9.18.2019 City Council Work Session Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES Eugene City Council Harris Hall, 125 East 8�h Avenue Eugene, Oregon 97401 September 18, 2019 12:00 p.m. Councilors Present: Betty Taylor, Emily Semple, Mike Clark, Chris Pryor, Claire Syrett, Jennifer Yeh Councilors Absent: Alan Zelenka, Greg Evans Councilor Taylor opened the September 18, 2019, work session of the Eugene City Council in Mayor Vinis'absence. WORK SESSION: Digital Signs Senior Planner Jenessa Dragovich introduced the topic, defining digital signs, providing some examples, and outlining the benefits, drawbacks, and regulation options. Council Discussion o Councilor Semple - expressed concern about the safety of digital signs, particularly considering the City's Vision Zero policy; would prefer to reduce signage for both safety and aesthetic reasons; asked staff for the legal minimum of what the City would be required to change. o Councilor Syrett - asked when Springfield changed its code to allow digital signs; asked whether there could be a limit on the number of digital billboards within the city, and whether those signs could be limited to billboards currently in existence; supported digital signs generally, though would like their number to be limited. o Councilor Yeh - requested input from the Vision Zero advisory body; asked for a copy of the City of Springfield's code; asked about the energy use difference between lighting for existing billboards and digital signs; asked staff how the City could use the billboards for Amber Alerts and nonprofit use; noted that digital signs make advertising less expensive for nonprofits and small businesses; expressed support for the draft motion contained in the materials. o Councilor Pryor - asked staff for statistics on accidents associated with digital signs; thought the content of a sign determined its level of distraction, not the medium itself, supported exploration of regulations to address and enable new technology. o Councilor Clark- supported the motion, noting that digital signs were economical and effective for mass communication; thought they could be a helpful tool for communicating with residents in emergency situations. o Councilor Taylor - agreed with Councilor Semple that digital billboards were distracting and not aesthetically pleasing; supported efforts to limit or reduce the number of signs; supported making the message on the Holt Center readerboard static. o Councilor Syrett - said that opinions about what is attractive or distracting are subjective; would also like to receive the answers to Councilor Yeh's questions; noted that regulations are key to maintaining livability and public safety. MINUTES — Eugene City Council September 18, 2019 Page 1 Work Session