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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,August 20,2018 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Ressler noted at the last meeting there was a comment about advertising signs. Ressler asked whether <br /> there is a way to regulate that if the business is not located there. <br /> Barnhart stated the City cannot remove it because of what it says,and if the sign meets the size <br /> requirements,it would be allowed to stay. <br /> Ressler asked if that would be considered a temporary sign. <br /> Barnhart stated as long as it meets the size requirements,it can remain. Historically the City has <br /> regulated signs based on content,which is no longer allowed. Advertising a business that is not on that <br /> property would be allowed to stay since the new sign ordinance does not regulate based on content. <br /> Thiesse asked whether the City can prohibit it if it is a sign advertising a business and the person whose <br /> property it is on is getting paid to have the sign there. <br /> Barnhart stated it would be allowed. <br /> Ressler asked if the language can be changed to address those things. <br /> Barnhart stated they cannot since they would then be regulating based on content. <br /> Thiesse stated in his view that would be regulating based on commercial use. If someone is advertising a <br /> business,that is not necessarily content,and the City should be able to outlaw advertising a business in <br /> certain areas. Thiesse stated that is not regulating content but regulating what they are doing. <br /> Barnhart stated it would still be regulating based on content. Barnhart stated it is a huge departure from <br /> what the City has done in the past but that the City Attorney has advised that they cannot regulate based <br /> on content, and when you boil it down,it would be a disagreement with the sign based on what it says. <br /> Thiesse stated he disagrees with that since the sign is being used for something other than free speech and <br /> being used to advertise a business. <br /> Erickson moved,Lemke seconded,to recommend approval of Application No. 18-000059,City of <br /> Orono,Text Amendment—Signs. VOTE: Ayes 3,Nays 1,Ressler Opposed. <br /> Ressler commented he wished they could find a way to prohibit certain signs without violating the <br /> intentions of free speech. <br /> 8. UPDATE ON AUGUST 13,2018,CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br /> Barnhart reported the City Council took the following actions at the August 13 meeting: <br /> - Approved the Judd Dayton application at 825 Old Crystal Bay Road. <br /> - Approved the Jay Mittlestat application for a detached garage. <br /> - Approved a variance at 275 Crestview. <br /> - Approved an ordinance to adjust the City's septic regulations to meet Hennepin County's <br /> regulations. <br /> - Reviewed the Matt Johnson application and suggested an 8-foot fence be permissible. <br /> Page 11 of 12 <br />