At the City Council meeting on the evening of Monday, July 8, the Council voted on Action Item 1 (A1), “Adoption of an Ordinance Approving City-Initiated Zoning Code Amendment P2024-0083-ZCA Amending Title 17 Zoning Sections: 17.330.015 – Definitions, 17.330.040 – Signs in the Public Right of Way, and 17.700.010 – Definitions of Specialized Terms and Phrases Related to Digital Wayfinding Kiosks on Public Property; and a Categorical Exemption Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15303 (Class 3 Exemption) and 15304 (Class 4 Exemption).”
The item also called for, “Authorization to Release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Interactive Digital Kiosks and Related Advertising Revenue-Sharing Program on Public Right-of-Way.”
The subject of amending the zoning code to allow for discussion regarding the introduction of Wayfarer kiosks began weeks ago. Concerns were raised, however, that this opens the door for previously restricted billboards and other forms of street advertising.
Those concerns were raised again here, by members of the public, by Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin and by Council Member Freddy Puza. Still, the vote passed 3-0, with McMorrin and Puza abstaining. Voting yes was Vice Mayor Dan O’Brien, and Council Members Albert Vera and Goran Eriksson.
Action Item 3 (A3), called for, “Adoption of a Resolution Appointing a Delegate and Alternate Delegate as Part of the General Membership of the Independent Cities Association and Rescinding Resolution.”
With Eriksson leaving the council, and therefore the Independent Cities Association after seven years of service, a vote unanimously confirmed Vera as his replacement on the ICA, with O’Brien as his alternate.