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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-25-12CITY OF LAKEVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES September 25, 2012 Chair Matasosky called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. in the Marion Conference Room at City Hall. Members Present: Comms. Matasosky, Tushie, Longie, Brantly, Emond, Starfield, Smith, Schubert, Vlasak, Ex- officio member Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Todd Bornhauser, Ex- officio member Mayor Mark Bellows, Ex- officio member City Administrator Steve Mielke. Members Absent: None. Others Present: David Olson, Community & Economic Development Director; Adam Kienberger, Economic Development Specialist; Daryl Morey, Planning Director; Allyn Kuennen, Associate Planner; David Edquist, Holiday Stationstores; Michael Cronin, Consultant to Holiday Stationstores. 2. Approval of August 28, 2012 meeting minutes Motion Comms. Smith / Emond moved to approve the minutes of the August 28, 2012 meeting as presented. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Review of Proposed Zoning Ordinance Regulations for Electronic Signs Mr. Morey reviewed the EDC memo outlining the proposed zoning ordinance regulations for electronic signs. He noted that the Planning Commission is seeking feedback from the EDC prior to making a recommendation to the City Council. Mr. Cronin complimented the draft zoning ordinance and discussed the request from Holiday Stationstores included in the EDC packet to consider the rate of change for electronic signs in seconds as opposed to minutes. He noted that Holiday utilizes the signage to encourage customers to enter the store instead of paying at the pump. Mr. Edquist added that Burnsville recently amended their electronic sign ordinance adopting a rate of change provision of 30 seconds, which is a viable rate for Holiday Stationstores. Shakopee recently switched to a 60- second rate of change. Comm. Smith stated that whatever standards are adopted should be the same for both schools /public uses and the business community. Mr. Cronin added that Holiday Stationstores view electronic signs as a series of static signs. They have no desire to utilize animation, scrolling, or other distracting Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes, September 25, 2012 Page 2 features sometimes employed by similar signs. Distractions are not good for the City or the business community. He complimented staff's comprehensive approach taken in the preparation of the draft zoning ordinance to restrict these types of distractions. Comm. Starfield inquired about the reasoning behind the 15- minute rate of change provision of the proposed zoning ordinance. Mr. Morey explained that a comparison was made with other cities that have done studies related to driver distraction. He also noted that in a commercial corridor, there is a cumulative effect if multiple electronic signs are located within close proximity to each other as a driver passes through the area. Comm. Longie asked when Burnsville switched to a 30- second rate of change requirement. Mr. Olson responded that the change was made recently after a multi -year trial at longer rates of change, and this past year which was a trial period at the 30- second rate of change. Comm. Tushie added that 30 seconds does not seem to be too short a duration to be a driver distraction. Comm. Vlasak added that allowing electronic images on the signs could be an aesthetic concern for Lakeville. He asked if a shopping center could sell advertising on these types of signs if they chose to build one on their property as allowed under the sign ordinance. Mr. Morey responded that the City cannot regulate content, only height, size and performance standards. Comm. Tushie summarized by stating that the proposed ordinance is a good base, but would recommend the Planning Commission consider a rate of change of 30 seconds that can be reviewed annually. The EDC agreed and noted that the Planning Commission should also include a provision to consider that the road elevation be used as the base of measurement for sign height. Mr. Morey added that the EDC's recommendation would be brought to the October 4 th Planning Commission work session with a public hearing possibly in November prior to City Council adoption in December. Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes, September 25, 2012 Page 3 4. Review of Office Park (OP) Zoning District Allowed Uses and Exterior Building Requirements Mr. Morey reviewed the EDC memo outlining the proposed Office Park (OP) zoning district allowed uses and exterior building requirements. He noted that the Planning Commission is seeking feedback from the EDC prior to making a recommendation to the City Council. Comm. Tushie stated that the percentage of grade A materials needs to be much stronger than the 15% recommended in the memo. There should be a clear visual distinction between office and industrial park building standards. Office parks should not look like industrial buildings and should include more brick and glass. He further recommended that the OP standards should be adopted at the current commercial standards of a 65/25/10 ratio of grade A, B, and C materials respectively. Chair Matasosky noted that many manufacturers are increasing the finish level of their buildings. He asked about the requirements for existing office park buildings when they wish to expand. Mr. Morey responded that existing buildings are grandfathered and able to expand up to 50% with similar materials used on the existing building. Comm. Tushie added that it can often be less expensive to meet grade A material requirements with glass, which is more appropriate for an office park. He further recommended that the Planning Commission consider "architectural panels" and Quik Brik as a grade A material. Architectural panels and high -grade metal can sometimes be more expensive than traditional brick and have a high - quality finish appropriate for office buildings. He noted that the current definition of "architectural panels" is a good place to start and it should be clear that these are not the same type of panels as prefabricated concrete panels, which are not appropriate for the OP District. Architectural panels could also be included in the grade A materials with the provision "as approved by Planning ". The EDC concurred with Comm. Tushie's recommendations of a 65/25/10 ratio of grade A, B, C materials respectively, with the provision that architectural panels, Quik Brik and certain types of high -grade decorative metal panels be considered a grade A material in the OP District. 5. Update on Business Marketing Strategy Implementation Project Mr. Kienberger reviewed the EDC memo outlining the recent recognition by Money Magazine naming Lakeville one of the "Best Places to Live ". He noted that this designation was discussed with the marketing partners committee to help identify potential joint marketing opportunities. Lakeville also recently became a member of the Minnesota Commercial Association of Real Estate (MNCAR) and will be attending their Fall Expo to promote the City of Lakeville and expand relationships with the commercial /industrial broker community. Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes, September 25, 2012 Page 4 6. Director's Report Mr. Olson reviewed the Director's Report. He noted that the annual Manufacturers Reception has been re- scheduled to Wednesday, October 24 7. Adjourn Meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted by: v Adam Kier, er, Recording Secretary