2007-02-13 PC Agenda Packet
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
Tuesday, February 13,2007
7:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL - ADOPT AGENDA
2. MINUTES
a. January 9, 2007 Regular Planning & Zoning Commission meeting
b. January 22, 2007 joint City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission meeting
3. INTERVIEWS
a. Interview and Discussion for Open Planning Commission seat
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Text Amendment to Chapter 7, Section 10-7-8 of the 2005 Albertville Municipal City
Code pertaining to Ground Signs
b. Text Amendment to appendix A, Section 1200.4.h. of the 2005 Albertville Municipal
City Code pertaining to Off-Street Parking Regulations
5. OTHER BUSINESS
a. Electronic Billboard Discussion
b. Freeway Sign Heights
6. ADJOURNMENT
"A quorum of Council members may be present."
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
STATE OF MINNESOTA)
) SS.
COUNTY OF WRIGHT )
Bridget Miller, being first duly sworn, says that on this 9th day of February 2007,
Bridget posted the documents as shown on the reverse side a true copy of each
thereof at 1 :30 p.m. at the Albertville City Offices in the window, at the City of
Albertville, County of Wright, State of Minnesota.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this~day ofF ~W11-' 2007.
M:\Public Data\Planning & Zoning\P&Z agenda\Affidavit of Agenda Posting format.doc
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PLANNING and ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
February 13, 2007
Albertville Council Chamber
7:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL - ADOPT AGENDA
PRESENT: Chair Sharon Leintz, Commission members Frank Kocon, and Denise Prow,
Council liaison Dan Wagner, Assistant City Planner Cassie Schumacher-Georgopoulos, Zoning
Administrator/Building Official Jon Sutherland, and Secretary/City Clerk Bridget Miller
ABSENT: Commission member Scott Dorenbush and City Planner Al Brixius
Chair Leintz called the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting of the City of Albertville to
order at 7:00 p.m.
ADOPT AGENDA
MOTION BY Commission member Kocon, seconded by Commission member Prow to approve
the agenda as presented and on file in the office ofthe City Clerk. Motion carried unanimously.
MINUTES
MOTION BY Commission member Kocon, seconded by Commission member Prow to approve
the January 9, 2007 regular Planning and Zoning Commission minutes as presented and on file in
the office of the City Clerk. Motion carried unanimously.
MOTION BY Commission member Prow, seconded by Commission member Kocon to approve
the January 22, 2007 joint City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission Workshop
minutes as amended correcting the heading ofajoint Planning and Zoning Commission and City
Council Workshop and on file in the office of the City Clerk. Motion carried unanimously.
INTERVIEWING OF CANDIDATES
Chair Leintz opened the interviewing of the candidates to fill the vacancy. Leintz mentioned that
the individual that is recommended for appointment will be required to complete a "Background
Check Release Form", which has been added to the process.
City of Albertville
Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes
February 13, 2007
Page 2 of7
Chair Leintz asked Dale Edgren to approach the podium and if the other applicant could step out
of the Chamber during the interview.
Chair Leintz questioned Mr. Edgren to introduce himself to the Commission and explain why he
would like to serve on the Planning Commission.
Mr. Edgren explained that he is a business owner within the City of Albertville. He doesn't have
experience as a Commission member, but if appointed would bring a resident/business owner's
view point to the Commission. He would bring a wide range of knowledge to the Planning
Commission from the business aspect of development. In summary, he would like to "be part of
the Community."
Chair Leintz thanked Mr. Edgren for his interest in wanting to serve on the Planning and Zoning
Commission. Leintz informed Edgren that the recommendation would most likely be going
before the City Council at the March 5, 2007 Council meeting.
Chair Leintz asked Edgren to step out into the hallway and have Kevin Knock come back into
the Council Chamber.
Chair Leintz asked Kevin Knock to approach the podium and explain why he would like to serve
on the Planning Commission.
Kevin Knock began by stating that he is a junior at St. Cloud State University and is majoring in
Community Development with a minor in GIS. Knock would like to obtain ajob as a City
Planner. Knock is a current member of the Community Planning Association at St. Cloud State.
Knock went on to explain that as a Community Development major being a member of the
Commission would provide him with hands on experience that would be highly beneficial to his
career. Knock informed the Commission that he is also on a three member committee to design
a proposal for a Comprehensive Plan for Baldwin Township.
Chair Leintz thanked Mr. Knock for his interest in wanting to serve on the Planning and Zoning
Commission. Leintz informed Knock that the recommendation would most likely be going
before the City Council at the March 5, 2007 Council meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
TEXT AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 7, SECTION 10-7-8 OF THE 2005 ALBERTVILLE MUNICIPAL
CITY CODE DEALING WITH GROUND SIGNS - ILLUMINATION
Chair Leintz opened the public hearing at 7:14 p.m.
