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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 4, 2008 Work Session<i+r+T 7.. Pr;tcr_tivm 1 1 ®f ®~~f~il~~rl ~i~'VI 1 1 V VIaYOr Councilmembers Kobc~rt : i. Id'+l/fum,e S90 40"' Avenue NE, Columbia llei hts, MN 55421-3878 763 706-3600 TDD 763 706-3692 /3+ucr Nay, rnch, g t ) t 1 7`~~nnnu~ru !)mhrn 6isilnurwehsiteat: wwrv.ci.colurrrbia-hei+=hts.nur.rrs Hrucc~K'elzivehtr~; City b7anager Id~ulterR. heha~r ADMINISTRATION NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING to be held in the CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS as follows: Meeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL Date of Meeting: AUGUST 4, 2008 Time of Meeting: 7:00 P.M. Location of Meeting: CONFERENCE ROOM 1 Purpose of Meeting: WORK SESSION Consent Agenda 1. Dedicated left turn lane on 49th Avenue Agenda 1. Parking Ramp agreement - 40th and Central Avenue 2. Financial. help w/facade improvements 3. Change in ordinance regarding LED signs 4. Water shut off rates S. Discussion regarding retaining walls The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights' services, programs, and activities. Auxiliary aids for handicapped persons are available upon request when the request is made at least 96 hours in advance. Please call the City Clerk at 763-706- 361 1 to make an•angements. (TDD/70G-3692 for deaf or hearing impaired only) CITY COUNCIL LETTER Meeting of: 8/4/08 AGENDA SECTION: WORK SESS[ON ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER NO: PUBLIC WORKS ~ ITEM: EVALUATION OF A DEDICATED LEFT TURN BY: K. Hanse BY: ~ ~' LANE ON 49T" AVENUE FROM FILLMORE STREET TO DATE: 7/31/0 DATE: JOHNSON STREET Background: At the June Traffic Commission meeting, Mr. Howard Seim of 1425 Molan Terrace requested a dedicated turn lane be designated on 49`'' Avenue between Fillmore Street and Johnson Street. The turn lane has the potential to allow through traffic to continue east bound or west bound on 49`h Avenue when school is in session or when there are special events at the school. The Traffic Commission passed a motion to recommend the City Council request a traffic study from the Anoka County Highway Department for 49`h Avenue NE from Fillmore Street to Johnson Street to evaluate a dedicated turn lane by reducing the parking zone for two blocks (excerpt of minutes are attached). Analysis /Conclusions: City staff supports the idea of a traffic study by Anoka County Highway Department near the High School to evaluate traffic operation on 49`'' Avenue with a dedicated left turn lane. The existing street width is 44 feet face of curb to face of curb. It would be required to eliminate parking on both sides to accommodate a left turn lane. Recommended Motion: Direct staff to request Anoka County Highway Department to conduct a traffic study on 49`x' Avenue between Fillmore Street and 3ohnson Street, with an evaluation of a left turn lane in this segment boundary. KH:cb COUNCIL ACTION: ,~ - Draft Minutes from "Traffic Commission Meeting June 2, 2008 A. REQUEST TO CONSTRUCT A DEDICATED TURN LANE ON 49T" AVENUE BETWEEN FILLMORE STREET AND JOHNSON STREET Mr. Howard Seim of 1425 Molan Terrace has requested a dedicated turn lane be designated on 49`h Avenue between Fillmore Street and Johnson Street, The turn lane ~ has the potential to allow through traffic to continue east bound or west bound on 49`'' Avenue when school is in session or when there are special events at the school. 49`'' Avenue is a County State Aid Highway and under the jurisdiction of Anoka County. Provided the Traffic Commission and City Council approve the request, staff will request Anoka County do a traffic study of the area to add a dedicated turn lane. Mr. Seim summarized the problems of traffic congestion in this area with 49`~ Avenue dividing the school district and traffic being congested during school and special events. He outlined several possible solutions but thought that adding a turn lane by eliminating two blocks of parking would be the easiest and most cost-effective way to reduce the traffic problem. Chief Nadeau spoke with school staff and ran an accident report for this area. Accidents weren't a problem, but school staff raised concerns about traffic congestion when special events or school events are going on. Chief Nadeau liked the proposal of removing 12 parking spots to create a turn lane. Commissioners Anderson, Carlson, Doty, and Councilmember Kelzenberg concurred with this option. Commissioner Goodman favored the idea but thought a traffic study should be done by the County to determine if this is a feasible option. Commissioner Sturdevant felt traffic congestion was only a problem during special events and thought traffic control could be achieved through the use of traffic police at those times. Motion by Goodman and seconded by Anderson to request a traffic study from Anoka County for 49`'' Avenue NE from Fillmore Street to Johnson Street to add a dedicated turn lane by reducing the parking zone for two blocks. Upon Vote: Commissioner Anderson -Yea, Commissioner Carlson -Yea, Commissioner Doty -Yea., Commissioner Goodman -Yea, Commissioner Sturdevant -Nay. (4-Yeas, 1-Nay -1`Zotion Carried) Mayur: ~ I TY a F (~ C} L U M B I A N E I H T S Gary L Peterson Counciirnemtrers: Bruce Na«~rocki 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (763) 706-3600 TDD (763} 706-3692 Bobby Williams Visit Our Website nc www.c~i.cnlumbia-hei,~lu.r.,nu.aas Tammera Diehm Bruce Kelzenberg City Manager: Walter R. P'ehst COLUMBIA HEIGHTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT DATE: July 30, 2008 TO: Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Sheila Cartney, Assistant Community Development Director ~j~ RE: Parking Ramp Agreements On July 20, 1982 a "Management Agreement for Parking Facilities and Lease of the Plaza by and between the Housing and Redevelopment Authority in and for the City of Columbia Heights and Terry Evenson" was executed. The agreement had two parts: Part I Lease of the Plaza property and Part II Management Provisions. It appears the amendments to the Agreement throughout the years mainly affect Part II Management Provisions. An additional agreement was produced in 1988 between the City of Columbia Heights and Zaidan Holdings for the "Operation of the Parking Ramp" The 1988 "Operation of the Parking Ramp" Agreement designates Zaidan as the operator. Prior to that designation. the Agency (city) was the operator and was able to subcontract the work (Section 2.03 and 2.04 