PL MINUTES 06192001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes June 19, 2001 • Page 3 1 Motion by Chair Melsha, second by Vice Chair Stille, to approve the lot combination request. 2 Motion carried unanimously. 3 8.2 City ordinance amendment to allow electronic signs, for public informational uses only, 4 in areas zoned recreational open space on city and/or school-owned property. 5 Sue Henry stated that one of the city's goals for 2001 was to establish an electronic reader board 6 in the community. She explained that, in order to accomplish this, an ordinance change is 7 necessary, as electronic signs/reader boards are not currently permitted in the City. 8 Vice Chair Stille stated that the recommendation to change this ordinance did not include 9 restrictions regarding flashing signs, scrolling, etc. and that the sub-committee suggested that the 10 sign only make changes a couple of times a day. Chair Melsha asked them to elaborate. 11 Commissioner Tillmann added that they were suggesting that the sign could change twice in a 12 twenty-four hour period. 13 Ron Hansen, of 3220 Belden Drive, has lived in the City of St. Anthony for thirty-two years, and 14 requested that the ordinance change not be made, largely because he had a lot of questions 15 regarding the change. 0 16 He indicated that his concerns were that, at a time of new development and getting away from 17 extravagant signage, he felt that it does not have a place in the City of St. Anthony. He stated he 18 believes that the City of St. Anthony has a very liberal sign ordinance. 19 Mr. Hansen asked if the city has decided that the city purchase the sign. He stated that, if they 20 have not decided to purchase a sign, then why were they discussing the amendment of the sign 21 ordinance. 22 Vice Chair Stille indicated that they have not formally decided to purchase a new electronic sign, 23 and that they are exploring amending the ordinance for the benefit of better communication 24 within the city. He stated that it is intended that the sign be used for public information, and that 25 it is a good alternative for the city in terms of aesthetics. 26 Chair Melsha stated that there is a caution among the Commissioners about the appearance and 27 the features of the sign, which is why all of the discussed restrictions for the sign exist. He 28 referred to the sign at the Stonehouse, and indicated that it was a sign that they would not like to 29 emulate. 30 Commissioner Hanson indicated that the sign was first mentioned when they were discussing 31 improving the appearance of City Hall. He added that Walgreen's had requested a variance to 32 the sign ordinance back when they were interested in opening a store in the City of St. Anthony, 03 which is what caused them to examine the ordinance. He also stated that, after three years of 34 serving on the Planning Commission, he was frustrated with being a reactionary Commission, 35 which is why they have decided to be proactive after they denied the request from Walgreen's.