PC 01/14/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

_ level. With regard to the signage issue, he feels there should also be some restrictions relating to the campaign signs that are placed on county property. Commissioner Wright further commented that he does not feel the plan identifies enough specifics to address every issue. He suggests that the subcommittee either take some additional time and address the issues in more specificity or modify the plan with language that allows the City to have input in all issues that arise. A discussion was held relating to the City guidelines and ordinances that should apply to certain fairground uses in order to mitigate sound and traffic issues. Commissioner Dove stated that he does not believe that the fairgrounds is being used to generate additional income for the County. He commented that most of the money to maintain the property throughout the year has generally been from racing revenues. However, due to restrictions placed on racing dates, revenues are being lost from that source. Therefore, there is an urgency for the Fair Board to replace those lost revenues in order to keep the fairgrounds viable. He believes that the goal is to keep the fairgrounds operating, rather than generate money for the County. Commissioner Dove feels that the less interference the City has with the internal operations of the fair, the better because the City's efforts should be focused on how the fair affects the community, especially the noise and traffic problems. Chair Cooper noted that the strategy of the proposed plan fails to address ways to mitigate the negative impact of the sound and traffic problems on the community. He agrees that the plan should be modified to include a requirement that new uses of the fairgrounds be evaluated beforehand in order to avoid excessive negative impacts on the community. Commissioner Barker stated [hat she felt that private uses should be subject to City standards. A brief discussion was held among the Commissioners, and they all agreed that some type of noise standards should be in place. They further agreed that there should be some guidelines that allow the City to monitor some of the uses. Finally, they feel that the concerns of the surrounding neighbors need to be adequately addressed. Chair Cooper suggested that if an EIR is not attached to the strategic plan, then EIR's should be considered as projects are introduced. Additionally, he feels that free parking should be provided for fair events, noting that parking charges are excessive in light of the fact that there is an admission fee to the fair and fairgrounds events. He also feels it would reduce the amount of on-street parking by people who are avoiding the parking fee. Chair Cooper also suggested that certain streets be closed to traffic during the fair in order to mitigate that issue and be considered for permanent closure, specifically W. Anglea Street. Planning Commission Page 11 January 14, 1998