1982 agreement}. These amendments remove the city from any operation commitments. The operator is responsible for routine maintenance and essentially manages and operates the ramp. The owner of the office building is responsible for the costs incurred by the operator. In addition the owner is responsible for all major repairs and replacement of structural elements fo the parking ramp (Section 2.01 1982 agreement). In March 2008, The Northeast Bank Building, located at 3989 Central Ave was sold to Stadium Village Properties (SVP), LLC. SVP has presented the city with an agreement titled "Agreement Between the City of Columbia Heights and Stadium Village Properties, LLC for the Operation of the Parking Ramp." This agreement would replace the 1988 Operation agreement. Stadium Village is the owner of the office building and therefore, is responsible for the operating costs of the ramp. SVP would like to beco>ne the "Operator" as well. The proposed agreement has a different breakdown and modifies that language slightly but does not change the terms (maintenance, hours, rates etc). The 1988 agreement remains in place with the proposed modification. Attached is a summary of agreements broken down in a table format and a historical summary of all agreements and processes. Recommendation The agreement that Stadium Village Properties, LLC has presented represents the terms THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES NOT DISCRIMIhlATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and conditions in the 1988 agreement (modified term in 1991 to end of Management Agreement) by replacing the operators name from Zairian Holdings, Inc, to Stadium Village Properties LLC. Staff supports this amendment. 1982 First Management Agreement for Parking Facilities and Lease of the Plaza property. Use Maintenance Term Insurance Walkway Public, leased to Redeveloper 99 years Redeveloper redeveloper assumes full covers all risk res onsibility of loss Ramp 369 stalls. General Redeveloper 40 years max. Agency public who are tenants, responsible if 40 years covers all risk business invitees, for all repairs redeveloper of loss licensees, agents, Agency can buy ramp employers or guests of responsible $1 if the office building. for operations purchased Agency can add public (maint. Agency will parking for general Upkeep) negotiate parking anytime public parking 1988 First Operation Agreement between City of Columbia Heights and Zaidan Holdings Inc. (Agreement designates and operator) The 1982 Management Agreement is still in effect Maintenance Term Insurance Other Operator Routine & repairs. Redeveloper 5 years June 30, Provides Provides pays operators costs 1993- Amended in liability bookkeeping, 1991 to extend pays utilities term to remaining duration of 1V.lanagement A reement 1990 Agreement for Modification of Management agreement for Parking Facilities Public Office building Term tenants/other Parking 40 % designated Remaining - Remaining duration of permits - permits Management agreement can't exceed four hours r~m~~ Parking Ramp Agreements July 20, 1382 (Original} "Management Agreement far Parking Facilities and Lease of the Plaza Property" Contract between HRA "Agency'' and Terry Evenson "Redeveloper" Terms: HRA to construct 369-stall parking ramp and pedestrian walkway "open plaza area" - Redeveloper to construct office building - Management agreement agreed upon for use of parking ramp and plaza area. Lease of Plaza Property: Redeveloper aggress to lease the property Term: lease of 99 years beginning 12/1/1982 and ending 11/20/2081 - $1.00 per year - HRA may sell property to redeveloper if desired Use: During term, redeveloper will use and maintain the plaza (cleaning, upkeep of landscaping) Section 3.01 - Shall allow free use and enjoyment to the general public with no restrictions (Section 3.01) Maintenance and Repair: Redeveloper assumes full and sole responsibility for the condition, repair and maintenance (Section 4.01) Management Provisions for Ramp: Construction: HRA to construct ramp Use: Parking ramp only used by affice tenants and guest between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm on every business day (Part II, Section 1.02(a)) - If entire ramp is not utilized, an agreement between the HRA and redeveloper could be established for use by the general public between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm. - HRA could impose parking fees and charges for general public, but must be agreed upon - No parking fees initially Maintenance: Redeveloper assumes full responsibility for all repairs and. maintenance of structural elements such as: foundation, walls, parking decks and roof, plumbing, elevators, lighting and heating systems. - HRA is responsible in full for pavement markings, bumper guards, wheel blocks, gates and barricades, premises in clean condition, removal of snow and ice, minor repairs to plumbing, lighting and heating, signs Payment: HRA to subcontract maintenance work - Redeveloper shall pay directly to such party as they come due, any and all costs incurred by the Agency pursuant to such subcontract. Option to Purchase: Term of agreement = 20 years - Redeveloper may renew agreement in l0-year increments up to 40 years. - Redeveloper has option to purchase only if renewed up to 40 years October 26, 1982 "Agreement Between The Housing and Redevelopment Authority in and for the City of Columbia Heights and Gay Realty, Inc. for the Operation of the Parking Ramp" - HRA enters into agreement with Gay Realty, Inc. for maintenance of ramp - 5-year agreement, expiring 9/20/1987 June 27, 1988 "Assignment for Management Agreement for Parking Facilities and Lease of the Plaza Property" - Terry Evenson assigned responsibilities to Zaidan Holdings, Inc. June 30, 1988 "Agreement Between the City of Columbia Heights and Zaidan Holdings, Inc. for the Operation of the Parking Ramp" Recitals: State that the Authority's (HRA) interest has been assigned to the City. (No official Assignment Agreement found in the file between the HRA and the City) - Agreement between City and Zaidan for the performance of the City's entire obligation for the operation and maintenance of the parking ramp. - All responsibility far maintenance shifted to Zaidan Holdings, Inc. (Section 2.4) Teens: 6/20/1988 to 6/30/1993 (5 yrs.) Hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm M-F Rates: None established November 7, 1990 "Agreement far Modification of Management Agreement for Parking Facilities" Term: Duration ol'inanagement