PL MINUTES 07311979 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

-2- In response to the question on how the proposed new sign ordinance might deal with the problem, Mr. Berg replied that although com- mercial square footage requirements have not been formulated, there would be no way that requests of this magnitude would be satisfied without a variance. Mr. Ruvelson agreed on the importance of a sign ordinance , but that the Board must have a gut feeling on what is proper judgment in special cases. It was the general consensus of the Board that the existing north-facing sign (60x12 at front door) was very unattractive and its continued use should not be encouraged. Mr. Ruvelson then asked if, because of the time frame problem, some temporary agreement could be reached with the City whereby the requested signage would be allowed for the opening date with the understanding that remodeling or acceptable signage would be erected later. Mr. Fornell felt, however, that this would involve staff and City Attorney time and that the matter would then still have to be resolved at a regularly scheduled meeting. In response to a request for a motion by Chairman Pro Tem Rymarchick, motion by Mr. Jones and seconded by Mr. Bowerman to recommerid the Council grant Sibley Catalog Showrooms a variance to place no more than 435 square feet of signage on the east-facing and west-facing facades of the build- ing with the understanding to approve signage for the north-facing facade not to exceed a total of 600 square feet of signage for the entire building. This approval is made in consideration of : the time frame problem created by the September 1 opening; the size (55, 000 square feet) ; only two tenants will be in this building and no more requests for signage will be forthcoming; 40 percent • of the business volume can be contributed to signage; the resulting positive impact on an area with a depressed business history; and total allowable sign square footage is disproportionate to that which would be allowed a smaller business operation. Following this motion, Mr. Jones also remarked that the City needs to show support to incoming businesses , that he believes that Sibley is concerned on the image it will project and that the proposed earthtone colors will be a tremendous improvement over the present signage. The Board also voiced its concern that no more than 15 percent of the east-facing wall would be occupied by signage since Red Owl already has signage on this side. It was agreed that this would not be the case. Chairman Rymarchick asked that the question be called. Voting on the question: Aye: Jones, Bjorklund, Rymarchick, Bowerman, Sopcinski, Enrooth. Nay: None. •