Minutes - Planning Commission - 10/28/2021 - Work Session

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Senior Planner McGuire Brigl confirmed that the City Council would hold a public hearing at the first reading of the ordinance. Commissioner VanScoy commented that he does not support allowing billboards. He stated that he is bothered that this change is being brought forward by a request from one company but understood that the City initiated the process. Councilmember Woestehoff clarified that this is not a request by one company, as the City initiated the request. He stated the other two billboards could be through different companies. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl commented that the sign previously discussed would be placed upon City property and the other two signs could be placed upon private properties. Commissioner Walker asked the number of properties that would fit the necessary criteria. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl commented that the vacant spaces along the highway would qualify, or a portion of the property could be split off for the billboard. She noted that signs would only be allowed within commercial or industrial areas. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that the purpose of having the sign on a parcel without a building would ensure the existing company would not have advertising on the site as well. Commissioner VanScoy asked if there would be an impact to the monument sign that exists or whether the billboard would be in addition. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl confirmed that the monument signs of the City would not be impacted. She stated that a billboard would not be classified as a monument sign. She clarified that the City would maintain ownership of the land and lease it to the business that operates the sign. Chairperson Bauer referenced pages four and five which provides additional background information. He stated that some of the language seems duplicative to the information found within the sign ordinance. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl commented that an intent section of an ordinance is common to include. She stated that if there is pushback on the ordinance, it helps to have the intent. Chairperson Bauer stated that on page five there is language related to the distance between signs and asked if the two miles would be exact or a minimum distance. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl commented that it would be intended as a minimum distance and that language could be updated. Commissioner Walker stated that he does not like this idea and finds billboards to be tacky. He noted that he would not support the ordinance. Planning Commission/ October 28, 2021 Page 2 of 8