10-15-18-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—OCTOBER 15, 2018 4 Mr. Zweber summarized the feedback he received from the Council and thanked them for their time. C. Annual Permanent Sign Renewals City Clerk Hanson stated the adopted Fee Schedule includes a $25.00 fee per sign for the annual renewal of permanent signage. An average of 150 businesses are licensed/registered with the City each year, but compliance regarding this particular fee has been low. For the past six years, the following number of businesses have been in compliance regarding payment of the permanent sign renewal fee: 32 in 2018; 32 in 2017; 41 in 2016; 36 in 2015; 32 in 2014; and 42 in 2013. City Clerk Hanson stated the low compliance rate had been discussed with the City Planner, who had indicated that City Code states "The Sign Code requires that the Council set fees annually but not that the City has to charge an annual renewal fee". In other words, City Code does not include language that specifically relates to the requirement of an annual permanent sign renewal (as it does for pet licensing, City contractor licensing, business licensing, etc.). Based on current code language ambiguity and historical low compliance rates, City staff is requesting Council feedback and direction. Mayor Grant summarized if the annual program were to go away this would cost the City up to $5,000 in revenue. Councilmember McClung suggested the language within the renewal letter in bolded type to highlight the needs of the City. He stated he would like to see the City try and bring businesses into compliance in this manner versus hiring additional staff. He anticipated this was a case where the letter was being over looked by local business owners. Councilmember Holden recalled the renewals were required to address sign maintenance issues. She stated she did not want to see the program go away. She suggested a summer intern could possibly be considered to assist with compliance and enforcement issues. Councilmember Scott commented the main problem with this program was the City's enforcement or lack thereof. Councilmember Holden stated she did not want to see staff spending a lot of time on this issue, but agreed with Councilmember McClung's recommendation to make changes to the renewal letter. Mayor Grant agreed with this recommendation. City Clerk Hanson suggested the Council amend City Ordinance if the sign renewal fee was required in order to provide staff with further backing on this program. The Council supported amending City Ordinance.