This Commission Meeting was conducted utilizing Communications Media Technology. Some Staff members were present in the Commission Chambers while others were present via the Zoom application.

 

ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Dan West, Mayor

Brian Williams, Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Ward 3

Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2

Sunshine Joiner, Commissioner Ward 2

Harold Smith, Commissioner Ward 1/CRA Vice-Chair

Scott Whitaker, Commissioner-at-Large 1/CRA Chair

 

 

STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Marisa Powers, City Attorney

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Rowena Young-Gopie, CRA Director

Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk

Jake Bibler, City Planner

Jeff Bowman, Code Enforcement Supervisor

Ed Johnson, CRA Independent Consultant

Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant

 

STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

   Mayor West opened the meeting at 4:30 pm.

 

1.               RETIREMENT RECOGNITION

 

Penny Johnston was recognized for her upcoming retirement. Mayor West and former Mayor Bryant spoke of her wonderful service to the City over the past 16 years.

 

2.               PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SIGN CODES (J.BIBLER)

 

Mr. Bibler and Mr. Bowman opened the discussion for updating the sign code. They put together a brief overview of the current code and proposed amendments. This was included in the agenda. The current code was adopted in 2020. In 2021, the code was amended to add the maximum area for wall signs. They referenced the point paper from the P&Z meeting on November 15, 2021. This was made part of the minutes. This has a red lined version of the code that they changed at that time.   Mr. Bibler reiterated that they are only proposing changes to certain areas of the sign code. He asked for direction from the Commission if they would like to have another workshop to discuss, or if they want staff to submit a draft ordinance at a future meeting.

 

 Commissioner Williams asked if they were proposing changes to the electronic messaging signs. Wall sign changes were what they were proposing. Electronic messaging signs have their own section in the code.

City Commission/CRA Board Workshop

February 24, 2025

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 Commissioner Smith questioned which businesses they have in mind. Detweiler’s would like to change their signs. They’re requesting to reduce the size of their sign and it is not a substantial change. However, if they were suggesting a substantial change, it would have to come before Commission. Another example is S&S Electric, who is not currently in compliance. Commissioner Smith doesn’t have a problem with them updating it.

 

 Commissioner Whitaker would be in favor of them cleaning this language up. We want to keep safety in mind, but they should update the code to keep businesses happy and able to succeed. He thinks if a sign is illegal in a right of way, they should discard them immediately instead of having to keep it for 30 days and keep inventory of them.

 

 Commissioner Joiner agreed. She likes when the code is made clear.

 

 Commissioner Williams agreed with what had been said for the illegal signs in the right of ways. They should be picked up and discarded. We do have to account for political signs though. He would suggest adding something in the code that if the wall signs are exceeding the setback from the roadway, it could come to Commission.

 

The Commission gave consensus that they would like staff to make these proposed changes and bring it back to a meeting for approval.       

 

3.               ORDINANCE 2025-01: AMENDMENT TO TERMS OF CRA ADVISORY BOARD (R.YOUNG-GOPIE)

 

This item will also be on the 7:00 pm Agenda for First Reading.

 

At the 2/10/25 meeting, the Commission asked staff to make changes to the proposed ordinance. It was asked that they eliminate the specific characteristics of the CRA Advisory Board members. They have made these changes. They need to be a resident or business owner within CRA to participate in the Board.

 

 Commissioner Cornwell is alright with business owner or resident. She does not want someone who just owns property to be included. Ms. Powers clarified what was written in the ordinance. It did not say property owner.

 Commissioner Smith said there have been no changes since the last meeting. He also doesn’t agree with the term limits.

 

4.               ALTIER GROUP PROJECT UPDATE

 

The representative was not present. This item was discussed during the 7:00 pm City Commission Meeting.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 pm.