Moses Lake votes to allow political signs
Candice Boutilier/Columbia Basin Herald<br> City Manager Joe Gavinski and Councilmember Brent Reese view a map of Moses Lake to determine areas where political signs cannot be.
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council unanimously approved to draft an ordinance allowing political signs to be placed on some city owned property.
Council approved a list of city property where signs cannot be placed and developed sign standards applicable to political signs.
The ordinance must pass on a second reading before it is official.
Councilmember Richard Pearce presented his ideas to the city council Tuesday night in an effort to have political signs allowed in some areas.
Signs can’t be placed on city hall property, Moses Lake Police Department property, Moses Lake Public Library property, fire station property, Surf ‘N Slide Water Park property, McCosh Amphitheater, Maintenance Complex property, Moses Lake Municipal Airport property, Sinkiuse Square, the Moses Lake Rotary Clock roundabout on Third Avenue, the 9/11 monument, the eagle monument on Division Street and Yonezawa Boulevard, landscaped areas with the exception of grassy areas not used for play, Neppel Crossing, medians, roundabouts and in parks.
Signs can’t be within 20 feet of outdoor art and can’t be attached to city structures. Council determined signs associated with candidates and initiatives voted on by residents living in Moses Lake city limits are the only political signs allowed to be posted in Moses Lake. City staff will mail candidates information regarding the decision and adopted standards.
The standards allow one double-sided sign per candidate, per designated area and it can be up to 32 square feet in area. It must be supported by stakes more than one foot in the ground. Signs cannot be more than 60 inches in height from the street or driveway grade. Signs can’t impair traffic, bicyclists and pedestrians. The signs can’t be placed until the candidate or initiative is filed with the Grant County Auditor’s Office and must be removed within 10 days after the election.
Damaged signs will be removed. If the city is unable to mow around the signs, they will not mow the area. People placing the signs would be required to sign an agreement accepting liability for damages caused to the irrigation system if the stakes damage it.
The city will determine areas signs can be placed, said Mayor Ron Covey. A formal version of the ordinance will be presented at the next council meeting.
People wanting to post other signs such as commercial or advertisement signs in similar areas would be required to continue to ask permission from council, said City Manager Joe Gavinski.
Councilmember Brent Reese motioned to approve the ordinance and Pearce seconded.
“It is an important issue,“ said city council candidate Karen Liebrecht.
She asked the council to consider allowing signs to be placed in medians and roundabouts.