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Council initiates sign code amendment process
3/4/2015 2:44:38 PM

By Treva Lind
Splash Contributor

The Liberty Lake City Council voted Tuesday to initiate an amendment process to the comprehensive plan that would allow for discussion to continue on proposed changes to the sign code, including consideration of electronic changeable signs for some major thoroughfares.

The council voted 5-1 in favor of the move, with Robert Moore opposed and Keith Kopelson absent. Before taking action, board members heard from several people attending the meeting who spoke in favor of moving forward with an amendment process.

With Tuesday's vote, a whole new round of public input now will be conducted, culminating again in further recommendation by the planning commission and a final vote by City Council that could implement some sign code changes and rule clarifications as early as this fall.

The council's vote for amendment process considerations are based on the planning commission's recommendations and an evaluation by Studio Cascades, a Spokane-based consulting firm hired to gather public input, research options and offer steps for proposed changes to the sign code. They include:

•  If electronic signage is allowed, it will require change of comprehensive plan 
• Allow freestanding electronic signs in limited areas along I-90 
• Allow monument electronic signs in limited areas along Appleway and Country Vista
• Allow electronic signs for community events in limited areas
• Develop standards for electronic changeable messages
• Clarify standards for location and placement of wall signs

Moore said he became very familiar with the sign code as a former member of the planning commission.

"Maybe there are some things that can improve the code, but I think some of the things we're looking at with electronic signs, I don't think that enhances," he said. "Some electronic signs can threaten aesthetics." 

He said he favored reviewing options, but "it's going to be difficult for me to approve electronic signs unless someone shows me it's an enhancement."

Moore also said he thought electronic signs should be handled on an exception or variance basis. 

Mayor Pro Tem Cris Kaminskas gave a nod to some of the negative comments received when the city put up a temporary, low-tech electronic messaging sign to receive informal responses from the community.

"There's a lot of feedback," she said. "We need to consider all of them." 

She said she personally wouldn't support electronic signs along Appleway and Country Vista, but was "kind of on the fence" about I-90 ones.  

Council Member Dan Dunne said he supported moving the process forward. 

"We're not approving a specific amendment," he said. "Rather, we're continuing a very public process to consider what we're going to do."

Council Member Hugh Severs also said it was vital to continue the conversation. 

"This is a really complicated issue," he said. "I hope to elaborate more on each (of the) six of these." 

Council Member Shane Brickner said that while the electronic sign put out in front of City Hall "was obnoxious," others could be acceptable if they meet certain aesthetic requirements. 

"The one at Liberty Lake Elementary is nice," he said. "We're not saying put obnoxious signs out like the one that was up at City Hall, so I think those responses were somewhat skewed. … I agree the conversation needs to continue."

Council Member Odin Langford had some procedural concerns. 

"If we're going to have a workshop discussion, let's not mix it with action items," he said. "I'm here to discuss and think about it, and tonight we're asking for a decision." 

As discussion unfolded, Langford said he supported opening up the conversation and addressing needs to help small businesses. Making changes will be a big task, he said, "but I think we must address the ability of the city to become a ‘yes' city when it comes to business" -- and the need to clarify the code's rules.  

City Administrator Katy Allen told the board that the planning commission recommended to initiate an amendment on all six considerations. However, she added that some commissioners were less inclined about electronic sign provisions for Appleway and Country Vista. 

The amendment cycle for the comprehensive plan commences April 1, Allen said. It sparks a public feedback period, and eventually the council has the final say whether or not to accept the amendment considerations and, if so, which parts. 

She also said the city's amendment process could address standards and specifications for electronic signs, such as size and placement, color selection and inclusion of light sensors to control brightness relating to night conditions, cloudiness or bright sunlight. The city is not considering allowance for video displays. 
 
As an example of community signage needs, Allen said that if Liberty Lake Elementary School's grandfathered-in electronic sign dies, "they can't replace it nor can they put one up at the new school," under current requirements.

