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ALBERTVILLE Joint CITY COUNCIL
and PLANNING and ZONING COMMISSION
March 26, 2007
Albertville City Hall
7:00 PM
PRESENT: Mayor Ron Klecker, Council members John Vetsch, LeRoy Berning, Dan Wagner,
and Tom Fay, Planning Commission Chair Sharon Leintz, Planning Commission members Scott
Dorenbush, Frank Kocon, and Denise Prow, City Planner Al Brixius, City Attorney Mike Couri,
Assistant City Engineer Adam Nafstad, City Administrator Larry Kruse, Building Official Jon
Sutherland, and City Clerk Bridget Miller
Mayor Klecker called the Albertville joint City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission
meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
FREEWAY SIGNAGE - HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
City Planner Brixius brought to the Council and Planning Commission's attention whether they
would be interested in amending the height restriction on freeway signage. According to the
2005 Albertville Municipal City Code, land abutting the freeway would be allowed 75-foot
pylon signage.
Brixius went on to remind the Council and Commission that the Neimeyer Trailer Sales recently
submitted and received approval for a concept plan. This commercial development would have
freeway frontage, which could potentially allow the developer the ability to construct a 75-foot
high pylon sign.
Brixius identified additional lots within Albertville such as the Knechlt property that is south of
the Third Phase of the Albertville Mall; the Phil Morris property located across from Heidi's
Market; Jim Franklin property off of Barthel Industrial Drive and the Zachman property would
also be able to take advantage of the 75 foot high pylon signage.
Brixius noted that staff researched the surrounding communities' signage restrictions with
freeway frontage. Albertville has the tallest allowance for freeway signage, which is 45 feet
taller than the maximum that is allowed in the rest of the community.
Brixius concluded that Albertville should look into reducing its maximum sign height for signs
along the freeway. By reducing the sign height, Albertville would then be consistent with other
communities and to reduce the visual impact of the tall signs on residential neighborhoods and
the community as a whole.
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Joint City Council and
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March 26, 2007
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Council member Berning informed the rest of the Council and the members of the Commission
that he would consider lowering the height of pylon signs from 75-foot to 50-foot.
Mayor Klecker wanted clarification on the text amendment and how it would affect the pre-
existing 70'+ signs, should one of these taller signs were destroyed in a storm or other. When
the business owner reconstructs the sign; at that time would they be limited to the current text
amendment of 50-foot.
City Planner Brixius responded by stating that the non -conforming sign that was destroyed in a
storm when it was reconstructed would have to be in compliance with the current 2005
Albertville Municipal City Code. What that means is that the business owner would be required
to apply for a sign and building permit with the City. At that time it, the Building Official would
conduct a plan review of the sign and building permit. The Building Office would make sure
that the sign does not exceed 50-foot in height and it is in compliance with the current code.
Chair Leintz asked if the 50-foot height would be above sea level.
City Planner Brixius informed the Council and Commission that it would be on grade level that
the 50-foot height would be based upon.
Council member Fay questions how did 2nd Wind, Culvers, and Mobil pylon signs obtain or
become allowed the 75-foot high signs.
City Attorney Couri stated that the site was originally platted in 1988. It was part of the
Developer's Agreement that the properties could erect 75-foot high pylon signs. As you may
recall, back in 1988 there was very little signage or as much road structure throughout Albertville
as we have today.
Dan Franklin and Steve Anderson, from Franklin Outdoor Advertisement asked if the Council
and Commission members would consider changing the height of billboard signage. Mr.
Franklin and Mr. Anderson recommended 50-foot
Albertville City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission agreed to consider a text
amendment to the 2005 Albertville Municipal City Code. A public hearing is set for Tuesday,
May 8, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. or soon thereafter, which will be held at 5959 Main Avenue NE within
Albertville.
BILLBOARD SIGNAGE — ELECTRONIC RESTRICTIONS
City Planner Brixius stated that the per the request of the City Council, NAC has conducted
researched for the Council and Commission to consider a text amendment to the 2005 Albertville
Municipal City Code Sign Ordinance to accommodate language for electronic billboard signage.
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City of Albertville
Joint City Council and
Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes
March 26, 2007
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There has been recent discussion of the topic in the news due to controversy in other
communities. The main controversy communities are researching is whether or not the signs
create a hazard for motorist by causing one more distraction.
Brixius went on to state that electronic LED types of signs can have negative impact on the
community. The location of these signs along high speed roadways may cause motorists to slow
down to read the message on the sign; therefore distracting them from driving in a safe manner.
Brixius, along with other staff, were looking for direction from the Council and Commission
members whether Albertville would like to amend the Sign Ordinance section of the 2005
Albertville Municipal City Code. Brixius brought to the Council and Commission to not only
think about the billboards, but consider CSAH 19 or CSAH 37 corridor.
Council member Wagner stated that this very well may be the way of the future. Wagner
continued by informing the Council, Commission and staff that Albertville may not be ready for
this type of signage, but a future Council or Commission may very well review the City Code
and amend it then.
Commission member Dorenbush agreed with Wagner in which to consider allowing the LED,
but place restrictions to the message displaying similar to the City of Minnetonka and City of
Bloomington so that the message changes every hour or half -an -hour.
City Planner Brixius added to the restrictions of the message to include the setbacks, front area
of the building and away from the residential districts.
