Minutes - Economic Development Authority - 09/14/2023

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4.01: Consider Amendment to Temporary Signage Regulations During Highway 10 Ramsey Gateway Project Economic Development Manager Sullivan presented the staff report. Member Johnson asked if there would be temporary signage that identifies the route to reach businesses that are directly impacted by the construction and detours. Economic Development Manager Sullivan replied that would not be part of the proposed amendment to sign regulations and would be addressed by communications during the project, such as business district signage which is done by MnDOT. He stated that perhaps the City could look into supplemental signage above what would be done by MnDOT. He explained that this discussion today would allow for businesses themselves to have temporary signage during construction. Chairperson Wiyninger asked what businesses would be hoping to use these signs for, using the example of advertising or direction. Economic Development Manager Sullivan replied that the responses have been varied but multi- tenant businesses are limited in signage, and this would allow additional opportunity. He noted that if people decide to take Bunker Lake Boulevard rather than the highway, it would be nice to have signage on that roadway to direct traffic and gain new customers. He noted that directional signage would not be as helpful as offsite signage is not allowed. Member Riley acknowledged that this will be hard on the businesses but for the greater good and therefore believes that this would be a good thing they could do for the businesses. He stated that he does not have a strong feeling on the map. He asked if there has been consideration of waiving the cost. Economic Development Manager Sullivan replied that was discussed internally but when they did that for advertising in the newsletter, it did become an accounting issue and there was still a cost which was paid by the EDA. He stated that the problem would also be if this is not offered city- wide, the City could be seen as helping one business at the cost of another business. Member Howell stated that she is also generally supportive of this and asked if an addendum could be added that the businesses be revisited one month into the program to see how it is going and see if there are any tweaks necessary such as allowing off-site signage, larger signs, or more signage. Economic Development Manager Sullivan asked if that would be done with a survey. He stated that could be done and there would be minimal cost if that were done through email. Member Howell confirmed that is what she was thinking. Economic Development Authority/ September 14, 2023 Page 2 of 4