ALEXANDRIA TOWNSHIP
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308
Minutes of the meeting of November 26, 2018
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission of Alexandria Township was held on the 26th day of November, 2018 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 324 Broadway.
Roll Call: Commission members present were Shad Steinbrecher, Larry Steidl, Mary Hacker and Julie Haar. Also present were Bonnie Fulghum, Deputy Clerk, and Ben Oleson, Township Zoning Administrator. As said members formed a quorum and the meeting was called to order by Chairman Steidl at 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: Steinbrecher, seconded by Haar, made a motion to approve the agenda as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes: Steinbrecher, seconded by Haar, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 08/27/2018 meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Chairman Steidl recessed the meeting to open the public hearing on the conditional use application submitted by Indigo Signworks on behalf of Dougherty Minnesota, LLC.
Public Hearing: Bob Wolfe of Indigo Signworks, representing Dougherty Minnesota, stated they are requesting permission to install a new pylon sign with internal LED illumination at 3608 State Highway 29 North.
Zoning Administrator Oleson reported that the applicant is proposing to erect a free-standing pole sign with a 2-sided sign face to be lit from the interior of the sign cabinet. He stated that a conditional use permit is required by the township for an “illuminated freestanding sign.” The nearest residential properties are to the west and are screened from view by a stand of trees. The property itself is zoned Commercial – Urban and is located in a commercially zoned corridor.
Commissioner Haar asked if the neighboring properties had received notification of the hearing. Oleson responded yes. Oleson also mentioned that the town has not received any public comments to date. Haar inquired as to the proximity of the proposed location to the nearest residential properties. Oleson said the nearest dwelling is about 700 feet from the location of the proposed sign, with the nearest residentially zoned property located about 185 feet to the west (as measured from property lines).
Chairman Steidl asked if the sign would be lit internally. Mr. Wolfe responded yes. Steidl also inquired if the sign would be lit throughout the night or if there would be a specific timeframe for illumination. Oleson made mention that the lighting would not be of any great significance since it is located a distance away from the residential area.
Chairman Steidl opened the hearing to the public for comment. Hearing none, he closed the public hearing and resumed the meeting.
Steidl asked if the illumination would be a “soft light.” Mr. Wolfe responded yes, that it would not “project” light.
Haar, seconded by Hacker, made a motion to recommend approval of the conditional use request for Dougherty Minnesota, and to include staff recommendations 1, 2, 3 and 5 from the staff report. Those four recommendations are as follows: 1) that the brightness of the lighting elements not be such that it creates a distraction for motorists or neighboring residential property owners; 2) that the sign must meet all required setbacks from property lines, unless a variance is granted; 3) that the lights on the sign be equipped with equipment so that they can be automatically turned on or off; and 4) that the sign meets all requirements (if any) of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Roll: Haar – yes, Steinbrecher – yes, Hacker – yes, Steidl – yes. Motion carried unanimously.
Zoning Administrator’s Report: Oleson commented on the ordinance language for VRBOs.
New Business: The 2019 site visit schedule was tabled until the next meeting.
Old Business: none
Adjournment: Being no further business Haar, seconded by Steinbrecher, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted…
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Bonnie Fulghum, Deputy Clerk
Approved this ____ day of ___________, 2018
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Larry Steidl, Chairman