HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/10/2005 P&Z minutes
MINUTES OF THE MARCH 10th
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION WORKSHOP
TOPICS:
1) Electronic message board signs and
2) Klaeren Court case
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chair Arlene Juracek
Joseph Donnelly
Marlys Haaland
Ronald Roberts
Richard Rogers
Keith Youngquist
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Leo Floros
Matt Sledz
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Judy Connolly, AICP, Senior Planner
Ellen Divita, Deputy Director, Community Development
INTERESTED PARTIES:
Buzz Hill, Village Attorney
Kevin Crowe, White Way Sign
Bob Flannery III, White Way Sign
Rick Schultz, White Way Sign
Chair Arlene Juracek called the workshop meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. She said that representatives from White
Way Sign would discuss current trends and review industry requirements for electronic message boards. Also,
Village Attorney Buzz Hill would review information from the Klaeren Court case.
Rick Schultz, Research & Development for White Way Signs, presented information on electronic message board
signs. He reviewed sign history, differences among the types of illuminated signs, new technology, and what
styles of signs are most requested. His associates, Kevin Crowe and Bob Flannery, provided marketing and sales
details as well as their own experiences with customers' ordering preferences and community restrictions. There
was significant discussion on:
.
LED: Light Emitting Device, longer energy so it costs less, more predictable color
.
White LED is expensive and has a shorter lifespan; red has the longest lifespan, then blue/green
.
White text is less intrusive
.
Red has the slowest response time for eyes, but it cuts through overcast easily
.
Yellow & black combination has the highest contrast
.
Red & black is seen for the longest distance, shows up in fog
.
1" text may be seen 30-50' away depending on weather conditions
.
dwell time: read and retain characters; 2 seconds is too short (Sec.7.330.A.5)
.
64-80 characters per sign; font impacts legibility
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 10th Workshop
Page 2
The Commissioners stated interest in:
1. having day & night modes for signs
2. minimizing motion
3. eliminate requirement to post time/temp; use as a delineator between 'thoughts' or message
4. keeping aesthetics balanced; evaluate setback vs. letter height
5. updating Sign Code to regulate the amount of light emitted from signs, factoring ambient light when
approvIng SIgn
6. having periodic reviews of LED signs to ensure proper speed of text (dwell time) and graphics through
an annual license inspection
7. require 'sample' of sign at night as part of the P&Z review
8. require static signs (text does not change and graphics OK)
9. prohibit polarized glass at street level due to glare
The Commissions identified signs to research:
. gas station price boards
. menu boards for drive-thrus.
Village Attorney Buzz Hill discussed the Klaeren Court case. He reviewed its history, the Courts' findings, and
clarified steps the Commission could take to ensure compliance with the court's decision. He added that he felt
the P&Z was already in compliance. There was lengthy discussion and Mr. Hill answered various questions from
the Commissioners.
Richard Rogers made a motion to adjourn at 10:05 p.m., seconded by Joe Donnelly. The motion was approved by
a voice vote and the meeting was adjourned.
Judy Connolly, AICP, Senior Planner
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