HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 08-30-2007 WorkshopCITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING
CITY HALL ANNEX
111 POLK AVENUE,
CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA
WEDNESDAY
AUGUST 30, 2007
5:30 P.M.
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CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Randels called the meeting to Order at 5:30 P.M.
ROLL CALT.-
Council Members Present:
Rocky Randels
Bob Hoog
Buzz Petsos
Leo Nicholas
Shannon Roberts
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tern
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
Planning & Zoning Members Present:
Bea McNeely
Chairperson
Lamar Russell
Vice Chairperson
John Johanson
Board Member
Harry Pearson
Board Member
Others Present:
Bennett Boucher
City Manager
Todd Morley
Building Official
Duree Alexander
Code Enforcement Officer
Anthony Garganese
City Attorney
Susan Chapman
Recording Secretary
DISCUSSION:
1. Sign Code Amendments.
Discussion began on page 14. Building Official, Todd Morley, advised that they already
reviewed eighteen pages, and only three and one half pages remained, which he believed
would be achievable to review at this meeting. He noted that he had a list of all the
recommended changes, and after this meeting he would forward the list to the City
Attorney to put into an ordinance. He advised that when the ordinance is reviewed, the
parking lot issues would be addressed at the same time.
City Council Workshop
Meeting Minutes
August 30, 2007
Page 2
Council Member, Mr. Petsos, advised that the Cocoa Beach sign code was distributed to
everyone so they could consider some uniformity with their neighboring city. He
commented that he wanted business signs in the city to be similar along the same stretch
of road. Mr. Morley advised that he also distributed the Melbourne sign ordinance,
because there were some ideas they could refer to when considering visibility issues for
ground signs. Council Member, Ms. Roberts, suggested that Winter Springs sign
ordinance be added for consideration, because they have been recognized for being
progressive, with a desirable residential character of signs. Mr. Morley advised that he
would distribute the Winter Springs sign code at the next meeting.
Discussion was held regarding everyone not having identical documents in their packets.
Mr. Russell advised that he printed his copy off the city web site. Mr. Petsos commented
that the city web site needed to be kept current or the information needed to be removed.
Everyone compared their packets with each other. Code Enforcement Officer, Ms.
Alexander, left the meeting to make new copies. While everyone was waiting, Mayor
Randels noted that they had been holding workshops on the sign code since April 27,
2006. Mr. Petsos advised that the calendar for this meeting was on the city's web site, but
no agenda. Mr. Russell explained his frustrations with the way the packet was put
together, because the pages were not in sequence, and therefore, difficult to follow.
Discussion followed regarding the information he printed off the city's web site.
Discussion continued regarding the city's web site. Mr. Boucher advised that city staff
just needed to double check things before they get on the web site.
Mayor Randels announced that the city had a new restaurant. He introduced the owner
Mrs. Dixon. She advised that restaurant's name was Trevor's Blue Toucan. Her husband
was a chef for over 30 years; he prepared the food on the two ships that came from Italy
to the Port; they also provided catering; they were located at the Church Street Center,
and the food was mostly Caribbean cuisine. She commented that small reader signs
would be helpful to announce daily specials, and suggested placement of the sign be on
the walkway in front of the restaurant. Mr. Hermasen, Residence Inn, advised that the
hotel was doing very well. He commented that they were hoping for permission to place
a wall sign at the south end of the building. Mr. Combs, developer, advised that he was
interested in electronic message board signs. Ms. Roberts inquired about parking lot
signs. Mr. Morley advised that he would distribute the list of the parking lot sign issues
at the next meeting when that ordinance is discussed.
Mr. Boucher distributed the new data packets. They started on page 14, Permit &
Inspections, roof sign. Mr. Morley noted that the city did not have any roof signs. Mr.
Hoog and Mr. Nicholas disagreed.
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City Council Workshop
Meeting Minute
August 30, 2007
Page 3
Following discussion, they concluded to allow ground signs to project above the plain of
the roof; cut-out letters would be regulated as wall signs; off-premise signs should remain
prohibited, unless they were temporary; and real estate signs would continue to be
exempt from permitting requirements. Ms. Roberts requested that discussion be held
regarding allowing off-premise temporary signs for real estate and yard sales. She
advised that real estate signs averaged 3 ft. in height; and they did not interfere with
visibility. She spoke about the residential communities needs to have real estate signs.
She commented that real estate agents were trying so hard to help the community by
directing the public to properties being sold. She noted that real estate signs needed to be
allowed off-site because some complexes did not allow signs on their property. Citizens
in the audience advised that the business community would prefer 5 ft. temporary signs,
because they would be more visible. Ms. Roberts stated that she was strongly against
increasing the height of those types of signs.
Discussion was held regarding the need for businesses to have A-frame signs and where
they should be allowed to be placed. Ms. Scirratto, All about Hair, advised that she
would not have walk-in business if A-frame signs were not allowed. Discussion was held
regarding limiting the number of A-frame signs on a property parcel or at a strip mall;
and length of time they should be allowed, and where they should be placed. By
consensus, it was agreed that they would revisit temporary signs and fees for same.
Discussion was held regarding cut-out letter wall signs and how they are measured.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Mayor Randels adjourned the meeting at 7:35 P.M.
Susan L. Chapm• a, r.'ng Secretary