Mr. Jacques shared that the 45 day limit is for temporary window signs and does not apply to real estate signs.

Mayor Duncan then asked if home improvement signs or home for sale signs in the medians, or locations other than residential yards, are still prohibited.

Mr. Jacques said yes, and explained that this type of sign is considered an off-premise sign, which includes signs advertising contractors whose business premises are elsewhere.

Mayor Duncan asked if there are any existing signs that would need to be removed or updated.

Mr. Jacques explained that no one will be required to change a sign, other than the three pole signs in the Far Hills Business District that will require removal within the next ten years.

Mayor Duncan asked how these changes will impact the sign at the Oakwood Community Center.

Mr. Jacques shared that the existing sign at the Oakwood Community Center would need to be reduced from the current 25 square foot display to no more than 17 square feet. It would be the same size as the one removed last fall.

Mayor Duncan asked how the electronic format would be displayed on the Oakwood Community Center sign.

Mr. Jacques confirmed that the electronic format would be smaller, meeting the nit requirement for illumination, which the sign company has already programmed.

Mr. Stephens asked if the 17 square foot measurement includes just the illuminated area.

Mr. Jacques explained that 17 square feet would be the total sign face area. The Code would require that only 50% of that area be a digital screen.

Mayor Duncan stated that it appears that the only two issues that the Planning Commission had was the removal of the provisions requiring all sign materials be non-combustible, and removal of the code provisions for electronic changeable copy signs. The rewrite removed the non-combustible provision, so the only open issue is related to electronic changeable copy signs.

Mr. Jacques agreed, and added that the Planning Commission was in favor of removing the non-combustible regulation, but with a majority vote of 3-2, they did not believe that electronic changeable copy signs were a good fit in Oakwood. He added that Oakwood is a historic community, and there are different perspectives on the electronic signage. Oakwood has a lot of historical properties, but is Oakwood solely a historical community, or is Oakwood willing to embrace some modern technology, with reasonable limitations?

Mr. Stephens asked that Mr. Jacques clarify the regulations for political or government signs, and whether they are subject to time limits.

Mr. Jacques explained that this has not been part of the Oakwood Zoning Code for a long time. There is no time limit for political or government signs because the City cannot outlaw the freedom of political speech. When you allow political signs for a limited time, you are effectively prohibiting political speech during the rest of the year.

City Council thanked Mr. Jacques for his presentation and added that it was very well done.

Mr. Jacques then administered an oath en masse to those in the audience wishing to testify.

Public Hearing. Mayor Duncan opened the public hearing.

Mrs. Abbey Urbas, 406 Greenmount Boulevard, asked a few dimension questions about the Oakwood Community Center sign. She asked if it is correct that the Oakwood Community Center sign would need to be 17 square feet with 8.5 square feet of electronic copy.

Mr. Jacques shared that the figures are not exact, but fairly close, and confirmed that the sign would only be 50% electronic copy.