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BOOK 95 FACE 722 <br />County Attorney Vitunac thought the Board could find an <br />exception, seeing that we have since amended the law and we'll <br />enforce the new law, and because the old law was too confusing to <br />enforce against these two candidates. <br />Commissioner Bird wondered what to do with the other political <br />candidates that had their bonds retained, but did not bother to <br />appeal. <br />Chairman Macht commented that it was not the same situation; <br />the others were very flagrant with signs everywhere and without <br />permits. That was why he suggested the motion ought to be along <br />the lines of amnesty. <br />MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Adams, <br />SECONDED BY Commissioner Bird, to grant the <br />appeal because of the ambiguities in the old <br />ordinance, and to not prejudice but to enforce <br />the new law. (CLERK'S NOTE: Kathaleen <br />Inman's appeal [next item] included in this <br />motion.) <br />Under discussion, Commissioner Bird commented that it was not <br />just the ambiguities in the ordinance, but also the ambiguities in <br />the appeal process. He wanted an appeal process set up where the <br />guidelines pertain to this situation so that it's clear to the <br />appeal board what the duties are. He believed the County needs a <br />strong political sign ordinance, which staff could enforce, and the <br />candidates need to understand that there is a risk if they did not <br />abide by the ordinance. He hoped that would avoid appeals in the <br />future, because it would be spelled out so everyone knew what was <br />right and what was wrong. <br />Director Keating reviewed the penalties if a permit were never <br />obtained, which were the typical misdemeanor violation penalties, <br />a $500 fine or 60 days in jail. He suggested other ways which the <br />law might be amended including starting a Code Enforcement action <br />with a special master in order to fast track the process, and <br />institute a fine per day for those who have not obtained a permit <br />and not posted a bond. Director Keating commented that only part <br />of what had been discussed had been corrected thus far. They still <br />have more corrections to cover the situation if a sign is moved to <br />22 <br />July 18, 1995 <br />