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NARRATIVE On April 14, 1986, United Federal Savings Bank received a sign variance for an electronic message center at 1715 West County Road B2. The variance allowed for a time and temperature message which would be displayed for 1 1/2 minutes followed by an informational message which would be a stationary message for 13 1/2 minutes. This cycle would be repeated four times each hour. First American Bank Metro acquired the former United Federal Savings Bank facility located at 1715 West County Road B2 on July 6, 1990 from the Resolution Trust Corporation. The purchase included the electronic message center. The electronic message center is an Olympian 80 and was purchased in February of 1986. The electronic message center can display an uninterrupted message for a maximum of 10 seconds. After 10 seconds, the same message can be repeated or a new message can be displayed. The electronic message center has never been capable of complying with the original variance granted on April 14, 1986. Requiring First American Bank Metro to comply with the original variance will not allow the bank to effectively utilize the electronic message center. Originally many communities adopted sign ordinances that prohibited flashing signs as attraction getting devices. In recent years as electronic technology has improved, electronic message centers have been construed as a means to disseminate information and not as flashing signs. The message center changes messages by varying the lighting configurations on the display background. Although the same lighting configuration can be turned on and off rapidly in a flashing mode, this mode is not essential to displaying a message. A video tape has been provided to the Planning Commission by the applicant that demonstrates the different modes and frequencies at which messages can be displayed. In June 1980, the Federal Highway Administration published report number FHWA/RD-80/0Sl. This report is entitled "Safety and Environmental Design Considerations in the Use of Commercial Variable Message Signage." An abstract of this report is being provided with the application. The full report is available from the MNDOT Library (296-1494). Both Minneapolis and St. Paul have reviewed the studies completed on traffic safety and electronic message centers. Both communities have no ordinance prohibiting electronic message centers, but do have ordinances prohibiting flashing and revolving signs. If safety is the reason for being concerned about the length of time a message is displayed, consideration should be given to the length of time an incomplete message is displayed. Incomplete messages displayed for long periods of time can be more distracting than a complete message displayed for a period of less than ten seconds. Electronic message centers can reduce the need for temporary signage and banners for product specials and promotions. In addition, the applicant's electronic message center is available to community groups and civic organizations that wish to display public service messages. The applicant proposes a variance requiring a minimum message second. Review of the report cited in this narrative and the provided may assist the Planning Commission and City Council decision. cycle of one video being with their