Agenda - Planning Commission - 04/28/2022

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Commissioner VanScoy believed the original message duration recommendation from the Commission was ten seconds. He stated that he would support the eight second duration if that is the national standard. Commissioner Walker stated that he did not support the billboard concept when it was originally discussed and believes it is a horrible idea. Commissioner VanScoy agreed with Commissioner Walker and did not support the idea of having billboards in Ramsey. He commented that the billboard will be massive, distracting, and ugly and did not believe it would be safe. Commissioner Anderson stated that he also agrees with Commissioner Walker. He referenced the recommendation of the EDA, noting that a sign that large would illuminate a long distance. He did not believe this should move forward. Chairperson Bauer asked where the billboard would be located. Deputy City Administrator/Community Development Director Hagen stated that this has been reviewed a number of times and this is the most current version. He stated that a public hearing will be required for this item and welcomed any recommendations from the Commission towards this version. He stated that this has been supported by the EDA and Council. Councilmember Woestehoff commented that he was the lone person against this concept upon prior review. He explained that this was originally brought forward through the EDA as it would provide better opportunity for the businesses that do not have frontage on Highway 10. He stated that his prior recommendation, and still today, was to be patient as development is starting to pickup again in The COR. He believed that the Highway 10 project would also alter that landscape. He stated that there is support for this under the premise that this will help the businesses in Ramsey. He stated that safety is the most important aspect for timing, but message duration also relates to the number of available time slots for advertising. He noted that perhaps that is why the EDA suggested the shorter timeframe for message duration as it would provide more advertising opportunity. Commissioner Walker referenced the requirement for notification of a public hearing. He asked if there would be any way to expand that notification for the billboard public hearing. He stated that he would like to receive more input from residents of the community versus the four to six properties that surround the proposed sign location. Deputy City Administrator/Community Development Director Hagen replied that general ordinance public hearings do not require mailed public hearing notices, only published notice. He stated that mailed notice would be provided to properties within 350 feet when a conditional use permit is requested. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that perhaps this would be an opportunity for the Commission to hold a public open house prior to the regular meeting in order to obtain additional feedback from the community. Planning Commission/ March 24, 2022 Page 16 of 18