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Mounds View Planning Commission June 21, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 16 ________________________________________________________________________ it could be moved to the south end of the Mermaid property where it would not impact any of the businesses. Mr. Kopas would like them to talk to him and see what they can work out. He noticed the large post would for the billboard will block the view of the Fastenal sign also. A discussion on optional locations continued between the Planning Commission, Director Ericson and Mr. Kopas. Mr. Rich Sonterre, Clear Channel Outdoor 3225 Spring Street, Minneapolis, approached the Commission and stated this process is not one Clear Channel wanted to undertake. They wanted the signs to remain at the golf course. Clear Channel entered into the negotiations process with the City to help facilitate the Medtronic development and to encourage good community relations. Throughout the negotiations it has been a partnership with the community. Clear Channel negotiated with the City in good faith. They were a participant in the process and worked closely with the Community Development Department to create an ordinance that closed all loopholes that might lead to future billboard development in the City. Mr. Sonterre emphasized he specifically worked on putting together language known as cap and replace, a policy in which a community can reclaim a maximum number of billboards and no more. He worked on a process by which billboards can be relocated within the City to appropriately zoned and designated areas, therefore causing no additional billboard inventory. In reference to the 1500-foot distance that was added when the ordinance was passed, this was his doing. Mr. Sonterre stressed he wants what is best for everyone. He entered into an agreement to move the signs from the former golf course and replace them, in many cases, in less profitable areas. This has not been an adversarial process. Mr. Sonterre explained how and where the pictures presented were taken and how the reality of the actual view is somewhat askew. The column for the billboard is slightly larger than a power pole and there is a short-term obstruction as you drive down County Road 10. The overall size of the pole is increased slightly to create the square effect to meet code requirements. If the sign were located on the south side of the Mermaid, a variance would still be required because of the obstruction to the Mermaid from the other direction. Commissioner Hegland asked if the position for the sign support could be anywhere else. Mr. Sonterre indicated he would have to check with the engineers. Commissioner Meehlhause asked Mr. Sonterre if there would be opposition to moving the sign to the south. Mr. Sonterre said the location is at the owner’s request. Commissioner Scotch does not like the location because it still blocks Fastenal. She emphasized these businesses have the right to have full visibility to the signage on their building. Something else could be worked out. She does not agree with Mr. Sonterre’s statement. Several Commissioners expressed their inability to support the placement of the sign. Mr. Sonterre stated that he is within his rights to build the sign at this location at 35 feet without applying for anything but an IUP.