agreement and ramp operation agreement Use of Ramp: Zaidan. shall maintain 40% of tlae stalls for short-team. use by members of the general. public - Short-term. use by public will be available for periods not to exceed 4 hours. - Zaidan shall determine number and location of stalls for use of tenants, et al. and monthly permit holders. February I1, 1991 "Agreement for Modification of Management Agreement for Parking Facilities" Use: Zaidan shall supply 40°% of parking to general public on short-teizn basis not to exceed 4 hours - Zaidan shall maintain 60% of stalls for long-term, monthly permit parl~ing. November 23, 1994 "Amended and Restated Assessment Agreement (City of Columbia JFleights Office Center} Original Assessment Agreement: September 27, 1984 Minimum Marl~et Value: $4,800,000 Amendment: Minimum Market Value adjusted to $1,630,800 for ad valorem tax pufposes, as of January 2, 1995 March 10, 1995 "Purchase Agreement" Purchase agreement for property from Zaidan to Gordan Awsumb July 10, 2000 "Parking Certificate" Bank loan established. No amendments to agreement may be made without the authorization of the bank Mayor: I TY O F (~ C} L U B I HEIGHTS Gary I. Peterson Councilmembers: Bruce Naw~rocki 590 40th Avenue N.E. , Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (763) 706-36U0 TDD (763) 706-3692 Bobby Williams Visit Our Web.rite nt: rrww~.ci.coll~n76ia-hei,~hts.n2n.us Tammera Diehm Bruce Kelzenberg City Manager: Walter R. Fehst COLUMBIA HEIGHTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT DATE: July 30, 2008 TO: Mayor and City Council Members - fi FROM: Sheila Cartney, Assistant Community Development Director ~U'-', RE: Northeast Bank facade improvements In March. 2008, the Northeast Bank Building, located at 3989 Central was sold to Stadium Village Properties (SVP), LLC. Since then, SVP has made numerous improvements to the site including cleaning of the parking ramp, re-facing and hiring security. Repairs have also been made to the Plaza that has ranged in a cost of $350,000.00. SVP would like to "re-skin" the Northeast Bank Building, which would be a much needed facade improvement. The estimated. cost to re-skin the entire building is $500,000.00. SVP is requesting financial assistance from the City of Columbia Heights for this project. SVP has also expressed interest in owning "The Plaza" which is currently owned by the City. Their proposal is to purchase "The Plaza" from the City for $250,000.00 and the City will provide a like amount to SVP for re-skinning the building. SVP will be at the workshop to discuss this proposal. THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT OR 'rNE PROVISION OF SF_RVICF_S EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Stadium Village Properties L.L.C. 1313 Fifth Street S.E. • Minneapolis, MN 55414 ° (612) 379-3800 July 16, 2008 Scott Clark Community Development Director City of Columbia Heights 590 49`" Avenue NE Columbia Heights, MN. 55421 Dear Scott: We are writing to propose a significant improvement to the Columbia Heights Central Business District. Apparently everyone at City Hall has noticed the stained panels and the added ugly tape joints when passing our building; it would be hard to miss. In a meeting at your offices prior to the closing a City representative asked me if a new skin was part of the $1.2M being spent on repairs and upgrades around the property. As you know it was not an item SVP was considering with the other largely structural improvements that were necessary. The cost of the new skin is approximately $500,000. It is a fact of real estate that improving the appearance of the most obvious landmark building in the area enhances the entire CBD and will encourage a better grade of development in the surrounding properties. SVP wants to make this improvement; but needs some consideration from the community to off set the huge expense. To that end Doug Walker asked you in a previous meeting if there were any programs or grants that could provide financial assistance for the re-skinning project. Unfortunately there were not. This brings me to the second part of this proposal. As you are also aware SVP would like to purchase "The Plaza" from the City. The Plaza. is the second floor open air deck azea attached to the building and the driveway underneath it that is being used as the bank drive-up. SVP is in the process of making considerable repairs to the Plaza at a cost of around $350,000. These repairs are the result of deferred maintenance and improper storage of snow by previous Owners of the building. Attaching the Plaza parcel to the building makes sense from a financial standpoint by adding value to the property. From a practical standpoint it alleviates concerns expressed by our Lender; 1) we are currently making substantial improvements to the Plaza and will continue to maintain property we do not own and in fact it can be sold by the City to a third parry, and 2) it is a permanent structure akeady attached to the building that is also being used by nearly every tenant in the building. Our proposition is that SVP will purchase the Plaza from the City at some agreed to price -say 50% of the cost of adding the new skin, so approximately $250,000, The City would in turn provide a like amount of financial assistance to SVP that will allow us to install the new skin. The assistance would be in the form of a grant or some other vehicle which would not require the money to be paid back to the City. It must also be in immediate cash to avoid further complicating our need to raise $500,000. We are not asking for tax relief on the Plaza and a modest tax coming back to the City after the sale should further the attractiveness of our proposal. If this concept is workable we will need to move forward as quickly as possible to complete the work this fall. It makes sense to get the new shinny aluminum skin on the building as soon as possible and freshen up the appearance of 40`" and Central. Doug Walker will handle all the coordination forme. Please call him at 612-379-3800 with any questions. Yours truly, Stadium Village Properties, LLC avid P J per, President Mayor: Gary L. }'etcrson C'ouncilmembers: Bobby Williams "1'ammera Diehm Bruce Kelzenberg Bruce Nawrocki City Manager: Walter R. Fehst COLUMBIA HEIGHTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT DATE: August 4, 2008 TO: Columbia Heights City Council, Mayor Peterson hROiv1: .ieti Sargent, City Planner RE: LED Signage and Dynamic Signage INTRODUCTION City staff has proceeded with the creation of an ordinance regulating the use of Dynamic LED Signage throughout the city. The proposed ordinance was created in an effort to both stimulate and promote the economic vitality of the city, while ensuring that the signage is not obtrusive, distractive or incompatible with the overall character of the commercial districts throughout the city. The attached information will. be submitted to the Planning Commission. on August 6, 2008 for their review. In summary, the proposed ordinance accomplishes the following: Allows for Dynamic LED signage ill all zoning districts with a Conditional Use Permit. Only religious and education institutions may utilize dynamic LED signage in residentially zoned districts. 