Sign issue addressed

<p class="p1">Anna city officials and a business person in the community appear to have reached common ground on the placing of off-premises business signs.</p><p class="p1">The matter was on the agenda at last week's regular meeting of the Anna City Council. The meeting was Tuesday evening, Nov. 3, at Anna City Hall.</p><p class="p1">Concerns about a city ordinance which prohibits off-premises signs for businesses in the community had been brought to the council by business person Steve Landreth. The issue had been discussed at several other recent council meetings.</p><p class="p1">The issue also had been addressed by the city's zoning board of appeals.</p><p class="p1">At the Nov. 3 council meeting, Landreth reiterated his view that as the ordinance now stands it is "not business favorable."</p><p class="p1">He again asked the council to consider a recommendation presented by the zoning board of appeals that the city attorney draft language to amend the ordinance so that businesses would be allowed to have off-premises signs.</p><p class="p1">Mayor Steve Hartline said that he was in agreement with concerns voiced by Landreth about the ordinance. The mayor said he wants to work to help businesses in the city.</p><p class="p1">City attorney John Foley said that he could craft language that would allow for off-premises signs in Anna.</p><p class="p1">As discussion continued about the matter, city administrator Steve Guined suggested that action begin with council members offering input regarding the issue. </p><p class="p1">With that in mind, council members were asked to review the existing ordinance and then share their thoughts about the guidelines with the city administrator.</p><p class="p1">The issue then will be reviewed at upcoming council meetings. Action to amend the ordinance is anticipated soon.</p><p class="p1">Landreth thanked the council for taking the time to review the ordinance.</p>