Signage issue in Saugeen Shores being re-visited

Town Council

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It appears that the signage issue in Saugeen Shores won't be resolved any time soon.

A  plan was brought to Town Council by Jim Bell, Chief Building Official, that set out proposed recommendations:

• the applicant for a projecting sign will complete a license application
• the applicant will provide a fee of $250 for the preparation of the agreement
• the applicant will pay a fee of $500 to cover legal costs that the town may incur and any balance remaining will be refunded
• the applicant will pay the sign permit fee
• the applicant will pay an annual inspection service
• the applicant will provide the town with any other applicable plans and documentation required

Several Councillors however, did not agree with the recommendations as presented.

"While I support the idea of an application," said Vice Deputy Mayor Doug Gowanlock, "I don't think it will cost $500 but at least it gives us a point to refund from."

"The way I see it," said Councilor Luke Charbonneau," it will cost approximately $800.  Is there some room to adjust the costs ... to re-think these numbers?  Maybe staff could look at the community improvement plan  and perhaps waive the fees under that plan.  We should not throw up financial hurdles for businesses."

"I agree with Councilor Charbonneau," said Councilor Diane Huber. "I think there should be some fees involved but I have difficulty with some fees because the intent was not for smaller signs."

Councilor Victoria Serda pointed out that she had advocated for perpendicular signs as a tourism strategy.  "It was not my intent to make fees prohibitive. ... I think staff should come back with another proposal for signs where one cost does not fit all."

Deputy Mayor Doug Freiburger said he would prefer to see a 'revenue neutral' plan. "We should not be trying to kill a fly with a sledge hammer."

In the meantime, Bell said yesterday (September 21) that staff is re-visiting the situation with a view to revising the plan for presentation to council.

"What we started out looking at, were not the signs that were directly in front of a business along the highway corridor between Port Elgin and Southampton, but those signs that indicated businesses elsewhere in the community.  We are however, currently looking at revising the plan as requested by Council and don't anticipate any action being taken before the matter is resolved  and that may be in conjunction with the planned way-finding signs being planned.

Concerns have been raised and we are looking into those as requested by Mayor Smith."

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Wednesday, September 22, 2010