WEED
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
APRIL 24, 2000
The City Council of the City
of Weed held a special meeting on April 24, 2000, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers at City Hall.
Mayor Neva Barnett called the
meeting to order at 5:10 p.m., and led recitation of the Pledge of
Allegiance. Present, in addition to
Mayor Barnett, were Council Members Roy Bergfors, Amelia “Mel” Borcalli, and
Vince Tallerico. Also present were City
Administrator Earl Wilson, City Attorney Allen King, Police Chief Martin Nicholas,
Public Works Director Craig Sharp, and City Clerk Deborah Salvestrin. Council Member Obuchon was absent due to a
work commitment.
Mayor Barnett invited
comments from the audience on specific agenda items or any item of interest
that is within the Council’s jurisdiction noting that no action could be taken
by the Council except to set the matter presented for the next regular Council
meeting.
Pat Johnson, who lives on S.
Weed Boulevard, reported she is here to observe the process of billboard
discussion, as it can be a divisive issue.
Ms. Johnson read from the April 19 Weed Press article regarding signs,
and asked if anyone had consulted the real estate community to get information
as to adverse impacts to property.
Council Member Barnett reviewed that the City Council
appointed a committee to work with the Planning Commission’s Sign Committee to
make recommendations regarding off-site advertising signs, but when the
committee met, it was determined that the entire Council should be part of
making determinations with regard to these signs.
City Administrator Wilson reviewed the Sign Committee’s
meetings, and then City Attorney King advised on various liability issues. Council discussed the arguments including
the facts that Yreka’s billboards are all for businesses out of that City,
Dunsmuir and Yreka businesses still struggle on a daily basis, and school
enrollments are decreasing on a County-wide basis and billboards have not and
will not change that.
Council discussed the fact that the ordinance presented by the Planning Commission was actually written by Steve Anderson and Jim Henry who each propose billboard type advertising.
Council discussed the alleged threat, as printed in the
Weed Press that Jim Henry will not go through with the development of the truck
stop he proposed if the sign ordinance is not amended to allow his off-site
advertising. Council also questioned
the amount of money the Economic Development Administration awarded for the
Vista Drive extension and improvements, and any penalty the City may realize if
Mr. Henry does not perform.
Council also discussed various options including limited
zoning, limiting distance from business, and limiting number of sign
sites. City Attorney King agreed to do
some research regarding restrictions and report to the Council at its next
meeting.
City Attorney King briefly reviewed case law and
litigation resulting from various cities’ attempts to control billboard
advertising. City Attorney King
explained that once a city allows this type of advertising the door is opened
and cannot be closed. City Attorney
King also stated that the City’s strongest legal position is the current
situation where off-site advertising is prohibited.
Charles Byrd, who resides on Black Butte Drive, pointed
out that none of the proponents for off-site signs live in City limits
therefore do not have to see the signs night and day. Mr. Byrd also pointed out that most billboards advertise
businesses that are miles ahead, and then questioned whether the sign Mr. Henry
is proposing can actually be placed on land designated as “remainder” under the
Subdivision Map Act.
Council Members asked City Attorney King to research that
matter and report at the next meeting.
Pat Johnson, who resides on S. Weed Boulevard, questioned
whether the developer would buy the private property and re-locate the property
owner that may be damaged by tax values.
City Attorney King noted that in terms of property
values, the property on which the signs are located may increase in value, and
therefore, a neighboring property which may be precluded from sign placement is
thereby damaged because his property value cannot be increased similarly.
Council agreed to await reports from City Attorney King
and continue discussion to the next Council meeting.
Council Member Tallerico moved adjournment, and Council
Member Borcalli seconded the motion.
AYES: Council
Members Barnett, Bergfors, Borcalli, and Tallerico
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Obuchon
MEETING ADJOURNED SINE DIE AT 6:22 P.M.