4.1 DRAFT MINUTES (2 SETS) 08-05-2013

Home Browse Search

City Council Minutes Page 10 July 15,2013 expressed safety concerns with various underground utilities. He suggested providing better education to the public. He noted other similar requirements with cities, the county and state. Mayor Dietz questioned if any utilities have been damaged in the right-of-way from signage. He stated the city will have upset residents if signs are continually pulled. He stated he likes the date option outlined in the staff report and noted that most people he has talked with would be willing to put their name/address on their signs. Chief Cunningham stated the city visioning and goals outline the Council's desire to beautify and clean up the main corridors. He stated staff does get complaints about signage and felt staff shouldn't be put in a position to be selective and have to guess on the signs that should be pulled. He further noted city staff needs to enforce ordinances as they are written. Mayor Dietz questioned why Maple Grove can be selective in their ordinance regarding signage types. Attorney Beck stated Maple Grove could have issues with their ordinance if challenged. Councilmember Wilson stated he agrees with Councilmember Motin and signage in right-of-way should not be permitted. He suggested an educational campaign over the winter but questioned how to continue with current enforcement in the interim. He stated there are other ways to promote businesses and garage sales. He stated signage doesn't add any beauty to the community. Councilmember Westgaard concurred with Councilmember Wilson. He further stated the city can't have an ordinance with no intention of enforcing it. He noted the city won't be able to stop people from putting up signs and that crafting and ordinance with dates becomes more difficult for enforcement. He agreed there should be more of an educational plan to the public. He further noted an ordinance change would conflict with county and state requirements; thereby making enforcement more difficult. Mayor Dietz stated he is concerned with the effect on the arena and youth groups by not changing the ordinance and he would like to find some middle ground. Councilmember Motin expressed concerns with the legality of picking and choosing advertisers who are allowed signage. He noted property owners don't like signage in their yards so the city becomes a dumping ground. Councilmember Wilson suggested taking a hiatus on enforcement of the ordinance for the remainder of the year and for staff to focus on education and enforcement next year. NATUREJ