By KAREN MIKOLS
Salina Journal
After Tuesday's meeting of the Salina Planning Commission, the definition of electronic signs in the city is a little more clear.
"Walgreens has a changeable sign, but to me it looks different than Speedy Cash (1220 W. Crawford) and is more like a time-and-temp sign," said Dean Andrew, director of planning and community development.
Andrew presented a variety of definitions regarding signs, and commissioners settled on two types: time-and-temperature signs and electronically controlled signs. The city has been discussing the signs for more than a year.
"Maybe we could limit (time-and-temperature signs) to five characters," Planning Commissioner Patrick Mikesell said.
But it isn't that simple.
"You seldom just have time and temp," Monroe Funk said.
Andrew pointed out some banks display interest rates, and some hotels display room rates via electronic signs.
"Interest rates are not time and temp, and the sign would have to be properly zoned," Andrew said.
Scoreboards and small electronic banners were mentioned, but Andrew said as long as a scoreboard is facing the field, no permit or special zoning is necessary. For small scrolling electronic signs, Andrew said since they are indoors, they would not be subject to the city's zoning regulations.
The planning commission will meet again on July 15.
In other action, the commission:
n Discussed planning application fees, which Andrew said have not increased since 1994.
"A lot of places do a charge for the application and a (separate) charge for the permit," Mikesell said. "There is a lot of legwork involved. It seems a square-footage charge is fair."
Tuesday afternoon's meeting was the first step in re-evaluating and possibly increasing the planning fees.
The city's final platting fee is about $110, while the same fee in Emporia and Manhattan is $150.
"Most of these fees look low compared to everyone else," Aaron Householter said.
City staff will review the fees and bring the discussion to another planning meeting.
n Approved Copper Court as the name for an unnamed street east of Centennial Road.
©Salina Journal