Second readings of city ordinances planned for Monday meeting

Three second readings for city ordinances compose a portion of a light agenda for Monday's Worthington City Council meeting.

One of the second readings pertains to off-premise signs. In the Oct. 13 city council agenda packet, it's noted that city staff is seeing a significant interest in off-premise signs — or billboards -- recently, particularly digital signs. The interest comes from advertising companies who seek out long-term leases with property owners for billboards. This interest is focused away from Interstate 90 and toward the interior of the city.

It's noted in the agenda packet that off-premise signs are distracting to drivers and have a significant impact on the character of areas. Off-premise signs are rarely removed and -- once approved -- often remain for a long time.

An ordinance prepared by city staff that had its initial reading approved on Oct. 13 would prohibit off-premise signs and off-premise signs with digital faces. Any existing off-premise signs would be grandfathered in but would not be allowed to change to digital faces.

The other second readings scheduled for tonight include an ordinance establishing which zoning districts permit the sale of lower-potency hemp edible products. As proposed, this would be permitted in all commercial districts. Additionally, another ordinance requires low-potency hemp edible retailers to obtain local retail registrations, similar to cannabis businesses.