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Economic Development Manager Sullivan confirmed that he has been heavily involved in the <br />process, advocating for businesses. <br />Chairperson Wiyninger asked if there have been conversations with impacted business owners and <br />whether there would be any existing signs that would no longer be allowed. <br />City Planner Martin replied that there have been initial discussions with upcoming projects and <br />favorable responses have been received related to the proposed updates. He stated that they would <br />establish a nonconformities section to address any sign that could fall out of conformance with the <br />new regulations to ensure that existing signs could remain in place. He stated that the updates are <br />not meant to create challenges but to make things easier. <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan replied that there has not been a specific open house to <br />solicit information from the business community. He stated that the Planning Commission and <br />City Council process involves the public through a public hearing and multiple ordinance readings <br />by the Council. He stated that if there are concerns from the business community, they would likely <br />come forward during the public process. <br />Member Stewart asked if these updates would change the allowed sizes of signs. <br />City Planner Martin replied that there will be some changes to size allowances but noted that those <br />changes proposed are generally increases. <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan replied that is an area where he had a lot of input, also <br />noting the ability for shared signage between monument signs and wall signs in some districts <br />within the COR. <br />City Planner Martin recognized that the input of Economic Development Manager Sullivan has <br />been monumental throughout this process. He noted other staff members that have been involved, <br />such as the Building Official, to ensure they are thinking about things from all sides. <br />Member Stewart referenced the statement that spoke to preserving the rural character of Ramsey <br />but urged staff to be cautious as there will now be increases to the allowed sizes of signs. <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan commented that signs are much more limited in rural <br />areas. <br />City Planner Martin commented that the intention is to steer signage to commercial and industrial <br />districts as well as the COR. He reviewed the limited types of signage that would be allowed in <br />the rural areas. <br />Chairperson Wiyninger thanked City Planner Martin for the presentation and planning staff for <br />their work on this topic. <br />Economic Development Authority/ February 13, 2025 <br />Page 3 of 4 <br />