02-14-2005 Council Minutes - 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) Staff recommends approval of the location and design of the proposed monument sign as it will replace the old and outdated existing sign and should result in a reduction or elimination of the temporary signs placed on this corner periodically. Curtis noted currently there are no standards within the City's zoning code to address institutional signs. The zoning code also does not address whether a sponsor panel is appropriate for signage serving an institutional use such as a school. Staff would suggest possibly eliminating corporate logos from the sponsor panel or perhaps limiting the style of letters to match those used overall on the monument to minimize the commercial feel of the sponsor panel. Sansevere indicated he was in attendance at the Planning Commission meeting when this item was discussed and does not have an issue with the sponsor panel. Sansevere suggested the school consider rotating the name of the sponsor periodically as a means of raising donations. Murphy commented he does not have an issue with the monument sign but that the Council should discuss the possible precedence of the sponsor panel. Neal Lawson thanked Staff for their help on this application. Lawson noted they are attempting to construct this sign without public funds, which is the reason for the sponsor panel. White noted the sponsor panel is the lowest panel on the monument sign. White indicated he likes the • design of the proposed sign. Peterson inquired whether the banners hanging on the fence next to the tennis courts would be removed if this new sign is constructed. Lawson indicated they are hopeful those would be removed. McMillan stated she likes the updated sign and location of the sign. McMillan noted Staff did suggest that the sponsor panel not have a corporate logo on it and that the same font be utilized. McMillan indicated she is in favor of those recommendations since it would help diminish the possibility that this sponsor panel be used as a billboard. McMillan inquired visually how the sponsor panel would look. Lawson stated they have not given much consideration at this point to what the sponsor panel would look like and that various sign companies are recommending this type of sign. Sansevere inquired whether information was able to be obtained on whether other schools have similar type signs. Lawson stated a number of these electronic signs have been constructed as part of the construction of a new school building and were covered under that bonding. Lawson indicated the schools with manual signs are in the process of changing to electronic signs and that they are including a sponsor panel. Lawson stated Hopkins, Eden Prairie, and Wayzata High School have lit electronic sponsor panels. • PAGE 8