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11-28-2017 CCM WORKSHOP HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017, AT 4:00 PM CITY CENTER – COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. Call to Order Mayor Forcier called the workshop to order at 4:00 p.m. Members present included Mary Christensen, John Lofdahl and Steve Cook. Others present were: Matt Jaunich, City Administrator; Marc Sebora, City Attorney; Kent Exner, City Engineer; Andy Reid, Finance Director; Dolf Moon, PRCE Director. DISCUSSION/REVIEW ITEMS 2. Library Square Signage and Funding for the Center for the Arts Matt Jaunich, City Administrator, presented before the Council. At the September 26, 2017, Council meeting, there was a request to place a dynamic sign in Library Square to help in the promoting of events that take place within the park and potentially throughout the community. Mr. Jaunich noted that when considering this request, there are two key items that need to be kept in mind. One, the request is to put a sign on city-owned property. Secondly, the City currently has an ordinance in place that prohibits this type of sign at the proposed location. Both of these items would have to be addressed if there is a desire to allow these types of signs in Library Square. It is assumed the dynamic sign would replace the current banner signs that are placed within Library Square when an event is taking place. Mayor Forcier opened the podium up to the attendees if they have new items or new ideas for the proposed sign. Valerie Mackenthun, Betsy Price, Kayla Alexander, and Jim Fahey were present representing the group proposing the sign. Mackenthun informed the Council the sign would not display community events rather just the events at Library Square. When the sign is not in use for Library Square events, it would be used for the purpose of Hutchinson history, i.e. Facts about the Hutchinson Brothers or prior musical street names in Hutchinson. Fahey informed the Council that Historic Hutchinson wants this sign to closely resemble current historic signage and leave the location up to City staff. Ideally, the sign would not have an electronic sign look and would prefer the City of Hutchinson have input on the look. The intention is to change the verbiage on the sign daily, not necessarily every second or minute. Council Member Christensen confirmed the signage would be specific to the events at Library Square and the Council would work with Historic Hutchinson on the policy for sign verbiage. Dan Jochum, Planning Director, asked how the sign at the corner of Hwy 7 and Hwy 15 worked as that sign is on City property as well and displays community events. Jaunich reminded the Council that it is the Council’s decision whether the sign is placed and how the sign is used. Council Member Lofdahl expressed his interest in seeing what the sign would look like and that the sign does not have an electronic sign look. Price stated they have yet to find a sign that resembles what they envision. Price also mentioned Historic Hutchinson and Riversong would own the sign and would work on a franchise agreement. Jaunich replied the franchise agreement would still have to comply with the zoning district. The Council addressed through the ordinance that a sign is not allowed at this location. Mayor Forcier, whose son owns a sign shop, noted that he believes he does not have a conflict of interest on this topic. He suggested that Historic Hutchinson work with Crow River Signs to make the sign look historic and resemble the existing signage. Jaunich confirmed per Marc Sebora, City Attorney, in order for there to be conflict of interest, one would have to benefit from the said subject. Attorney Sebora informed the Council if the sign is on City property and a franchise agreement is created, the agreement would have to clearly state what type of message, how long, who is responsible for maintenance and electric bill of the sign and who from the City would monitor the sign. Jaunich agreed that if a digital sign is allowed, the ordinance would have to be changed and the City would regulate the provisions and use of the sign. Council Member Lofdahl questioned if Historic Hutchinson and Riversong own the sign and there is a franchise agreement, could there be issues of freedom of speech? Jaunich responded that if the events were held in Library Square, then yes, they would have the right to use the sign. Sebora added the franchise agreement would need to use the same verbiage as the ordinance. Cook agreed with Lofdahl’s comment about seeing the actual sign. With his research on these signs, other communities have not allowed them because they do not fit the historic look. Czmowski suggested allowing downtown businesses to use electronic signs. Christensen said she has had feedback from some saying they would be okay with a sign, depending on the look of the sign and others would rather not see a sign in Library Square, ever. Sandi McCormick, 120 Grove Street SW, spoke before the Council. McCormick informed the Council that the City of Hutchinson does not own Library Square. In the 1850’s, Library Square was dedicated to the citizens on the south half of Hutchinson and held in a trust by the City government. The Hutchinson brothers wanted the park to be an open space, with nothing in it, for the people to enjoy. McCormick referenced Hadley vs. Northfield (MN) which states what you can and cannot do in a city park. She feels Historic Hutchinson should familiarize themselves with the history and the law of the park system, including North Park and South Park. Cook acknowledged the sign three blocks north that could be used and suggested adding a digital sign on the south side of Hutchinson. Jaunich reminded the Council the purpose of the workshop was to get direction from the Council. At this time, staff has not been provided direction to draft an ordinance. Czmowksi suggested adding this topic on a future agenda. 3. Public Arts Funding Mr. Jaunich explained that Council Member Cook asked for this item to be part of the workshop meeting so the Council could discuss the possibility of an extra contribution to the Center for the Arts. Jaunich noted that at the August 8, 2017, Council meeting the Council approved extending its membership with the Center for the Arts for three years at $15,000 a year. At that same time, discussion was held on a possible additional $5,000 to the Center for the Arts to help fund an addition or special “project”. A couple of ideas were discussed at the meeting and direction was given to the Council to provide feedback to the Director of the Center for the Arts on what programming areas the Council would like to see the potential additional $5,000 go to. An item of interest at that time was something related to art education since the school district had cut that at the middle school level. Lisa Bergh, Center for the Arts Executive Director, presented before the Council. Bergh explained a possible community public art project that would be a series of poetry or writing workshops led by poets and educators for youth, teens, adults and seniors. The placement of community created poems presented via signs, temporary murals, and movable, temporary “sandwich” boards. Bergh is asking for $5,000.00. $1,000.00 for stipends for writers to lead workshops, $1,000.00 for marketing workshops and final projects, $3,000.00 for materials to create signs and murals. The funding would also allow these workshops to be free. Bergh is hoping for the City’s assistance in placing the signs. Bergh feels this project is a good way to connect and build community through art projects developed and created by local residents. Council Member Cook asked how long of a project this would be. Bergh is hoping this project would be one year. Council Member Czmowski asked Bergh if she has looked into business sponsorships. Bergh replied she has not as she wanted to save time by seeking assistance by one location, the City. Jaunich reminded the Council of the Truth and Taxation hearing on Tuesday, th December 5 and that additional budget items could be considered at the December 12 Council th meeting. Funding for the Center for Arts may be placed on the December 12 agenda. 4. Adjournment Motion by Cook, second by Christensen, to adjourn the workshop at 5:15 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. ATTEST: ________________________________ __________________________________ Gary T. Forcier Matthew Jaunich Mayor City Administrator