There are two new ordinances in Two Rivers regarding signs and garage doors.
The first ordinance regards decal-type signs on sidewalks, which private businesses are now allowed to use.
However, city officials suggested that if this ordinance is created, businesses should have to compensate for any claims.
City Manager Greg Buckley says the city already provides for signs like sandwich boards, which are placed in front of a business.
The city also has rules for awnings but, Buckley noted, “We did not have similar indemnification requirements for those instillations of signage either on or over the public sidewalk.”
He also said as a result of that requirement, Buckley said, “the point was made that we should be consistent when it comes to other types of signage uses of the public right-of-way.”
Ultimately, the city bears responsibility if someone were to get hurt by a sign, but this makes sure the businesses also have some.
The other ordinance regarding garage doors was also passed by the council. It’s now allowed that if you have five acres or more, a garage must be placed at least 500 feet away from a street.
Members Darla and Bill LeClaire wanted the ordinance changed to make it only 2 acres and 200 feet away, but that will be discussed further by the city’s plan commission.
The sign ordinance was approved unanimously, but it was a 7-1 vote on the garage ordinance, with Bonnie Shimulunas wanting to learn more information.