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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes <br /> September 20, 1994 <br /> • Page 3 <br /> 1 Dr. David M. Ferguson, 3101 Bell Lane, stated that while he wants to welcome business to St. <br /> 2 Anthony, he is concerned that approval of this ordinance amendment would encourage <br /> 3 businesses to desire even larger signs, possibly billboards. He asked why this amendment is <br /> 4 being considered. <br /> 5 Commissioner Franzese reported that an in depth study of existing ground signs had been done <br /> 6 and that all existing ground signs will be in compliance with this ordinance amendment. She <br /> 7 pointed out that St. Anthony's ordinance is still more restrictive than most other communities and <br /> 8 this ordinance amendment should eliminate the need for as many variance requests. She felt that <br /> 9 these amendments would not affront anyone's good taste. <br /> 10 Chair Gondorchin expressed that the Commission's main motivation for changing the ordinance <br /> 11 was to alleviate the need for so many variance requests. Dr. Ferguson noted that variances are <br />.:. 12 available to ensure compliance and it may be better to consider the signs one by one. He felt <br /> 13 with the new ordinance in place,there will be no control. Chair Gondorchin noted that new signs <br /> 14 will not be any larger than current ones. <br /> 15 Commissioner Faust assured that the Ordinance will fulfill the need for standardization and solid <br /> 16 guidelines. He stated it accommodates the sensibility of city and business, and pointed out that <br /> granting variances can bring inconsistencies. <br /> 18 Commissioner Franzese explained that it has also become more difficult for City Council to <br /> 19 grant variances because the legislation has changed and become more strict in it's policies. <br /> 20 Chair Gondorchin closed the public hearing at 7:36 P.M. <br /> 21 To assure the use of landscaping, Commissioner Franzese asked that the last sentence in Section <br /> 22 1400.04, Subd. 11 be revised to state, ". . . and landscaped to enhance the appearance of the <br /> 23 signage." Consensus was reached to make this revision. <br /> 24 Motion by Makowske, second by Horst to recommend Council approval an amendment to the <br /> 25 City's ordinance relating to signs, amending Section 1400.04 and 1400.10 of Ordinance 1994- <br /> 26 003, as presented"and with the following revision: <br /> 27 1. Section 1400.04, Subd. 11 to read as follows: <br /> 28 Any sign which.-is,freestanding by.virtue of being structurally independent of any <br /> 29 structure or object, and is affixed to the ground by means of a base with no visibility <br /> 30 between the bottom of the sign and the base on which it is attached, and landscaped to <br /> 31 enhance the appearance of the signage. <br /> Motion carried unanimously, <br />