Requests for signs presented to City Council

MT. PLEASANT — Discussions pertaining to signs dominated conversation at the Mt. Pleasant City Council Meeting, Tuesday evening.

A representative from Robinson Outdoor approached the city council requesting a change to the city’s current ordinance that prohibits electronic billboards.

Robinson Outdoor is an advertisement company which specializes in electronic billboards.

According to their website, founder Ed Robinson started his business with the intent of giving small- to medium-sized businesses more effective and efficient ways to utilize their ad dollars.

The Robinson representative proposed using the vacant lot across from Walmart for electronic billboard advertising.

According to council member Bob Griffith, the current billboards are grandfathered in.

“I rather see a business use that space,” he said.

The council’s vote was split with three yes votes and three no votes.

With that, Mayor Steve Brimhall announced the amendment was defeated.

Another issue concerning signs made its way to the city council, Tuesday.

Tim King, owner of King’s PC asked the council to consider to change a city ordinance pertaining to allowable sizes of signs in residentially zoned areas.

According to court documents, King was issued a Notice of Violation of City Code for two large banner signs attached to a house on the 600 block of North Lincoln Street.

The notice states that the signs violate the city code which reads, “No sign other than one (1) unlighted sign not over two (2) squared feet in area, attached flat against the dwelling and displaying only the occupant’s name and occupation, shall advertise the presence or conduct of the home occupation.”

According to the city council’s agenda, King’s signs measure 16 square feet.

“It sticks out like a sore thumb,” Griffith said.

King was directed, in the notice, to remove the two large banner signs within 10 days of the notice.

The initial court hearing for Oct. 25, was continued to Dec. 20, as King and the city worked toward a resolution.

At the city council meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the ordinance be amended to allow for signs up to four square feet.

There was not a recommendation or approval in favor of the 16 square foot sized currently used by King, but the first reading of the amendment for four square feet was approved.

No residents spoke in favor or against the sign ordinance during the public hearing, including King.

Only Griffith voted against the sign size increase.

“This is for residential areas,” Griffith explained. “They are meant to let people know where they are, they shouldn’t be used for advertising.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com