Business on E-34 in violation of sign ordinance

Board of Supervisors
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     A business on County Road E-34 could be in violation of Jones County’s Sign Requirements law.

     During the June 20 Board of Supervisor meeting, Land Use Administrator Michele Lubben informed the board that the Jones County Roadhouse (formerly the Rainbow Supper Club) has two “wall signs” on the commercial business. The county only allows one wall sign.

     Lubben told the board she contacted Roadhouse owner Rick Ellison, and gave him a deadline in which to comply; he did not.

     The board approved directing Lubben to issue a civil citation against Ellison. However, Supervisor Ned Rohwedder asked whether the Planning & Zoning Commission would be interested in changing the sign requirements. Both Rohwedder and Supervisor Lloyd Eaken said they did not think two signs on the Roadhouse looked out of sorts.

     “It does appear as though Planning & Zoning wants to increase the number of signs or change its ordinance,” answered Lubben, based on the last P&Z meeting.

     “I think they’re being pretty restrictive on businesses,” said Rohwedder. “I’d like to see the P&Z allow two building/wall signs at a minimum.”

     Supervisor Wayne Manternach said the situation would be different if the owner was unfamiliar with the county’s sign ordinance.

     “We have a precedence,” said Manternach, referring to past sign violations. “Rick (Ellison) knows he’s in violation.”

     Lubben said the board of supervisors could start the sign ordinance amendment process if they so choose.

     She said Ellison could have also filed for a variance request with the Board of Adjustment, but chose not to do so.

     “We have a pretty good system,” remarked Manternach. “If it’s followed, you usually have the correct outcome for what the owner wants.”

In other county business:

     • Chuck and Betty Marks, residents on Forest Chapel Road, were present at the board meeting to thank County Engineer Derek Snead and the supervisors for the continued surface stabilization along that road. Chuck also presented a petition to the board, signed by the residents along Forest Chapel, in praise of the stabilization project.

     “We appreciate your effort and the money spent on the road,” said Chuck.

     With over 40 homes and two businesses utilizing Forest Chapel on a daily basis, he said it gets a lot of use.

     “There is a lot of traffic on the road,” said Chuck.

     “We just greatly appreciate everything you guys do for us; it doesn’t go unnoticed.”

     With the recent heavy rains, Chuck said the surface stabilization product is holding up well.

     “It’s a lot better than in the past,” he said.

     • The board approved an interfund transfer resolution, transferring $250,000 from the Capital Projects Fund to the Secondary Road Fund. The transfer was needed for the new Secondary Road shop built in Monticello during FY 2017. Any over-run on the project comes out of the Secondary Road budget.

     • The Supervisors will meet on Wednesday, July 5 at 9 a.m. next week due to the Fourth of July holiday falling on a Tuesday.

     • The board set a public hearing for Tuesday, July 11 at 9:30 a.m. for a rezoning request from Snead for a parcel located in Wyoming Township from A-Agricultural to P-Public. This is for a new Secondary Road shop.

     The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended the approval of the re-zoning.

     • A public hearing was set for Tuesday, July 11 at 10 a.m. on the proposed vacation of a portion of Third Street (between West Street and Walnut Street) in Langworthy. The vacated portion will go to the adjacent property owners.

     • Snead told the board that work on a bridge on Military Road has been completed.

     • The board extended its bid letting date for the courthouse sidewalk project. Bids will now be accepted until Tuesday, July 18 at 9 a.m. due to several contractors stating they did not receive the bid packet in the mail in a timely manner.

     The late start date for the project is Sept. 5.

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