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Memo/City Council/OA 97-16 <br />February 17, 1998 <br />Page 2 <br /> <br />the messages displayed on the sign. Flashing signs, other than changeable <br />copy signs, are prohibited. <br /> <br />To avoid creating a situation where the reader board at the Northbound <br />liquor store becomes non-conforming, the Council could eliminate the one <br />minute minimum display period for messages. If this is done, both the <br />Holiday Station sign, located at School Street and Freeport Avenue, and the <br />Northbound liquor store sign would be in compliance with the proposed <br />amendment. <br /> <br />If the Council would like to reduce the possible distractions related to <br />electronic reader boards, another option the Council could consider, other <br />than minimum display period for messages, might be to include a minimum <br />letter size. By including a minimum letter size, message boards with letters <br />that are to small and difficult to read can be avoided. It also might be <br />beneficial to consider including a maximum letter size also. By establishing a <br />maximum letter size, overly large obtrusive lettering could be avoided. The <br />letters on the reader board for the Northbound liquor store are 14 inches high <br />and the letters on the Holiday store are 9 inches high. <br /> <br />Also under the proposed amendment, because of the proposed 3500 foot <br />separation distance, the only other location along Highway 169 north of <br />Highway 10 where an electronic message board could be installed is at the <br />intersection of Main Street and Highway 169. <br /> <br />Attached for the Council's consideration is Ordinance No. 98- which <br />creates a definition for electronic message boards and allows them with the <br />following guidelines: <br /> <br />· A minimum separation distance of 3500 feet between signs. <br /> Limited to the C3 (Highway Commercial) district. <br />· Allowed as part of an approved wall or freestanding sign. <br />· Time and temperature and gas prices displays would not be considered <br /> electronic message boards. <br /> <br />The amendment as proposed does not include guidelines on minimum or <br />maximum letter size. Should the Council decide to incorporate either of these <br />into the amendment, the attached ordinance could be revised to include <br />minimum and/or maximum letter size the night of the meeting. <br /> <br />\ \elkriver\sys\shrdoc\planning\scott\oa9716fe.doc <br /> <br /> <br />