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Planning Commission Minutes <br />March 13, 2007 <br />Page 2 <br />Stephen Rohlf, representing the applicant Mississippi Ridge, LLC, 17219 Highway <br />10, Elk River - Mr. Rohlf stated that he did not feel the moratorium applies to pending <br />applications, and that their request to amend the PUD standards was accepted by the City <br />prior to the moratorium. He stated that the applicant is not requesting an exorbitant amount <br />of signage, and that the request would be far less than what was allowed if the property were <br />zoned C3 Highway Commercial. Mr. Rohlf asked that the Commission consider allowing <br />the second sign as a development identification sign. He stated that he felt the PUD zoning <br />allows flexibility in the development of the property. Mr. Rohlf indicated that the request <br />meets the City's intent regarding the City's Wild & Scenic Ordinance, which is to subdue the <br />view of development from the river. He stated that the City Council has the ability to waive <br />the moratorium. <br />Peter Masterson, representing Greater Minnesota Credit Union, 112 So. Lake Street, <br />Mora, MN - Mr. Masterson stated that the sign board will post the time, temperature, <br />interest rates, as well as local public service announcements. He stated that the sign will be <br />different than the Elk River Ford sign and will have no flashing, scrolling or animation. The <br />messages will post for five seconds and will be one total message. <br />Mr. Rohlf stated that the request should be considered since the application was made prior <br />to the moratorium. <br />Brent Richter, 17107 Yale Street, representing the Mississippi Heights Homeowners <br />Association - Mr. Richter stated that the Homeowner's Association supports the signage <br />request, since the impact on the residents would be m;n;mal. He asked that the Planning <br />Commission favor the request. <br />Kathleen Raivala, 17209 Yale Street NW - Ms. Raivala stated that she lives directly across <br />from the Elk River Ford sign, which flashes and stated she feels like she lives in LasVegas. <br />She stated that the homeowners have met with Greater Minnesota Credit Union and she <br />supports the sign request. She stated that the landscaping they are proposing is exceptional. <br />Mr. Barnhart stated that the issue is not with the design or size of the proposed signage. He <br />felt the applicant has done a good job with aesthetics and in addressing the neighbors' <br />concerns. He stated that although the applicant is asking to reduce the PUD standards only <br />slightly, in light of recent Planning Commission and City Council actions regarding the <br />lessening of other PUD standards issues, staff is uncomfortable in recommending approval. <br />Also, regarding the moratorium, staff does not have specific information regarding the <br />Council's signage goals. <br />Mr. Rohlf stated that zoning is meant to protect safety of the public. He stated that the <br />purpose of boards and commissions is to address specific circumstances. He did not feel <br />that the request was unreasonable and meets the intent of the PUD agreement. He stated <br />that if rules could never be waived due to specific circumstances, there would be no need for <br />Planning Commissions. <br />Commission Stevens asked if signage was allowed on the building. Ms. Cartney stated yes, <br />that the applicant is allowed up to 7 percent of the total wall area for signage. Commissioner <br />Stevens noted that he was present when the City Council passed the moratorium, and stated <br />the discussion seemed to be regarding large billboard signs with flashing lights and <br />animation, such as those in the St. Cloud area. <br />There being no one else to speak to this issue, Chair Lemke closed the public hearing. <br />