A copy of the resolution, having been placed on the desks of each member of Council prior to introduction, was read by title.

Mayor Duncan explained that this resolution would amend the Sugar Camp/Pointe Oakwood Master Plan to allow for the installation of signage at the Element Oakwood condominiums. The developer has proposed a total of four signs, including:

• One (1) wall-mounted sign on 300 Old River Trail;
• One (1) wall-mounted sign on 310 Old River Trail;
• One (1) monument sign in front of 300 Old River Trail, adjacent to the driveway entrance to Element Oakwood; and
• One (1) monument sign in the landscaping island at the intersection of Old River Trail and Ascent Circle.

This development is in the Multi-Use Special Planning (MUSP) zoning district. This is a special zoning district that was created in the waning years of NCR’s ownership of the Sugar Camp property, written to maximize local control over the redevelopment of the site. Regulations for the district are sparse but strict, requiring almost all development to be done via public hearings and special use permit.

When City Council approved the original Master Plan in 2007, signage needs for the development were not yet known and the Element Oakwood condominiums did not yet exist. The only Master Plan provision relating to signage authorized city staff to review and approve signs for the three entrances to the development, which occurred over a decade ago.

Construction of the Element Oakwood condominiums is rapidly progressing, and the developer is in attendance to discuss Application 19-4, which seeks approval of signage for the condos.

The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on Application 19-4 on July 3, 2019. By a vote of 4 – 0, with one member recusing himself, the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the first three (3) signs, but declined to recommend approval of the monument sign at the intersection of Old River Trail and Ascent Circle. The matter is now before City Council on that recommendation, and a public hearing on the application will be held this evening.

This resolution is being introduced “to approve in part and deny in part,” based on the recommendation of the Planning Commission. However, City Council is required to hold a public hearing on this proposal and has not prejudged the matter. At the conclusion of the hearing, City Council may vote to adopt the Planning Commission’s recommendation, or City Council may approve the application in its entirety, approve it with conditions, or deny it altogether. If City Council decides to approve in part and deny in part, as recommended by the Planning Commission, City Council will adopt this resolution as-is. If City Council decides to adopt the recommendation with additional conditions imposed by City Council, there is space provided on the document to write them in tonight. In the event that City Council denies the application altogether or otherwise depart from the Planning Commission’s recommendation, the resolution will be withdrawn as written and the Law Director will be asked to prepare legislation consistent with City Council’s decision, to be adopted at Council’s next regular meeting in September.

As a formality before opening the public hearing, it was moved by Mayor Duncan and seconded by Mrs. Hilton that the resolution be presented in a public hearing and voted on after the information is presented and testimony is heard.

Mayor Duncan asked Code Enforcement Officer Ethan Kroger to present the staff report.

Mr. Byington recused himself as he resides near the condominium development.

Mr. Kroger referenced a PowerPoint presentation and provided the following information.

An application was filed by Mr. Jim Obert on behalf of Element Oakwood, LLC to install two wall mounted signs on the buildings of 300 and 310 Old River Trail, a monument sign in front of 300 Old River Trail, and a neighborhood monument sign at the intersection of Ascent Circle and Old River Trail.