Minutes - Public Works Committee - 11/21/2006

Home

Councilmember-Elect Look suggested the issue of select enforcement be looked at. He noted construction companies put out signs on the weekends that are not removed. Existing businesses have questioned why the removal of these signs is not enforced, while they are not able to post signs this way. Also, during certain times of the year, such as during the Parade of Homes, there are directional signs on every street corner. The City is on record saying they are willing to overlook construction signs because they generate houses and development within the City, whereas a sign .for a liquor store may not be something the City supports. If there is select enforcement there will be those that say if the law does not apply to someone else it does not apply to me. Councilmember Olson noted the Council discussed the issue of select enforcement and consensus was that the ordinance must be applied the same to everyone. Public Works Director Olson explained there is not staff on to enforce the removal of signs for things like the Parade of Homes and garage sales that are posted during the weekend. There was previously discussion about the fact that the Parade of Homes is marketing the City, but the City Attorney advised that the ordinance must be enforced the same to everyone. Mr. Olson indicated if it is directed by Council, staff will be added on the weekends to enforce the sign ordinance. Enforcement of the ordinance has not been the highest priority, and overtime has never been expended for enforcement. Chairperson Elvig noted the sign ordinance has been discussed at length. The issue before the Committee is not the ordinance, but whether to impose a fee for violations. The Committee discussed the proposed fees included in the draft ordinance and enforcement of the fees. The following suggestions were made: ^ Likely need for an internal appeal process for people that state they did not violate the ordinance because the sign was moved. ^ Need for consistency in enforcement. ^ Copy of the ordinance or information on where to obtain information about the ordinance included with written notice of a violation. Chairperson Elvig questioned the cost of collecting the proposed fees. He asked if staff has information on the amount of notifications that have been mailed. Public Works Supervisor Reimer replied notification has been by phone calls to this point. The Committee discussed the possibility of the ordinance penalties including notification that violations could result in being liable up to a certain dollar amount, such as $300. Councilmember Jeffrey stressed that a fee schedule should be included so no one has the doubt that one individual might be charged more than another. The Committee discussed the following penalty structure: ^ 1St violation a phone call Public Works Committee /November 21, 2006 Page 5 of 8