09-02-2014 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Minutes Page 11 September 2,2014 ----------------------------- Jim Brindley, 12110 Ridgewood Drive, commented he felt enforcement was not being applied equally, expressing concerns with political and real estate signs improperly placed but not being removed: Mae Thompson, 1034 Main Street, commented the city's enforcement of garage sale signs was unfair and felt garage sales were targeted more than other signs. Wally Fox, 514 5 '/z Street NW, commented he felt enforcement was not being applied equally for all signs and felt politician's sign weren't being removed. He expressed frustration with retrieving his signs after they were pulled, and felt the ordinance wasn't working as written. Mr. Hetrick commented he pulled all signs no matter the content but also appreciates receiving phone calls of specific areas that he may not be able to catch. Councilmember Burandt stated she'd like to see more consistency with sign enforcement and if staff can't be consistently enforcing signs, then the enforcement needs to change. She referenced the city of Maple Grove's ordinance. She felt the education pieces used for the public were important and felt the city should allow smaller signs to be placed as long as they're picked up in a timely manner. Councilmember Motin stated he felt enforcement should continue in a uniform and consistent manner and noted the importance of the education piece, stating it should be expanded to include all types of signs,not just garage sale. He further noted the Visioning flan goal the Council adopted regarding beautification of the city. Councilmember Westgaard stated he also felt enforcement should continue in a uniform and consistent manner and education pieces should be directed at the real estate and business community. He noted the need for city beautification and the increase in staff time to continue enforcement efforts. He also expressed concerns with people taking signs that didn't belong to them. Councilrnember Wilson stated the ordinance should continue to be enforced as it has been, also noting the need for city beautification and the fact that Mr. Hetrick is one person enforcing all ordinances in the city, not just signs. Mayor Dietz agreed with Councilmember Burandes comments and asked if staff would further study surrounding communities and their ordinances. He asked questions specifically about Maple Grove's ordinance and why Elk River can't model their ordinance after them. Counselor Beck commented that Maple Grove's ordinance may contain things that aren't constitutional. He also noted signs cannot be treated differently based upon what they're advertising and cannot be regulated based upon the content. Chief Cunningham stated this type of enforcement is often complaint driven, and encouraged people to contact the city if they see areas that require enforcement. He POxEAIA AY 14PATURE]