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Planning Commissioner Walker stated that when this came before the Commission he was opposed <br />because the ordinance is being changed for the benefit of the City which he has a problem with. <br />He stated that if this moves forward and the company leases the land, he does not see why political <br />ads would not be allowed as those would generate revenue. <br /> <br />Councilmember Heineman asked if that would take away from the opportunity for businesses to <br />advertise. <br /> <br />EDA Chair Cords replied that there are stipulations in the lease that would state the percentage of <br />advertising that must be for businesses. <br /> <br />Planning Commissioner Walker suggested only allowing political ads for 30 days prior to an <br />election rather than three months prior. <br /> <br />EDA Chair Cords asked if the City is leasing property to any businesses and whether those <br />businesses are placing political signs on that property. <br /> <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan confirmed that the City leases multiple properties along <br />Highway 10 and those leases include language that does not allow political advertising on the <br />property. <br /> <br />Planning Commissioner Walker stated that if the opportunity is open to other landowners, he <br />would be supportive but at this time feels that the change in ordinance was done in a way to allow <br />the City to generate revenue. <br /> <br />Mayor Kuzma stated that the intent of the billboard is to allow opportunity for businesses to <br />advertise on Highway 10. <br /> <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that there will always be time allocated to <br />Ramsey businesses and City events, per the lease. He confirmed that Ramsey businesses would <br />also have a reduced rate for advertising. <br /> <br />Councilmember Heineman stated that related to signage he is more inclined to look at intent. He <br />noted that the intent of the ordinance language is to prevent political advertising on City property <br />and the intent of the billboard is to create advertising opportunity for businesses. He therefore did <br />not see why political advertising would be allowed. <br /> <br />EDA Member MacLennan stated that when it comes down to it, the company pushed back <br />requesting an allowance for political ads. He stated that perhaps that is an opportunity to generate <br />additional income. <br /> <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that the comment was made that political ads are <br />a good revenue source that can be counted on every two years. <br /> <br />City Council Special Work Session / September 23, 2021 <br />Page 4 of 11 <br /> <br />