HomeMy WebLinkAbout190918 WSMINUTES – Eugene City Council September 18, 2019 Page 1
Work Session
M I N U T E S
Eugene City Council
Harris Hall, 125 East 8th 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.
1. 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 Hult 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.