The Clarkson Valley Planning and Zoning Commission, pursuant to notices published in the St. Louis Countian, met on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at the Clarkson Executive Building to consider two agenda items and to make a recommendation to the Board of Aldermen.

            Planning and Zoning Commission Members present were:

                        Anne Grabner, Chairperson

                        Honora Schiller

                        Gregg Bogosian

                        Ron Corno

                        Karl Hussey

Alderperson Amy Setnicka, Ward 2 and City Clerk, Michele McMahon also attended.  Commission Members John Cloute and Jerry Litschgi were unable to attend.

            After the meeting was called to order the Chairperson introduced Commission Members.  The City Clerk read the Notice of Public Hearing for the first agenda item: To consider a request from Alizadeh & Schreiner Orthodontics to allow LED illuminated channel letters attached to the north side of the building and to the front of the building at the property known as 2997 Clarkson Road and to make a recommendation to the Board of Aldermen.

Dr. Cyrus Alizadeh introduced himself and explained the reason for the request for the new signage is their existing sign is small and often missed by his clients.  They want the lettering to identify this building as pertaining to orthodontists.  He then explained the reason they were requesting the letting placed on both sides of the building was to better identify the building both from Clarkson Road and from those traveling south on Clarkson Road.  He said their existing sign blends in too much with the surroundings.

There were two opponents present.  Mrs. Allison Otto identified herself as living across Clarkson Road in the Clarkson Farm Subdivision.  She objected to the illuminated sign on the side of the building.  Commission Member Corno asked if the lighted lettering would be set from dusk-to-dawn or on a timer, to which Dr. Alizadeh said they can set a timer.  Hours of operation were also discussed and the business is open until 7:00 p.m. one night of the week.  The building’s businesses close at 5:30 at the latest on all other days.  Mrs. Otto concluded by requesting they not install lettering on the north side of the building.  Mr. and Mrs. Rottjakob, who live on Fox Chapel in the Forest Hills Subdivision, also spoke in opposition.  Half their back property line abuts the Alizadeh Building and the other half abuts the First Church of Christ Scientists.  The back of their house would be impacted by the lighting and stated they objected to a lighted sign on the north side of the building but had no objection to a lighted sign on Clarkson Road.  Dr. Alizadeh stated if they had a choice between the two signs; they would choose the sign on the north side of the building concluding that they would not have a problem with putting it on a timer and having it shut off when they were closed.  He also said he would rather have the two signs not illuminated than just one illuminated sign.

Commission Member Karl Hussey stated he was not sure the lettering on the building would be that helpful.  He said when he is traveling in an area and is unfamiliar, he looks for the address.  Two Commission Members attempted to find a compromise but Mr. Rottjakob said he was not in favor of that.  He said it makes no sense that Dr. Alizadeh is only worried about the southbound traffic and not the north bound, realizing too, that there are trees blocking the way.  Dr. Alizadeh said, “That’s because there is no solution for the north bound traffic.”

Discussion again turned to placing large lighted numbers to assist in finding the address of the building.  A motion was made and seconded to table the discussion until Dr. Alizadeh comes back with a new proposal.  A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.

The City Clerk read the Notice of Public Hearing for the second agenda item: To discuss definitions of metal roof, metal roof panel and metal roof shingle and consider requiring a Special Use Permit for metal roof applications and to make a recommendation to the Board of Aldermen.

Mrs. Frances Babb, who lives in the Kehrs Mill Estates Subdivision, read from a typed document in opposition to the proposal.  The majority of the discussion was directed to Mrs. Babb to ensure she realized the city was not opposed to metal roofs.  Chairperson Grabner concluded by saying these metal roofs are long-lasting and can be good for the community.  By passing these requirements, it allows the city more discretion.  Mrs. Babb concluded by saying, as Planning & Zoning Members; it would behoove you to learn about metal roofs and come up with opinions.

Chairperson Grabner made a motion for an affirmative recommendation to the Board of Aldermen, seconded by Karl Hussey.  A vote was taken with the motion to accept the proposal as stated on the agenda with the following result:  Yeas:  Grabner, Schiller, Bogosian, Corno and Hussey.  There were no nays.  The motion was declared as having passed.  Chairman Grabner stated the Planning and Zoning Commission makes an affirmative recommendation to the Board of Aldermen.

            The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

                                                            Michele McMahon, City Clerk

                                                            City of Clarkson Valley