2. Prohibits animation, scrolling, flashing, and blinking and videos on dynamic LED signs. Messages may change no more frequently that once every ] 0 minutes in commercially or industrially zoned districts, and no more than once every 30 minutes in residentially zoned district. 4. Dynamic LED signs may only be used in conjunction with a monument sign. CITY OE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PLANNING REPORT CASE NUMBER: 200$-0802 DATE: August 6, 2008 TO: Columbia Heights Planning Commission APPLICANT: City of Columbia Heights LOCATION: City Wide REQUEST: Zoning Amendment for LED Signage PREPARED BY: Jeff Sargent, City Planner INTRODUCTION On multiple occasions, business owners wishing to incorporate LED and dynamic signage to promote their business have approached the City asking for permission to incorporate this type of signage into their building. The current Sign Code and Design Guidelines specifically prohibit the use of variable electronic message signs, and a code amendment would be required before these businesses could be allowed to use this signage. Much research on dynamic signage has been done, as many other cities have recently amended their ordinance to regulate electronic signs throughout their respective cities. The following report includes the City of Columbia Heights' standards regarding dynamic signage, the different types of dynamic signs available. At this time, staff recommends amending the sign code in order to address and control LED and dynamic signage, in an effort to both stimulate and promote the economic vitality of the city, while ensuring that the signage is not obtrusive, distractive or incompatible with the overall character of the commercial districts throughout the city. WHAT IS LED SIGNAGE AND DYNAMIC SIGNAGE? "LED" stands for Light Emitting Diode, and is the industry-standard way of describing a changeable electronic sign. Per a study conducted by SRF Consulting Group, Inc. for the City of Minnetonka, a definition of Dynamic Signage was given as: Any characteristics of a sign that appear to have movement or that appear to change, caused by any method other than physically removing and replacing the sign or its components, whether the apparent movement or City of Columbia Heights Planning Commission August 6, 2008 City of Columbia Heights, LED Signage Case # 2008-0802 change is in the display, the sign structure itself, or any other component of the sign. This includes a display that incorporates a technology or method allowing the sign face to change the image without having to physically or mechanically replace the sign face or its components. This also includes any rotating, revolving, moving, flashing, blinking, or animated display and any display that incorporates rotating panels, LED lights manipulated through digital input, "digital ink" or any other method or technology that allows the sign face to present a series of images or displays. Examples of such signage include Electronic Changeable Copy signs, Electronic Graphic Display signs, Video Display signs, and Time and Temperature signs. Figure 1 is an example of some proposed sign standards used by the City of Bloomington, and shows the difference between the above-listed signs. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN One of the goals of the Comprehensive Plan is to preserve and enhance the existing viable commercial areas within the community, and to promote reinvestment in properties by the commercial and industrial sectors. Allowing dynamic signage is a way to enhance economic vitality by giving the commercial owners a mechanism to advertise their business in an efficient and aesthetic manner. ZONING ORDINANCE Section 9.106 (P)(6)(e - f), Prohibited Signs, lists "an animated or rotating sign, except barber pales and signs displaying time and temperature information only in the animated or rotating portion thereof" and "a flashing sign, including indoor flashing, electronic signs visible from the public right-of-way, other than time and temperature signs limited to such time and temperature information", as specifically prohibited in the City of Columbia Heights. The Design Guidelines state, "Variable electronic message signs are not permitted, with the exception of existing time/temperature signs". The zoning code and Design Guidelines would have to be amended to help regulate the use of dynamic signage throughout the city. FINDINGS OF FACT Section 9.104 (F) of the Columbia Heights zoning code requires that the City Council make each of the following four findings before approving a zoning amendment: The amendment is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. One of the goals of the Comprehensive Plan is to preserve and enhance the Page 2 City of Columbia Heights Planning Commission August 6, 2008 City of Columbia Heights, LED Signage Case # 2008-0802 existing viable commercia! areas within the community, and to promote reinvestment in properties by the commercial and industrial sectors. Allowing dynamic signage is a way to enhance economic vitality by giving the commercial owners a mechanism to advertise their business in an efficient and aesthetic manner. 2. The amendment is in the public interest and is not solely for the benefit of a single property owner. The proposed amendment would affect all business owners throughout the city and not solely for the benefit of a single property owner. 3. Where the amendment is to change the zoning classification of a particular property, theme existing use of the ~property,.}and the zoning classification of propel ty vritl iin the general area of ti ie pr opal Cy in question ar e vompatibin ~,~f;th the proposed zoning classification. The amendment would not change the zoning classification of a particular property. 