Assistant City Planner Schumacher-Georgopoulos informed the Commission members that the
language for ground signs is coming back for review, because the current language in place fori
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Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes
February 13, 2007
Page 3 of7
ground signs had been recently amended in March of 2006. Since the amendment, an
application came in for review and the applicant claimed that the language was possibly a
trademark infringement by requiring a dark background, which could potentially alter the
appearance and or color of a company's logo.
Schumacher-Georgopoulos stated that, according to a memo from City Attorney Couri, there is
no clear controlling law in the 8th Circuit Court, within the State of Minnesota, on whether a
city's ordinance requiring a business to modify it's logo on an outdoor sign constitutes a
violation of the Latham Act for trademark protection.
In summary, City Attorney Couri is recommending that the City change the 2005 Albertville
Municipal City Code, Chapter 7, Section 10-7-8 text in a manner that would not require a change
in color of a company's logo, but would achieve the same result of reducing the glare or
illumination coming from the on-premises signs at night.
Staff has prepared two alternatives for the Planning and Zoning Commission to consider.
Option]- Repeal Section 10-7-8 A.3 Subd. J of the 2005 Albertville Municipal
City Code - Sign Ordinance and allow all light-background signs.
Option 2 - to amend the text placing the following restrictions on light-
background signs and have the language read as follows:
Subd. j. Ground Signs: In business districts, grounds signs shall have a
background which is dark in color in contrast to the sign lettering or message
which is light in color to create a sufficient contrast and be clearly legible. No
ground signs with lightly colored backgrounds shall be permitted unless the
following conditions are met:
1. Hours of illumination are limited to 7 :00 a.m. to 11 :00 p.m., unless the
business is open.
2. Illumination of the sign does not exceed 500 lumens per square foot of sign
face. Certification from the sign manufacturer shall be provided stating that
full illumination of the sign will not exceed 500 lumens per square foot at the
sign face.
3. The sign height does not exceed thirty (30) feet.
4. The sign is located three hundred (300) feet from all residential property
lines.
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Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes
February 13, 2007
Page 4 of7
Assistant City Planner Schumacher-Georgopoulos stated that staff is looking for direction from
the Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as City Council, which option appears to be
appropriate for the City.
Commission members confirmed that the ground sign text is being amended because of the
current application from Lake Community Bank. Commission members had concerns with the
Lake Community Bank with the reader board portion of the sign. The reader board appears now
to be brighter than the sign and the reader board is on past 11 :00 p.m. The Commission brought
to staff's attention the fact that the sign was on after 11 :00 p.m.
Commission directed staff to research the signage that was approved for Lake Community Bank.
The Commission did not recall that the reader board was included in the Signage approval.
Chair Leintz asked if anyone was present regarding the public hearing for the Text Amendment
to Chapter 7, Section 10-7-8 of the 2005 Albertville Municipal City Code Dealing with Ground
Signs - Illumination.
There was no one in the audience with concerns regarding the Text Amendment to Chapter 7,
Section 10-7-8 of the 2005 Albertville Municipal City Code Dealing with Ground Signs-
Illumination.
Dan Franklin of Franklin Outdoor Advertising commented that the speed of the signage may be
the problem more than the brightness.
Keith Franklin of Franklin Outdoor Advertising shared with the Commission the fact that
technology has advanced over the years. Franklin agreed that the illumination of signage needs
to be controlled. There is a need to regulate the amount of illumination and also the speed of the
reader board messages.
Chair Leintz closed the public hearing at 7:37 p.m.
MOTION BY Commission member Prow, seconded by Commission member Kocon to approve
Option 2 - Text Amendment to Chapter 7, Section 10-7-8 of the 2005 Albertville Municipal City
Code Dealing with Ground Signs - Illumination approval at the March 5, 2007 City Council
meeting or soon thereafter. Motion carried unanimously.
TEXT AMENDMENT TO ApPENDIX A, SECTION 1200.4.H. OF THE 2005 ALBERTVILLE
MUNICIPAL CITY CODE DEALING WITH OFF-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS
Chair Leintz opened the public hearing at 7:17 p.m.
Assistant City Planner Schumacher-Georgopoulos reported that the City is considering text
amendments to Off-Street Parking requirements section of the 2005 Albertville Municipal City
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Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes
February 13, 2007
Page 5 of7
Code. The purpose of the amendments would address the parking and storage of oversized
commercial vehicles and off-street parking standards for angled parking, which the current
Zoning Ordinance does not address.
