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Commissioner Anderson aye <br />Commissioner VanScoy aye <br />Commissioner Walker aye <br />Commissioner Bauer aye <br />Acting Chairperson Gengler aye <br />Motion Carried. <br />Acting Chairperson Gengler closed the public hearing closed at 9:23 p.m. <br />Commission Business <br />Commissioner Walker commented that he has not been a fan of the billboard since this came up <br />18 months ago and is not one to change his mind easily, therefore he will not support this request. <br />Councilmember Woestehoff stated that he agrees in his position on billboards but noted that this <br />meets every condition of a CUP and the opportunity to stop this has passed, therefore he would <br />not want to encourage the Commission to deny things which are lawful. <br />Commissioner VanScoy stated that he agrees and while he does not like the concept of billboards <br />and is disappointed the City changed its policy, he also understands that this is a legal request. He <br />stated that his difficulty tonight is that he does not know the process in selecting this location and <br />it appears to be convenient, small, and easily used but does not seem to be the right location. He <br />commented that it would interfere with the actual intent of the ordinance because it would <br />eliminate an intended billboards allowed by ordinance. He stated that he would have a conflict <br />with this location for that reason. <br />Commissioner Hunt commented that many members are not fans of billboards, but they are <br />allowed by code and in that respect the location would not be bad because it would eliminate the <br />ability for another sign to be located between this sign and the border of Anoka. He was unsure <br />that anyone may desire a sign two miles towards Elk River, which then might reduce the total <br />number of signs as well, therefore this location might be perfect in terms of limiting overall <br />signage. <br />Commissioner Anderson asked if the exact location of the sign is fixed in concrete or whether it <br />could move to the other end if it had to. <br />Planning Manager Larson replied that staff would need to do additional research with the applicant <br />as there is a stormwater system that cannot be touched without damage. He stated that there might <br />be some room, but he is unsure. <br />Acting Chairperson Gengler stated that although a billboard was not what many of them wanted <br />for the community, she does appreciate the vertical design and architecture. She commented that <br />she feels that there has been work done to make this something that is less unattractive in the <br />community. She agrees that this is a lawful request and as much as she personally may not wish <br />to see it, is does comply. <br />Planning Commission/ August 25, 2022 <br />Page 21 of 27 <br />