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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 1, 2014 6 Associate Planner Bachler believed that the proposed plans were accurate and aligned with the TRC. Councilmember Holden questioned how the curb side planters could be made more desirable year round. Mr. Harrington stated that picking the correct plant materials would be key for the plantings within the Town Center planters. Councilmember Holden wanted to see the spine and thumb roads built to last. Public Works Director Maurer suggested that the thumb and spine roads landscaping and lighting would be maintained by the City. Councilmember Holden asked who would be responsible for the cost of the lighting along the thumb and spine roads. Public Works Director Maurer commented that the City would be paying the long-term energy costs, with the exception of the intersections. Councilmember Holden suggested that the roadways have lighted walkways and benches for residents to enjoy. Councilmember McClung noted that he supported the proposed landscaping plan. He believed that staff was heading in the right direction. Mayor Grant wanted some level of variability between Town Center and the neighborhoods. This would allow a certain level of character to be established between the different areas of the TCAAP site. He indicated that he liked what he was seeing in the landscape designs provided by Kimley Horn and thanked them for their efforts. Associate Planner Bachler reviewed the sign standards in Section 11 of the TRC with the Council. He explained that these standards were last reviewed by the Council in October. He discussed the proposed regulations for monument, temporary, and building signs. Councilmember Holden asked if temporary sign requests would come before the Council or be approved by staff. Associate Planner Bachler reported that staff was recommending that temporary sign requests be managed at the staff level. This would offer additional flexibility for local business owners. He indicated that temporary sign permits would only be issued for a period of 30 days, but that a permit could be extended with a new application. He noted that the City would be in charge of the signs. Councilmember Holden requested that the sign standards indicate that mounted menu signs are only allowed as temporary signage.