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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JULY 15, 2013 2 <br /> Councilmember Holmes asked why Verizon wanted to locate a building on City Hall property. <br /> Joe Egge, Faulk & Foster, provided the Council with additional information regarding Verizon's <br /> request. He explained that Verizon was dropping calls in this area and that a cell tower on the <br /> City Hall property would assist in filling a dead zone along Highway 96. He proposed renting <br /> the space from the City for $1,200 per month. He commented that a second cell phone carrier <br /> could be added on the tower for additional revenue if the Council desired. <br /> Councilmember Holden did not support the proposal given the space that would be taken up at <br /> City Hall, and that the majority of Arden Hills already had adequate service from Verizon. <br /> Councilmember Holmes commented that she was quite shocked to see the proposed building <br /> right next to the City Hall building. She suggested an alternative site be selected. <br /> Mr. Egge stated that the County land was reviewed but a suitable location was not found. He <br /> stated that the City Hall property was the only suitable location found along the Highway 96 <br /> corridor. <br /> Councilmember Werner was not in favor of the proposed location as it would limit the future <br /> expansion of City Hall. <br /> Councilmember McClung stated that given the potential need for expansion of City Hall in the <br /> future, he too did not support the Verizon proposal. <br /> Mayor Grant commented that the proposed location of the tower and building were a concern <br /> considering City Hall may need to be expanded in the future. He did not feel that the City Hall <br /> site was the correct piece of property for Verizon's plans. He indicated that based on the <br /> discussion this evening, the Council did not support Verizon's proposal. <br /> B. Dynamic Display Sign Ordinance <br /> Community Development Intern Bachler stated that the Shell gas station on County Road E has <br /> submitted a sign permit application to reface an existing freestanding sign on their property to <br /> include an LED price sign. A similar price sign was approved administratively for the Holiday <br /> gas station on Highway 96 in November 2010. Based on staff's interpretation of the sign code, <br /> this type of sign qualifies as a dynamic display sign, which is not permitted in the City. <br /> Community Development Intern Bachler explained that dynamic display refers to digital <br /> advertising signs whose content is updated electronically. These signs commonly use LED or <br /> plasma displays. He reported that municipalities have responded to the increased use of these <br /> types of signs by coming up with regulations and exemptions to limit their use and design. The <br /> City's sign code makes no exceptions for the use of dynamic display signs. <br /> Community Development Intern Bachler requested that the Council discuss the use of dynamic <br /> display signs in the City and direct staff if a sign code update is needed. <br />