PC SUM 2009 04 07
PLANNING COMMISSION
WORK SESSION
SUMMARY MINUTES
APRIL 7, 2009
6:30 P.M. – TOUR TIM ERHART PROPERTY
The Planning Commission assembled at 6:30 p.m. and drove in two vans to walk the Tim Erhart
property located south of Highway 212 and east of Powers Boulevard. This is the site of the
upcoming proposed development known as Powers Crossing Professional Center.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Kurt Papke, Kevin Dillon, Dan Keefe, Kathleen Thomas, Mark
Undestad, and Denny Laufenburger
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Debbie Larson
STAFF PRESENT:
Kate Aanenson, Community Development Director; Bob Generous, Senior
Planner; Angie Auseth, Planner I; Alyson Fauske, Assistant City Engineer
The Planning Commission returned to City Hall at approximately 7:20 p.m.
7:30 P.M. – WORK SESSION, FOUNTAIN CONFERENCE ROOM
Chairman Papke called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Kurt Papke, Debbie Larson, Kevin Dillon, Dan Keefe, Kathleen
Thomas, Mark Undestad, and Denny Laufenburger
MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
STAFF PRESENT:
Kate Aanenson, Community Development Director; Sharmeen Al-Jaff,
Senior Planner; Bob Generous, Senior Planner; Angie Auseth, Planner I
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Commissioner Keefe noted the verbatim and summary minutes
of the Planning Commission meeting dated March 17, 2009 as presented.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER SIGNS
Angie Auseth presented the staff report and PowerPoint presentation regarding Electronic
Message Center Signs. Staff reviewed the existing standards and showed all the existing
Electronic Message Center monument signs
After discussion by the Planning Commission the following direction was provided:
Planning Commission Work Session Summary – April 7, 2009
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Administrative Review of Electronic Message Center signs would be appropriate.
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The location of existing monument signage should be mapped to determine the potential
for retrofitting of signage in the downtown area.
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Are separation standards in place between LED signs?
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There was not a consensus on color LED. Color did not appear to be a problem for some,
provided it didn’t interfere with traffic. However, Commissioners did not want signage
to become gaudy or distracting.
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What are other communities’ standards for color LED?
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Animation and special effects should not be permitted.
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Scrolling of lettering was ok.
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A step down in the permissible size of LED signage should be investigated.
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City should survey businesses regarding LED signs.
LED LIGHTS
Sharmeen Al-Jaff presented the staff report and PowerPoint presentation on Light Emitting
Diode (LED) lighting. City Code currently only permits high-pressure sodium. Technology is
moving toward the use of LED lighting due to the increased efficiency and the improvement in
illumination.
After discussion by the Planning Commission, the following direction was provided.
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Some Commissioners seemed to prefer the yellow lighting. Is it possible to have this hue
of lighting with LED?
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How will the mix of lighting types affect aesthetics and safety?
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What are other communities doing with LED lighting?
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It may be appropriate to let the individual developers determine the type of lighting they
use.
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How much does the City spend on street lighting per year?
AGRICULTURAL ANIMALS
Sharmeen Al-Jaff presented the staff report and PowerPoint presentation on farm animals.
Additional definitions are needed in the City Code.
After discussion by the Planning Commission, the following direction was provided.
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City needs to look into the issue of the keeping of bees.
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We need to specifically address the exclusion of farm animals from non-agricultural
areas.
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Should a limited number of “farm animals,” e.g., chickens, ducks, rabbits, etc. be
permissible.
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Good idea to provide greater clarity through the definitions. However, the definitions, as
presented, need to be worked on.
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Planning Commission Work Session Summary – April 7, 2009
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It may be a good idea to specifically exclude wild animals from the City.
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Review farm acreage.
DEFINITIONS
Kate Aanenson presented the staff report on this item. Many of the definitions dealt with
previous amendments to the City Code. Some of the amendments were addressed previously in
the evening.
The Planning Commission expressed their desire to include definitions which would reduce the
ambiguity in the City Code.
OATHS OF OFFICE
Debbie Larson and Kurt Papke recited their oath of office with their reappointment to the
Planning Commission by City Council.
ADOPTION OF PLANNING COMMISSION BYLAWS
The Planning Commission unanimously adopted the Planning Commission bylaws.
ELECTION OF CHAIR & VICE-CHAIR
Kurt Papke was elected as chair and Debbie Larson was elected as vice-chair unanimously by the
Planning Commission.
DESIGN PREFERENCES FOR REGIONAL COMMERCIAL ZONING
Bob Generous presented the staff report and PowerPoint presentation on Regional/Lifestyle
Center Commercial. Staff presented the history of the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan
and its inclusion of the Regional/Lifestyle Center Commercial. The specific land uses for this
area are commercial and/or office. The City is required to adopt an implementing mechanism for
the regional district.
The Planning Commission completed their surveys providing direction on their preferences for
inclusion in the regional commercial area and submitted them to staff.
Chairman Papke adjourned the Planning Commission meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Submitted by Kate Aanenson
Community Development Director
Prepared by Robert Generous
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