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Home My WebLink AboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-07-22, Page 11Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, JW 22. 2009 - Page Al 1 Signage bylaw put under committee review Dave !tyke. signal -star publisher Sign, sign, everywhere a sign. The use of both permanent and portable signage for business advertising and promo- tion has created a dilemma for the town com- mittee charged with the task of compiling a comprehensive bylaw. The issue came before council again at its melting July 13, after business owner Mike Ruppel of The Brick, questioned why the use of portable advertising signs was only per- mitted for 60 days per year. He was notified that the 60 days expired in May. Questioning the sense of the bylaw, in a letter to council Ruppel said, "In this time of economic downturn, business is challenging at best, regardless of the business you are in, only to be told that part of my promotional vehicle is not allowed," his letter read. "May- be you can tell me what damage a portable sign on my bearing property is dong to harm Goderich. I know what the removal repercus- sions will be to me, as it is a valuable tool for advertising, especially, again, in this chal- lenging economic period" After lengthy debate, council decided to al- low the portable sign to remain for another 60 -day period at The Brick location while the committee grapples with the contents of a new sign bylaw. Coun. Myles Murdock said the committee is working on an updated by- law that "needs to reflect consistent regula- tions with respect to signage in the town," he said. Mayor Deb Shewfelt sum the con - Pet mess causes a stink at council Darr. Sykes signal -star publisher Dogs and dog owners have been put on no- tice as the town intends to get tough with pet owners who do not pick up litter left by their animals. Mayor Deb Shewfelt said the situation "is a disgrace and a major problem" that has to be looked at and enforced more vigorously. "We need to take action on dog stuff and it has become a major problem," he said. "You almost think it is being done on purpose. I saw three piles around The Square." The town does provide a dispenser on the corner of Kingston Street and The Square, where pet owners can access materials to safely handle their pet's litter but another such dispenser may be required at another lo- cation. Also, a series of posters advising pet owners of their responsibility and the danger that dog litter poses to the environment, will be posted. Councilor Heather Lyons said that as many as 20 dogs are in Courthouse Park on Satur- days and Sundays with vendors participating in the farmers' market and flea market. "'there are many dogs in the park with ven- dors on Saturdays and Sundays,' she said. "Maybe we have to look at a park bylaw." There are similar problems at the beach area Coun. Myles Murdock said adding that enforcement has become an issue. The town will ask for more rigorous en- forcement of the bylaws. cern raised by Ruppel in his letter, advising council that in a tough economic climate they have to be cognizant of impediments faced by business. "I am concerned for the business people in the community and it's time to recognize that the economy is different and it's tough," he said. "People need signs to advertise whether they are permanent or portable and we should see what we can do for them." Marketing takes on different forms Counc. Heather Lyons told council adding that alter- native methods of advertising are available. 'There's a big price difference between a permanent sign and portable one," she said. "There's different types of advertising and promotion and we need novel ways to pm - mote business but we have to protect the vi- sual identity of the town. We're trying to stay on the same path and we have to be tough but fair." Tere are exceptions allowed and re- quested of the committee Coun. Paul Elgie said adding that the bylaw is creating prob- lems and is tough to enforce, especially when businesses have been granted exceptions for grandfathering. "We have to be fair," he said. The matter should be reviewed by the com- mittee, Coun. Ray Hurd said while advocat- ing a more tolerant approach. "We should revisit this in a tolerant vein and be pro-business to a point of toleration and minimize the roadblocks," he said. "We are trying to do what's best and we are trying to be proactive," Murdock told the meeting. " We do not want to make this diffi- cult for business and we will take everything into consideration." 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