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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 Minutes - July 6, 1999.doc Page I of 5 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 Minutes - July 6, 1999.doc Page 2 of 5 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. Minutes - July 6, 1999.doc Page 3 of 5 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. Minutes - July 6, 1999.doc Page 4 of 5 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) Minutes - July 6, 1999.doc Page 5 of 5