The City Council Monday night approved a sign settlement agreement with Epic Advertising, with some council members expressing weariness over the endless litigation, saying that the City’s is continually on the losing end. Testimony was reminiscent of previous arguments going to back to 2005 regarding billboards in Rapid City. The lawyer for Epic Outdoor Advertising, Mike Sabers, said the company has been a good city neighbor and has done everything to comply with law….
He said in 2015 a contingent of citizens who don’t like billboards inundated the City with complaints over size and proliferation. He asked Council members if they were tired of talking about billboards all the time, and the settlement would provide finality.
Diane Knudsen (kuh-NEWD-son), asking Council to reject the settlement, referenced the reason visitors come to Rapid City is it’s placement next to the beautiful Black Hills…..
She said there’s a lot of light pollution from digital billboards, movement distraction for drivers, are not enhancing, and can be seen for miles.
Scenic Rapid City spokesperson Deborah Jensen said this settlement strips the rights of citizens.
Alderman Chad Lewis supported the settlement saying that the City continues to lose money in an unwinnable case.
Council voted 7 to 3 in favor of the settlement. Council members Modrick, Scott and Drury opposed.
Story By: KOTA’s Marnie Cook
