Portable sign useage may be restricted

By Susan Larson | The Daily Journal

Published Friday, June 15, 2007

Portable signs on display until they become rooted to the ground could become a thing of the past.

The Public Works and Safety Committee approved regulations Thursday for use of 6- or 8-foot roll-out signs on park property. The issue will be brought before the city council for approval Monday.

Residents have complained to the City’s Park Board that the signs are unsightly and potentially hazardous, Parks and Recreation Manager Rick Terway. For that reason, the proposed regulations were drafted:

• Only signs advertising for non-profit organizations will be allowed.

• Signage will be limited to VanDyke Park by the Otter Tail County Historical Museum and Triangle Park by Dairyland.

• A written permit, at no cost to the customer, will be required and will be available at city hall.

The reason for the permit, Terway said, is to keep track of who is authorized to use the signs and who has the space next.

• No more than two signs in any area.

• A two-week limit on any sign.

A change in the signs’ locations was requested by City Council Member Hal Leland.

“In VanDyke (where there are frequently two signs), it looks cluttered and takes away from the museum’s lighted message board,” Leland said. “Could they be moved?”

“I prefer to leave them there until we come up with another solution,” Burt said. “It will limit advertising for non-profits.”

The ultimate goal, Terway said, is to eventually place an electronic sign at DeLagoon Park and by the Lincoln Avenue liquor store, doing away with the need for portables all together.