Agenda - Council - 06/13/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4) Consider Penalties for Violations of the Sign Ordinance Public Works DirectOr Olson reviewed that general provisions section of Chapter 9.12 of the City Code prohibits all signs except those placed by governmental units within the public rights- of-way. The Public Works Department has been diligent in enforcing this provision of the ordinance and has been removing violating signs whenever such signs are discovered or reported. Removed signs are discarded; however, the low cost of many of these signs causes the same type of violation to occur repeatedly. Staff feels that a progressive policy for dealing with repeated violations would have a positive effect on achieving the goal of maintaining fights-of- way free of unauthorized signage. He reviewed the following suggested progressive system: First violation: Second violation: Third violation: Phone call advising the sign owner of the City Code prohibiting signs in the rights-of-way. A certified letter warning that placement of additional signs will result in penalties being assessed. Issuing of citations for violation of the sign ordinance. Public Works Director Olson advised staff recommends that an amendment to the sign ordinance be developed with the assistance of the City Attorney to allow for progressive penalties for repeated violations of the placement of signs in the public rights-of-way. The recommendation of the Committee was to recommend to City Council to proceed with the amendment to the sign ordinance according to staffs recommendation. Councilmember Elvig noted this also includes the signs nailed up on light poles, fences, sides of trees, in right-of-ways, sight lines, etc. The attempt was to take into account all the signage and complaints Public Works is receiving. Councilmember Jeffrey indicated he had requested that City Administrator Norman be sure that new businesses in the City receive a copy of the sign ordinance. Councilmember Elvig suggested the sign ordinance be included in the welcome packet for new businesses. Councilmember Olson suggested new resident packets include information regarding signage, due to the proliferation of garage sale signs. 5) Consider Crosswalk Installation across 167th Avenue at Quicksilver Street Public Works Director Olson stated at the March 21, 2006 Public Works Committee meeting it was the consensus of the Committee that staff consider and recommend a location for a crosswalk across 167th Avenue to provide for the protection or. pedestrians which can be expected to travel between Elmcrest Park and the businesses located north of 167th Avenue at the TH 47 intersection. Staff has reviewed the location and is recommending that a crosswalk be installed across 167th Avenue in line with the east side of Quicksilver Street. The cost associated with this signage is approximately $1,000, which would come from the Public Works signs account. Staff would not recommend the spacing between TH 47 and Quicksilver Street be City Council / May 9, 2006 Page 26 of 30 -72-