Item 3A: Approval of City Council Minutes

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asked if complaints had to be in writing prior to the budget cuts. Mr. McKerrow said the policy was changed to require a written complaint after the budget cuts. Ms. Taylor said she wanted to see the policy change reversed. Ms. Ortiz felt that enforcement that was complaint-driven was somewhat inequitable and she would be interested in exploring ways to expand opportunities for small businesses to have portable signs. Ms. Bettman said she was in favor of having a process for examining the issues, but saw some areas of concern. She said if a business with a large sign decided to also have a portable sign by the street the situation could become unmanageable. She pointed out that the portable signs in the photograph were distracting drivers’ attention from a traffic sign warning of the presence of children and a proliferation of sidewalk signs could create traffic and pedestrian hazards. She said there should be very clearly defined criteria for allowing portable signs and that would also require enforcement. Mr. Poling suggested that any approval of portable signs should include sight distance from driveways and intersections to avoid blocking the view of oncoming traffic. Mr. Papé asked if real estate signs were currently permitted. Mr. McKerrow replied that the Sign Code included exceptions for real estate signs; however, the exception was for the sign to be placed on the property for sale or lease. He said enforcement of real estate sign regulations was also complaint-driven and recent surveys of two arterials indicated about 15 percent of businesses were currently using illegal portable signs. Mr. Papé said the real estate industry should be involved in discussions of the Sign Code and well informed about its provisions. He felt the Sign Code should be enforced. Mayor Piercy said the City was proud of its Sign Code, which related to the livability of the community and how it looked and functioned. She was sympathetic to small businesses but felt that portable signs should be the exception instead of the rule. Mr. Kelly, seconded by Ms. Ortiz, moved to include considering allowing portable signs, with reasonable restrictions, during the next code update process to begin this summer. That will mean this issue will be included in the Planning and City Coun- cil discussion for prioritization along with other issues raised during the public out- reach. Mr. Kelly suggested looking at how other jurisdiction had addressed restrictions on portable signs. He felt the signs would be used primarily in strip mall areas. Ms. Bettman observed that businesses could build near the sidewalk if they wished to have a street and sidewalk presence. Mayor Piercy remarked that if it was too easy, businesses could have both large and small signs. Mr. Papé said the code could be revised to allow reasonable, enforceable use of portable signs or there would continue to be a proliferation of illegal signs. The motion passed, 7:0. MINUTES—Eugene City Council July 24, 2006 Page 9 Work Session