Minutes - Council Work Session - 09/23/2021 - Joint

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EDA Chair Cords asked if the sign variance requests are somewhat consistent in manner or whether they are drastically different from one request to another. He explained that his thought was whether there is a formula that could be applied to the ordinance. Planning Commission Chair Bauer stated that the Commission has attempted to remain consistent in terms of allowed size and height. Economic Development Manager Sullivan asked if there would be discussion on billboards. Planning Commissioner Anderson referenced the upcoming Highway 10 project and stated that the City will continue to receive requests for taller signs because the visibility will be impacted by that project. He cautioned the City to think about where signs are placed, the height, and size. Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that staff is currently working towards putting together a billboard and sign ordinance along with a lease agreement with iDigital for the billboard. He stated that from a staff perspective he will speak in favor of a larger sign, as that is what businesses continue to ask for, recognizing that the Planning Commission would favor a smaller sign. He stated that when working on the lease agreement, there has been a question of whether political advertising would be allowed. He explained that political advertising is not allowed on City property, but in this instance a private company would be leasing the property. He noted that there would not be adult content advertising allowed. EDA Member MacLennan stated that the challenge to attracting businesses to The COR is the lack of visibility, which is why a larger sign is needed. He stated that the purpose of the billboard is to advertise for businesses and therefore he would support a larger sign only for the purpose of business advertising and would not support political advertising. Councilmember Musgrove stated that part of the messaging can include community events, which may have political involvement and therefore there could be a gray area. Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that this private company will sell adds to pay the lease and earn revenue. He asked whether this would be considered City land, which would then not allow political advertising, or whether this would be considered private as it is land that is being leased and therefore political ads could be purchased. Councilmember Specht stated that he would prefer to leave it open for the company to decide. He suggested that legal counsel be consulted to determine whether or not that would be considered City property. Planning Commissioner VanScoy stated that the ordinance is clear that if the City owns the land that type of advertising is not allowed. Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that legal counsel was consulted and there is a difference if the land is being leased. City Council Special Work Session / September 23, 2021 Page 3 of 11