Agenda - Council - 07/10/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council discussed that City owned properties need to adhere to the requirements relating to pavement and the storage of personal property. Ass't Community Development Dir /HRA Executive Dir. Frolik requested direction on the amount of time that will be allowed for property owners to come into compliance with the paving requirements. Councilmember Dehen pointed out that the businesses have had 20 years of construction seasons to get the paving done. Mayor Gamec commented the City needs to be clear about the requirements. The business owners should be allowed to plan for the paving costs. Penalties for not adhering to the requirements could include a fine or license revocation. Councilmember Jeffrey stressed that the H -1 District should be reviewed to be certain there is a level playing field and all of the properties on the corridor are treated equally. Environmental Coordinator Anderson requested direction regarding curb and gutter requirements on the corridor. Mayor Gamec stated drainage needs to be taken care of on the north side, but he does not think curb and gutter is needed. Councilmembers Jeffrey and Strommen stated the requirements need to be consistent for the entire corridor. Associate Planner Dalnes suggested a requirement for a paving plan to be submitted by a specific date. Once a plan is submitted staff can work with the property owners to phase the plan in over time. She indicated businesses that are not in compliance have been addressed and they will be aware of that for licenses in 2008. In the future there may need to be a determination of how to proceed with businesses that operate without a license. Community Development Director Trudgeon indicated staff will bring forward the code amendments to a Council meeting based on the consensus and discussion tonight. 5) Sign Ordinance Associate Planner Dalnes stated on November 1, 2006, staff attended a legal seminar, sponsored by the League of Minnesota Cities, about recent lawsuits and legal interpretations regarding cities' sign ordinances. The primary discussion was regarding content -based regulation, which is currently the situation in most cities. Two lawsuits have been filed successfully in Minnesota against cities based on content -based regulation. The League of Minnesota Cities is willing to work with staff to review a draft ordinance for legal issues, which the City Attorney can assist with. The League of Minnesota Cities has model ordinances as well. The draft ordinance would incorporate any administrative types of penalties determined in relation to illegal signage within right -of -way. Electronic signs are not addressed in the current ordinance and would be added. City Council Work Session / May 1, 2007 Page 14 of 16