Minutes - 2006/04/24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council April 24, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 13 Mayor Marty stated that the first time the Ordinance was read and approved, County Highway 10 was removed because it was brought to the Council’s attention that there were enough land and sites available without using County Highway 10. He explained the Ordinance was only reconsidered to look into limiting the amount of billboards in the City, because it could end up with several billboards. Mayor Marty stressed that billboards need to be kept out of the corridor to achieve the boulevard look. Councilmember Thomas stated that the City is not done with the Medtronic project. She stated this is about the Council doing its job. She stated if the Council pursues a concept of limitation for sites that are appropriate for uses, the Council is not doing due diligence. She commented that she feels a significant effort needs to be made to correct that. She indicated that the City agreed to put up six billboards, and the City would find places to put them as a result of the agreement with Clear Channel. She stressed that the City needs to stick to agreements that were made in the past. Councilmember Stigney stated the Council is not supposed to find sites, but rather provide zoning on where the signs could go. He stated if Clear Channel is unable to negotiate site locations, Medtronic agreed it would buy out two billboards in Phase 1, and the other two in Phase 2. Councilmember Stigney asked City Administrator Ulrich if adequate and ample space for the billboard site locations have been provided by the City of Mounds View with the Ordinance as it now reads. City Administrator Ulrich replied that if one looks strictly at the amount of space available in the zones designated, there are areas where billboards can be located. He stated the question is if they are acceptable with Clear Channel. He pointed out that the contract reads that Clear Channel has the ultimate rejection authority, and can reject any location that the City comes up with. He explained the City has to designate areas within the City. He stated that based on footage, there are available sites. City Attorney Riggs stated that the agreement with Clear Channel and Medtronic took many months to finalize, and the agreement states that there is the ability of Clear Channel to reject sites. He pointed out that the sites have to be workable. He stated there may be locations that a sign may be able to be erected, but there may be no parties interested in doing that. He explained the long term negotiations with both parties require the City to assist with where the signs can go and where they are allowed in the City. He stated there are certain provisions that the City has to fall back that are protections for the City, and some is open to discussion. He stated if there are four sites approved and they are not workable, the City is not out of the woods. He explained it is the Council’s policy and determination to decide where the signs go. He indicated Staff will work with Medtronic and Clear Channel to see what locations work. He noted that City still has more than 18 months to deal with the issue since there is a two year time period for the signs to be moved.