4B, 09/24/12-R Draft Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 9 Mayor Grant summarized that the Zoning Code as presented in Ordinance No. 2012-007 reads the same way as it was presented, but it was amended in one section. Section 1325.06, Subd. 1.J was amended from 1.5 parking spaces per efficiency and one bedroom dwelling units to l.1. Mayor Grant calls a vote on the motion as amended. The motion carries (3-2) (Tamble and Werner opposed). MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to approve publication of a summary of Ordinance 12-007. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Gateway Signs Councilmember Tamble stated that since Walgreen's started construction, there has been utility activity at that corner. There is a push button signal for the crosswalk and a utility box directly behind that, so the proposed Gateway sign would have to go behind both of those. Additionally, there is another utility to the left of the proposed sign that is quite large so anyone approaching from the south on Lexington Avenue would have an obstructed view of the sign. There is also a bus bench, Walgreens' sign, and telephone poles. There is a lot going on at that corner. He knows that this discussion has gone on for some time, but he does not want to put up a Gateway sign there and regret it later. There has been discussion about putting the sign on the Triangle property. He thinks that maybe the best spot for the sign would be at the northwest corner of County Road E and Lexington Avenue. Councilmember Holden inquired if there is enough easement on the northwest corner. City Planner Beekman stated that where the Gateway sign is currently proposed to go, the sign would have to go behind the utility box. It is the only location the sign can go because of the underground utilities, and it is County Right-of-Way. The County will allow us to put the Gateway sign there, but it should be noted that the County controls that area and could potentially put in additional utilities. The area that is across the street does not have enough Right-of-Way to allow for the sign, and the sign would be on private property. When the parcel redevelops, it has been made known that the City wants some form of easement on the parcel to be able to put a civic monument. The Triangle parcel is not owned yet by the City, but that should happen soon. An easement could be granted to the City before the transfer of ownership if the City requests it, which would allow enough time to get the sign installed before the end of the year. Councilmember Holden questioned whether or not Arden Plaza will still pay for half of the sign if the site location of the sign ends up moving. City Planner Beekman stated that Arden Plaza has already made the payment for half of the cost of the sign. She has not asked them if they are opposed to the sign not going in the original location, but the sense that she gets is that it will not matter to them.