Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 09/08/2004

Home

Case #1 BUSINESS PARK MONUMENT SIGNAGE By: Scan Sullivan, Economic Development / TIF Specialist Background: Staff was directed to research sign types and possible vendors for signs for the City's industrial Parks and other prominent locations at City entrance points. Staff has contacted Elk River Brick and Stone, T J Associates, Granite Signs and an individual affiliated with Bake Star. The purpose of this discussion is find desirable sign types and to locate vendors that would be able to quote and construct these signs. Once the sign types have been defined, specific locations and timing will be worked out at a later date. It is anticipated that the funds for these signs will be utilized from corresponding TIF Districts and/or from the EDA budget. Observations: During the course of the EDA meeting Staff will hand out a number of pictures relating to 43 specific sign types. Each EDA member should pick out 3 or 4 sign types and document them on the sheet to be provided at the meeting. By meetings end, the group should reach a general consensus on which 4 or 5 sign types to research further. At the time of the meeting only Elk River Brick and Stone was able to put together some quotes for the signage but that is not a determining factor at this point. The challenge to the EDA is to identify what types of signs are appropriate and to direct staff to get more details regarding the signs including costs and vendors. The recommendation on which sign types to pursue should come at this meeting as to keep the process moving forward. Redevelopment Signs: During the August EDA meeting, the EDA discussed the possibility of erecting a sign stating that this property is part of a redevelopment project. Staff inquired several cities (Anoka, Coon Rapids, Roseville, Becker, and Elk River) and was not successful in finding a City that erects such redevelopment signs. However, the City currently erects 8x4 white Land Use Signs when a resident requests a land use change (i.e. conditional use permit, variance, etc.) or when a property goes through a subdivision or site plan application. The signs cost approximately $120.00 and they require two staff people to install. Furthermore, the signs continually tip over and can be an obstruction on a property. Instead of installing a huge redevelopment sign, staff would suggest purchasing a few real estate signs and place them on a property upon City purchase. The sign could state something to the effect that the City purchased the property for redevelopment purposes and is promoting high quality development. Recommendation: Based on discussion Review Checklist: City Administrator, Jim Norman Associate Planner, Megan Wald EDA: 09.8.04