PL MINUTES 06192001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes June 19, 2001 Page 4 1 Mr. Hansen wanted to know why they were discussing amending the sign ordinance. 2 Commissioner Tillmann stated that the issue does not meet the criteria for a variance, because 3 there is not any hardship. Chair Melsha stated that, if they feel it is necessary to have the sign for 4 a public purpose, than amending the sign ordinance makes sense, as opposed to always dealing 5 with variances. 6 Mr. Hansen stated that he had a problem with Chair Melsha's statement, and indicated that a 7 number of other residents would have come forward to dispute the idea of the electronic sign, 8 had they known the position of the Commission on the issue. He cited a number of buildings 9 and houses that have a sign in front of them, and suggested that they hold a hearing to discuss 10 this sign, and indicated that at least twenty-five residents would be present to provide the reasons 11 for which they feel the ordinance should not take place. He read an article from the Minneapolis 12 newspaper that was written by the Dennis Cavanaugh, the Mayor for the City of St. Anthony, 13 which talked about the increasing taxes in the City of St. Anthony. 14 Mr. Hansen asked why they are trying to amend the ordinance when the sign has not been 15 approved, rather than leaving the ordinance as it is, with the need to request a variance. 16 Commissioner Hanson indicated that the Planning Commission wants to have something in the 07 books so that when a retailer, such as Walgreen's, wants to come into the City, sees the City 18 Code and does not waste anyone's time requesting a variance. Mr. Hansen suggested that they 19 amend the ordinance to state that signs, like Walgreen's, are not allowed, except by variance. 20 Commissioner Tillmann stated that discussion is taking place because of the community interest 21 in having such a sign. 22 Mr. Hansen asked the following questions regarding the sign: 23 1. How much will the sign cost? 24 2. Who will maintain the sign? 25 3. What will the sign look like? 26 Mr. Hansen concluded by saying that, before they decide to change the ordinance, they need to 27 inform residents, and allow them to express their unhappiness over the potential ordinance 28 change. He read a statement from a sign ordinance for a nearby city, which made reference to 29 the safety issues with drivers trying to do too much. Mr. Hansen elaborated on the statement by 30 listing several of the buildings and structures that are found around the intersection where they 31 are proposing the sign be placed. 32 Chair Melsha asked if Mr. Hansen was against the idea of a sign, or the idea of an electronic 33 sign. Mr. Hanson stated that he did not think that the City of St. Anthony needed any more signs •34 at all. 35 Mr. Hansen reiterated his belief that, once the ordinance is changed and there exist no more 36 public hearings regarding it, there will be several unhappy residents.