CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
DECEMBER 5, 2001
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City of Apple Valley Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Karen Edgeton at 7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Tim Burke, David Schindler, Karen Edgeton, Tom Melander, Jeannine Churchill, John Bergman
Members Absent: Jim Hadley
Staff Present: Assistant City Engineer Jacob Fick, City Attorney Sharon Hills, City Planner Tom Lovelace
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Burke moved, seconded by Churchill, to approve the agenda. The motion carried 6-0.
3. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 14, 2001 MINUTES
MOTION: Burke moved, seconded by Churchill, to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried 5-0 (1 abstention-Bergman).
4. CONSENT ITEMS - None -
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None -
6. LAND USE/ACTION ITEMS
A. Site Plan/Building Permit Authorization for Reconstruction of a Joint Restaurant Tenancy and Sign Variances
City Planner Tom Lovelace described the request. He explained that the two directional signs are allowed, but need to be smaller to comply with the city's sign code.
The proposed signage and variance requests were the subject of subsequent discussions.
Bergman wanted to know how the proposed signage compares to what Arby's/Sbarros has. He found the safety clearance sign to be distracting. Bergman stated the Brooklyn Center KFC/A & W site's landscaping mulch is dirty looking. The signage there is overwhelming, but the colors are actually kind of nice, he said. Bergman also interjected that everything's square as far as signage and wondered if the old pylon sign could be left in place.
Churchill said she found the proposal to be very busy, and that she does have a problem with the appearance of the building.
Stan Katanic with GPD Associates, the applicant, pointed out the location of the clearance safety sign on the plan and explained the need to retain awnings over the drive-through windows. He stated that allowable signage area is calculated according to the number of seats, noting that the kitchen area for two restaurants increased while the seating increase is minimal. Katanic went on to say there are different signs on the facade of a lot of other buildings in Apple Valley.
Edgeton stated her opposition to setting a precedent to increase the city's signage.
Melander pointed out that the building design itself acts as signage when utilizing a trademark design such as proposed.
There was some discussion about the distinction of two separate businesses and the signage allowed them versus the proposed shared facility.
Katanic showed alternative signage with KFC on one side, and A & W on another side.
Melander commented that the "sharing" situation is one we may be seeing more of, and that he personally doesn't have a problem with the proposed compromise.
Edgeton suggested measuring the sign that incorporates the two logos and making that work without variances.
Katanic responded that he proposed that to the two corporations, but they did not agree to it. He added that they would love to have the preview menu board because it is better service to the customer, but it will be eliminated if necessary. He commented that the menu board size restriction is difficult to deal with when two restaurants are involved.
Burke stated he would be willing to allow the compromise signage proposal, but no other variances.
Edgeton directed the petitioner to work with staff regarding elevation revisions.
7. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Consider Adoption of Meeting Calendar for 2002
MOTION: Melander moved, seconded by Bergman, to adopt the proposed meeting calendar for 2002. Motion carried 6-0.
Bergman asked whether the redevelopment project on Co. Rd. 42 & Garden View (Flowerama) could be added to the work session on December 12th.
8. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Burke moved, seconded by Churchill, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 6-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.