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HIGHWAY #10 SIGNAGE By: Ryan R. Schroeder ~...qASE # t Background: As Council is aware, we have been having ongoing discussions with representatives of Holms Super Bowl regarding an off premises sign located at 6740 Highway gl0 NW. Under the current ordinance, an off premises sign is not permitted. The Super Bowl has requested a Conditional Use Permit in order to construct a sign in violation of this ordinance. The Super Bowl is a retail establishment located one block south of Highway gl0. As such, we have been attempting to work toward a solution that would meet their desires for improved exposure to the traveling public and at the same trine meet the intent of the sign ordinance. Our efforts have centered around the following issues: 1. Can the result improve the aesthetics of the existing condition Can the result provide for a Highway gl0 "theme" which could then be replicated by other businesses 3. Can the result provide an improvement in community identity for the City of Ramsey Will the result provide for an exposure to the City of Ramsey for future signage construction for similarly situated business (either in expense to the City budget or in allowance for additional off premises signage) Beyond the sign ordinance itself, we do not have a policy on what we may be attempting to accomplish by any activities by the City in this area. Simple awareness of the City of Ramsey has been the undocumented goal of the entry signs at Highway #10/153rd and Highway #47/C.R. gl 16. Marketing of community events was the implied purpose for considering a sign proposal by Northland Security Bank. Public information of location is the purpose behind the signage at City Hall, the Police building and Public Works (and other City facilities). I would imagine goals of the City Council on Highway gl0 business signage include aesthetic concerns, business identity and community identity but none of that has been absolutely agreed upon. After any such concurrence on goals it will be asked what the degree of public interest there is in furthering these goals (what is it worth in monetary contribution, if any). If such a policy is established, the conditional use permit process would be the appropriate avenue for determining whether or not a sign proposal for City participation meets the goals of the policy. The Planning Commission would conduct the public hearing at which time the surrounding property owners could voice their concerns or support for the sign proposal. The Planning Commission would then draft findings of fact for the purpose of making a determination that the sign proposal meets the goals of the City's policy. A recommendation based on the findings of fact would be forwarded to City Council. The City Council has the option to approve or deny the proposal and, if approved, establish the amount of monetary contribution. It is necessary for the City Council to take action on the current conditional use permit application from Super Bowl for their off-premises sign. Of course, Council has the option to adopt findings of fact of a negative nature and deny the request. (The findings of fact and the conditional use permit as recommended by the Planning Commission are included with this case.) However, if Council is inclined to pursue a policy for participation in signage that promotes community and business identity, then it would be appropriate to resume consideration of Super Bowls application