Agenda - Planning Commission - 08/05/2004

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P96 Case//21: Introduce Ordinance to Establish Board of Appeals and Adj ustments/Official Maps City Attorney Goodrich explained the adoption of the ordinance establishing the Official Map requires the establishment of a separate Board of Appeals and Adjustments/Official Maps. Staff recommends introduction of the ordinance which establishes the Board of Appeals by amendment of Chapter 2 of the City Code, which is titled' "Council, Boards and Commissions." It will be a five member board appointed by the mayor, including one member of the Planning Commission. Motion by Councilmember Kurak, seconded by Councilmember Elvig, to introduce an ordinance to amend Chapter 2 of the City Code by adding a Board of Appeals and Adjustment/Official Maps. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Kurak, Elvig, Cook, Pearson, Strommen, and Zi~mnennan. Voting No: None. Case//22: Review Policy on Placement of Temporary Signs Public Works Director Kapler explained this policy was discussed by the Public Works Committee and there have been recent changes. City Attorney Goodrich advised in this last legislative session, the legislature changed the election laws and provided a new statute which preempts the City in regards to non-commercial signs. This statute states "Any municipality, whether or not the municipality has an ordinance that regulates the size or nmnber of non-commercial sig-ns, all non-commercial signs of any size may be posted in any number from August 1st of the state general election year until ten days following the state general election year." He advised staff would, like to incorporate that le~slation into this policy. In addition, it is recommended that 4/5 of the policy be changed to state "Those placing signs shall contact are reminded of the requirements of the Gopher State One Call, which can be reached at ..." Public Works Director Kapler indicated a distance of 15 feet has been determined, rather than determining each easement for restricting the sign placement. Councilmelnber Kurak asked if this policy would apply to signs, such as "tose weight quick" or "get a job". Public Works Director Kapler replied the policy before the Council centers around political signs. He explained staff has had the discretion to remove signs that are obstructing views. Councilmember Kurak commented she would like to see signs like the "lose weight quick" sign. s removed. Mayor Gamec commented if they start removing all of the signs they will have a major problem during the parade of homes. Councilmember Cook stated they should move on this policy to be ready for the upcoming election and look at another ordinance concerning how long these other signs are allowed to be left out. City Council/June 22, 2004 Page 28 of 31