HomeMy Public PortalAboutCouncil Minutes 1999 07/06 PMCITY OF MC CALL
MINUTES
Special Meeting
McCall City Council and Valley County Commission
American Legion Hall
7:00 p.m. - Tuesday- July 6, 1999
Table Of Contents
Carl To Order and Roil Carl .................................................................................... 2
Public Comment ...................................................................................... 2
Business ............................................................................................... 3
AB 99-139 Sign Ordinance
Adjournment ........................................................................................................... 5
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MINUTES
The special meeting of the McCall City Council was called to order at the American
Legion Hall by Mayor Eimers at 7:05 p.m. Mr. Muller, Mr. Colton, Mr. Eimers, Ms. Arp,
and Mr. Venable answered roll call. A quorum was present. Valley Conty
Commissioners present were Lee Heinrich, Terry Gestrin, Phil Davis, Tom Kerr, and
representing Council, Richard Roars. City staff present were City Manager Bill
Robertson, and Assistant to City Manager Chelsi Sholty.
Mr. Eimers opened the meeting up asking for public input.
Mel Skogland, Christy's Caf~ - Mr. Skogland asked specific questions on putting up
a sign for his business. Mr. Robertson answered his questions in regards to the
what the new ordinance allows and keeping State right-of-way considerations in
mind. Mr. Robertson directed Mr. Skogland to set up a meeting with the Building
Inspector to meet specifications.
Bill Robertson, City Manager- Mr. Robertson gave input on and handed out copies
of a sampling of "acceptable" signs in McCall put together by Curt Spalding. He
suggested that when an entrepreneur is given a copy of the sign ordinance, they
should also be handed a copy of this handout to give them an idea of what is
acceptable.
Rick Fereday, May Hardware - Mr. Fereday believes the new ordinance is not in the
best interest of McCall. He understands that this ordinance came out of a new P&Z
Commission, and is a more lax ordinance. He suggested this agenda item be tabled
until the Comp Plan is completed, in order to receive better guidance. Mr. Fereday
expressed he was in full support of Curt Spalding's letter, dated 7/1/99, addressed
to the Valley County Commissioners and the City Council. He used the Pancake
House's new sign as an example of a sign erected under the old ordinance. He
would like to see an ordinance with a lot less non-restrictions.
· Julie Eddins, Impact P & Z Commission Chairman - Ms. Eddins gave history of the
time put into this ordinance--60 hours to draft. She explained Mr. Locke's
continuance in finishing the draft at the Council's direction. She explained that a
survey was done, and they did their best to incorporate the past 5 years into the
draft. Mr. Locke had commented that this City is not ready for a more restrictive
ordinance; perhaps after the Comp Plan is completed, we can look at.
· Pat Allen, City P & Z Commission Chairman - Mr. Allen also reiterated the history of
work that has gone into the draft of this ordinance. He explained that they started
out restrictive, but learned to listen to the public. This ordinance impacts business
owners the most, and Rick Fereday and Curt Spalding is not in the majority. There
is room to rewrite this, but at this time it is critical to get something in the books.
Would like the Council and commission to approve so we can go forward. Plans to
come out with brochure that all businesses can agree with. For example, we cannot
answer Mr. Skogland's questions right now where we are at. Passing this ordinance
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would relieve a lot of our aggravation. It is reasonable to come back to this issue
after the Comp Plan is completed if anything comes out of it. Mr. Eimers asked Mr.
Allen about the Commission vote--Mr. Allen answered it was 4/0 and 4/1.
Public comment was closed at 7:24 p.m.
AB 99-139 Sign Ordinance 711
Mr. Colton clarified what Christy's Cafb can do with new ordinance--internally lit sign on
both sides of highway, with reader boards. He thanked Commission for all they have
done in ast 4 years in regards to this issue. The survey was oriented toward the
business community, and would like to speak for the average citizen--likes the new
signs that are coming out (Pancake House and samples on handout). Under the new
ordinance, a lot of things that would be allowed would make McCall look like a Garden
City strip mall. Thinks that work that has been done thus far is great; however, he
doesn't agree with certain key points in the ordinance. He did research on signsw
tasteful signs attract business, rather than obnoxious ones. Can't buy argument that lit
up signs are needed for more business.
Ms. Arp asked the Commissions what would be non-conforming under this ordinance?
Glenn Gore explained that large signs, A-frames, portables, and other junk out on
streets, as well as off-premise signs are non-conforming. If a sign is a substantial part of
a business (for example, Yamaha sign for Medley Sports), it is okay to put up the sign.
Paul's was non-conforming under the old ordinance and is now in conformance under
the new one.
Mr. Colton suggested to put a time limit on grandfathering, as well as put up funds for
businesses to promote good signs. Mr. Allen explained they looked into this, and found
an example in Sisters, OR. They put up money for businesses to change their signs,
but we don't have the power to do this. Mr. Colton suggested to funnel some funds
through the Chamber of Commerce; however, Mr. Allen explained they have tried this
route unsuccessfully.
