Minutes - Planning Commission - 08/26/2021

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Commissioner VanScoy commented that he likes the idea of consolidating the signage into certain areas. He stated that the City currently has a master sign plan for The COR, which states that there will be three monuments. He asked how this would interact with the signage for The COR. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl commented that this would be a privately owned sign and would not be counted as a monument sign for the City. Commissioner VanScoy asked if the concept of having three monuments for the businesses in The COR would be maintained. He believed that this should be reviewed as separate signage has been allowed within The COR and noted that there would be benefit to reviewing that signage plan. Chairperson Bauer agreed that the sign ordinance should be reviewed because of the continued exceptions and variances that have been granted. Councilmember Woestehoff commented that the Council discussed this when it made the selection for the vendor. He stated that the Council was not unanimously supportive, as he opposed this. He noted that this would however generate about $60,000 a year in revenue for the City from the land lease and the portion of the advertising sales the City would receive. He noted that the City would also be allowed to advertise its own messaging. He stated that there are currently three billboards between Armstrong traveling toward Anoka, noting that they are not always full with messaging. He noted that the other signage is related to business signage and would not be consolidated. He stated that he would believe that the regular billboards would be replaced with digital billboards if this is adopted. He stated that the EDA was unanimously supportive of this action. Chairperson Bauer asked why Councilmember Woestehoff opposed this item. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that he had several hesitations, one of which was that there were 80 signs between Armstrong and Anoka, on one side of the road. He stated that he is also concerned with the timing as the final plans for Highway 10 have not yet been finalized and could impact visibility. He stated that he also feels that digital billboard detracts from the rural character of Ramsey. He stated that he would also be concerned that businesses akin to advertising on digital billboards would be mainstream fast food type businesses. He stated that he does not want to see Ramsey overwhelmed with fast food restaurants and believes that Ramsey should aspire to be more of a Main Street community rather than a Coon Rapids. Commissioner Anderson stated that his strongest objection is the size of 700 square feet. He stated that he would like to see that number much smaller. He stated that the nighttime illumination section may address the brightness concerns. He stated that his biggest concern is the size of the sign and whether the visibility would be impacted following the Highway 10 project. Chairperson Bauer asked for input from the Commission on the maximum sign size. Commissioner Anderson stated that he would suggest perhaps 400 square feet. He stated that he does not want to see a 600 square foot sign in Ramsey. Planning Commission/ August 26, 2021 Page 22 of 26