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1 Not Approved , PLANNING COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS Regular Meeting—October 18, 2011 7:00 p.m. Present: Chairperson Bruce Howard, Commissioners Greg Meyers, Erin Nichols-Matkaiti, James Alvey Michael Shardlow, Verne McPherson(arrived at 7:25) and Steve Danger Absent: Also Present: Janice Gundlach-City Planner, Councilmember David Phillips, and Katie Bruno-Office Assistant Agenda Review: No changes Minutes: Motion by Commissioner Danger, seconded by Commissioner Alvey to approve the minutes from the September 20, 2011 meeting. 6-0 Motion Carried Council Action: Councilmember Phillips reported that the Council recently adopted a resolution supporting "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon", Director of Public Safety Bob Jacobson will serve as liaison to that organization. The Council adopted a maximum levy for 2012 that is approximately$110,000 less than the prior year levy. This reduction is primarily to mitigate the potential increase as a result of the change in the Homestead Market Credit. Public Hearing: (A) Tim Larson on behalf of Dairy Queen at 409 Old Highway 8 NW requests an amendment to the Zoning Code to allow manual changeable copy signs when Zoning Code Section 9- 040(1)(F) currently prohibits them. City Planner Gundlach reported this item is a continuation from the September 20, 2011 meeting. The original request was to eliminate manual changeable copy signs from the prohibited signs list. The Commission further discussed this at a work session held on October 5th. The Commission directed staff to prepare an amendment to the Zoning Code to allow manual changeable signs, subject to a size maximum. The applicant requested a code change so that his existing, weathered reader board could be changed out for a new, larger reader board. The applicant has applied for sign permits to change out his existing signs and replace with new, updated logo signs for Dairy Queen. The applicant was notified that manual changeable copy signs are not allowed. The applicant explained that an electronic sign, which is allowed by code, is too expensive and changeable signs are necessary in order to compete in his market. Planner Gundlach reported that Staff's research revealed that every neighboring community allows manual changeable copy signs. The amendment would limit manual changeable signs to one per property with a maximum size of 32 SF or 50% of the signable area, whichever is less, and a special use permit would be required for residential districts. 1