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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 19, 2000 • Page 9 1 consideration will result in the delay of this project. Hanson stated his support to not consider this 2 sign variance since the Sign Ordinance will be considered during the next several months and would 3 not.delay ground breaking. 4 Mr. Kalscheur stated ground breaking is slated for spring but their concern is the lease signage 5 component. Due to the importance of signage to Walgreens,it is an integral component to the lease 6 and those negotiations. He stated they could withdraw the electronic readerboard variance request 7 to allow time for the City to address that issue and apply only for the 50 square feet of sign copy per 8 side. 9 Hatch noted that if the electronic sign area is removed, the square footage per side is within five 10 square feet. However, if the electronic readerboard is approved at this point, it cannot be changed 11 after the ordinance is considered for revision. He stated his preference to not consider either the sign 12 variance or electronic readerboard request at this time. 13 Chair Bergstrom stated that while the Commissioners are sympathetic, it is being voiced that 14 meeting the hardship criteria will be difficult to meet. 15 Mr. Kalscheur thanked the.Commission for their consideration and explained that out of obligation .16 to their client and in consideration of timing, he would like to move forward to the Council even if 17 the Planning Commission recommendation is for denial. 18 Bergstrom stated he believes a hardship exists since the City is interested in getting this property 19 redeveloped and this is not an easy parcel to develop for many reasons. Also, Walgreens has 20 considerably reduced their wall signage with respect to what is allowable. Thus,he would consider 21 allowing more on the monument sign since the total square footage is still well below what is 22 allowed in the ordinance. However, he would not support the electronic readerboard sign feature. 23 Hanson asked Mr.Kalscheur if it would be beneficial to advise his clients that while the sign square 24 footage was allowed, the electronic readerboard was not considered. 25 Thomas stated he could support 50 square feet of signage but not the electronic readerboard feature. 26 Motion by Thomas, second by Bergstrom, to recommend approval of a sign variance to allow for 27 a ground (or monument) sign consisting of 50 square feet of copy on each side, for a total surface. 28 copy area of 100 square feet,without any electronic reader board on each side,based on the'finding 29 that this is a difficult property to redevelop,this parcel is unique in nature,denying this variance also 30 impacts the economic viability of the development,the development is of benefit to the St. Anthony 31 Village,and a number of sign ordinance variances have been granted to other businesses within the 32 vicinity. 03 Stille stated he would like to review previous sign variances granted and discuss whether the Sign 34 Ordinance should be amended to allow additional square footage. He stated that while he is not 35 opposed to this sign variance request, he would prefer to define the hardship issue.