Gunnison County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes

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GUNNISON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS statement of opposition. Page 9 of 14 Moved by Commissioner Starr, seconded by Commissioner Anderson to direct staff to file the statement of opposition presented before us today and authorize the County Manager to verify that statement on behalf of Gunnison County. Motion passed unanimously. OIL AND GAS REGULATIONS: County Attorney Baumgarten reported that he has provided the Planning Commission with a draft of the temporary oil and gas regulations, on behalf of the Board. The Planning Commission has been asked to review that draft and schedule a joint public hearing with the Board. Moved by Commissioner Starr, seconded by Commissioner Anderson to ratify the actions of County Attorney Baumgarten as stated. Motion passed unanimously. FIESTA MEXICANA SIGN VARIANCE: Building Inspector Richard Wojdakowski was present, along with Rafael Cisneros of Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant and his sign designer Jim Schieffelbein. Fiesta Mexicana has submitted a request for a sign variance to allow for internally lit lettering to be placed on the front of the restaurant building. It was noted that Fiesta Mexicana was denied their request for a different sign variance last year. Richard Wojdakowski stated that he has observed the use of a brightly lit pole lamp in the restaurant parking lot, which is not allowable per the current Land Use Resolution. Therefore, he has added that item to today's sign variance consideration. Photos of the property and existing signage were displayed. Richard Wojdakowski noted that the pictures appear to show the existence of bulbs on top of both sides of the sign on the front of the property. He believes this lighting may also be in violation of the regulations. Rafael Cisneros responded that the light on top of the sign is shielded and feels this is allowable. Richard Wojdakowski said he would inspect that sign lighting. He also commented that the "Now Open" banner has been displayed on the sign and the building since last May. Richard Wojdakowski continued discussion of the sign variance application being reviewed today, and the applicable standards. He believes that the building is distinct enough and well enough lit that it does not need additional signage. He added that the building is in an area toward the end of the airport runway and near a residential area where bright lights could have negative impacts. Jim Schieffelbein said that the lighted letters on the building will promote the restaurant better. The applicant will agree to have un -lit letters if necessary. The new signage is being requested in addition to existing signage. Richard Wojdakowski stated that the sign code allows a maximum of fifty square feet in signage, without a variance. Commissioner Starr commented that the lettering proposed on the building duplicates the existing sign at the front of the property. He is also concerned with allowing every business in the area to have a brightly lit pole light. Chairperson Field feels that approval of this request will set a precedent for other requests. Commissioner Anderson feels the County is hindering tourism and economic development. Particularly since this business is within the three mile area of the City of Gunnison, he supports the request. He would also support other businesses being allowed to have more signage. He requested that Richard Wojdakowski provide the Board with a list of conflicts he has encountered with the lighting regulations, in anticipation of the Board revisiting those regulations. He believes that review should consider the safety hazard of not allowing parking lot lighting. Commissioner Starr and Chairperson Field agreed with safety concerns for parking lots. Moved by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Chairperson Field that the request be approved for three - dimensional letters as shown on the sketch provided. This is with the condition that the "Now Open" sign be removed, that the light on the existing sign along the highway be shielded on the top and side, and that the pole lighting on the edge of the parking http : / /www.co.gunnison.co.us/BOCC /minutes /20030325mn.html 6/6/2003