12-23-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council December 13, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 18 Mayor Coughlin stated that even though the golf course is exceeding the financial expectations, . this rather shortsighted view regarding how to finance the facility has bound this Council with the task of finding a means to pay for these obligations, to prevent the City's bond ratings from declining. He explained that the Council is attempting to do so, in a manner as far removed from the general public as possible, and with as little transferring of monies from one fund to another as possible. Mayor Coughlin stated he is not a fan of billboards, and this is the reason they have crafted this ordinance with language which restricts billboards from being located outside of any residential areas whatsoever, and permits them only in the area north of old Highway 118. He added that at least from the City's perspective, this is for the specific purpose of raising additional revenues for the period of time during which the bonds are outstanding, which will end in 2014. He advised that the Council is discussing a sunset clause on billboards, because they do not want billboards, however, would tolerate them for the purpose of generating the necessary revenues in the short term. He explained that when the bonds are paid off, and the revenues from the golf course begin to come back into the General Fund, the City will no longer need billboards, and will be able to eliminate them in a big hurry. Council Member Marty stated he did not believe any member of the Council liked billboards, and if some type of action was not necessary, they certainly would not go along with this. He stated however, the bond payments on the golf course increase by $33,000 per year, and this annual increase continues on until 2014. He explained that this is the reason the Council is concerned and attempting to determine additional means to generate revenue. He commented this was a bitter pill to swallow, however, it is a solution that would prevent them from having to dig into the City's pockets. Mayor Coughlin requested clarification of the proposed language. He indicated he would like to proceed with the matter, however, he would prefer to continue the discussion to a future date, if additional time is required to prepare appropriate language. City Attorney Long stated the cleanest way to proceed would be to come back before the Council, with appropriate language to address this issue, at a future point. He indicated the Council would not meet again in December, and was aware they were interested in proceeding expeditiously. He stated the proposed language would allow the Council to act upon the ordinance at this time, and further action may not be necessary. He stated that upon further investigation, it may be determined that the only required action might be to consider some changes in the zoning districts for purposes of clarification. City Attorney Long suggested the caption of the ordinance be amended to indicate "Pertaining to Billboards as an Interim Use...," and Subdivision 10 be amended to indicate "...unless it complies with the following interim use requirements:" He stated that the conditional use permit process should indicate "Any conditional use permit issued for an interim use billboard shall automatically expire fifteen years after the date of issuance or when the lease agreement for the billboard expires, whichever date is earlier." He advised that this language indicates, as a matter of policy, that no billboard will be allowed to stand in this district for more than 15 years, whether upon City or privately owned land.