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21L * Irklo W) 20092 Edison Circle East Clearwater, MN 55320 <br />320.558.3000 - 800.221.4144 • fax 320.558.3004 <br />OUTDOOR ADVERTISING "Outdoor Advertising SELLS for you all day, every day." <br />February 14, 2013 <br />To: Elk River Planning Commission and City Council <br />From: Steve Anderson — Leasing Manager, Franklin Outdoor Advertising <br />RE: CUP for electronic changeable copy sign larger than 30 square feet. <br />Request: Reface an existing conforming 2 sided billboard with two digital faces. <br />We have submitted a Conditional Use Application requesting permission to rebuild and reface our <br />existing billboard located on Lot 1, Carson Business Park. Part of this request includes investing in and <br />building a new structure that will meet the additional engineering specs needed to support the additional <br />weight of the digital faces. <br />There will be no increase in size of the structure and will continue to meet the regulations of the city <br />ordinances. <br />Franklin Outdoor Advertising has operated in Elk River for 40 years. Over the years we have had <br />continued requests for billboards on hwy 169 on the north end of Elk River. Due to regulations we have <br />been unable to secure any other billboards in the requested area. The digital sign requested would assist <br />us in meeting the advertising needs of more businesses in the area. The fact that there are no billboards <br />between Zimmerman area and I -94 Rogers, with few or no opportunities for additional billboards, as <br />well as continued request for advertising on Hwy's 169 and 101 are the main reasons we are pursuing <br />this request. <br />The Federal Highway Administration released a memorandum approving the allowance of changeable <br />copy off - premise signs, suggesting guidelines for the States regarding the regulations for Changeable <br />copy signs. The Minnesota Department of Transportation concluded its own investigation and have <br />determined the Changeable copy signs will meet the state statutes provided the messages do not change <br />faster than every 6 seconds for speeds at 55 mph and 5 seconds for speeds at 70mph. It is our intent to <br />meet the MNDOT standards. <br />One benefit of allowing a digital sign is the ability to instantly use the signage for public service <br />messages, amber alerts, crimestoppers and other local, state or national messages and emergencies <br />which need to be communicated to the public. <br />The digital sign is equipped with automatic dimming capabilities to eliminate any glare or brightness at <br />night. <br />In summary our request will; 1. Meet the performance standards of the city's ordinance. 2. Update the <br />sign structure to meet OSHA and new engineering requirements. 3. Help meet the advertising needs of <br />local businesses. 4. Meet the MNDOT regulations. 5. Provide a medium for public service messages to <br />the public. <br />This is an exciting opportunity for our company to bring something new to the area. We will be <br />investing considerable amount of money on this project and look forward to this opportunity within the <br />city of Elk River. Your support and approval of this request is greatly appreciated. <br />Respectfully, <br />Steven L. Anderson <br />