Sign of the Times

Update:  Clear rules for placing campaign signs during the election season.

The Sign Ordinance was on the May 13 Shorewood meeting agenda (starting at p. 53). A previous SCA article detailed why the ordinance was continued from April 22.

On May 13th Council approved the ordinance on a 4-1 vote.  Sanschagrin voted against it citing concerns that as written, it was confusing and unclear to the residents.  Maddy, Callies and Labadie disagreed with him and said the quick passage was necessary to “protect the city.”

If you agree with the premise of the ordinance, or not, here are three overarching reasons why this entire process should matter to residents:

• The initial continuance to May 13 was because the City did not follow state law which requires 10-day advance notification when an ordinance is being voted on. The City did not follow the notification process for communication with the public.
  
• The sign ordinance has met with vigorous feedback from residents in the recent past and promises to do so again. Three residents commented on the ordinance, within their 3-minute time allotment at matters from the floor. The Council did not engage in any way with the residents. 
• The City expects residents to follow the sign ordinance–which the Council publicly agreed is confusing and complex. Its current format allows for subjective interpretation by city workers, leaving the residents at their mercy. The City has indicated it is unwilling to make the ordinance more understandable to the “average resident.”

                      
   “…60 years of patching has made this code a little tough to read.” — Maddy

  “Can  you tell us a little bit about how you have gathered information to help guide the ordinance and also if you received communication from the public on what concerns they may have…” — Question from Sanschagrin to Planning Director Darling

  “I’ve driven around during holiday periods to see what’s out there, and I’ve looked back through the code to see when the holiday sign allowance was added…” – Director Darling’s response to Sanschagrin

Read here how Excelsior makes their ordinances reader friendly