Agenda - Planning Commission - 12/06/2007

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Mr. Dennis Carpenter, BOB 106 radio, and ML Daniel Peters, stated Ms. Frolik sent them the current sign ordinance. He stated they wanted to ask staff what the problem is that is trying to be corrected with signs in the City. Chairperson Nixt reviewed the reason for the Code changes. Associate Planner DaInes stated the goal is to take out all of the regulations based on content. Chairperson Nixt stated if their concern is regulating temporary signage, he got the impression that people are not overly concerned about the flexibility of residents to erect temporary signage lawfully, not in the public right-of-way. So if they are going to regulate temporary signs, it should not be content based and be done in a manner for the greatest flexibility to the residents; but he wondered why they would need six weeks because it seemed overly long for a sign to be displayed. Associate Planner DaInes indicated the six weeks was already in the ordinance and she tried not to remove too much. Commissioner Cleveland stated her concern was with holiday lights and signs. Shewondered how that would be regulated. Assistant Community Development Director Frolik stated r~garding Mr. Carpenter's question, the new regulations will regulate LED signs. Mr. Carpenter stated he thought signage is an important element for growth in the community. He stated signage works and helps the business community grow and when they grow and prosper everyone benefits. He stated they can let the communities that surround Ramsey become restrictive but he did not think they should restrict signage in Ramsey because it will bring in business and what better place to have a community where people do not have to commute to work. He did not think they should drive business away, they should be very community oriented. He stated an electronic billboard would be ideal because it would give information about the community and he did not think they should restrict this. Mr. Dan Peters stated they will be bringing three radio stations to the community and new technology is coming down the pipe. He thanked the City for welcoming them to the community . and they want to be a good partner with the City. Mr. Carpenter wondered if LED signs are currently regulated. Associate Planner DaInes stated they currently do not have LED sign regulations. Mr. Carpenter thought they should embrace new teclmology and not run away from it. Assistant Community Development Director Frolik wondered if it was possible if they could have a worksession or maybe a subcommittee of the Commission to work with staff regarding the sign ordinance and, Chairperson Nixt stated a worksession would be helpful. He thought the Planning Commission/September 6, 2007 Page 3 of 4 31