Mr. Colton believes we should look at how Cascade has done their signs--good
example. Ms. Eddins explained that this ordinance helps us come to some medium
ground, as everyone's opinion on what is attractive is subjective.
Ms. Arp continued to discuss the incentive program for changing signs, and voiced her
support for this. Mr. Colton reiterated that some program is needed to create these
incentives for businesses to buy into these specifications.
Mr. Eimers said he was struck by the parameters indicated in the new ordinance, and
voiced his support of it--he believes it was well written and is public sensitive.
Ms. Arp asked about the scenic route did that change? Ms. Eddins explained that the
signs on the scenic route came in for review, but had no standards. Now all the signs
fall under the ordinance.
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Mr. Robertson explained there were a couple minor administrative corrections that
needed to be made.
Ms. Arp questioned passing this ordinance at this time and then having a Comp Plan
possibly change it next year. Mr. Colton had questions about changes in ownership
and how the ordinance applies. Ms. Arp asked to hear from the Valley County
Commissioners.
Mr. Kerr agrees that it affects the impact area quite a bit. He believes that bad signs
disappear in the long run anyway. He agrees that since this ordinance has been sent
back to P & Z, they have done their job, they have reached compromise, and he's tired
of looking at it. He said changing ordinances down the road is a normal practice, and
believes it should be passed at this time. Mr. Davis agrees with P & Z opinion, and
believe they have the best interest in mind to attract people to town. He believes their
input/opinion is invaluable. Mr. Gestrin agreed.
Mr. Eimers said he would like to see it passed tonight, but Ms. Arp would not be willing
to pass all three tonight, due to process reasons. Mr. Muller felt all three readings
should be done and get it out of the way. Make any necessary changes that come up.
Ms. Arp asked P&Z what they would like to do tonight--read all 3? Ms. Arp expressed
she would not like to shorten the process.
Ms. Eddins expressed the P&Z opinion--it has been read and re-read. There are not
as many people here tonight, as it has become more agreeable. Mr. Eimers responded
that he senses the process has already been accomplished. Mr. Robertson explained
that this ordinance would speed up the process for businesses and they are looking
forward to a more efficient process. Mr. Allen explained that if this is delayed any
further, will have to go through another 6 months of waiting to get it done.
Mr. Colton said it was time to cut or fish bait--wants to look into incentive program and
believes they have done a great job. We are not accomplishing anything to send it
back. Mr. Colton pointed out some things in the ordinance that need to be changed,
but not willing to stop the process because of personal bias.
Mr. Colton made a motion to suspend rules and read by title only, Ordinance 711, all 3
readings. Mr. Eimers seconded the motion.
Mr. Colton asked if separate Ordinance or amending? Mr. Robertson said it was
amending Ord. 615.
In a roll call vote--Mr. Colton, Mr. Eimers, Mr. Muller, Ms. Arp, and Mr. Venable all
voted "aye." The motion carried.
Mr. Colton moved to adopt the ordinance with the proper corrections. Mr. Muller
seconded.
Mr. Heinrich clarified amendment to Ord. 615, not stand-alone Ord. 711. Mr. Robertson
assured this was correct, and stated Ord. 615 was amended by 670 in June 1995. Ms.
Eddins stated 2 other amendments have been made since then--683 and 712.
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In a roll call vote--Mr. Colton, Mr. Muller, Mr. Eimers, Ms. Arp, and Mr. Venable all
voted "aye." The motion carried.
It was suggested to use the handout as a sample for attractive signs. Ms. Arp moved to
direct staff to use brochure handout to give to prospective new sign-makers. Mr. Kerr
wondered if anyone could come in and give a handout on what their opinion is of
attractive signs? He asserted that these are examples of "some" of the signs in town
that someone thinks is attractive-others might have attractive signs that they think
should be included in brochure. Consider what should be included in brochure, rather
than taking one sample and saying "that's it."
Ms. Arp clarified--put opportunity out there and see what we get.
direct staff to advertise for someone to bring forth attractive
brochure~et more public input.
Ms. Arp moved to
sign samples for
Mr. Gestrin said time for the Valley County Commission to make their decision on the
ordinance issue. Mr. Kerr moved to adopt the ordinance based on corrections made by
Mr. Robertson. Mr. Kerr thanked the City/Impact Commissions. Mr. Davis also thanked
the Commissions and seconded the motion. Mr. Gestrin also thanked the
Commissions, and indicated the motion carried. Mr. Kerr suggested a letter go to Mr.
Locke to thank him for all his efforts.
Without further business, Mr. Colton moved to adjourn. Mr. Eimers seconded and the
motion carried unanimously. The Council adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
ATTEST:
Kirk Eimers, Mayor
(Minutes taken by Chelsi SholtCAssistant to City Manager)
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