Minutes - Council - 12/12/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Therefore, both the Planning Commission and staff recommend approval of the request to exceed the sign size restrictions and for multiple ground signs on a single parcel contingent upon receiving a written agreement from Sophia-Ramsey LLC regarding relocation of the signs. Councilmember Elvig noted the master plan included ideas about signage, including monument signage at the entrance to Town Center. He expressed concern with a combination ofthe type of signage being proposed and the signage included in the master plan. Community Development Director Trudgeon explained the idea in the master plan was that the area in the northwest corner was to have a monument sign at the entrance that identifies Town Center. The City currently owns that outlot. There were some early initial discussions about two years ago regarding in what form that signage should take place, but the discussions did not progress much further. That issue has come back up the Ramsey Town Center marketing group. This is a collaborative effort between the City, the property owners, and the master developer to get a feeling of what the image for the signage should be. Mr. Trudgeon indicated the concern regarding the proliferation of signage is understood. The sign at the corner of Highway 10 and Armstrong Boulevard will be a monument sign with a little lower profile. It has not yet been determined what the signage will be at the entrance; it may be more of an architectural or artistic expression. In this case given the amount of businesses, this permit for the signage is needed. By approving this signage it may limit options to what can be considered, but with it being a lower profile monument sign it will not likely compete or be too distracting. Councilmember Elvig stated he looks forward to the signage, which is needed, but it will limit them. He agrees with an artistic and lower monument type approach as opposed to something that is seen from the distance. He inquired about the plan to progress with signage towards the entrance. Community Development Director Trudgeon replied as with many Ramsey Town Center issues there will be a need for further discussion. There were initial discussions that were never hammered out regarding what the signage would be and how it would be paid for. At one time there was discussion about an association throughout the whole Town Center, but this never got off the ground. There are options, but the City will likely have to take the lead if they want to see something sooner, rather than later; this should be brought back for discussion. One of the largest things that has been heard is the need for identification of Ramsey Town Center. Mayor Gamec expressed his agreement with the need for signage and identification. He asked if this proposed signage will create any problems with the improvements on Armstrong Boulevard. Public Works Director Olson replied the signage will not affect the Armstrong Boulevard improvements. The discussion is that the intersection of Highway 10 and Armstrong Boulevard will be moved approximately 71 feet to the west so that Armstrong Boulevard hits Highway 10 at a more 90 degree angle. There will be more room there than what is currently there. Councilmember Strommen indicated she agrees with the need for signage. However, her concern is that with the master plan there was a lot of time spent discussing architectural standards, and she is concerned about the signage being ad-hoc. She expressed her support of a City Council / December 12, 2006 Page 13 of 29