06-12-2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTrS CITY COUNCIL JDN~ 12, 2002 benches from the City in an effort to wo~i< with the City on this issue and start with a clean slate. I:~anielson stated that U.S. Bench feels there is room for them to partner with the City. Danielson stated that their suggestion is that the City continue its program of providing bus benches in redevelopment areas and that U.S. Bench be allowed to place up to six benches along high traffic bus routes. Danielson also presented a model of a bus bench that U.S. Bench is proposing to donate to the City and place at Rice Street and Little Canada Road at the entrance to the City's gateway project. This bench has the City's logo on it as well as flower planters on either side and would be iJ.S. Bench's effort to promote community identity. On the other six benches that U.S. Bench would place, Danielson proposed advertising on the bacla est of the bench with the City's logo on the back. Danielson indicated that the bus benches placed by U.S. Bench provide a service to the riding public and are provided at no cost to the City. Danielson also commented on the cost of bus bench maintenance, which is absorbed by U.S. Bench. Fahey asked about maintenance. Danielson replied that there is a lot of maintenance involved in Keeping benches clean of graffiti, replacing planks and concrete legs. There is also the need for snow and trash removal. Danielson felt there was room for both City benches in the redevelopment areas as well as six benches provided by U.S. Bench in other areas. Fahey noted that the Planning Commission voted 6 to 2 in support of City bus benches promoting community identity, but allowing benches to be donated by local businesses. Staff is recommending that benches be provided by the City where determined necessary. Fahey pointed out that the bus benches that have existed in the City with advertising are essentially temporary signs that have been in violation of the City's ordinances. Fahey felt that the City staff's recommendation is the appropriate one to follow. Scalze noted that the issue came up at a recent goal setting session when discussion centered on how to promote community identity. Scalze also noted that most people riding buses do not use the bus benches as shown from the research that was done by City staff. Scalze suggested that the long-term maintenance costs of these benches is somewhat vague, however, she felt that staffs recommendation for City bus benches on an as-needed basis, will result in an uncluttered appearance in the City. Scalze noted that most of the City is under redevelopment and the City is working hard in these efforts. Scalze indicated that she has been contacted 5