The Huntington Planning Commission had a major item on their desk last week. It was a new proposed signage ordinance. The first ordinance was established in 1984. The new proposal had business owners showing up at the meeting, causing the vote to stall. Because of the outcry, the vote has been set to take place in December.
The proposal is 34 pages in length, and some see it as more restrictive. Among the new requirements proposed are rules for Grand Opening style banners. If passed, they would only be allowed to stay up for a total of 21 days. This allows for 14 days prior to open or reopen and 7 days post opening.
One of the business owners present at the meeting was Darlene Stanley the owner of Johnson's Junction, a multiple convenience store operation. Her biggest complaint was with the regulation of the allowed amount of signs placed on gas price boards. She stated “We really don't need additional regulations and fees. This ordinance interferes with our marketing opportunity.” However, in this respect, the new regulation allows 3 signs instead of the 1 sign now allowed.
City Councilman, Steve McIntyre said that he has not heard any complaints about business signage. Commission member Jack Snover said, “We, in no way, want to impede business, but we need to clean things up. There's not as many changes as you think there's going to be, but it's going to be enforced.” And that seems to be the main point of the new proposals. The commission did state, that all current signage would be grandfathered in.
The Huntington City Council has mentioned new ideas to help with the current shortfall of revenue for the city. The city has already laid off personnel, including enough firefighters that led to the closing of one station. The Parks Department also said last week, that they would not light the Christmas lights at the historic Sunken Gardens this year.
Last week, Councilman McIntyre called a city wide meeting, seeking ideas from citizens that would aid the city's financial crisis. Mayor Updike, more than once, has asked for a garbage fee. The problem that the council had with that proposal, was that the fee would be added to the water and sewage bill. This meant, that if the trash fee was not paid, but the water and sewage was, the city city would still be able shut of the water supply to a citizen's home. This proposal has been tabled for the time being.
Another unpopular request from the Mayor's Office, was the increase of the Local Option Income Tax (LOIT). This was also shot down, after a major outcry from local citizens. Other ideas received from Mr. McIntyre's meeting with the public, included turning off every other street lamp, the elimination of the Park Board, stopping the leaf removal program, reduction in the work week, selling off city property, and even the city investing in gold bullion.
The shortfall of 1.7 million dollars came about because of property tax appeals. The city has the ability to apply for a circumstance appeal with the state. This is allowed if a city loses revenue because of property tax errors.
The cuts already made, have allowed the city, the operating ability through the end of the year. If monies are not received through fee increases or state aid, more cuts to services are imminent according to the mayor's office.
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