Schumacher-Georgopoulos informed the Commission that concerns and complaints have been
received regarding the parking and storage of large (oversized) commercial trucks in parking lots
that are designed for automobiles. Upon further review, it was realized by staff that the current
Zoning Ordinance of the 2005 Albertville Municipal City Code does not contain language
regarding off-street parking standards for angled parking, which angled parking was presented
with the Lake Community Bank Site and Building Plan and the Starbucks Site and Building
Plan.
Schumacher-Georgopoulos continued stating that staff has drafted two separate ordinance
amendment options for discussion.
Option 1. - adds standards for the parking and storage of oversized
commercial vehicles and requires that commercial vehicle parking stalls not
be located in the front or side yards abutting a street of commercial lots.
Option 2. - adds the aforementioned standards, but also adds design standards
for angled parking.
Chair Leintz asked if there was anyone present regarding the Text Amendment to Appendix A,
Section 1200A.h. of the 2005 Albertville Municipal City Code Dealing with Off-Street Parking
Regulations.
There was no one in the audience with concerns regarding the Text Amendment to Appendix A,
Section 1200A.h. of the 2005 Albertville Municipal City Code Dealing with Off-Street Parking
Regulations.
Chair Leintz closed the public hearing at 7:42 p.m.
MOTION BY Commission member Kocon, seconded by Commission member Prow to approve
Option 2 - Text Amendment to Appendix A, Section 1200A.h. of the 2005 Albertville
Municipal City Code Dealing with Off-Street Parking Regulations contingent on City Council
approval at the March 5, 2007 City Council meeting or soon thereafter. Motion carried
unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
TEXT AMENDMENT TO POTENTIAL ELECTRONIC BILLBOARD SIGNS
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City of Albertville
Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes
February 13, 2007
Page 60f7
Assistant City Planner Schumacher-Georgopoulos reminded the Commission members that this
is for discussion and information only. No motions are necessary at this time. Staff is looking
for direction to proceed with the text amendment or not.
Schumacher-Georgopoulos informed the Commission that digital technology is changing the
look of outdoor advertising. Outdoor electronic advertising signs are becoming more popular in
the billboard advertising business. It is apparent that electronic signs are more sales-oriented
when advertisers desire to have more immediate contact with customers. Electronic signs allow
business owners the opportunity to change the message quickly. This allows the businesses to
get the attention of the general public so the shoppers can take advantage of a special discount at
a nearby store.
Commission members inquired what the sizes of the billboards are within Albertville city limits.
Mr. Franklin reported that the billboards vary anywhere from 325 square-feet up to 750 square-
feet.
Mr. Franklin added that the state does not allow video billboards signage. The signage that is
seen by the public is on-premise signage, which the state does not regulate.
Zoning Administrator Sutherland shared with the Commission members the fact that Franklin
Outdoor Advertising has an electronic billboard within the Albertville city limits. It is a three
panel system where the entire billboard advertisement changes every so many minutes.
Mr. Franklin confirmed that Franklin Outdoor Advertising has a couple of electronic billboards
along the 1-94 corridor where the message on the billboard changes every so many minutes.
These billboards or signs are not as distracting as the LED message flashing billboards similar to
the Hummer dealership located within Rogers city limits.
The Commission directed staff to conduct research on the State's regulations, other history or
such, and to check with other communities on how they are regulating or monitoring the
electronic billboards or signage. Staff was directed to research the interior LED message
signage, as well. The information that is obtained by the staff will be brought before the
Commission for further discussion at the March 13, 2007 regular Planning and Zoning
Commission meeting.
The Commission also wanted to address the on-premise electronic signage in conjunction with
the electronic billboard signage.
TEXT AMENDMENT TO FREEWAY SIGN HEIGHTS
Assistant City Planner Schumacher-Georgopoulos brought to the Commission's attention the
possibility of amending the text pertaining to the height of pylon signs in a commercial zoned
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Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes
February 13,2007
Page 7 of7
district along Interstate 94. Schumacher-Georgopoulos reported that staff has researched the
allowable Interstate 94 signage height in the cities of Maple Grove, Rogers, Otsego, and
Monticello.
It was the consensus of the Planning and Zoning Commission, after a lengthy discussion, to
continue the Freeway Pylon Signage Height issue at the March 13,2007 regular Planning and
Zoning Commission meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY Commission member Prow, seconded by Commission member Kocon to adjourn
at 8:50 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
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Sharon Leintz, Chair
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Bndget Mil r, CIty Clerk/Secretary
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Albertville Planning and Zoning Commission
Public Hearing February 13, 2007
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