06-28-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, June 14, 2021 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 2 21. LA21-000035 – DARRIN ROSHA O/B/O ORONO STATION WEST, 2160 W. WAYZATA BLVD, VARIANCE Barnhart presented a summary packet of information to the Council. Orono Station is seeking variance approval for second free standing sign that is 95.79 square feet where 63 square feet exists, and three canopy signs where two are permitted. They also request variances for the canopy to be lit. Staff supports the number of free-standing signs (2) and the number of canopy signs (3), however Staff does not support the lighting of the canopy nor the increase in size of the signage for the free-standing sign to 95.79 square feet. A monument sign size and the changeable copy signs comply with the Code if the Council were to approve the sign area. Planning Commission reviewed this at the May meeting and recommended approval of the sign package as presented; they did not see an issue with the larger sign area, recognizing the characteristics of Wayzata Boulevard and also some competition further down the street in Long Lake. They also put some weight behind what Marathon proposes or requires from a sign package perspective for their brand. Barnhart is looking for direction from the Council on either drafting a resolution of approval or a resolution of denial. Crosby asked if Marathon has regulations on the sign size. Barnhart replied they have certain parameters they look for in their franchise agreement and certain standards they look for. Mayor Walsh said it is interesting as they do not have a lot of commercial in Orono. As long as it is in character with what is in Long Lake along the boulevard and they are not creating something crazy, it would seem to fit and be just fine. Johnson noted the sign on screen is smaller than the Holiday in Navarre. He does not concern himself with what Marathon wants. Crosby and Walsh agreed. Johnson spoke about the lighting of the outside of the canopy, the blue and red strips, and said that does not need to be lit. The name can be lit but the entire ribbon around the outside seems unnecessary. He noted this is the first challenge of the City’s sign code and asked Barnhart if that is correct. Barnhart replied Lund’s and Byerly’s got a variance for their sign when it was rebuilt for a setback issue, and Bridgewater Bank was also probably related to its setback. Johnson said it would be nice – if people are doing reasonable signs – that they do not have to come to the Council. Crosby stated for him it comes down to what they are doing across the City and consistency. He noted Holiday has a blue line lit up around the whole thing to highlight it. If it is consistent he is good with it. Printup agrees it would be nice to have some consistency, but at the same time they must dissect it a bit when it comes into a certain neighborhood. When that was Mr. Bill’s place, it wasn’t a really high commercial area. As opposed to what a nice light and property improvement, there was an old cabin rental dilapidated house in front of it a few years ago. He noted there are improvements to that spot.