Discussion Tuesday also included many references to how Liberty Lake's city sign requirements have helped the city keep a uniform and aesthetically pleasing look. However, Allen said the city also has heard much input about the code's complexity, business community needs and concerns for "wayfinding" or directional signage to help commuters find destinations such as the HUB Sports Center.

Some I-90 business representatives also spoke, including Jordan Dummitt of R n'R RV and Kevin Riordan, George Gee general manager. Riordan said that while businesses along I-90 need good messaging to draw customers, he also had perspective as a Liberty Lake resident for three years.

"There are places in Liberty Lake we didn't find for six months," he said. "I think opening up this discussion is very important for small business in our community." 

Phil Champlin, HUB Sports Center executive director, said sign discussions repeatedly come up with people who can't find the regional sports venue that's tucked behind dealerships just off the I-90 corridor. 

"The discussion needs to be broader than just electronic signs," he said. "It needs to be about wayfinding and about community messaging."

Charles Matthews, a planning commission member, told the council that the board's decision didn't come easily. After listening to businesses and makers of electronic signs, he felt that allowing some changes to the code would help grow commerce. Plus, Liberty Lake will likely double in size in a few years, so the city needs to think ahead, he added. Additional sales taxes will be necessary to pay for additional services.  

"We're at a crossroads," Matthews said. "If it's done properly, it will be nice. I realize our city is beautiful, but if we're careful with our sign code, we can help our businesses and make our residents happy."

Steve Kempf, owner of Mountain Dog Sign Co., said groups such as Rotary need signage to promote community events. Negative responses to electronic signage is often about aesthetics, he added. While that's partially due to lighting, design also is a factor, he said.

Katherine Morgan, president and CEO of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, cited a definite need to look at sign code changes and clarifications. The chamber presented a letter with ideas for collaboration that include the city considering:

• Simplify and clarify the code, specifically regarding locations, size and placement of wall signs
• Accommodate wayfinding signage to assist city visitors and business patrons
• Allow off-site or shared signage for businesses or facilities that are located on secondary lots or not directly located on public rights-of-way
• Allow for special signage and rules to help visitors find "public facilities of regional importance" to include parks, libraries, golf course, visitor centers and nonprofit facilities such as the HUB

Wayne Frost of Frost Consulting also urged further discussion and collaboration. During recent dialogue on the topic among chamber members, he said 90 percent of it "was on other than electronic signage. It was about clarification, size, placement, wayfinding, the HUB. It was many things," he said. 

In other council business:
• The City Council discussed impacts to the city ballfields as affected by the Central Valley School District's building of a K-2 school. Allen told board members that under an agreement with the district, the city essentially bought the parcel for $10 with understanding the district could buy it back when needed with consideration of paying for improvements at fair market value. She said her understanding is the district isn't interested right now in buying back the portion that has the ballfields, only purchasing part of the parcel for the school. However, the district and city also are discussing possible cost-sharing on maintenance and upkeep of all grounds for community use and uniformity. The city's attorney and Allen said they will examine proposals and report back.

• The Council heard an update about a March 17 public hearing on new city food truck requirements being considered. Currently, the code doesn't allow food trucks unless they're connected to a special event. An interim zoning measure would allow food trucks such as near large office complexes under certain standards if they are located outside the central business district. 

• The Council received a preliminary report on possible expenditures if the city adopts an annual fleet replacement schedule for gradually buying vehicles to switch out with aging ones. 

• The Council awarded a bid for a Liberty Lake Municipal Library tenant improvement to Inline Framing & General Contracting Inc. in the amount of $26,531. 

• The Council authorized Mayor Peterson to sign a task order for professional services for Pavillion Park restroom remodel for $8,000.

• The Council authorized Mayor Peterson to approve the purchase for the city's new server and software, including the installation, for an estimated $27,940.

• A special meeting will be held March 31 to consider awarding a construction contract for the Pavillion Park facility improvements. 

• An update on the $1.8 million Appleway Road improvements was shared. Construction is scheduled from March 23 to June 1, although most high-impact work will occur at night. The work includes a new asphalt driving surface and safety improvements to include turning lanes, new lighting and pedestrian crossings.

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