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05-27-1993 VC PH-MMINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA HELD THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1993 Present: V.A. Marks, M. D., Mayor Gail H. Vastola, Vice Mayor Jeffrey H. Atwater, President Pro Tem Tom Valente, Councilman Judy M. Pierman, Councilman Charles O'Meilia, Acting Village Manager George Baldwin, Village Attorney Melissa Teal, Deputy Village Clerk Absent: Dennis Kelly, Village Manager Kathleen F. Kelly, Village Clerk ROLL CALL Mayor Marks called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All members of Council were present, except Councilman Pierman who arrived at 7:10 p.m. All members ' of staff were present. PURPOSE OF PUBLIC HEARING The purpose of the Public Hearing was to hear comments from the Public concerning a proposed Ordinance amending the Village Code, Chapter 6, Article V, Signs and Outdoor Displays. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Larry Hendrick, Property Manager for Crystal Tree Centre, 1201 U. S. Highway One, North Palm Beach, addressed the Council regarding the concerns of the business owners at Crystal Tree. Mr. Hendrick stated that existing signs should be grandfathered in, with new signs conforming to the code. He further stated that awning signs are necessary for visibility because there is an overhang at Crystal Tree which impedes the public's view of signs on windows or fascia. Mr. Hendrick was especially concerned with the outdoor building lighting, which he says is needed for purposes of security, economics, and aesthetics. Mr. Hendrick requested that Crystal Tree be allowed .to keep their outdoor lights, and produced a petition signed by the tenants, asking for same. Peter Hotchkiss, 3651 N. 54th Ave., Hollywood, owner of Village Square Plaza in North Palm Beach at 420 U. S. Highway One, stated that his main concern was to have the main pole sign grandfathered in, as some tenants do not have visibility from U.S. Highway 1. Mr. Hotchkiss also stated that the variance ' procedure was inadequate, since it only allows for dimensional restrictions. Ruth Staehle, Designer Fabric Collection at Crystal Tree, opposed the revised sign code on the basis that her only sign is on the awning outside her store, and if she had to remove that, her business would have no visibility other than ' Minutes of Public Hearing Held Thursday, May 27, 1993 from across the street at center. Ms. Staehle also requested that the Council. reconsider allowing the outdoor lighting. Jeremy Allen, representing Creative Works at Crystal Tree, told the Council that the lighting at Crystal Tree is really an issue of aesthetics, and should be encouraged in more locations, rather than prohibited. Manny Grinn, 536 Greenway Drive, addressed the Council with his opposition to various regulations and restrictions, including monolithic signs, window signs, awning signs, and maxium window usage for signs. Mr. Grinn gave his examples of conflicting and/or vague definitions as stated in the proposed sign code. The Public Hearing recessed at 7:30 p.m. for the purpose of convening the Regular Session, and reconvened at 7:32 p.m. Mr. Maronian, owner of The Philadelphian at 420 U_ S. Highway One, stated his opposition to the proposed sign code, specifically the prohibition of neon signs and pole signs. Mr. Maronian felt that these changes would destroy many businesses along U. S. Highway One. P. M. McGarry from The Ice Cream Club at Crystal Tree, told the Council that the white lights referred to previously are lights that are used at night when businesses are closed. Mr. McGarry feels that those who have working businesses at night should be allowed to have the lights on at night. Mr. McGarry stated that he is open until 11:00 p.m., but many customers do not realize he is open. He also stated that the lights, in addition to their aesthetic value, lessen crime activity in the plaza. He mentioned also that some businesses who operate at night have teenage employees, who should not be working alone in an unlit area. Councilman Valente stated that he would put forth a motion to postpone action on the proposed sign code during the Regular Session, in order to provide more review of citizens' concerns as presented during Public Hearing. All persons present were advised that this Public Hearing was not required by law, but rather, was held as a matter of choice by the Village to familiarize all business owners and residents of proposed changes, and to receive input from all concerned for the purposes of working together. Patrick Robinson, a tenant at Crystal Tree Plaza, stated that he is in agreement with the Village in making the Village a beautiful place, and feels that the lights at Crystal Tree are beautiful. On the other hand, he feels that disallowing those lights would harm the businesses concerned, and would ultimately cause suffering to everyone in the Village. ' Richard Rickard of Boulevard Paints & Decorating at ?63 Northlake Blvd. told the Council that small businesses such as his could not afford to advertise on TV, and relied on signs for advertising. 2 Minutes oP Public Hearing Held Thursday, May 27, 1993 Teddy Brown, Manager of the Ted Brown Building at 513 U. S. Highway One, spoke about the poor economy and how much tougher it would be for North Palm Beach small businesses if the proposed restrictions were enacted. Nancy Hebrank, 900 U. S. Highway One, owner of the BP Stai3on, agreed that appearance is important, but feels that the existence of the business takes precedence over appearance. With no further comments Prom the Public to be heard, the meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. thleen F. Kelly, Village Cler 4 1 1 3