The Board of Selectmen discussed, in a follow-up to a conversation weeks ago, its opinion on updates to the bylaws as they relate to signs in Northborough.
Town Planner Kathy Joubert and Building Inspector Fred Lombardo, based on feedback, presented to them the rewritten bylaws and asked for further suggestions.
Instigated by growing complaints from the public on the subject, the Planning Board, based on suggestions from other boards, is considering adjusting and updating some of the sign bylaws to bring to Town Meeting this year.
Though the board came to some sense of semblance after the discussion, they were at odds on some of the finer points.
Three specific proposed changes to the bylaws were discussed.
The first item focused on nonprofit signs, or "noncommercial signs," and the rules governing their placement and time limitations. Joubert said though there was a proposed amendment and had drafted new language to broaden the definition, but town counsel advised that the bylaw was appropriate as it stands now.
The board, other than selectman Aaron Hutchins, wanted some stricter parameters around the bylaw.
"I think the current system works in terms of town sponsored events," said Hutchins. "I think people are good about getting them up and getting them down."
Selectman Leslie Rutan disagreed, emphatic that a town board (whether it be Selectmen or Planning Board) should have tighter reins on the system and that the "beautification of Northborough" is being threatened by such a loose (yet long) bylaw.
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"In general, people are good about it," said Rutan, "but it doesn't provide for a situation where someone isn't being good about it. We wanted to have some sort of control about it."
Selectman Jeff Amberson suggested creating time parameters around the nonprofit/town sponsored event signs, and if an organization wished to exceed those parameters, it could come in and obtain a permit.
"In all the meetings I've sat through, I never remember hearing complaints about nonprofits," said Hutchins. "I thought it was always commercial signs that were the problem. I feel like we're making hay on something that doesn't exist and putting regulations on something that isn't a problem ... and we're burdening things that don't need to be burdened."
Selectman Dawn Rand, who staunchly supports a more uniform governing of the sign laws, added, "I still have a problem with the nonprofits putting up sandwich board signs when you say businesses can't, especially when they put them on the island and they fall into Church Street."
"I have heard complaints," said Rutan, "and I think we need to do what we need to do to make sure the town is as clean as possible."
As it is currently written, nonprofits are among six types of organizations that have no boundaries as to where or when to put up signs.
The second proposed change in the bylaw pertains to open house signs for real estate brokers. The proposed amendment was to allow for real estate signs to be placed beyond the property that is for sale. Selectmen adamantly opposed the change, and argue that the signs should be kept off town land, and on the property that is for sale.
"My personal opinion is that there should not be an exception for one group of people who want to sell something," said Rutan. "Everyone wants to sell something. I want to make sure the bylaw now is clear; whatever it is now is too vague."
Town Administrator John Coderre, who instigated the discussion in an effort to address the concerns about signs, said, "This whole discussion is a microcosm of what we've been hearing over the years about this. The point is to have a discussion as a community. We may be looking at a bigger process; you want to give ample opportunity for folks to be heard."
Joubert said the third proposed change to the existing bylaws involves "true temporary signs," such as the sandwich boards that are often placed out toward main thruways such as Route 20. Currently, business owners can obtain a permit to place a no more than 15-foot temporary sign out 45 days during the calendar year.
"We have suggested some additional restrictions be placed on temporary signs," said Joubert. "We are hearing that these signs are out there all the time so we've added language that the signs have to come in at the end of the business day. Another change is that if someone wants to put a sign on the sidewalk, it can't obstruct pedestrian traffic. Lastlyly, the signs must be located on the property that is being advertised. Some people think that is obvious, but that's a lot of the problem that you're seeing downtown."
Though it was not a public meeting, two business owners, including Sue LaDue, who owns the Doggie Den on Blake Street, attended the meeting to voice their concerns over the proposed changes, and present enforcement.
Both business owners argued that the restrictions put further burdens on businesses who are already struggling to be seen, particularly during periods of heavy construction.
Based on changes discussed at the board meeting, Selectmen plan to sign a letter with suggestions for the Planning Board.