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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JULY 15, 2013 3 Councilmember Holden stated that dynamic display has not been allowed in the past and the City was successful in a previous signage lawsuit. She indicated that she is open, but cautious about possible changes to the City sign ordinance. Councilmember Holmes was open to amending the sign code to allow dynamic display signs to an extent. She thought it only fair to consider the sign application given the fact a similar sign was already approved for Holiday. Mayor Grant stated that one thing to consider with gas station price signs is that the sign may only change once a day, or every couple of days. He commented that the overall size of the sign should also be taken into consideration. He reported LED does not cast a great deal of light. He recommended reviewing the provisions in the City Code regarding lighting to see if updates are needed to address LED lights. Councilmember Werner questioned the dimensions of the existing sign. Community Development Intern Bachler stated that the sign is roughly 75 square feet in size and is currently non-conforming. Councilmember McClung did not object to the LED gas station price sign so long as the price is only changed once a day. He recommended that all future LED sign requests be reviewed on a case by case basis. The Council supported reviewing the sign request further, but their consensus is that the sign code should not be amended at this time. C. Franchise Fees City Administrator Klaers stated that per Council direction, earlier this year he discussed franchise fees with neighboring City Managers and learned that Mounds View and New Brighton have existing franchise fee programs and that Shoreview has just approved a franchise fee. Staff has also done some preliminary research with Ramsey County on the City's tax base composition. He has also spoken with Colette Jurek with Xcel Energy to discuss the City's interest in evaluating a franchise fee program. City Administrator Klaers commented that the Council discussed the possibility of establishing a franchise fee program during the June 17, 2013, work session. The additional revenue would assist the City's in reaching its CIP goals and to address the City's street and trail infrastructure maintenance issues. Benefits of a franchise fee were further reviewed, noting an electric franchise fee would generate more income than a gas franchise fee. City Administrator Klaers reviewed the estimated revenues that would be generated noting properties within the City would be charged a flat fee. He requested that the Council discuss the matter further and provide staff with feedback. Colette Jurek, Xcel Energy, introduced herself to the Council, and stated that she would be the City's primary point of contact for any and all Xcel Energy issues.