Mannequin reignites sign code talks

A sign-waving, motorized mannequin at the Don K car dealership appears to have sparked a broader discussion about Whitefish’s sign code and the desire for a planning study of the U.S. 93 South corridor.

Don K service manager Greg Shaffer questioned aspects of the sign ordinance after he was informed by the city in March that a battery powered mannequin put on display to promote the dealership’s oil change service was against city code.

Shaffer confronted city council at their March 18 meeting with his concerns. He argued businesses on U.S. 93 South — where the speed limit is 45 mph — need the ability to more adequately market themselves to commuters.

“This isn’t as much about the mannequin as it is about the sign ordinance and the City of Whitefish,” he told council. “The city has to become more business friendly.”

While there was little talk from councilors about the mannequin itself, John Anderson said a corridor study could be an opportunity to address some of Shaffer’s concerns.

“93 South needs some attention from this council,” Anderson said at the March 18 meeting. “Funding a study might be worth while.”

Mayor John Muhlfeld said Flathead County officials have indicated they’re not interested in participating a 93 South corridor study until the planning doughnut dispute is settled.

“But some attention to the corridor is warranted,” he added.

Muhlfeld said the council has asked the planning board to review the sign code and give council recommendations, but that “we still haven’t seen anything from them.”

At an April 1 council meeting, Phil Mitchell requested a joint meeting between council and the planning board.

“We need to address some of these issues,” Mitchell said. “More information can’t hurt anybody.”

Muhlfeld said he’s open to sitting down with planning board, but noted the city’s recently flexibility in granting sign variance requests for the Moose Lodge, Don K and the Great Northern Brewing Company.

“Council has worked to address gray areas within the code,” Muhlfeld said.

At an April 1 goal setting session, Chris Hyatt said the city needs to determine if it’s “business friendly or resort friendly,” in regards to the sign code.

“We need to show we are both,” he said.

Bill Kahle countered that “being business friendly doesn’t mean businesses get to do whatever they want, whenever they want.”

City Manager Chuck Stearns says a joint work session between city council and the planning board will be scheduled.