03-24-2015 BA MINC
ver
Meeting of the Elk River Board of Adjustments
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Members Present: Chair Eric Johnson, Commissioners Garrett Christianson, Andrew Crook, Jill
I..arson -Vito, Mark Konietzko and Brad 'Thiel. Commissioner Jeremy
Johnson arrived at 6:34 p.m.
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Deputy Director Community Operations & Development Jeremy Barnhart,
Park Planner /Planner Chris Leeseberg and Sr. Administrative Assistant
Debbie Huebner
I . Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Board of Adjustments
was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Johnson.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider 03/24115 Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Konietzko and seconded by Commissioner Larson -Vito to
approve the March 24, 2015 Board of Adjustments agenda. Motion carried 6 -0.
Commissioner Johnson arrived at this time.
4. Oath of Office
Garrett Christianson, Garrett Christianson and Brad Thiel were sworn in as Planning
Commissioners at this time.
5.1 Request by Brock TatgelFarmers Insurance for Variance for Sign, Case No.
V 15 -04
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report. The applicant requests the following:
1. A sign height variance of 2 feet 8 inches; and
2. A sign size variance of 32.8 square feet
Mr. Leeseberg reviewed the five criteria which must be met in order to grant a variance.
Board of Adjustments Minutes Page 2
March 24, 2015
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Commissioner Konietzko asked if any of the businesses nearby- had a sign which was larger
or taller than allowed by ordinance. Mr. Leeseberg stated he was not aware of any signs
which did not meet the requirements. Chair Johnson asked if there were any recent requests
for variances for signs in this area. Nit. Leeseberg stated no.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing.
Commissioner Crook asked the applicant if there were recent changes in the corporate sign
requirements. Mr. Tatges stated yes, in August last year. Commissioner Konietzko asked if
staff was provided the corporate sign requirements. Mr. Tatges stated no, and stated the
reason was they are quite lengthy (50 plus pages) and have mostly to do with color schemes
and use of the Farmers Insurance logos. He stated that his current sign is non - -compliant and
the new sign has been reviewed by corporate and was deemed compliant. He stated that if
the signed were "scaled back" in size, he would be required to re-- submit it for approval.
Chair Johnson stated that if changes mentioned by staff were made, it does not appear there
world be any problem meeting the city's regulations.
Commissioner Konietzko asked if there was some sort of penalty for Mr. Tatges if his sign
did not meet corporate approval. Mr. Tatges explained that his commission /compensation
is tied to meeting Farmers Insurance requirements for his office and signage. He stated that
it is similar to a report card grade; he is scored a letter grade and this grade impacts what
percentage he is paid in commissions. A lower grade translates to reduced pay.
Commissioner Konietzko asked how the digital/ electronic reader board will be used. Mr.
Tatges stated this signage would be used to promote his products and also some public
service announcements or events. Commissioner Konietzko asked how much the sign will
cost. Mr. Tatges stated the cost was $22,000. Commissioner Konietzko asked Mi. Tatges to
consider removing the lower portion of the sign, since there was some duplication of the
logo sign on top, thereby allowing the digital reader board and logo signage to be lowered
and reduce the square footage of the sign. Mr. Tatges stated he would have to re- submit the
change to the corporate office for approval.
Discussion followed regarding possible scenarios of acting on the request and postponing
the request. Mr. Tatges stated that he was in favor of the Board acting on the request
tonight and he could re- submit the sign proposal to corporate with changes.
The Board of Adjustments reviewed the five criteria as follows:
1. Is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance.
Motion by Commissioner Larson -Vito and seconded by Commissioner
Konietzko that the request does not meet Criteria #1. Motion carried 7 -0.
2. Is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan.
Board of Adjustments Minutes Page 3
March 24, 2015
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Motion by Commissioner Crook and seconded by Commissioner Johnson
that the request meets Criteria #2. Motion carried 7 -0.
3. The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted
by the zoning ordinance
Motion by Commissioner Konietzko and seconded by Commissioner Larson -
Vito that the request does not meet Criteria #3. Motion carried 7 -0.
4. The plight of the petitioner is due to circumstances unique to the property not a
consequence of the petition's own action or inaction.
Motion by Commissioner Larson -Vito and seconded by Commissioner Thiel
that the request does not meet Criteria #4. Motion carried 7 -0.
5. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
Motion by Commissioner Larson -Vito and seconded by Commissioner
Johnson that the request does not meet Criteria #5. Motion carried 7 -0.
Motion by Commissioner Larson -Vito and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to
deny the request by Brock Tatges /Farmers Insurance for:
1. Sign Height Variance of 2 feet 8 inches; and
2. Sign Size Variance of 32.8 square feet;
based on the findings that Criteria #1, 3, 4 and #5 cannot be tnet.
Motion carried 7 -0.
Chair Johnson noted that request will automatically be appealed to the Cite Council on April
20, 2015.
5. General Business
There was no general business.
5. Announcements
There were no announcements.
7. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Eric Johnson adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
Board of Adjustments at 7:03 p.m.
Board of Adjustments Minutes
March 24, 2015
Eric Johnson
Planning Corn nission Chair
Tina Allard, City Clerk
Page 4