05-15-23-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — MAY 15, 2023 16 Mayor Grant asked if it was acceptable to add to an existing policy or create a policy that says Public Works will pick up nuisance signs. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said they are currently using the code enforcement officer to pick up signs, to his knowledge that has worked well. Public Works has picked them up if they are out mowing. Community Development Director Jagoe said Public Works when requested would remove some signs because they have trucks with flashing lights and it's safer for them. Mayor Grant felt most of the signs go out in Friday night or Saturday morning. City Administrator Perrault stated code enforcement picks up signs on a weekly basis. Do they want Public Works to pick up signs any time they are out and about? He didn't think that would be a great use of their time to stop every time they see a sign. Adding it to the Saturday responsibilities would probably make that a four hour call instead of two. Councilmember Holden thought the current system isn't working. There are a lot of signs that Public Works drive right by every day. Councilmember Rousseau said it sounded good to her and would defer to Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen about what needs to be done. Councilmember Rousseau would support making it a part of policy to utilize Public Works to remove signs. Community Development Director Jagoe said she was hearing a preference for Saturday removal or a more daily pick up as staff sees them. Mayor Grant directed staff to write a policy and to pull signs in the County right-of-way. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen asked for some discretion depending on the task they are currently doing or going to. Mayor Grant said that would be the exception rather than the rule. Councilmember Monson suggested they track how many signs they pull and how much time it takes. Councilmember Holden thought we should stop calling the businesses to tell them we have their signs. I. Volunteer Recognition City Administrator Perrault asked if the Council would like to put together a volunteer recognition policy that could include who they would recognize, how to recognize volunteers and if it would be limited to committee/commission members.