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<br />Jeff, I would like to go on record as saying this is a very bad proposal and I do not <br />support it. ... <br />Signed, <br />Jon A. Smith <br /> <br />THIS SOUNDS LIKE AN ANTI BUSINESS ACTION PLAN BY THE COUNCIL OR <br />CITY. NOT ONLY WOULD THIS BE HARD ON THE BUSINESS THAT MAKES <br />THE SIGN/S, BUT IT WOULD HURT BUSINESSES IN ELK RIVER THAT NEED <br />SIGNS FOR PROMOTING THEIR BUSINESS OR EVENT. HAVING SIGNS IS A <br />POSITIVE FOR THE COMMUNITY AND CITY, (IT BUILDS AN AWARENESS OF <br />HAPPENINGS IN THE CITY) RESTRICTIONS BECOME PART OF A <br />BUREAUCRACY FROM THE CITY THAT ALREADY HAS TOO MANY <br />RESTRICTIONS IN TOO MANY AREAS. LET'S PROMOTE BUSINESS, NOT <br />MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT. <br /> <br />Signed but asked to remain confidential <br /> <br />I just had an opportunity to review the proposed sign <br />ordinance. Unfortunately, I will be at work on Tuesday night and will be <br />unable to attend the meeting to discuss the proposal. As a business <br />owner and as a volunteer for several Elk River community groups, I do <br />have some concerns. I agree that unkempt signs in poor repair are a <br />blight to our Elk River landscape and something needs to be done about <br />them. I think that we have to be careful in crafting language for the <br />ordinance that doesn't put a burden on those who put out signs or <br />banners on occasions to promote their businesses or community events - <br />an example being the side of Kemper Drug where we put up banners for <br />ourselves, the Rivers Edge Downtown Business Group, Arts Alliance, YMCA, <br />etc. There are also businesses who have well crafted decorative signs <br />that are well maintained and put out daily to advertise daily specials - <br />an example being Diamond City Bread. I believe that the ordinance as <br />written now would prevent us from doing this. Our signs are not 8 feet <br />off the ground and we put them up more than once a year. Would it be <br />possible for businesses or community groups to request a variance from <br />the sign ordinance if we have demonstrated a responsible history of sign <br />usage? If we use a sandwich board on the sidewalk to advertise flu <br />shots or diabetes screening would we need to get a permit? <br />I hope that you will work closely with the Chamber of Commerce to <br />develop an ordinance that serves the City of Elk Rivers needs without <br />putting an undue burden on the businesses who rely on signs to promote <br />their businesses. <br />Please forward my concerns to your ordinance planning group. Wendy Simenson <br />Kemper Drug <br /> <br />PROHIBITION OF TEMPORARY SIGNS <br />Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce <br />Page 2 of 6 <br />