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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes July 21, 2009 Page 6 1 proposed animation was not an allowable feature as per the Sign Ordinance. The animation has 2 since been removed from the School District's proposal and application. As part of the 3 application, Mr. Bjornrud indicated that the proposed electronic sign will replace the two signs 4 that existed previously. One double-sided electronic sign will be used by both schools to 5 communicate events to the community. 6 7 Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes reviewed the criterion for consideration of the CUP 8 request. She reported that staff has received no phone calls regarding the proposed electronic 9 sign for this school location. One resident who lives across the street from the Middle 10 School/High School voiced concerns about the possible flashing animation or brightness issues 11 that might be associated with the proposed electronic sign. Staff has also received a call from a 12 resident who voiced objections about the public notification process for the electronic signs for 13 both locations, Wilshire Park Elementary and the Middle School/High School. While he is not 14 neighboring either school,he was concerned that the community would find the information 15 confusing and difficult to find. 16 17 Mr. Linn Bjornrud, Wold Architects and Engineers, addressed the Planning Commission and 18 stated he is present on behalf of the School District. He noted during the previous reviews there 19 was discussion of animation that went further to whether the School District could do what they 20 intended to do without animation. That option was discussed and the School District is pursuing 21 more of a standard electronic message sign for cost effectiveness and ease of gaining a 22 recommendation from the Planning Commission. Mr. Bjornrud answered questions of the 23 Planning Commission regarding the proposed electronic message sign at SAMS/SAHS. The 24 proposed sign essentially matches the setback of the existing signs. Restricted hours for the sign 25 are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Mr. Bjornrud stated the existing sign actually emits quite a bit of light and 26 he is not aware that it shuts off at any particular time of night. The School District wants to 27 utilize the signs to gain the benefit they need, but is also interested in improving the situation for 28 the nearby residents. 29 30 Ms. Kristen Atchenson on 33rd Avenue addressed the Planning Commission and stated the 31 majority of her questions were answered, as she wanted to know about the size of the sign, 32 illumination, and hours. The current sign is on all night. She inquired about the possibility of 33 adding trees in the front yards of the residents that are directly across the street from the school. 34 Chair Stromgren replied that this would be outside of the Planning Commission's authority. 35 36 Mr. Bjornrud stated the School District has recently hired a licensed landscape contractor and 37 intends to have him provide some landscaping around this sign. This is not included in the permit 38 as it has not been designed yet, but the City could be included in the process. 39 40 Mr. Peter Atchenson addressed the Planning Commission and stated he lives across the street 41 from the school. He is concerned about light pollution. A lot of this has been taken care of by the 42 sign issue,but it looks as though there will be more lights put in for the parking lot. He 43 questioned how the residents will be informed about the sign that will go on the site, as it has not 44 been purchased yet. He stated things are moving ahead rapidly. Chair Stromgren explained that 45 the parking lot lighting is not before the Commission at this time,but there are City ordinances