06-03-2013 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council l/linutes Page 7 June 3,2013 ----------------------------- Staff was directed to complete further review on standards for pool cover. 8.2 Service Availahili Charge SAQ Program Options Mr.Barnhart presented the staff report. Mayor Dietz stated he would like to see some established guidelines rather than leaving it to Council discretion and questioned the rest of the Council. Councilmember Motin stated he liked having Council discretion as there may be unique situations that arise and need to be adjusted or monitored. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WILSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 13-13 AMENDING SECTION 78-189, SERVICE AVAILABILITY CHARGE, OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER,MINNESOTA CITY CODE. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 8.3 Sign Ordinance Chief Cunningham and Mr.Leeseberg presented the staff report,reviewed the sign ordinance,right-of-ways,and enforcement. Mayor Dietz mentioned different examples of signage such as the"for profit",youth sports, and county fair signs placed in right-of-ways. Chief Cunningham noted the signs are placed illegally. He further noted city staff does not typically pull signs'from the highways or busier roadways due to safety concerns. Councilmember Motin stated this type of signage detracts from the city beautification goals He suggested more education to the public and more simplification of the ordinance, such as stating signage can't be within 10-15 feet of any roadway. Councilmember Moon further stated it can be difficult to educate people about where the right-of-way is located. He stated consistency with enforcement is important. Mr.Leeseberg questioned the city's liability if signage is allowed in right-of-ways due to concerns with severing lines buried underground and further questioned if locates should be required. He stated setting timelines on signage becomes an enforcement issue that is difficult to manage. He stated 90% of the time having a 10 or 15 foot boundary would put most signs outside the right-of-way,but would not cover every situation. He stated the current ordinance is simple to enforce but if exceptions are made, then it would be more difficult to enforce and educate on those exceptions. He further noted sometimes staff can't always determine right-of-way without looking at mapping. Councilmember Burandt questioned how deep underground lines are placed. Mr. Czech stated he places signs for various arena events in the right-of-ways and they typically go 4-6 inches in the ground. He stated he would like to see Elk River amend its ordinance to be similar to Maple Grove's ordinance. He stated the signs help direct people to his events and they can be difficult to see when they are placed private property behind the right-of-way.