that determines <br />whether a sign would be objectionable to a reasonable and prudent person. He then indicated