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Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 October 8,2013 Chair Anderson opened the public hearing. Annie Deckert of the Decklan Grou p,representing Granite Shores - spoke regarding history of their request for a freestanding sign with digital changeable copy. She provided a PowerPoint presentation to support their case for approval of their requested sign. She noted there is strong community support for the sign request. Debbie Ryberg,Elk River Chamber of Commerce—discussed the Chamber of Commerce recommendations for inclusion in the ordinance amendment. Commissioner Konietzko asked what changes Ms. Ryberg would rate as their highest priorities. Ms.Ryberg stated that their recommendations regarding wall signage,gateway signage and billboards would be their top priorities. Fred McCoy,McCoy's Pub, 650 Main Street—stated that he did not see any of the changes other than the 2 portable signs. He asked if any of the other recommendations by the businesses were included in the ordinance amendment. Mr. Carlton stated no. Steve Anderson,Franklin Outdoor Advertising—stated that Elk River has fewer billboards than other cities,and area businesses and churches would like more,not less. He spoke in favor of removing the"principal use"clause for billboards,allowing billboards in the CRT zoning district,digital signs,and increasing the allowed wall signage. Mr.Barnhart stated that the Chamber of Commerce requested that the amount of allowable signage be based on the scale of the building. He stated that he feels 5 percent would preserve the character of the community as it exists today. Mr.Anderson stated that less is • not better. He commended Mr.Barnhart,Mr.Leeseberg and Mr. Carlton for their efforts in working with the business community on the proposed signage amendment. Jennifer Wagner,representative for the Downtown Rivers Edge Group—stated that the business owners met with Mr. Carlton and Mr.Leeseberg to discuss their signage needs,and she was disappointed that their recommendations were not taken more into consideration. She explained that increasing the maximum window signage would allow them flexibility to for special events when more signage in needed. Ms.Wagner discussed the vinyl window signage. She stated that the businesses came to the meeting with staff with a prioritized list. She stated that the sign ordinance should help businesses,not hinder them. She questioned what staff meant by the"fragile character" of the downtown. She stated that she had a hard time understanding why the city would consider putting up their own sign at taxpayer's cost,when Granite Shores was willing to allow"sign time"to promote downtown businesses and events at no cost. She suggested asking Granite Shores for more time if staff did not feel the 20%they offered was enough. Nick Zerwas,Minnesota House Representative, 12778 183rd Court NW—indicated that he was contacted by the businesses owners who stated they were not happy with negotiations with city staff. He stated that it appears allowing 2 additional"sandwich"board signs was staff's only concession. He stated that when he served on the city council,his goal was to help businesses and signage is their number one priority. He stated that restricting wall signage to Maple Grove's standards would not be fair,unless they were going to allow the monument signage that Maple Grove allows. He recommended that at the very least, the Planning Commission adopt the language proposed by the Decklan Group to allow the proposed gateway sign for Granite Shores. 1111