Members present: Mayor Don Richards, Susan Reese, Todd Schultz, Erin Tomlinson, Ellen Smith, David Cronk, Sandy Bowen, Tom Heimerl, Reid Wronski

There was a quorum present at all times.

Staff present: Buddy Lucero, Planning Director; Tony Steiner, City Planner; Carl Gaulke, Utilities General Manager

Guests present: Michael Stifter, 930 Falcon Drive; Beck Forsland, Planning Intern

PUBLIC/CITIZEN COMMENTS – None

Mayor Richards recessed the Plan Commission meeting and opened a public hearing at 6:31 pm. Planning Director Lucero stated that the UWRF has presented a signage plan to City staff. The plan includes new building identification signs that are approximately 12 square feet in size. With this information, City staff has drafted sign standards for the University District for the PC to review and analyze (Exhibit 1). Lucero pointed out that on Exhibit 1, line 9 allows for electronic reader boards just like what was done for Walgreens. He also brought attention to the second page, line 4 regarding lighting. Lucero suggested deleting "incandescent, metal halide, LED or fluorescent" so it’s not restricted to only these types of lights, should something new come on the market at a later date.

Discussion included "white" lights, LED, color, lights that shine on the sign, "moving" and "scrolling", etc. This should be clarified in the draft so it is not contradictory. Lucero suggested taking out the word "white" on page 2, line 5.

Discussed monument and pylon signs and if pylon signs are allowed in this zone. If allowed, does PC have limitation on number? Pylon signs are allowed in B-3 and highway commercial, and there are some in downtown that were grandfathered in. Heimerl questioned if this could allow the University to use pylon signs for advertising. If monuments could achieve that, then the University could request pylon signs through the Special Use Permit (SUP) process with guidelines.

Mike Stifter, UW-RF, stated he is happy with the results of the ordinance and in compliance with the changes discussed tonight. He is also okay with the SUP process, if needed at a future time.

Mayor Richards closed the public hearing and reconvened the Plan Commission meeting at 6:48 pm.

Planner Tony Steiner stated that at the PC Workshop on June 19, 2007, the PC reviewed a draft policy regarding street lighting. After discussion, a minor change was suggested in the Section titled "General Development/ Redevelopment.

Carl Gaulke, Utilities General Manager, stated that he hasn’t received comment from his staff, but it should not be a big issue.

Smith noted a mistake in the Resolution, in the paragraph beginning with "NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED", the word "to" at the end of the line should be deleted.

Summer Planning Intern Beck Forsland presented an inventory of the parks in the City of River Falls to prepare the groundwork for updating the Park Master Plan, and to assist in an Asset Management Plan for existing parks and future parks. This will also be presented to the Park Board and City Council. The presentation prompted staff and PC to discuss the following items: park deficiencies, signs, route map, master map, access locations (walking and parking) and the format of the park page. Briefly discussed where to place the park brochures once the project is complete; ideas include hotels, downtown businesses, restaurants, bike shops, etc. Everyone was very pleased with Beck’s work and feel this project is going in the right direction.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kristie Bulthuis, Recording Secretary