Council debates reopening billboard rules; requests public outreach and legal briefing before action

Councilors debated reopening a previously considered text change to allow expanded digital billboards in the city and directed staff to arrange broader outreach and a legal briefing before moving forward. Councilor Branch reported that the Safe Environment Committee discussed drafting a text change to permit digital billboards with modifications addressing size, location, separation, brightness and a removal/ cap requirement for existing signs. Committee members said they had not endorsed the change but wanted further study and direction for the planning commission. Several councilors voiced concerns about reopening the ordinance: the potential spread of signs into residential areas, the effect of digital displays on advertising volume (industry representatives noted digital billboards can carry multiple advertising slots), and the uncertain legal environment after recent state legislative activity. "We wanna make sure we're balanced as we do our outreach," Councilor Sauter said, urging that industry and residents both be heard. Councilor Harrison asked for a closed‑session legal briefing on state law and litigation risks prior to any decision. Some councilors said they would not support an open‑ended text change as currently drafted and asked staff to present peer city experience and the outcomes of any related state legislation. Councilor Jones said the industry had agreed to meet with civic advisory committees (CACs) and that additional in‑person outreach was planned. Council discussion concluded with several members favoring postponing formal text‑change initiation until the council receives a legal briefing and broader community and industry engagement; staff was asked to return with options and to schedule a closed session to review legal and legislative context.