Minutes - Public Works Committee - 06/15/2004

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the developer incur the additional costs of looping the watermain to Alpine Drive as an element of the trunk fund contribution. Motion carried. V oting Yes: Chairperson Zimmerman, Councilmembers Elvig and Cook. Voting No: None. Councilmember Elvig left the meeting at 6:25 p.m. Councilmember Kurak replaced Councilmember Elvig as alternate at 6:25 p.m. Case #9: Review Policy on Placement of Temporary Signs Public Works Director Kapler explained temporary signs appear overnight and are usually in the right-of-way. Public Works crews have removed signs in the right-of-way in the past as time allowed. This year is a presidential election year and political signs will most likely start appearing soon. The topic of temporary signs has been brought up at a work session. Staff was asked to review the issue and bring forward a policy regarding temporary signs. Public Works Director Kapler explained placement of temporary signs is permitted subject to the conditions of City Code Chapter 9. The requirements include limitations on the size of the sign, the duration of placement and the location. The signs must be placed on private property and be removed in a timely manner after the event happens. The attached statement is written to address political signs. It could be expanded to include all temporary signs. Developing a written policy that is easily distributed will aid in the enforcement of the provision for NO SIGNS in the right- of-way. The City policy on political sign size,is more restrictive than state law which is acceptable. The state allows 80 square feet whereas the City maximum is 32 square feet. The City is also more restrictive on the time allowed after the election, 7 days vs. 10 days. This is also acceptable. The state election law does not address location of the signs other than to restrict placement of signs within 100 feet of polling locations. Mn/DOT does address the placement of signs. The May 10, 2004 news release from Mn/DOT regarding signs in the right- of-way is attached for reference. Mn/DOT routinely removes temporary signs in their right-of- ways. This policy as drafted addresses political signs. The policy could be modified to cover all temporary signs. Chairperson Zimmerman commented signs should not be allowed right next to the blacktop or into the bottom of the ditch. Public Works Director Kapler suggested a distance of 15 feet out from the edge of the blacktop be restricted from signs. Assistant Public Works Director Olson commented if a sign is placed in front of some one's property it gives the illusion that property is endorsing the candidate. Councilmember Cook noted a restriction of 15 feet out would still leave the possibility of someone hitting a utility line with a post. Public Works Committee/June 15,2004 Page 11 of 17