Minutes

New Brighton Planning Commission

Regular Meeting - January 16, 1996

7:30 p.m.

Call to Order

Baker called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m.

Roll Call

Present:	Larry Baker, Steve Jensen, Mike Livingston, Paul Zisla

Absent:	Roger Blomquist, Joann Knuth

Also Present:	Kevin Locke, Director of Community Development

Erny Mattila, City Planner

Steve Larson, City Council Liaison

Jim O'Brien, Member-Elect

Welcome

Mattila welcomed Commissioners Jensen, Livingston, and Zisla, who have been reappointed to three- year terms. Baker introduced Jim O'Brien, the new member. O'Brien will begin his term next month. Baker introduced Councilmember Steve Larson, who will serve as Council Liaison this year.

Adoption of 1996 Rules of Procedure

Motion by Zisla, seconded by Livingston, to adopt the 1996 Rules of Procedure. 4 Ayes - 0 Nays. Motion carried.

Motion by Zisla, seconded by Jensen, to elect Mike Livingston as Vice Chair. Livingston was elected unanimously.

Approval of Minutes

Motion by Jensen, seconded by Livingston, to approve the minutes of the November 21, 1995, meeting. 4 Ayes - 0 Nays. Motion carried.

Report on Council Action

Larson reported on the progress of the Rottlund project. Zisla asked about the streetscape plan for the intersection at Old Highway 8 and 10th. Mattila said the landscape architect was refining the plans for the NE corner. Larson said the project should be finished in fall 1996.

Mattila stated the Therapeutic Massage Ordinance passed. The Bel Air mining operation was approved.

Agenda Review

The agenda was adopted as written.

Public Hearings

Amendment to Sign Ordinance, City of New Brighton	7:55–8:30 p.m.

Mattila reviewed the memo concerning a proposal to amend the City's Sign Ordinance regarding billboards.

The Commission considered the options outlined in the memo. Baker asked if the present billboards were grandfathered. Mattila replied the existing billboards would become nonconforming.

Baker said the requirement to buffer billboards was unworkable; the option to increase setbacks is also unworkable. Baker said billboard setback requirements should not affect adjacent property owners' ability to develop their property.

Jensen said he favored asking the City Attorney to draft an amendment to prohibit new billboards in the City. Baker asked what would happen to the existing billboards. Mattila said the existing billboards would become nonconforming uses, but would be grandfathered in. Baker said he favored Jensen's suggestion.

Zisla said the height requirement should remain.

Baker asked if anyone in the audience wanted to speak in the public hearing. There was no response.

Motion by Jensen, seconded by Livingston, to close the public hearing. 4 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion carried.

Motion by Jensen, seconded by Baker, to recommend that the City Council direct the City Attorney to prepare an amendment to Section 9-130 of the Sign Ordinance prohibiting new billboards in the City. 4 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion carried.

Adjourn

Motion by Baker, seconded by Zisla, to adjourn the meeting. 4 Ayes, O Nays. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

_______________________________________

Erny Mattila, City Planner