06-21-2012 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PEQUOT LAKES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING NNE 21,2012 PRESENT: Tom Adams, Deb Brown, Bill Habein, J. J. Levenske, Scott Pederson and Scott Snyder. ABSENT: Cheri Seils. CITY PLANNER: Charles L. Marohn, Jr., PE; AICP; and Justin Burslie, Community Growth Institute ZONING ADMINISTRATOR: Dawn Bittner COUNCIL LIAISONS: Jerry Akerson and Nancy Adams The meeting was called to order by Chairman Pederson at 6:05 p.m. PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Sign Ordinance: Mr. Marohn stated that at last month's meeting it seemed it was the consensus that the Sign Ordinance was not a hindrance for businesses, not an economic development tool for the City and not the most important thing to be working on. Size of signs in the rural area was the primary complaint. The biggest problem earlier seemed to be the digital issue and that was dealt with. Council Member Akerson asked if we could do anything about the digital portion. He stated that the School and Chamber have requested a digital sign. He was reminded by the Planning Commission that after much discussion, it was agreed that gas prices only could be digital. The School's sign may be off-site. We don't allow off-site signs,but we can't regulate content. Mr. Marohn explained that the League of Minnesota Cities has reviewed our code and they are comfortable with our language as defensible. Council Member Akerson asked if that portion of the Code needs to be looked at. Mr. Marohn stated that the City's insurance carrier is comfortable with the language. Mr. Snyder stated he remembered Mr. Linnell requesting a digital sign. Staff provided Chairman Pederson with a copy of Mr. Linnell's letter. Chairman Pederson stated the letter requests digital signage off site. Mr. Marohn explained that Mr. Linnell can apply for a Conditional Use Permit. Council Member Akerson stated digital signs would allow banks to advertise their CD rates, etc. MINUTES I Pequot Lakes Planning Commission June 21, 2012