11/20/1989 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e added that he does not believe there is sufficient evidence to justify banning EMCs entirely. Mr. Torrey cautioned the council that if the Planning Commission proceeds with the proposed moratorium on billboards, it runs the risk of a proliferation of small billboards. Any sign that is under the 200- square-foot limit that defines a sign as a billboard would be legally allowed. Randy Thwing, no address given, concurred with Mr. Torrey and added that the Planning Commission, as a public body, should have this issue reviewed by the public. Bernard Conklin, 2650 Balfour Street, testified against the proposed moratorium. Mr. Conklin noted that the Planning Commission is offering its own bias towards banning such signs, and information regarding flashing signs as safety hazards is not sufficient to warrant such an extreme action. There being no more requests to speak, Mr. Miller closed the public hearing. Mr. Bennett requested a response from staff regarding the validity of claims stating that imposing this moratorium on billboards would result in the proliferation of small billboards. Ms. Miller responded that if the proposed moratorium were enacted, it would be legal under current legislation to put up any sign under the 200 square foot limit. Nancy Nathanson, Planning Commission President, said that although the Planning Commission is concerned with the proliferation of small billboards, it has not reached an effective solution. e Responding to Mr. Torrey's comments regarding the number of remaining, usable billboard spaces, Mr. Rutan said that because most of the remaining locations are taken, future billboard construction will be located on arterials and streets with less traffic and poor visibility. Mr. Holmer said that the Planning Commission has had ample time to prepare an ordinance that will be acceptable to all parties involved and urged the council not to adopt the moratorium. Mr. Green said that because billboards and EMCs are viable tools for business in the downtown area, he cannot support this proposed moratorium. He added that the timing of this moratorium is poor, in light of the recently erected Hult Center EMC. Ms. Ehrman supported Mr. Green's position on the grounds that proliferation of billboard requests that came as a result of the proposed moratorium eradicates any need to ban such signs. Mr. Boles also offered his support to this position. In agreement with Mr. Torrey, Mr. Boles said that the proliferation of mini-billboards is likely, should this moratorium be put into effect. He added that the definition of billboard should be changed immediately, if possible, to include these mini-billboards. Mr. Bennett asked whether the Planning Commission can include mini-billboards in its request for a proposed moratorium. Ms. Miller responded that the concern over the proliferation of mini-billboards was not raised until recently, and this issue will have to be addressed in the Sign Code update. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 20, 1989 Page 8