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Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 October 10, 2006 --------------------------- pernzits. In regard to Item 7(b), he felt that limiting the number of events to three may have a negative impact for some of the non-profit organizations. He asked that the temporary signs continue to be allowed under the provisions of Exhibit C. Rachael Erickson of Express Signs and Balloons, 19320 Yukon Street, Oak Grove, Minnesota - Stated that her company does a lot of business in Elk River and she felt that the 90 day limit was adequate. She felt that a shorter time period would impact some of the businesses that need advertising during the slow times of the year. She stated that they try to place the signs in the best possible location for their customers. She stated that some of the other cities where they do business have specific spots for locating signs, such as X-number of feet from a sidewalk. She felt that being specific in where to put the signs is helpful to her as a sign company owner. She noted that in some cities, there are actually pre-drilled holes in the ground to place the signs. She stated that she has worked with over 300 businesses in the past three years; 43 in the past 9 months, and 6 tax exempt non-profit organizations and 7 non-tax exempt non-profit. Ms. Erickson stated that they take pride in their signs and encourage business owners to use professional headers. She state that she is willing to get feedback from the Commission as to how the appearance of the signs can be improved. Vice Chair Stevens asked if Express signs and Balloons ask clients to see a sign permit before placing a sign. Ms. Erickson stated that they have recently changed their process to include advising clients that Express Signs will need to see their sign permit before placing a sign. Commissioner Scott asked Ms. Erickson what she means by a "professional header"? She stated that they encourage businesses such as "Curves" to use their custom logo on the signs. Commissioner Offerman asked if Express Signs has a m;n;mum number of days a client must rent temporary signs. Ms. Erickson stated no, but that they recommend having a sign out 6 - 9 days prior to an event. Commissioner Offennan asked who is responsible for damage caused by wind. Ms. Erickson stated that she has insurance/liability insurance to cover damage to the signs, as well as caused by the signs. She stated that they will adequately stake and sandbag the signs to prevent them blowing over. Tami Weeks stated that if all eight businesses in the strip where she is located would have to split up the 90 days, they each would only be able to advertise 1 day at a time, if they wanted to advertise several times a year. She stated that she personally advertises 4 - 5 times a year, and has the signage for two weeks each time. She did not feel the proposed sign ordinance amendment was fair. Ms. Weeks asked if each of tenants in the Target area would have the same regulations. Mr. Leeseberg stated that the same rules will apply; a total of 90 days per calendar year per parcel number (PII~. There being no further public comment, Vice Chair Stevens closed the public hearing. Commissioner Anderson stated that as an Elk River resident, he has concern for the aesthetics of the signs. He stated that he is not in favor of banning temporary signs completely, since from a business standpoint, the signs are a very valuable form of advertising. But, he felt that the signs should truly be temporary and should go away after advertising an event. He felt there are other ways to advertise such as through newspapers.