PLANNING COMMISSION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
October 4, 2011, 5:30 pm City Center – #109

Members Present
John Severtson
Tony Trow
Dean Johnson
Robert Hoffman
Councilor Baker

Members Absent
James Broberg
Grace Haukoos

Staff in Attendance
Bob Graham, Community Development Director

Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Dean Johnson and seconded by John Severtson to approve the minutes of August 16, 2011. The motion was approved on a voice vote.

Public Hearing – none

Old Business – none

New Business (workshop)

1. Discussion regarding development of a land use plan. Bob Graham explained that the Comprehensive Plan is policy oriented and does not have a specific land use plan. It is important to have a plan of fairly specific land uses and densities in order to have orderly development of compatible uses or to provide for buffers to insure compatibility. There are several areas within the city’s growth boundary where future land uses need to be identified and mapped. A subcommittee was established including Tony Trow, Robert Hoffman, and Dean Johnson to work on this project along with staff and bring suggestions back to the Commission. The staff will begin some preliminary base map work.
2. Discussion on sign ordinance issues. The commissioners discussed the various options and support three 30 – day permits for portable signs and a maximum size of 32 sq. ft. Regarding sidewalk signs they support sidewalk signs in all business districts with the sign being placed as close to the building as practical and not encroaching on a five feet wide sidewalk. Regarding dynamic signs the commissioners support the four second hold with existing signs that are not in compliance becoming non-conforming.
3. Downtown grant program. The commissioners expressed concern that some buildings need major repair on all sides and therefore a total evaluation needs to be made prior to being considered for a grant. The Community Development Director explained that an architect’s plan is required and the building is also reviewed by the building inspector prior to any grant decisions.
4. Building design ordinance. The commissioner’s would like to begin a revision process on the design ordinance and also feel that a staff review process is needed regarding the design issues prior to the issuance of a building permit. The staff will begin some preliminary work on the ordinance revision.

Commissioner Communications – none

Staff Communications – none

Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. on motion by Dean Johnson and second by John Severtson. .

Respectfully submitted,

_/s/_________________________
Robert A. Graham
Community Development Director

Approved:

__/s/________________________
Grace Haukoos
Planning Commission Secretary