There was additional discussion between the Council and Commission directing staff to draft a
text amendment to the Sign Ordinance section of the 2005 Albertville Municipal City Code,
which can be reviewed over the course of the next year.
DISCUSSION ON A MORITORIUM ON SIGNAGE HEIGHT WITHIN THE
ALBERTVILLE CITY LIMITS
City Attorney Couri reported that an Ordinance has been drafted for Council to review during the
March 19, 2007 regular City Council meeting that was recessed until March 26, 2007.
MOTION BY Council member Wagner, seconded by Council member Berning to amend the
March 26, 2007 City Council agenda to included the Ordinance drafted by City Attorney Couri
to place a moratorium on the construction of billboard signs.
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Joint City Council and
Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes
March 26, 2007
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DISCUSSION ON THE LAND USE WITHIN ALBERTVILLE CITY LIMITS
City Planner Brixius reported that the first area for review tonight is the northwest section of
Albertville, which includes the Darkenwald site, Albertville Premium Outlets, Shoppes at Towne
Lakes, and Northwest Commercial Park. The main concern of staff, as well as the Council and
Commission, is the flow of traffic throughout the area.
Brixius reminded the Council and the Planning Commission the fact that roughly a year ago a
traffic study was completed on the area that identified a complete street escape for the land in the
northwest area of Albertville. What staff is recommending is expanding the commercial district
along CSAH 19, leaving the remainder zoned Industrial.
City Administrator Kruse shared with the Council and Planning Commission the fact that Otsego
has some plans for Kadler Avenue NE. Kruse suggested the possibility of leaving the land zoned
industrial, wait until the time comes when Otsego has a more definite plan in place. At that time
it would appear that Otsego would most likely need to work with Albertville to coordinate the
plan, at which time Albertville could amend the Comp Plan to change the land use.
Amongst the members there was additional discussion of the infrastructure for the northwest
area. City Attorney Couri discussed the Minnesota State Statues and how to obtain the creative
funding for the future of the area.
City Administrator Kruse brought up the NW Quadrant Study that was conducted a number of
years ago. Kruse questioned how the Darkenwald's AUAR study would be incorporated into the
land use consideration.
Assistant City Engineer Nafstad reported that the NW Quadrant Study was conducted to see if
the infrastructure would be able to handle the Hotel — Water park Development.
The next area City Planner Brixius brought up for review was the CSAH 19 southern corridor.
Brixius reported that these land use options were in place since 2000 or possibly before.
The members discussed on the change in the connection of 53rd Street NE to CSAH 19 from the
eastern portion of the city; property otherwise know as the Psyk's property. When this portion
becomes developed it will increase the amount of traffic cutting through the residential area to
get to the commercial sites along CSAH 19.
The Council and Commission were in agreement to identifying a section in this area for
progressive living quarters that would accommodate the resident that were born and raised here
who are maturing. Within the section it would maybe be senior housing; then assisted living;
followed by a nursing home. Staff would direct the potential developer to take into consideration
the ability to get emergency vehicles in and out of the proposed sites.
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Joint City Council and
Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes
March 26, 2007
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Another section for review brought forward by City Planner Brixius was the northeast section,
which included the Phil Morris property.
City Planner Brixius reported that the Phil Morris property was approved August 2006 by the
Planning and Zoning Commission. It is now going before the City Council on April 2, 2007 for
review and approval.
The portion that is platted industrial appeared to be in agreement with the Council and Planning
Commission, which is known as the Barthel Industrial/Commercial Park within Albertville.
The last area that was reviewed was the historical downtown area of Albertville.
City Planner Brixius shared his opinion on the downtown area abutting the new City Hall site felt
that the housing development along 60th Street NE may be a more appropriate placement of the
senior housing and or assisted living area for Albertville.
Brixius recommended re -zoning the Particle Control site from Industrial to Commercial.
The Council and Commission discussed as to whether to keep the current zoning along Main
Avenue NE as Commercial or change it to what the current Council and Commission foresees.
Summary of the meeting and discussion held regarding the Land Use that is identified within the
current Comprehensive Plan, it appears to be the consensus to review the current land use and
consider changing the land use.
HOURS OF OPERATING EQUIPMENT
City Attorney Couri reported that there is a conflict in the hours of operating equipment
according to the 2005 Albertville Municipal City Code. According to the City Code a person
could begin using a jack -hammer as early as 6:00 a.m. and yet a resident could not use a hammer
until 7:00 a.m.
Couri informed the Council and Commission that staff is looking for direction for a text
amendment to be consistent with the hours of operation under both sections of the 2005
Albertville Municipal City Code.
MOTION BY Council member Berning, seconded by Commission Chair Leintz to direct staff to
prepare a text amendment to the 2005 Albertville Municipal City Code to coordinate the hours of
operation of equipment, which will be presented to the City Council at the April 2, 2007 regular
City Council meeting for approval. Motion carried unanimously.
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City of Albertville
Joint City Council and
Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes
March 26, 2007
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ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY Council member Berning, seconded by Commission Chair Leintz to adjourn the
joint City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission meeting at 10:00 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously.
Sharon Leintz, Planning & Zoning Commission Chair
Ron Klecker, Mayor
Bridget Miller, City Clerk
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