02-28-2005 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 14,2005 7:00 o’clock p.m. (#05-3072 Orono Schools, Continued) Murphy commented certain companies have strict standards regarding the use of their logo and that restrictions on the sponsor panel may perhaps diminish the likelihood that those companies would be willing to be a sponsor. Murphy stated since the school district *.s applying for a conditional use permit, that may allow the City to have some jurisdiction over what appears on the sign. Curtis stated a permit would be required to change any panel of the sign and that as part of the conditional use i>ermit the City could require a review. Murphy inquired whether a precedent would be set by allowing this sign in a residential district which would then allow' residential properties to sell a portion of their outside wall and erect signage on one side of their house. Gaffron noted the Council w'ould be approving this as an institutional use even though it is located in a residential area. Gaffron indicated he is unaw'are of any other monument sign within the City that has a sponsor panel and that it would be precedent setting. White noted use of the sign by the school is unique compared to other businesses. Sansevere inquired whether possible language on the sponsor panel could include Coke supports the Spartans and whether the school district has given any consideration to exactly how the sponsor panel would be used. Lawson stated the concept they envisioned for the sponsor panel is just basically the name of the company or organization that helped finance the sign. Peterson inquired of Fritzler why the members of the Planning Commission voted against the sponsor panel. Fritzler staled the main concern of the Planning Commission w as whether this w ould be used in the future as a means of commercial advertising and the feeling that an illuminated sponsor panel is not necessary. Fritzler stated the Planning Commission was in favor of a small plaque located on the side of the sign rather than the sponsor panel. McMillan stated tn her view the sponsor panel should have the same color and appearance as the rest of the sign rather than a distinct separate color which would tend to draw someone's attention to it. Peterson inquired how high the sponsor panel is liKated off the ground. Lawson stated the sponsor panel would be approximately two feet ofi'the gr«)und. with vegetation being planted around the sign. M(H>rse suggested language be included in the approval that would give the City the right to pcnodically review the sign since the C’lty docs not currently have standards for this type of sign. PAGE 9