07-09-07 Pre-Work Session Agenda Packet

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Dynamic signs: tentative settlement and adopted ordinance: News f... http://www.eminnetonka.com/news.cfm ?stOI)' _ id= Electron icB i IIboa.., Further details of the negotiated agreement between Clear Channel Outdoor and the city of Minnetonka include the following: · One-half of the 30 existing billboard faces in Minnetonka will be pemlanently removed, along with their supporting structures, and an additional one-quarter will remain as traditional signs, in exchange for converting the remaining eight faces to dynamic signs. · Two-faced dynamic billboards can be located at the cun'ent sign locations at SH 7 and CR 101, and on 1-494 n0l1h ofSH 62. Along 1-394, one sign face may face east and west, on both sides of Plymouth Road. This means that no more than eight dynamic billboard faces will be located at four to six locations. · Free public service announcements will be provided for Amber Alerts and other community events. The Clear Channcl agreement was negotiated as the city ofMinnetonka is considering changes to its dynamic sign ordinance provisions. "The simplest regulatOlY approach is to either prohibit dynamic signs altogether, or to allow them without restriction," Gunyou said. "Instead, Minnetonka plans a balanced approach that protects the community interest, while recognizing the need to reasonably accommodate evolving sign technologies." The city council is considering standards for brightness, size and operating modes: Brightness Dynamic signs will be required to have the same appearance as regular signs, both during the day and at night. Bright white lights will be prohibited. Because illumination standards are difficult to enforce, disputes will be resolved by an independent arbitration panel. Operating mode To minimize distractions, only static displays will be permitted-no animation, motion or video. Changes will be limited to the instant replacement of unrelated images, with no distracting dissolves, fades or sequential messages. Messages cannot be changed more frequently than every 20 minutes. Size No more than 35 percent ofa sign's allowable message area can be dynamic. Reserving two-thirds of the sign face helps the public find their way, while discouraging the proliferation of multiple changing signs. Dynamic messages will be limited to freestanding signs only, and will not be permitted on building signs. As part of the negotiated agreement, the eight Clear Channel billboards will be full-faced signs changing no more than evelY eight seconds, an evolving industlY standard. The 20f3 7/4/2007 II :34 AM