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. 10 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 9, 2001 • Page 10 1. d. Resolution 01-023. re: Sian Variance. 2 Planning Commissioner Stille advised that the applicant has withdrawn their request for 3 an electronic readerboard sign variance. However, a variance on the sign is still being 4 requested to increase the size to 50 square feet per side. Stille explained the Planning 5 Commission only considered the copy variance and the motion to recommend approval 6 of the Sign Variance failed on a split vote since the hardship criteria was difficult to meet. 7 Stille noted the applicant is not requesting a pylon sign or a lot of wall signage. 8 However, it was difficult to make a finding of hardship. 9 Stille noted a subcommittee has been formed to address the possible need to revamp the 10 Sign Ordinance to address electronic readerboard issues. 11 Morrison stated the Planning Commission is correct in indicating it is difficult to find a 12 hardship for a sign variance. He explained that businesses have applied for a 13 comprehensive sign package which allowed them to propose a larger ground sign if they 14 did not have a wall sign. In this case, they could not apply for a comprehensive sign 15 package because they did not meet the definition. �16 Horst explained that a number of years ago there.were questions about wanting ground 17 monument signs and how large they should be. The City tried to come up with a sign 18 proposal that would be consistent, present what the City wanted to see constructed, and 19 not require variances. Horst stated if this larger ground sign is approved, the"bar" is 20 moved up and creates a new basis of 50 square feet. He stated the Council needs to 21 determine if this is the standard the City wants to set since others will expect the same. 22 Hodson stated in looking at the current sizes, reviewing history, and the criteria used, 23 perhaps the Planning Commission should revisit that criteria. He commented on"smart 24 growth" of a first ring suburb and questioned if there is a need to revisit the sign 25 ordinance. 26 Horst commented on the.regulations used.by another community where the signs are too 27 small to read. He stated that a balance is needed and he is cautious about considering this. 28 sign variance. 29 Mornson noted the proposed resolution denies the variance which would still allow them 30 to erect a ground sign-that meets the ordinance requirement for square footage. He 31 commented on the study conducted seven years ago and the result that sign variances 32 have not been requested up to this point. 33 Mr. Mike Kalscheur, representing TOLD Development,thanked the Council for the 034 actions they have taken tonight. He stated he thinks the intent of the City's Sign 35 Ordinance is clear and he tried to determine how their needs would fit within those