City sign ordinance too restrictive

     A local business is left hanging in the wind as the Monticello City Council tables making a decision on a pole sign in front of the business.

     Mission Cup Coffee recently relocated to a larger building from E. First Street to S. Main Street, the former Fancy Fritter. Owners Jenn and Freddie Jones spent time repainting the exterior of the building. They made improvements to the property outside. They installed a drive-up window to the south, facing The Cone Shoppe.

     Now, the owners want to change the face of their pole sign to help direct customers to their new location.

     When a business/building changes hands, the use of a pole sign is prohibited, according to city code. Pole signs do not comply with the code; and any signage must be approved by the council.

     Jones doesn’t own the building; she’s leasing it. She does own Mission Cup Coffee; however.

     During the first council meeting in June, the council felt they could possibly work with Jones on the signage issue. But then a few weeks later, it became apparent that was not going to happen. Some council members were against allowing the pole sign to remain. Others suggested merely changing the zoning along that portion of S. Main Street, which still would not fix the issue at hand.

     So Jones left the latest council meeting, perhaps feeling as though the City of Monticello was against her.

     The Monticello Express Vinyl Signs has been working with Jones on signage for her building. The city needs to take a long, hard look at changing its sign ordinance to make it easier for businesses to establish themselves in Monticello, and to help promote their businesses to people traveling through town.

     The sign ordinance is not just a hinderance for businesses, but money is being spent with out-of-town businesses to erect signs that local sign companies don’t have the capabilities to produce. The added expense to create a monument sign is a real burden on any business in Monticello, existing or potential.

     The city should be in the business of promoting the community and wanting to attract people here, not stifle growth. (K.N.B.)