4. Where the amendment is to change the zoning classification of a particular property, there has been a change in the character or trend of development in the general area of the property in question, which has taken place since such property was placed in the current zoning classification. The amendment would not change the zoning classification of a particular property. RECOMMENDATION If the City Council chooses to allow all or certain types of dynamic signs, Staff recommends that regulations be imposed on such signage. Recommended Regulations Include: • Allowing such signs only in the CBD, GB, MXD, and PO Districts. • Allowing high schools and religious institutions the use of such signs, regardless of the zoning district they are located in. • Prohibiting motion, animation and video electronic signs. • Restricting the time duration of message changing to no less than once every 10 minutes in non-residential zones and no less than once 30 minutes in residential zones. • Allowing electronic signs only as a component of a monument sign. • Limiting the electronic signs to occupy no more than 50% of a monument sign. • Requiring an automatic dimmer control. • Requiring electronic signs to be no less than 35 feet from other electronic signs. Page 3 City of Columbia Heights Planning Commission August 6, 2008 City of Columbia Heights, LED Signage Case # 2008-0802 If the City Council chooses to prohibit electronic and dynamic signs, Staff recommends that the current City Code be amended in order to clarify that these types of signs are indeed prohibited. A definition of electronic and/or dynamic sign should be added to the Code with specific references made to them in the text. However, staff also recommends that gas station price signs be exempt, and electronic signs may be allowed to display gas prices only, with no limitation to the number of times during the day in which the price may be changed. Motion: That the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council approve the proposed zoning amendment. Attachments • l,raft Zon;ng nrrNlinan~n" • Figure 1 Page 4 ~~ Type of Sign Electronic Changeable Copy Moving pictures, with or without text --- -r------- Eitctronic Graphic Display Video Display Time and Temperature ~, Description Text only, no pictures Districts Not in Bluff Protection (BP) Orientation Must not be visible from residential if within 150 feet Static pictures, with or without text Not in residential, SC or BP Must not be visible from residential if within 150 feet Not in residential, SC or BP ~''~r~~r°icnro ~f Fr~o~a~ased Sign Standards Time and temperature information only Not in residential, SC or BP Must not be visible from residential or any No limit motored way (public streets, drive aisles, etc.) Minimum Duration 8seconds innon-residential, l hour in residential 20 minutes No limit 2 seconds Color Amber in residential No limit No limit No limit Text Limits 10 words No limit No limit No limit Brightness No limit 5000 nitsl500 nits 5000 nitsl500 nits No limit Dimmer Control Not required Required Required Not required Setbacks Sign edge must be 100 feet from an abutting residential district. 35 feet from other electronic changeable copy signs Sign edge must be 100 feet from an abutting residential district. 35 feet from other electronic changeable co si ns Sign edge must be 100 feet from an abutting residential district. 35 feet from other electronic changeable copy signs No limit Audio or Not allowed Not allowed Not allowed Not allowed Report to the City Council October 9, 2006 Division of City Planning .~ DRAFT ORDINANCE NO. XXXX I3EING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1490, CITY CODE OF 2005 RELATING TO LED, DYNAMIC, AND OTHER SIGNAGE WITHIN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.103 of the Columbia Heights City Code, is proposed to include the following additions and deletions: § 9.103 DEFINITIONS. For the p>>rpose of this a,-riciP, tl,P I'niin~xl~ng defn2t:ons sl.all atrpl}j unless the ConteXt clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. SIGN, DYNAMIC LED. Any characteristics of a sign that appear to have movement or that appear to change, caused by any method other than physically removing and replacing the sign or its components. This includes a display that incorporates a technology or method allowing the sign face to change the image without having to physically or mechanically replace the sign face or its components. This also includes any moving, flashing, blinking, or animated display and any display that incorporates LED lights manipulated through digital input, "digital ink" or any other method or technology that allows the sign face to present a series of images or displays. SIGN, ELECTRIC. A sign that uses electrical wiring on, in or near such sign to effect m°~~°~°r* .,~a~°w illumination, SIGN, VARIABLE ELECTRONIC MESSAGE. A dynamic LED sign that changes its message more frequently than once every ten (10) minutes for commercial and industrial properties located in the LB, GB, CBD, I-1 and I-2 zoning districts and a dynamic LED sign that changes its message more frequently than once every thirty (30) minutes for religious and/or educational institutions located in the R-1, R-2A, R-2B, R-3, R-4 and LB zoning districts. Chapter 9, Article T, Section 9.106 (P)(6) of the Columbia Heights City Code, is proposed to include the following additions and deletions: § 9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. (P) Sign s°e~tslatioi~s. (6) Pr°vd~ibited Signs. Signs that are not specifically permitted. in this division are hereby prohibited. in all districts Lmless criteria is presented to allow the Plamling Commission to deem that the sign, design preserves and maintains the community's tuzique historical and cultural elemezits. Without restricting or limiting the generality of the provisions of the foregoing, the following signs are specifically prohibited: (a-p} [SECTIONS TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] (q) Variable electronic message signs. Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.106 (P) of the Columbia Heights City Code, is proposed to include the following additions and deletions: S 9~1 Oh f F.NEu Ai , iIEyEL(IPNiEriT c•rA;~rDAuDc. (P) Sign r~egarlc~tions. (8) Dy~zanzic LED signage. (a) Regulations. Dynamic LED signage is allowed as a conditional use in those zoning districts specified in this code. All dynamic LED signage is subject to the following conditions: 1. Dynamic LED signs are allowed only on monument signs for conditionally permitted uses in all zoning districts, with the exception of motor fuel stations, which may display dynamic LED signs as a part of the pylon sign. Dynamic LED signs may occupy no more than fifty percent (50%) of the actual copy and graphic area. The remainder of the sign must not have the capability to have dynamic LED signs, even if not used. Only one, contiguous dynamic display area is allowed on a sign face. 2. A dynamic LED sign may not change or move more often than once every ten (10) minutes for commercial or industrial uses, and no more than once every thirty (30) minutes for religious and/or educational institution uses, except one for which changes are necessary to correct hour-and-minute, date, or temperature information. 3. A display of time, date or temperature information may change as frequently as once every ten (10) seconds, however information displayed not relating to the date, time or temperature must not change or move more often than once every ten (10) minutes for commercial or industrial uses, and no more than once every thirty (30) minutes for religious and/or educational institution uses. 4. The images and messages displayed must be static, and the transition from one state display to another must be instantaneous without any special effects. Motion, animation and video images are prohibited on dynamic LED sign displays. 5. The images and messages displayed must be complete in themselves, without continuation in content to the next image or message or to any other sign. 6. Dynamic LED signs must be designed and equipped to freeze the device in one position if a malfunction shall occur. The displays must also be equipped with a means to immediately discontinue the display if it malfunctions, and the sign owner must immediately stop the dynamic display when notified by the city that it is not complying with the standards of this ordinance. 7. Dynamic LED signs may not exceed a maximum illumination of 5;000 nits (candelas per square meter; during daylight hours and a lllax~lllulll illumination of 500 nits (candelas per square meter) between dusk to dawn as measured from. the sign's face at maximum brightness. Dynamic LED signs must have an automatic dimmer control to produce a distinct illumination change from a higher illumination level to a lower level for the time period between one-half hour before sunset and one half-hour after sunrise. 8. Dynamic LED signs existing on the effective date of this ordinance must comply with the operational standards listed above. An existing dynamic LED sign that does not meet the structural requirements may continue as a non-conforming sign subject to section 9.105 (E). Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.106 (P)(8) of the Colombia heights City Code, is proposed to include the following additions and deletions: § 9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. (P) Sign ~~egulcztions. {-8-}(9} Szgns in Resic~'e~tial Dzst~°icts K-1, c-r~tl R-2A, and R-2B. (a) [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] (b) Kestr~ictions on permitted sig~~zs. Permitted signs in the R-1, Single- Family Residential, and R-2A and R-2B, Two-Family Residential Districts are subject to the following restrictions: L [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] 2. [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] 3. [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] 4. [SECTION "TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] (c} Conditio~zal Use sighs. In the R-1, R-2A and R-2B Districts, the followings signs shall require a Conditional Use Permit: institution. institution. 1. A Dynamic LED Sign used in conjunction with a religious 2. A Dynamic LED Sign used in conjunction with an educational (d) Restrictio»s oar Con~litionnl Use Signs. Signs requiring a Conditional Use Permit in the R-1, Single-Family Residential, and R-2A and R-2B, Two-Family Residential Districts are subject to the following restrictions: 1. All signage must be approved through the Conditional Use Permit process as outlined in § 9.1.04 (H) of the zoning code. 2. All signage must meet the requirements far Dynamic LEll signs, as outlined in section 9.106 (P)(8) of this ordinance. 3. Dynamic LED Signs may change its message with a frequency of no less than one (1) message for each thirty (30) minutes of display time. Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.106 (P)(9) of the Columbia Heights City Code, is proposed to include the following additions and deletions: § 9.1.06 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. (P) Sign regulations. (-9}(10) Sighs in Reszcz<ential Districts R-3 c~nc~ R-~. (a) [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] (b) Reslrietio~zs on permitted signs. Permitted signs in the R-3, Limited Multiple Family Residential, and R-4, Multiple-Family Residential Districts are subject to the following restrictions: 1. [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] 2. [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] 3. [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] 4. [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] (c) Conditional Use signs. In the R-3 and R-4 Districts, the followings signs shall require a Conditional Use Permit: 1. A Dynamic LED Sign used in conjunction with a religious institution. 2. A Dynamic LED Sign used in conjunction with an educational institution. (d) Rcstrictio»s on Co~iditiorzal Use Signs. Signs requiring a Conditional Use Permit in the R-3, Limited Multiple-Family Residential, and R-4, Multiple-Family Residential Districts are subject to the following restrictions: 1. All signage must be approved through the Conditional Use Permit prnePgc ac outlined in ~ 9.104 ~I-Ti~r 6f the ~onirig %fide. 2. All signage must meet the requirements for Dynamic LED signs, as outlined in section 9.106 (P)(8) of this ordinance. 3. Dynamic LED Signs may change its message with a frequency of no less than one (1) message for each thirty (30) minutes of display time. Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.106 (P)(10) of the Columbia Heights City Code, is proposed to include the following additions and deletions: § 9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. (P) .Sign regulations. (~8-)(11) Signs in LB, Lin~iteci Bz~siness Dish^ict. (a) [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] (b) Restrictiof~s on ~erniitted sigr~is. Permitted signs in the LB, Limited Business District, are subject to the following restrictions: 1. [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] 2. [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] 3. [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] (c) Co~iditioizal Use sigizs. In the LB District, the followings signs shall require a Conditional Use Permit: 1. A Dynamic LED Sign used in conjunction with a commercial business. institution. institution. 