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2009.04.13 PC Meeting MinutesPage 1 of 3 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2010 and earlier\2009\04.13\minutes.doc CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES April 13, 2009 A. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission convened at 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: X Commissioner (Ward 1) Sears X Commissioner (Ward 2) Whitenack X Commissioner (Ward 4) Fiedler X Commissioner (Ward 1) Davis * X Commissioner (Ward 3) VonRueden [Chair] Page 2 of 3 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2010 and earlier\2009\04.13\minutes.doc Management has found the banner signs have allowed people to find the property. Ms. Heritage also stated that they are in an area of Crystal that is close to New Hope that allow additional signage. Management feels they are at a disadvantage being located in Crystal where the type of temporary signage they have found effective is not allowed. Commissioner Whitenack asked if they have lighting at the edge of the driveway. Ms. Heritage indicated there is lighting, but during the day it is still difficult to find. Commissioner Whitenack asked if the monument sign they have is ineffective. Ms. Heritage said that people do not seem to see it, although they keep it well maintained. Ms. Heritage stated Winnetka Village Apartments are well maintained, they cooperate with the city’s inspections and the property taxes have increased. Their desire is to make Winnetka Village a better place and feel it is necessary to draw people in with the temporary signs they are requesting. Commissioner Davis asked Mr. Sutter if he knew the details of New Hope’s sign code. Mr. Sutter indicated he did not. Mr. Sutter stated that the Planning Commission and City Council has set the code, and if the commission feels the code is too restrictive then the code should be changed for all in the city to benefit. Commissioner VonRueden expressed concern about emergency vehicles not being able to find the property. Mr. Sutter indicated that the sign code would allow for permanent directional and identification signage to be added. Being this is a multiple building property, Mr. Sutter mentioned that they may find it advantageous to have signage at the fork indicating building numbers and a sign could also be added near the entrance that includes the three building numbers. Such signage would not require a variance as it is allowed by code. Commissioner Sears asked if the directional signs could be illuminated. Mr. Sutter was not able to answer that specific question at this time. Illuminating the sign may require and be justified for a variance, if it is not allowed by code. The temporary signs are not lighted. Commissioner Davis asked if Ms. Heritage was aware that directional signage was an option. She stated that she was not aware that directional signage at the street was an option. Mr. Sutter will provide Ms. Heritage with additional information regarding further sign options. Commissioner Whitenack stated that it sounds like with a directional sign and a permanent sign with an indicator for vacancies, problems will be solved. Commissioner Whitenack said permanent problems are the job for a permanent sign. Ms. Heritage mentioned temporary signs in use at Lou Ann Terrace. Mr. Sutter stated that enforcement action is being taken in that case also. Hearing no further comments the Public Hearing was closed. Page 3 of 3 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2010 and earlier\2009\04.13\minutes.doc Commissioner VonRueden asked if there was any further discussion among the commission. Hearing none he asked if the commission was ready to make a motion. Moved by Commissioner Nystrom and seconded by Commissioner Fiedler to recommend to the City Council to deny Application 2009-03 for a Variance regarding signs at 7700 36th Avenue North (Winnetka Village Apartments) based on the findings of fact as outline in Section B of the Staff Report. Motion carried unanimously. D. OLD BUSINESS – None heard. E. NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Davis asked if staff could provide the commission with sign code for the following cities: New Hope, Robbinsdale, Golden Valley, Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center. F. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. A report on City Council actions on recent Planning Commission items is attached for Planning Commissions information. 2. Development Status Report for quarter ending March 31, 2009 is attached for the Planning Commissions information 3. Staff preview of likely agenda items for the May 11, 2009 meeting included three options for telecommunication towers and the Public Hearing for the Comprehensive Plan G. OPEN FORUM – None heard H. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner Whitenack and seconded by Commissioner Buck to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m.