Minutes - 2006/03/27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council March 27, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 6 Councilmember Gunn wondered if the signs would want to be higher rather than lower. Councilmember Thomas responded no because the higher it gets, it causes light pollution and is disrespectful to residents. AMENDMENT MOTION: THOMAS/MARTY. To amend Chapter 1008 of the Municipal Code Relating to Signs and Billboards, to allow a maximum billboard height of 35 feet on Old Highway 8. Director Ericson stated he would take the Ordinance back and check the map to see how much it would impact the sites if it was changed to reflect a 500 foot setback for residential zoned property. Councilmember Thomas stated it would be only for the 45 foot height limitation. Mayor Marty stated depending on where the location of the sign is, a variance could be requested. Councilmember Stigney stated that one of the problems is the relocation of billboards and where to put them, and that a certain height is required for the billboards to be visible in some locations. He stated this issue was already discussed, and the certain locations that require a height of 45 feet have been designated. He stated he does not support the amendment. Councilmember Thomas stated Old Highway 8 was not part of that discussion. Mayor Marty stated there are residents living in that area, and the height requirement could be 35 feet, and a variance could be requested for signs on Old Highway 8. He stated the City would look at it if it is a hardship and if it does not infringe on the citizens, it would not be a big deal. He stated for the protection of the residents, he supports an amendment of the height requirement of 35 feet on Old Highway 8. Councilmember Gunn asked Rich Sonterre, representative for Clear Channel Outdoors, if they were putting billboards along Old Highway 8, would they be put on the I-35W side by I-35W or on the business side. She asked who would see the billboards if they were on the business side. Mr. Sonterre, stated that all of the property between Old Highway 8 and the MnDOT fence line is public held land and does not allow for construction. Councilmember Stigney asked Mr. Sonterre if there would be a problem with having a height requirement of 35 foot and requesting a variance for any heights necessary above that. Mr. Sonterre stated that Clear Channel prefers to have a single common voice with Tom McCarver on all policy matters and negotiations with the City. He stated he prefers to have Mr. McCarver speak on this question. He stated if an evaluation was done of the locations that exist and look at the obstacles that would be a hindrance to visibility rights, it would be assumed that a