2. A Dynamic LED Sign used in conjunction with a religious 3. A Dynamic LED Sign used in conjunction with an educational (d) Restrictio~~s orz Conditional Ilse Signs. Signs requiring a Conditional Use Permit in the LB, Limited Business District, are subject to the following restrictions: 1. All signage must be approved through the Conditional Use Permit process as outlined in § 9.104 (H) of the zoning code. 2. All signage must meet the requirements for Dynamic LED signs, as n~itlir~e~l in cPetion 9.106 (P)(S) of this ordinance. 3. Dynamic LED Signs may change its message with a frequency of no Less than one (1) message for each ten (10) minutes of display time for commercial businesses. 4. Dynamic LED Signs may change its message with a frequency of no less than one (1) message for each thirty (30) minutes of display time for religious or educational institutions. Chapter 9, Article I, Section. 9.106 (P)(11) of the Columbia Heights City Code, is proposed to include the following additions and deletions: § 9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. (P} Szgn regulcztzvrzs. {-El-}(12} Signs in C'BD, C'entr~al Bus•ir~ess Dzstr•ict. (a) Permitted signs. In the CBD, Central Business District, the following signs shall be permitted: 1. [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] f ~ , ~2. in ¢,,,,+ rn+r,.,,,~, ,,,,,~,,,,+ ~.,, n+ One monument sign not to exceed 40 square feet in size, limited to two sides, not to exceed $ feet in height, and set a minimum of 5 feet fTOm any property line. 4.3. Any p~k~~=r-er monument sign must be a minimum of five feet from any building or structure on the same lot. ~-:4. One wall sign on each side of the building that faces a public alley, not to exceed tnZtr sq~2are feet per c>>rfaeP ar~rl limited to nne s„rfar~e r~er cigp, g:-5. One area identification sign for each shopping center not to exceed 100 square feet per surface, and limited to four surfaces; one wall sign for each primary use business, not to exceed 100 square feet per surface and limited to one surface. ?6. One identification sign for each user other than the primary use, not to exceed two square feet per surface, and limited to one surface. ;~9. One wall sign per building with an are of the lesser of 20 square feet or '/2 square foot for each front foot of a building or structure provided that the said sign is located on the same side of the building as an entrance approved by the City Building Official as a public entrance and provided that the said public entrance and sign faces a parking facility designated by the city as approved public parking. (b) Restrictions orz permitted sig~zs. Permitted signs in the CBD, Central Business District are subject to the following restrictions: [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] 2. , gre The maximum height of a monument sign, including its structures, shall not exceed 8 feet above grade at street level or at the base of the sign, whichever is greater. [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] (c) Coi~iditior~al Use signs. In the CBD District, the followings signs shall require a Conditional Use Permit: 1. Dynamic LED signage. (d) Restrictions o/a Co//ditio//al Use Signs. Signs requiring a Conditional Use Permit in the CBD, Central Business District, are subject to the following restrictions: 1. All signage must be approved through the Conditional Use Permit process as outlined in § 9.104 (H) of the zoning code. 2. All signage must meet the requirements for llynamic LED signs, as outlined in section 9.106 (P)(S) of this ordinance. 3. Dynamic LED Signs may change its message with a frequency of no less than one (1) message for each ten (10) minutes of display time. r'hapter 9, Artir.le I, CPrtinn 9,1(10, (Pl(l~) of tl~e ("nl,,;;;hhia I-Ieigl:tg ('it~~ (`Od;, 1g proposed to include the following additions and deletions: § 9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. (P) Sign r•egulalions. {~-}(13) Signs in GB, General I3i~si~ess District. (a) [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] (b) Resh°ictio~s o// permitted sig//s. Permitted signs in the GB, General Business District are subject to the following restrictions: 1. [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] 2. [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] 3. [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] 4. [SECrI'ION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] (c) Conditio//al Use signs. In the GB District, the followings signs shall require a Conditional Use Permit: 1. Dynamic LED signage. (d) Restrictions o// Conditional Use Sig/ts. Signs requiring a Conditional Use Permit in the GB, General Business District, are subject to the following restrictions: 1. All signage must be approved through the Conditional Use Permit process as outlined in § 9.104 (I-1) of the zoning code. 2. All signage must meet the requirements for Dynamic LED signs, as outlined in section 9.106 (P)(8) of this ordinance. 3. Dynamic LED Signs may change its message with a frequency of no less than one (1) message for each ten (10) minutes of display time. Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.106 (P)(13) of the Columbia Heights City Code, is proposed to inchide the following additions and deletions: § 9.1.06 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. (P) Sign ~°ega~lcxtions. (~-~-1041 .C'iav~U ,irk I_ 1 c;,"2c.~ 7 ~ 1;2c;'~,~~i~•i~~1 ~' l r . (a) [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] (b) Rest~~ictions o~z permitted signs. Permitted signs in the I-1, Light Industrial District, and the I-2, General Industrial District, are subject to the following restrictions: 1. [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] 2. [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] 3. [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED] (c) Coizditiorra/ Use signs. In the I-1 and I-2 Industrial Districts, the followings signs shall require a Conditional Use Permit: 1. Dynamic LED signage. (d) Restrictio~zs on Coizditio~zal Use Sig~zs. Signs requiring a Conditional Use Permit in the I-1, Light Industrial District, and the I-2, General Industrial District, are subject to the following restrictions: 1. All signage must be approved through the Conditional Use Permit process as outlined in § 9.104 (H) of the zoning code. 2. All signage must meet the requirements for Dynamic LED signs, as outlined in section 9.106 (P)(8) of this ordinance. 