A turn table of council discussion over the prohibition of private signs from public right-of-ways has prompted council members to consider creating a committee, which would be charged with collecting information from stakeholders and making a final policy recommendation.

“We should appoint a committee, and people for the ordinance need to tell us what you are thinking,” said 1st Ward council member Brian McAlister, who suggested the group.

Council members tossed around multiple ideas first — sign standards, sign prohibition from street corners, permits, night restrictions, special event permits and quantity restrictions — in their quest to find a compromise that honors law and sign users.

“We’re trying to find a way that’s fair, and meets the constitutional standard, and is able to be enforced in an organized, fair and consistent manner,” city attorney David Hoversten said.

Hoversten has been researching the issue since council member Dick Pacholl, 2nd Ward, suggested in June that Austin’s current sign ordinance is inequitable because it favors some private signs over others.

The city attorney said he found that surrounding and some metro-based cities prohibit all private signs from the public right-of-way, with some allowing permits for certain special cases.

“I would remind the council that they have to be consistent … they cannot pick or choose,” Hoversten said, adding, “What’s good for one is good for all.”

He also said that current policy, which targets yard signs only, could pose enforcement problems because it doesn’t carry the constitutional muster of a an ordinance that applies a universal standard.

Community members, which mostly included real estate agents and auctioneers, challenged his recommendation, noting that they invest more money and effort into their signage, and offer greater community return than yard salers.

“Auction signs, real estate signs, estate signs — I think they bring an economic impact to Austin,” said Dave Thompson of Thompson Auction Service.

“Bottom line, let’s be Austin,” he added. “Let’s make our own rules. Let’s try to make it right for all of us.”

Most in attendance supported the permit idea raised by Scott Pacholl, 2nd Ward.

Council members did not designate any members to the committee or determine a timeline, though Austin Mayor Tom Stiehm encouraged stakeholders to contact the city with comments.

“I think we’re on the right track, and I think people will end up happy,” he said.