12/29/1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 29, 1997 Council Member Bergeson commented on reference to display of campaign signs for eighteen days, stating that he would not be opposed to increasing that time to 25 days. Council Member Lyden requested recognition of Rosemary Storberg, a member of the audience, who stated that in prior years permits for placement of campaign signs were not required. Mayor Landers explained that an amended ordinance, passed this past summer, specified the requirement for a permit for any sign over six square feet. He added that all signs were always illegal on rights-of-way. Mayor Landers expressed agreement with Council Member Bergeson regarding an increase in display time to 25 days prior to the election. Council Member Lyden asked about the provision for display time in the old ordinance. Mayor Landers stated that the old ordinance allowed for 90 days of display time prior to election. He added that the lengthy period was intended to allow for elections that would include primaries. Ms. Anderson pointed out that every even -numbered year will include a primary election. Mayor Landers reminded the group that the subject at hand is City elections only. Council Member Lyden pointed out that the proposal is to cut display time from 90 days to 25 days. He added that he has used large campaign signs for the past two elections. Mayor Landers stated that he had personally received approximately 13 complaints from citizens regarding Council Member Lyden's campaign signs. Council Member Lyden moved to approve Ordinance No. 38 - 97, with the following changes: (1) display time increased to 30 days; (2) 4 x 8 signs permitted in rural areas without the requirement of a permit; and, (3) any signs placed in rights-of-way are to be removed and disposed of. Motion failed for lack of a second. Council Member Bergeson moved to approve Ordinance No. 38 - 97 with the following changes: display time increased to (1) 25 days prior to election; and, (2) 5 days after election. Council Member Kuether seconded the motion. Council Member Lyden asked about provisions for signs in rights-of-way. Council Member Kuether suggested that such policing would fall under another authority. Council Member Neal suggested that the Police Department was not the appropriate authority to enforce sign ordinance violations. He indicated the Public Works Department would be more appropriate. Council Member Bergeson asked if in the past the Building Inspector had acted in this capacity, to which Ms. Anderson responded in the affirmative. Motion carried, with Council Member Lyden voting no. 4