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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 14, 2006 Page 12 1 explained Council had questions at the first reading and directed Staff to talk to surrounding 2 cities that allowed this type of signage and had changed their ordinance. He stated Staff spoke to 3 the cities of Shakopee, Coon Rapids, Columbia Heights, New Brighten, and Fridley. He stated 4 findings indicate the number one reason changes were made was for the convenience of the 5 business owner and secondly because it was neater in appearance. 6 7 Mr. Tom Archanbault, Mobile Station manager, stated discussion at the last City Council 8 revolved around whether this was for the convenience of the station or a safety issue. He 9 demonstrated why this is a safety issue with a sample of the sign number and the suction cup 10 used to change the numbers. He explained how changing the signs in the winter was difficult 11 because prices change on a daily bases. Mr. Archanbault described how the numbers are 12 currently changed and stressed this is a safety issue. 13 14 Motion by Councilmember Horst, seconded by Councilmember. Thuesen, to Approve the Second 15 Reading of Ordinance 2006-006 Amending the City Code Sign Regulation. 16 17 Mayor Faust stated he is against this and could not vote for it because he is not convinced and, 18 once it is approved, everyone would want the same electronic sign. He stated he worked hard 19 since 1997 to make sure St. Anthony did not look like many other communities. He stressed that 20 he did not want other businesses coming to the City Council for approval of electronic signs. He 21 stated he did not see gas stations as having a special place for electronic signs. 22 23 Councilmember Horst stated he did echo some of the thoughts Mr. Archanbault had. He asked 24 Council to imagine how difficult it is to change these signs in the winter. He stated this is one 25 way to get the gas stations in the Community up to speed, up to modern standards just as it is 26 important to have satellite dishes and electronic card readers on the pumps. He thanked Staff for 27 doing the study, and if Council read through this, they would see it is much neater in the areas 28 allowing electronic sign. He referenced a court case in Fridley that upheld the City's ability to 29 place stipulations on the signs, but not the message. He stated the City could be looking at a 30 legal issue. Councilmember Horst stated Council could easily pass this ordinance as the stations 31 in St. Anthony have been good participants and shown to be more than just dirty old gas stations 32 but working hard to fit in and be as attractive as possible. He expressed he sticks with this and 33 thinks Council should consider this very carefully. 34 35 Councilmember Gray stated he agreed with the Mayor in that once electronic signs are allowed, 36 it opens the door for all electronic signs. He stated it would be hard to differentiate between the 37 types of advertising signs for businesses. He stated there is one electronic sign in the city and it 38 is for public information. 39 40 Councilmember Horst responded the city stipulated what the sign could and could not do. He 41 stated this is a way to display the price of gas that is no more obnoxious than having the 42 numbers. He stressed he did not believe it would open the doors. He clarified the sign would 43 not flash or scroll. Councilmember Horst stated in the case of a gas station the price stays until it 44 changes and it changes daily. He stated he believes this is a serious issue with people who have 45 this type of business. 46 12