Staff reports enforcement activity; committee discusses enforcement timing and fines

Staff reported that the enforcement spreadsheet remains largely "status quo," that a Main Street real estate company removed a banner sign after a notice, and that a chalkboard sign was removed after an enforcement letter. Staff told the committee that they generally give property owners 14 days to respond to a notice before proceeding to citation and that cases can escalate to district court for ongoing noncompliance.

"I usually give them 14 days and if they don't respond, then I can send out a citation, then that goes to district court," the enforcement staff member (Kathy) said. The staff member described the progressive enforcement scale discussed in the bylaw: an initial lower daily fine, with higher daily fines and court referral if noncompliance continues. Committee members asked how repeated seasonal pop-ups and longstanding violations are handled; staff explained fines escalate and the goal is bringing businesses into compliance.

Committee members also asked about posting enforcement items to public agendas. Staff said notices should be allowed to be received by property owners before items are posted publicly; however, the enforcement spreadsheet will continue to be shared with committee members for follow-up. The committee set its next meeting for Nov. 18 due to a special town meeting and indicated staff and committee members will coordinate to clarify enforcement procedures with town licensing staff.

Why this matters: Enforcement of sign rules affects streetscape consistency and business compliance; committee members raised concerns about repeat offenders and long-standing violations. Staff emphasized the administrative process and legal escalation as the standard path to compliance.

Speakers who addressed enforcement included Kathy (enforcement staff), Chris Young, Kevin Koester, and committee members.