10-28-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 4 of 8 Council Business 2. Larry Hohnberg on behalf of Salem Covenant Church requests approval of a Special Use Permit to allow construction of a new ground sign with electronic capabilities at 2655 5" Street NW. Report No. 08-297. Resolution No. 08-102. City Planner Janice Gundlach gave a brief presentation. The Church was described as being zoned R1. A Special Use Permit is requested to construct a 32 square foot ground sign with electronic/dynamic capabilities; the current sign would be removed. The applicant has agreed to a once per minute flashing standard in an effort to appease some of the neighborhood concerns. Councilmernber Phillips reported he lives within the notification area, and did receive the mailing. A discussion of font size occurred between the councilmembers. Dayton Walker; Chairman of the Sign Committee at Salem Covenant Church, reported the sign manufacturer has determined the smallest font size recommended is 5 inches. Gail Rohrbacher, 2361 Inca. Lane spoke on behalf of a group if neighbors opposed to the request. The primary concerns were reported as the size and location of the proposed sign. Safety concerns were shared, because of the large volumes of traffic passing through that intersection daily. The proposed sign was described by Ms. Rohrbacher as a "forced distraction." Disappointment was directed towards Salem Covenant for lack of neighborhood meetings. Councilmember Bauman pointed out the cement sign is in fact much larger than the proposed sign, with the lit portion being even less. Betty Kocon, 2403 Inca Lane pointed out other churches in New Brighton have similar much smaller signs, and requested Salem Covenant Church reconsider the project. Dayton Walker; Chairman of the Sign Committee at Salem Covenant Church displayed 4 photos showing the current sign, along with photos of the proposed sign. Norm Schifed, a resident near the church reported he is concerned with the possible distraction this could be for the traffic on Silver Lake Road, and suggested less frequent changing of the sign. Councilmember Phillips suggested a neighborhood meeting between the church and the neighbors. Mr. Walker responded that he was unsure an amicable decision could be reached Councilmember Burg reported that in the recent past the City has conducted a study to determine the safety concerns associated with dynamic signs, the MNDOT study concluded there were not significant safety issues. David Voss, 511 Driftwood Circle reported he has no objection to the sign. Mayor Larson suggested increasing the time between changes to possibly 3 minutes. Larry Hohnberg from Salem Covenant Church reported the sign committee researched the placement of the sign, and it was determined the proposed location is ideal. It was reported that this electronic sign will replace all temporary signs, with the exception of the pre-school sign. Deborah Woodworth, 2729 Mission Court expressed'kw great concern for the safety of those traveling in the area Also Ms. Woodworth reported she is not comfortable with the studies done on freeways being transferred to a residential area. Councilmember Doffing recognized the fear and concern expressed by the residents, and made the following motion: Motion by Councilmember Doffing, seconded by Councilmember Burg to forward this request to the Public Safety Conulnission for further review 1 Ayes, 3 Nays;1 Abstention - Motion Failed Council Business 2. Lany Holmberg on bdialf of Salem Covenant Church requests approval of a Special UsePemut to allow emmucticn ofanewgro" sign with electronic malities at 2655 S" Street NW. Report No. 08-297. Resohrtion No. 08-102