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

Home Browse Search

. Ms. Nathanson said that although the Planning Commission is concerned with the proliferation of such mini-billboards, it has not found a way to regulate such signs. She added that the commission plans to hold one more public hearing on the Sign Code update because of the numerous changes that have been made to the existing code since the initial hearing. She noted that the Planning Commission has been dealing with a number of issues beyond that of the Sign Code update, which has affected its ability to deal with the update in a timely manner. Responding to a question from Mr. Miller, Ms. Nathanson said that the commission was charged with the responsibility of reviewing the existing Sign Code for the dual purpose of bringing it into compliance with new laws and bringing it up to date with current technology. Mr. Bennett expressed extreme concern for the proliferation of mini-billboards and said that he would like to find some way to address this issue. Mr. Rutan responded that the leasing of billboards is a very competitive business, and if there was going to be an additional flood of permits, it would have already happened. He said that the issue of mini-billboards should be considered under an extensive review of the Sign Code. Ms. Bascom said that, on the basis of public testimony, she believes the council should abandon the issue of a moratorium. She added that she is highly concerned with the issue of visual clutter but felt that this is a separate issue. Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Rutan, that the council drop e the issue of a moratorium. Ms. Schue said that although public testimony was of the opinion that a moratorium was not needed, she is concerned about the increase of any more billboards. She stressed that if the moratorium does have an effect, it will be for the better and she urged the council to vote against the motion. Mr. Bennett said he would like to exempt the Hilton's billboard from the moratorium in order to be consistent with previous support the council has given. Mr. Bennett moved, seconded by Mr. Boles, to substitute his motion for Ms. Bascom's motion that the council approve a moratorium on all billboards for a period of 90 days, to change the definition of billboard to include signage over 100 square feet, and to exclude the application for billboard at the Eugene Hilton from this moratorium. Ro 11 ca 11 vote; the motion failed, 3:4, with councilors Bennett, Schue, and Boles voting in favor; and councilors Rutan, Green, Bascom, and Holmer voting against. Ms. Bascom's motion passed, 4:3, with councilors Rutan, Bascom, Holmer, and Green voting in favor; and councilors Bennett, Schue, and Boles voting against. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 20, 1989 Page 9 ~