Council approves development agreement and sign-code changes for Minute Management project; right-of-way vacation hearing continued

The La Center City Council on May 14 approved a development agreement with Minute Management to allow construction of a business complex sign and a city entrance sign at the I-5 La Center Road junction, approved a revision to the city sign code to allow freeway business complex signs closer to La Center Road, and opened (then continued) a public hearing on a right-of-way vacation tied to the project.

City staff described the package as three linked elements: a development agreement, a small-city purchase of about 400 square feet of land for a city sign (the appraised value of that parcel was reported at $14,000), and an exchange of roughly 350 square feet of right-of-way so Minute Management can place its commercial sign while the city receives land useful for a future roundabout. City staff said the right-of-way exchange is like-for-like and the sign-code amendment carries no direct budget impact; the city would purchase the 400-square-foot parcel at appraised value so the sign will remain on city-controlled land through future ownership changes.

Brian (staff) summarized that the concept began as a coordinated sign and right-of-way exchange and that the city's comprehensive plan supports the development agreement. Staff said the city would spend at most the appraised value to secure the 400-square-foot sign parcel; the appraised value is cited as $14,000.

Council approved a motion to adopt the development agreement with Minute Management LLC to acquire property to construct a city entrance sign, evaluate a revision of the city's sign code, and exchange approximately 350 square feet of right-of-way along La Center Road. The roll call recorded "yes" votes from Council members Fox, Casperg, Leija and Cervini; Council member Boyle was absent. The ordinance implementing the development agreement passed.

Following that vote, the council considered a sign-code amendment (Ordinance 2025-01) to revise La Center Municipal Code section 8.60.08 so freeway business complex signs may be placed 50 feet or less from the La Center Road center line (the prior standard used a 500-foot buffer intended for signs visible only from the freeway). Council adopted the ordinance by roll call vote (Fox, Casperg, Leija and Cervini voting yes; Boyle absent).

City staff opened a public hearing on a related right-of-way vacation (Ordinance 2025-02) required to effect the 350-square-foot swap. Staff explained that state law (RCW 35.79) requires a 20-day on-site posting; the city had advertised the hearing in the newspaper of record but the physical on-site posting was posted a few days late and therefore did not meet the full 20-day period. After receiving public comment at the May 14 meeting, staff and the city attorney recommended continuing the hearing to the May 28 meeting to allow the on-site posting requirement to be met. The council left the right-of-way vacation hearing open and scheduled final consideration for May 28.

Public comments at the hearing raised display and visibility concerns for the entrance sign and asked the council to be mindful of sign size, placement and sightlines. Some commenters also asked for clearer agenda labeling and broader notice procedures; staff said notices are published in the paper of record and certain vacations require additional on-site and public postings, and staff offered to revisit how notices are presented on the city agenda and on the city website.

The council recorded no financial compensation for the right-of-way vacation because the staff recommendation treated the swap as an equivalent exchange that benefits the city.

The council directed staff to continue the public hearing on the right-of-way vacation to the May 28 council meeting and to provide any additional required notices and exhibits prior to that meeting.