10/27/1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 27, 1997 Council Member Neal suggested that Ms. Phillips speak to Police Officer Hammes and give him whatever information she might have regarding traffic problems she had witnessed. Mr. DeMotts, 6265 Holly Drive, addressed the Council regarding campaign signs in the City. He distributed a copy of portions of the City's ordinance regarding signs, and read Section L. b. "Other Election Years", which states, in pertinent part: In years when no state general election is to take place, signs announcing candidates seeking public political office and other data pertinent thereto shall be permitted up to a total area of nine (9) square feet for each premise in a residential zone and thirty-two (32) square feet in an agricultural, commercial or industrial zone. These signs shall be confined within private property, provided that the property owner's permission has been obtained.... Mr. DeMotts also read Section W, which states: All signs including temporary and portable over six (6) square feet in size shall require a sign permit. Permit fees shall be in accordance with a fee schedule as adopted by the City Council. Mr. DeMotts stated that he feels permits should have been issued, even though he believed no fee schedule had been prepared in accordance with Section W of the Ordinance. Council Member Neal asked the amount of a sign permit. Mayor Landers indicated that to date no permits have been required. Ms. Wyland explained that the State Building Code as well as the size of each sign are determinate factors in attaching a fee; but that she was not aware of the amounts. Council Member Neal indicated that he had reviewed the Ordinance, and asked about its suggested penalties. Attorney Hawkins clarified that the $700 fine set forth in the Ordnance represents the maximum penalty upon conviction that a court could impose, not a civil penalty that can be imposed by the City. After discussion of the number and size of signs placed around the City, Mayor Landers stated that although it is not clear what formal action should be taken, residents have complained and have expressed frustration with being governed by a Council whose candidates don't abide by the City's ordinances. Council Member Lyden asked that the Council return to the agenda for this evening, and that perhaps all political signs should be abolished. Mayor Landers explained that previous investigation had revealed that abolition of signs entirely is unconstitutional, but that he agreed that the Council should discuss this issue at the end of the established agenda. Council Member Neal stated that he is formally against the garbage collection in spite of the positions of the balance of the Council. •