04/27/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e awareness that there might be an ordinance problem, one of his divisions bid for advertising on one of the buses. Mr. Obie explained that it was not inconceivable that in the future his company may bid to handle the adver- tising on the buses. He asked Mr. Long if he had a conflict in that regard. Mr. Long said that based upon the prior reasons that caused Mr. Obie to abstain because of involvement in the billboard industry, it would be his judgment that he did not have a present conflict on those grounds. With respect to potential future conflicts of interest, because of business, should certain legislation pass, his disclosure of that potential conflict would comply with the provisions of the State law. So, if in Mr. Obie's judgment, he feels able to participate, he can do so having made that disclosure. Mr. Obie said that he would proceed accordingly. Public hearing was opened. Those testifying were: Adrienne Lannom, 460 East 15th, Chairperson of the Planning Commission, wished to clarlfy an lmpression that might have been given in the press about the ridership of certain Planning Commission members. She stated that at least three commissioners who voted in favor of not allowing advertising on buses were regular bus riders. She said $50,000 is the annual projected income from this advertising. The current budget of LTD is $8 million, or .6 percent of their annual budget. Those testifying in favor of advertising on buses were: tit Ken Kohnen, PO Box 2710, President of the Board of Directors of LTD, asked the council to adopt the amendment allowing exterior signing on LTD buses. He stressed that this non-tax revenue source of $50,000 annually would aid LTD in a time of shrinking resources and withdrawal of federal funding. In an LTD survey, 90 percent of the respondents approved of signing on buses. The LTD board has established standards for the sign program with prohibitions against tobacco, alcohol, and religious advertising, and guidelines for content and design. e Jay Goldstein, 1210 West 13th Avenue, said that this is a non-tax revenue source for LTD. It is cost-effective advertising for local businesses. The present language of the code neither allows or disallows such advertising. It is evident that LTD needs the funding. LTD has indicated that they will employ good taste standards in the selection of advertising. Dan Herbert, 1913 Potter, member of the LTD board, favors exterior advertising on buses. He noted those who are concerned about the visual environment and said that the signs will be generally small. He does not feel that it is serious compromise to allow exterior signing on buses. There is the added consideration of this revenue being needed. Bob Loomis, 3540 Pearl, member of the LTD board, agreed that the advertising will be in good taste. He felt that LTD and the City should not be arguing over this issue. He requested that the council vote for approval of exterior signs. MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 27, 1981 Page 2