West Fargo's Veterans Memorial Arena will soon be home to one of the city's tallest signs.
A city ordinance prohibits signs taller than 8 feet, but West Fargo city commissioners unanimously approved an exemption to the rule Monday, clearing the way for a 12-foot sign at the arena.
The move reverses a city Planning Commission decision to reject the sign.
Planning commissioners decided that no special conditions exist to justify a variance and felt that approving the project would be an undue special privilege, said Steve Zimmer, the city's senior planner.
Barb Erbstoesser, director of the city's Parks and Recreation Department, which runs the arena, countered.
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"We definitely need a sign over there," she said. "Our 8-foot sign would get buried in the trees."
City commissioners agreed.
"I think we're back to the issue of common sense and what's good for the community," said Commissioner Lou Bennett.
Only one of the residents who live near the arena, which is at 1201 7th Ave. E., spoke at the meeting. He supported the sign. The several residents who objected to the proposal in writing didn't attend.
Erbstoesser said the sign will be completed in about six weeks, costing just under $10,000.
"I think it's going to be a nice improvement to the facility," she said.
In other business, commissioners unanimously approved a change to the city's day-care regulations.
Facilities that serve between eight and 18 children must now seek a conditional-use permit from the Planning Commission.
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The change allows day cares with between eight and 12 children to bypass the commission process.
"I think this is a good step in streamlining our whole child facility day-care system," said Mayor Rich Mattern.
Commissioners also amended the city's watering restriction, which bans lawn watering between noon and 6 p.m.
Under that rule, water usage "just about knocks us out between six and 10 p.m.," said Barry Johnson, public works director.
With the adjustment, lawn watering will only be allowed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Residents can still water shrubs and flowers during the day.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Bryce Haugen at (701) 235-7311
