HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-23-2008 VC WS-M•
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Present:
ROLL CALL
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION
VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
OCTOBER 23, 2008
William Manuel, Mayor
David B. Norris, Vice Mayor
Darryl Aubrey, , Sc.D., President Pro Tem
Edward M. Eissey, Ph.D., Councilman
T.R. Hernacki, P.E., Councilman
Jimmy Knight, Village Manager
Leonard Rubin, Village Attorney
Melissa Teal, CMC, Village Clerk
Mayor Manuel called the meeting to order at 9:12 p.m. All members of Council were present.
All members of staff were present.
SIGNAGE AND OUTDOOR DISPLAYS
Mr. Knight proposed amending the Code of Ordinances to allow multi -retail commercial
shopping centers to place more than one business name on a ground monument sign. Mr. Knight
referenced photos of ground signs in other area municipalities as examples.
Discussion ensued on suggestions such as establishing a PUD-type approval process for
monument signs to permit more design flexibility and allow the Planning Commission discretion
to approve signs based on the size of the building or lot; allowing taller signs and/or a different
position for street numbers, in order to avoid blocking the street number with required landscaping;
and determining the specific number of business names allowed on the monument sign.
With regard to temporary signs, Mr. Knight suggested eliminating temporary signs along
commercial corridors and providing leasing information on monument signs. Mr. Knight noted
the need to provide an exception for temporary signs for new construction or signs on vacant
lots. Mr. Knight also suggested that design criteria be established for any temporary signs allowed.
Suggestions regarding temporary signs included eliminating temporary signs or phasing them out
in two to three years; reducing the size of the signs; allowing temporary signs for a maximum of
six months; requiring architectural review of the signs to ensure compatibility with building
colors and landscaping; payment of a six-month tax; and establishing a time -limit after which
leasing information must be incorporated into a permanent sign. Concem was expressed with
adding to the financial burden businesses may be experiencing. Discussion ensued on temporary
signs that do not conform to current code. Mr. Knight suggested that non -complying signs be
brought into compliance, either by erecting a new sign that complies with the code or by
allowing leasing information to be added to the monument sign. Regarding non -complying
signs, it was suggested that citations be issued by code compliance, with flexibility given on time
to comply. Mr. Rubin noted a permitting process would need to be implemented in order to
regulate the appearance of temporary signs and establish a time limit to display them.
Minutes of Village Council Workshop Session held October 23, 2008 Page 2 of 2
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SIGNAGE AND OUTDOOR DISPLAYS continued
Discussion was held on allowing balloons or banners on a temporary basis for marketing
purposes. Suggestions included allowing this type of display once or twice a year, upon payment
of a special permit fee, or allowing balloons or banners if they are brought inside at the end of
each business day. It was requested that staff bring back options to allow businesses to display
balloons and banners on a limited basis.
Mr. Knight will work with Mr. Rubin to draft code language and present it to the Planning
Commission for review. Mr. Rubin noted the need to clarify code language with regard to
political signs and temporary signs, and advised that this will be addressed as well. This issue
will be brought back for further consideration, after review by the Planning Commission.
VILLAGE LANDSCAPE AND VEGETATION DEBRIS COLLECTION POLICY
Mr. Knight advised that the policy for collection and removal of landscaping and vegetation
debris needs to be codified. Mr. Knight explained that this would allow for enforcement and
provide for registration of landscapers and tree trimmers. Mr. Knight discussed vegetation
collection immediately prior to hurricanes or tropical storms, when large amounts of tree
trimmings may be put out for pickup. Mr. Knight advised that any vegetative debris left for
collection after the Village is placed under a tropical storm or hurricane watch will be the
resident's responsibility to haul away, or the Village will collect it and charge a special collection
fee. Mr. Knight explained that staff is recommending limiting the size of regular collection piles
to 4 x 4 x 15 feet, or 8 cubic yards, with anything over this amount subject to a special fee. It
was suggested that the fee be determined annually by resolution.
This item will be moved forward to a Regular Session agenda.
OUTDOOR SEATING
Brief discussion ensued regarding outdoor sidewalk seating. It was requested that the Planning
Commission be asked to consider this issue.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 10:04 p.m.
finer
Melissa Teal, CMC, Village Clerk