On Tuesday night the Manhattan City Commission received a briefing on possible new revisions the regulations covering signage within the city limits.
Senior city planner Chad Bunger laid out the proposed revisions which included limiting the size of some signs, and allowing newer digital signage to be used in some static displays.
According to Bunger the digital signs would mostly be replacing the plastic lettering signage within the city, and perhaps adding a “fully functional” digital sign in one location.
Downtown Manhattan Incorporated executive director Gina Scroggs said she appreciated the update, and would like the city to contact her if any problems arose in the downtown area. Bunger said he would continue to work with the downtown business association.
One rental owner came forward to complain about the restrictions on signs, and indicated the current restrictions were hurting his business. According to the rental owner he has had to lower rent for the first time in a number of years due to lower tenancy, and wanted the city commission to reconsider adding any new restrictions on rental unit owners.
During the work session the commission received a briefing on a new program which purports to improve efficiency within city operations. The Baldridge Award process is used in major corporations such as Lockheed Martin, and proponents say it focuses on providing a paradigm shift in operations that leads to process improvements.
The city commission decided to hire Craig Rapp as an initial consultant on the project at a cost of around $6,000 plus travel expenses. An article on the award can be found here.
