So Clear Channel seems to have won their case with billboards in St. Paul. So how can we get around this issue? I suggest the City Council draft and pass an ordinance that requires the property owner to pay a license fee for billboards. The fee needs to be fairly set as I understand it. But that doesn't mean that the ordinance couldn't require all billboard structures be inspected every six months. That at least once a year the connecting joints be X-rayed. The ordinance could also apply fines for unsightly billboards to include but not limited to: falling artwork; broken or burned out lighting, graffiti etc. The ordinance could also require a safety measure to prevent unauthorized persons from climbing them. This could be in the form of fencing that is a certain distance from the structure. In the case of roof top billboards, I am sure there is something that could be required to prevent access to the roof and then the billboard itself. Then the ordinance could fine the advertising company for leaving event advertising after the event. This would be like State Fair billboards. Once the Fair was over for the year the billboard would have to be replaced with another message. Now there would need to be a way the advertiser could get around this. For instance the State Fair could add to the billboards it owns, the dates of the next fair. Those billboards not owned by the fair would be the responsibility of the owner. Of course they could also add signage for the new dates. But it couldn't charge the fair unless this was part of the agreement. In all cases, either the billboard owner or the property owner will have increased costs. Would it be cost effective to keep a billboard on your property? Mike Fratto Payne Phalen _____________________________________________ To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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