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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes • September 20, 1994 Page 3 1 Dr. David M. Ferguson, 3101 Bell Lane, stated that while he wants to welcome business to St. 2 Anthony, he is concerned that approval of this ordinance amendment would encourage 3 businesses to desire even larger signs,possibly billboards. He asked why this amendment is 4 being considered. 5 Commissioner Franzese reported that an in depth study of existing ground signs had been done 6 and that all existing ground signs will be in compliance with this ordinance amendment. She 7 pointed out that St. Anthony's ordinance is still more restrictive than most other communities and 8 this ordinance amendment should eliminate the need for as many variance requests. She felt that 9 these amendments would not affront anyone's good taste. 10 Chair Gondorchin expressed that the Commission's main motivation for changing the ordinance 11 was to alleviate the need for so many variance requests. Dr. Ferguson noted that variances are 12 available to ensure compliance and it may be better to consider the signs one by one. He felt 13 with the new ordinance in place, there will be no control. Chair Gondorchin noted that new signs 14 will not be any larger than current ones. 15 Commissioner Faust assured that the Ordinance will fulfill the need for standardization and solid guidelines. He stated it accommodates the sensibility of city and business, and pointed out that granting variances can bring inconsistencies. 18 Commissioner Franzese explained that it has also become more difficult for City Council to 19 grant variances because the legislation has changed and become more strict in it's policies. 20 Chair Gondorchin closed the public hearing at 7:36 P.M. 21 To assure the use of landscaping, Commissioner Franzese asked that the last sentence in Section 22 1400.04, Subd. 11 be revised to state, ". . . and landscaped to enhance the appearance of the 23 signage." Consensus was reached to make this revision. 24 Motion by Makowske, second by Horst to recommend Council approval an amendment to the 25 City's ordinance relating to signs, amending Section 1400.04 and 1400.10 of Ordinance 1994- 26 003, as presented and with the following revision: 27 1. Section 1400.04, Subd. 11 to read as follows: 28 Any sign which is freestanding by virtue of being structurally independent of any 29 structure or object, and is affixed to the ground by means of a base with no visibility 30 between the bottom of the sign and the base on which it is attached, and landscaped to 4 enhance the appearance of the signage. 32 Motion carried unanimously.