3. Dynamic LED Signs may change its message with a frequency of no less than one (1) message for each ten (1.0) minutes of display time. Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.106 (P)(14} of the Columbia Heights City Code, is proposed to include the following additions and deletions: § 9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. (P} Sigy~ ~°egulations. 04}(16) Szxns for• ~~onconfor•mi~~g residertlial a~~ses. Sign number and area for residential uses in commercial, business or industrial zones are limited to the maximum number and area for the actual use of the subject property. Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.106 (P)(15) of the Columbia Heights City Code, is proposed to include the following additions and deletions: § 9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. (P) Sign regi.~lations. (15} Sigrzs in the PO, Public and Open Sp~rce District. (a) Permitted Sigrzs. In the PO, Public and Open Space District, the following signs shall be permitted: 1. Any number of wall signs on any side of a building not to exceed 200 square feet of total surface area for all wall sign surfaces and limited to one surface per sign. Provided, however, that if a parcel of land on which a building is located directly abuts a residentially zoned land, no wall sign may be located on the side of the building that faces the abutting residential parcel. 2. One monument sign per street frontage for those pubic facility parcels that include governmental offices. Such signs shall not exceed forty (-10) square feet in area, and shall be located no closer than five (5) feet from any property line. 3. Any number of freestanding identification signage used to promote the name of a public city, regional or state park. Such signs shall be no greater than forty (~0) square feet in area, shall not exceed ten (1.0) feet in height, and shall be located no closer than five (5) feet from any property line. (b) Restrictions on permitted sig~rs. Permitted signs in the PO, Public and Open Space District are subject to the following restrictions: 1. Total signage shall not exceed two square feet for each front foot of building or structure. Z. The maximum height of a monument sign shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height. 3. The sign number and area permitted by this section are considered maximum. These maximums, or any portion thereof, which are not utilized by the owner or user of the property are non-transferable to any other property owned, occupied or used by such persons or to any other owner or user of property located in the same or other districts. (c) Co~~zditiotial Use signs. In the PO District, the followings signs shall require a Conditional Use Permit: 1. A Dynamic LED sign used in conjunction with a governmental facility. (d) Restrictioyzs on Conditional Use Signs. Signs requiring a Conditional Use Permit in PO, Public and Open Space District are subject to the following restrictions: 1. All signage must be approved through the Conditional Use Permit process as outlined in § 9.104 (H) of the zoning code. 2. All signage must meet the requirements for Dynamic LED signs, as outlined in section 9.106 (P)(8) of this ordinance. 3. Dynamic LED Signs may change its message with a frequency of no less than one (1} message for each thirty (30} minutes of display time. (~5-}(17) Minimzzrn yaz°d r°equirements.fi~eestanding signs. The minimum front, side and rear yard requirements for freestanding signs shall be ten feet from any property line or as otherwise stated in this article. When the bottom edge of the freestanding pylon sign is eight feet or more above grade, the leading edge of the sign may extend within. one foot of the property line. Provided, however, no freestanding sign shall invade the area required for traffic visibility by this division, Section 2: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after 30 days after its passage. First Reading: Second Reading: Date of Passage: Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: Attest: 2008 2008 1`~layor Cary L. Peterson Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk ~. CITY COUNCIL LETTER Meeting af: 8/4/08 AGENDA SECTION: WORK SESSION NO: ITEM: EVALUATION OF ~~~ATER TURN OFFS AND ONS ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGEK PUBLIC WORKS ~ ~,r' BY: K. Hansen. BY: ~'r ~.~° DATE: 7/31 / DATE: Background: Public Works performs water turn offs and turn ons for various properties upon request and for nonpayment of bills. This process has traditionally focused on shutting off water service to the house at the curb stop, located near the property line. Besides nonpayment of bills, property owners may request a shut off for interior plumbing repairs or seasonal use (snowbirds). The fees for this type of service is minimal at $20.00 when requested and $75.00 for delinquent accounts. Analysis /Conclusions: In the last two years (or more) staff time has significantly increased relating to water shut offs and ons. When properties have been foreclosed, closed or are heading to foreclosure, public works time spent has increased. Examples of additional time include: • Winterization shutoff and/or turn on, checking inside the house. • Realtor or bank requests for operability, valve and meter check (multiple) for showing. • Missed appointments by property holder maintenance companies to turn on/off. • Emergency shutoffs due to interior broken pipe. The City's water ordinance stipulates that water meters should be installed or removed by only Public Works staff or licensed plumbers. When foreclosed properties are winterized, staff often does not know who has removed or reinserted the meter. To account for increased staff time (Public Works and Finance), I would recommend the following changes to the current fee structure: 1. Add a $50.00 fee for meter disconnect or reconnect. 2. Add a $25.00 fee for a no show to turn on or meter reconmect appointment. I do recommend any changes to the current fee structure for delinquent accounts or requested (snowbirds). Recornn:ended Motfion: Establish the following fees for service for water turn ons and turn offs: 1. $50.00 fee for meter disconnect or reconnect. 2. $25.00 fee for a no show to turn on or meter reconnect appointment. KH:cb COUNCIL ACTION: