Committee Charge
Purpose
The purpose of the Sign Bylaw Review Group is to undertake a review of the Sign Bylaw to make recommendations considering possible improvements or modifications of the Bylaw.
Background
Concord has long valued its open and rural character, together with its charming and unique business and commercial areas. The Town does not want an excess of commercialization, advertising and signage. But at the same time, the community strongly supports its local businesses, farmers, and non-profit organizations. It is important to maintain sensible sign regulations that strike a balance between avoiding the visual clutter many towns have allowed to accumulate, while at the same time supporting those farms, businesses and institutions that contribute so significantly to the Town’s character. The Selectmen believe that the Town’s Sign Bylaw has served the community very well since 1971; but a limited number of concerns have been expressed about the Bylaw that are
worthy of examination.
C. Membership
The Committee will be comprised of the following members:
A member of the Board of Selectmen
A member of the Planning Board
Building Commissioner (Sign Bylaw Enforcement Officer)
Director of Planning and Land Management
A representative of the business community
D. Duties and Responsibilities
- To review the Town’s existing Sign Bylaw and discuss complaints and concerns that have been voiced about the Bylaw’s problems and limitations.
- To consult with members of the business community, farm stand operators and institutions to determine whether there are any problems with the Bylaw that warrant either administrative or legislative action.
- To determine whether there are aspects of the Bylaw that are in conflict with other bylaws or regulations, and to determine whether any up-dating or modernization of the Bylaw is recommended.
- To hold at least one public forum, widely advertised in the community, inviting any public comments on the current Sign Bylaw
- To prepare a draft report and recommendations for submission to the Selectmen on or before December 1, 2009. And to revise that report and issue a final report upon receiving comments from the Selectmen and Planning Board. Such recommendations may include administrative or enforcement modifications, or Bylaw amendments that would require Town Meeting action.
E. Other Considerations
The Sign Bylaw Review Group is responsible for conducting its activities in a manner which is in compliance with all relevant State and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to, the Open Meeting Law, Public Records Law and Conflict of Interest Law. The Committee shall consult with the Town Manager concerning the allocation of town staff or financial resources toward this project.
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