Council hears proposal to fund fire department digital message board; zoning, cost and content controls highlighted

City staff briefed the committee on a proposal from the Washington Fire Department to replace its existing manual sign with a digital electronic message board. Staff said one quote has been received and two more are pending; the project was budgeted in the current fiscal year for $50,000 but staff cautioned the final cost could exceed that preliminary figure. The city owns the property and building; staff noted the proposed sign would be restricted to city and fire‑department messaging and would not permit outside advertising.

Planning and zoning constraints were a central focus of the discussion. Staff explained the property’s current zoning would require a variance because the site is residentially zoned and electronic message boards must meet size and location limits (electronic boards are limited to 60 square feet and no more than 40% of the overall sign face under current regulations). Councilmembers asked about proximity to residences, brightness controls during day and night, and alternative locations that might yield higher traffic visibility. Several members supported proceeding to concepts and planning‑and‑zoning review, while others asked for clearer total cost estimates and operational policies governing content, maintenance, and community access.

Next steps: Staff will bring sign concepts, exact costs and proposed content policy forward before pursuing the planning and zoning variance route and final council approval.