Minutes 08/12/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2'24 TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 1997 new ordinance and the kinds of signage it would allow compared to what has been done in other uptown areas throughout Virginia. Both Mr. Martin and Mr. Keyin Reed, former Martinsville Uptown Revitalization Board member and immediate past President, stated that what is proposed is very much in keeping with what is allowed elsewhere in localities that are working toward similar improvements. When asked by Councilmember Haskell what the primary differences between the old ordinance and the proposed new ~-, ordinance were, Mr. Martin and Mr. Reed both indicated that the main differences were shown in a handout provided to Council, titled" Summary of Sign Ordinance Provisions", showing the seven key elements of the new ordinance. Councilmember Teague then requested that, in order to expedite the process of enacting a new ordinance, a joint public hearing with City Council and the Planning Commission be scheduled, as soon as possible. City Manager Earl Reynolds responded that, working through Mr. Wayne Knox in the Department of Community Development and Mr. Ron Ferrell of the Planning Commission, an accelerated schedule to accomplish this would be pursued. Councilmember Dallas took the opportunity to point out that the City Council had directed Mr. Reynolds to arrange placement of flag hangers on the special Uptown light poles, to further enhance Uptown appearance. Councilmember Teague also pointed out that he had received a suggestion from an Uptown patron that the City needed to further enhance handicap parking provisions in the Uptown area as well, with which Councilmember Dallas also agreed. Mr. Martin pointed out that many Uptown businesses would be happy to park customer's cars for them, upon request. Councilmember Haskell took the opportunity to both agree with the need for more handicap parking and point out the abundance of regular parking in the Uptown, all of which is free. City Manager Reynolds then provided information on efforts already underway to address the five areas of concern expressed by Mr. Martin, stating that he had already talked to Mr. Leon Towamicki, Director of Public Works, about resolution of the refuse pick up issues, that work on a plan to correct the tree grate problems was already underway, that joint efforts with a specialist on urban design would be taken to address tree replacement, and that information was being requested from the manufacturer on how best to effectively repaint the light poles. He also reiterated the