Minutes - 2006/07/10 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council July 10, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 5 granted for 30 years. He noted the perpetual Wallgreens billboard. He added that there is the potential for a detrimental effect to the property owner next to the Mermaid regardless of who owns it. Councilmember Flaherty stated that he was under the impression that Mr. Copus would be brought in on the conversation much earlier. He stated his belief that the Council is trying to meet Clear-Channel half-way if they approve the site. He explained that it was well-known that the City would not allow the 45-foot billboard because the City has a precedent and stated that was one of the factors he considered when he voted to approve the billboard on the Wallgreens site. Councilmember Flaherty asked what would happen if a vote was taken. Director Ericson stated the Council could act tonight to deny the resolution or ask Staff to draft a new one. Councilmember Flaherty stated as the resolution sits, he would support the denial based on the height. Councilmember Thomas clarified that the Council is not discussing height. Councilmember Flaherty stated as it sits, he would have to support the denial on the height. Councilmember Thomas clarified that they are not discussing the height. Councilmember Flaherty asked Mr. Sontaire if another site to the south could be considered. Mr. Sontaire replied that he appreciates the concerns and that there have been extensive conversations with Mr. Coups. He stated he does not make decisions regarding locations and the proposed location has been deemed acceptable by Clear Channel. Regarding the height, Mr. Sontaire stated at 35 feet, the billboard could be built without a variance. He stated the application for the variance was made because it was determined at 45 feet, the billboard would have less negative impact. Mr. Hall stated that future use plans for the front corner of the property include a tall structure. He apologized for not including Copus in the conversations earlier. He stated that Acting Mayor Stigney made an excellent point about the property being old and suggested the billboard could attract a new company. ~e-l~~l~eo~d-E^~•'Et-a~eu~se~-y-Same as previous paragraph Councilmember Thomas stated she watched the Planning Commission meeting and the problem is how to separate the question facing the Council currently vs. future questions. She clarified that the current question under consideration is whether or not the permit is up to code and acceptable. She stated she believes it is a poor decision to deny the CUP based on other discussion. She stated her belief that the Planning Commission's recommendation for denial was not based on answering the current question, but was based on other issues entirely.