09/10/1973 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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/\ Councilman Hershner had some concern on some of the specific items brought up in \ the reports presented, such as limitations on signs along elevated arterials, etc. . However, he thought those kinds of questions could be dealt with individually and said he would definitely oppose opening for public discussion the whole philosophy of the Code at the time it was adopted. -Councilman McDonald agreed that holding public hearings on the entire Code would 'not be wise. However, he felt public hearing might be in order to consider specific items which may need attention, considering the five years of experience under its regulations. He was concerned about possible cost which could be in- curred by the City if Obie Communications were to file a law suit. Councilmen Keller, Murray, and Wood each expressed opposition to holding public hearings and basically agreed that with the deadline of September 10 approaching it would not be fair to those who have already removed non-conforming signs. Mr. Wood added his hope that the Planning Commission would submit whatever recom- mendations they felt needed to allow operation of the Code as intended. Warren Korstad, representing the group of businessmen concerned about regulations on signs other than billboards, noted the recent interest of that group because 'of the impending deadline for conformance to the Code. He noted that in cases filed because of sign codes in other cities those desiring signs were spoken of as the minority, but he felt some businessmen are finding it is the only type e of advertising tha t will help them. Larsen said Obie's proposal was to consider amendments to the Code; they did Mr. not ask for public hearings. They ask only to consider reviewing the Code with regard to setbacks, height, etc. I Dan Childress, l84~ university Street, said there was no other recourse for people who Objected to large signs than to uphold the Council in its adoption of the. Sign Code. He didn't want it changed. He questioned whether billbo~!ds we~~ , - the most effective method of advertising and said that if they were eliminated some other effective advertising means would appear. He thought the matter should be opened for public hearing to give those opposed to large signs an opportunity to be heard. Wilburn Reynolds, owner of A&W Root Beer in Eugene, commented on the cost of signs installed prior to adoption of the ordinance and which are now non-conforming. He felt enforcement of the Sign Code was taking of private property and could lead to more serious infringement upon his property. He said there would be no argu- ment if the Ci ty were to pay for the signs which had to come down. Mary Briscoe, president of the League of Women Voters, displayed a pictorial . record of news items covering adoption of the Code. She noted the compromises made by those wanting a stronger Code and urged the Council to review those compromises to see whether amendments to the Code were really needed. Ray WOlfe, 1926 Potter Street, identified himself as a member of the Mayor's Sign Code Committee and of the Metro Civic Club research committee, and said many other committees and study groups concerned themselves with development of the Code. He noted the many open hearings before the Commission and Council prior to the Code's adoption and urged the Council to let the ordinance stand in its present form. He said the billboard industry appears to be attacking the basic structure of the Code rather than appealing to the Board which considers variances. He fel t amending the Code to bring billboard signs into compliance would be under- mining the authority of people serving on the Board of Appeals. Lael Braymer read a prepared statement on behalf of Annabel Kitzhaber, 1892 West 34th Avenue, urging the Council not to amend the Sign Code as proposed. She felt it would be unfair to the people who have already removed non-conforming signs to meet the September 10 compliance date. . Mayor Anderson commented on the numerous contacts made with him by people in . favor of keeping the Sign Code as it is written and enthusiastic support of the community in general. He said that many businesses had gone to considerable ex- pense to conform to the Code. He expressed his approval of the ordinance and concurred with Council members' reluctance to open public hearings on the entire - Code. Comm Vote was taken on the motion as stated. Motion carried, Councilmen Williams, 9/5/73 Hershner, Keller, Murray, and Wood voting aye; Councilman McDonald voting no. Approve Councilman Hershner was ~xcused frC;)llI__the meeting. - -- - ----~-- ~ 2.3 9/10/73 - 7