07-25-07 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 2007 requirement of billboard operators, it may not be for other dynamic signage. Council felt that it may have to differentiate the requirements of public safety messages and community messages between billboards and business signs. The City Planner indicated that he will try to find out more information on these capabilities. He noted that the Minnetonka settlement relative to public service announcements and Amber Alerts, etc. was limited to electronic billboards. The City Planner noted that the ordinance amendments he is proposing do not limit the dynamic technology to freestanding signs, such as Minnetonka did. This technology would be acceptable for wall signage, as he felt to include that limitation would encourage the construction of freestanding signs. The Planner also reviewed proposed changes relative to the City's content based regulations, but noted that he did not propose any changes for garage sale signs. In researching this issue, the Planner indicated that he did not find any good options for garage sale signs. The Planner suggested that if these signs are challenged based on the content regulations, the worst case scenario would be that the sign would lose the ability to say "garage sale". The Planner also indicated that he did not propose any substantive changes to the real estate sign language. He noted that these signs relate to a specific location, therefore are less worrisome than the garage sale signage. The Planner noted that he is proposing that references to "holiday signs" be changed to "holiday displays". The Planner also reviewed ordinance language changes relative to grand opening signage and dynamic displays. Blesener noted the Planning Commission Chair's recommendation that the word "ability" in the dynamic display section be change to "potential". Allan noted that that recommendation was based on the Chair's interpretation that studies have not proven that dynamic signage creates driver distraction. The Planner agreed that the word "potential" was preferable. There was no one present from the general public wishing to comment on this matter. The 'Planner suggested that he put together a revised ordinance draft incorporating the issues agreed upon this evening, and bring it back to the Council for action at their August 22"`~ meeting. Upon motion by Keis, seconded by Allan, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Blesener introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: 13