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Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 October 8,2013 Commissioner Jeremy Johnson stated he felt the 5 percent for wall signage seems too low, but that could vary from building to building. Commissioner Eric Johnson stated that he felt the Commission should look at recommending 10 percent. Commissioner Konietzko asked for clarification on the current allowable signage. He asked what the percentage of wall signage is allowed for the businesses where Taco Johns is located. Mr.Barnhart explained that this area is part of a PUD, so signage was negotiated as part of the PUD process and is not a specific percentage. He stated that 200 sq. ft. is allowed on that particular building. Mr.Barnhart stated that staff could go along with 10 percent. Mr. Konietzko asked if staff had any photographs of businesses with 15 percent wall signage. Mr. Carlton stated no. Commissioner Konietzko stated that he would lean toward the 15 percent amount. Mr.Barnhart explained the reason for stating the downtown character is fragile is because of pressure to move away from the historic character of the downtown. He noted that the Mississippi Connections He stated that he would admit that the existing zoning ordinance needs work and is confusing. He stated that did not ignore the downtown business owners' request;staff just did not agree with everything they asked. Chair Anderson concurred that once the downtown character is gone,it is gone forever. He stated that he did not feel comfortable making a recommendation without giving some thought to the opinions expressed tonight. He suggested tabling the issue for discussion at a workshop meeting,as well as having input from other boards. Commissioner Jeremy Johnson stated he also would support a workshop. • Commissioner Keller sated that he would be interested in seeing the signage language for Anoka's historic downtown district, or possibly Stillwater's. Mr.Barnhart stated that the Heritage Preservation Commission will meet October 17th and their comments could be available for a Planning Commission workshop on October 22nd. Ms.Deckert of Decklan Group stated that she has been working on Granite Shore's request for the past 8 months. She asked that the Commission make a recommendation on this portion of the amendment,or tell her what other information they need to make a decision. Discussion followed regarding the Granite Shores request regarding what will be advertised on the sign and how downtown events would be promoted by the sign. Mr.Westberg stated that there were favorable comments for an entrance sign to the downtown. He stated that he liked the idea of a gateway sign. He noted that there is a segment of the population that wants to hold onto the character of the downtown. He felt the wall signage could go up to 10 percent. He felt the multi-tenant signage proposal was reasonable. Commissioner Eric Johnson stated that he felt there may be some changes that could be made to make the ordinance more feasible for the downtown business owners. Chair Anderson stated that having the Planning Commission spend more time on this ordinance may save the City Council some time. He felt a workshop would allow them to look all aspects of the amendment and help them to make a better recommendation to move onto the City Council.