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I I I Council Meeting Minutes January 23, 1996 Page 8 Council Business. continued The Planning Commission would need to perform a study to calculate income derived from a sign to determine amortization. Benke feels most billboards are revenue generators, and the issue appears to be a trade off between economics and aesthetics. For some businesses their only way to make their presence known is by a billboard. Mattila said businesses which abut freeways are allowed a freeway sign up to 170 ft. in area. Benke said that if the business did not abut the freeway they cannot install a sign. Jim Beran, Chamber of Commerce Director, said this subject has not been discussed among Chamber members. Tom Hauck said his billboard permit began the issue, and had purchased the property incompliance with current ordinances. A billboard in the proper location serves a function to the community by directing traffic off the freeway and into neighborhood businesses. He noted a Pederallaw which mandates that just compensation be given if a billboard is removed, but feels amortization is delayed contiscation of property. Many businesses advertise on billboards in other cities to bring customers into New Brighton. LeFevere stated there appears to be no legal concern with prohibiting billboards with commercial language, but there could be issue with the First Amendment in regards to large signs with noncommercial language. However, noncommercial language signs would have setback and location limitations. Benke questioned whether a thorough review of the Sign Ordinance should be conducted. Mattila agreed there are sections which he would like to bring back for Council consideration. Fulton feels that those issue relating to more pressing concerns could be brought forward at a sooner date. Motion by Williams, seconded by Gunderman, to DIRECT CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE AMENDING SECTION 9-130 OF THE SIGN ORDINANCE TO PROHIBIT NEW BILLBOARDS IN NEW BRIGHTON, AND PRESENT THAT LANGUAGE TO COUNCIL AT A FUTURE DATE. 4 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. Benke asked if the amendment needs to be performed by a certain date. Mattila said the moratorium expires March 31, 1996, but Council review before that time. LeFevere will research the public notification requirements. Fulton presented the Public Safety Vision Statement. During 1995, Council and staff reviewed issues impacting the Public Safety Departments (Police and Fire). Consultant, Karen Ray and Accts, assisted in the process, but by and large the effort was handled internally by Assistant to the City Manager Barbara Jeanetta. The vision statement is a culmination of efforts and discussions by Council, staff, Public Safety Commission, Public Safety Coordinating Team, and focus groups. The vision statement consists of six major areas: philosophy, staffmg and resources, management, prevention, communication, and regionalization. Staff recommends conversion of the vision statement into an action plan. Fulton presented some highlight'l of the vision statement. Philosophy; Community oriented governance will be the philosophy employed to address community public safety issues. Results expected: organizing of four community oriented response teams led by residents and municipal service providers; Police and Fire staff will employ community governance strategies; and residents and businesses would take responsibility for initiating solutions to public safety problems. Council Business Amendments to Sign Ordinance - Billboards Report 96-027 Public Safety Vision Statement Report 96-028