Comments on: City Council Meeting: 03.01.10

By: Ashton Wilson

Ashton Wilson — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:27:57 +0000

Are we really going to compare family vehicles to police cars? Vehicles that people depend on for public safety, life and death issues? I want their cars to be in top notch shape for their sake and mine!

By: Ashton Wilson

Ashton Wilson — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:27:57 +0000

By: scottmbrownlee

scottmbrownlee — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:26:45 +0000

Did everyone see Attorney Joe Moore spank Councilman Joe Gibson for trying to impute reason to a zoning law? Moore's slavish punctiliousness to the zoning code trumps the need for Holiday Inn Express's need for a functional sign at their new $6,000,000 motel. The resulting unreasonableness, if unchecked, will result in the failure of the motel , but we shall have complied with the letter of the 2006 sign code in the mean time. And it's really more important to comply with the code and allow the motel to go unvisited and fail financially? We have a need to review Tipp City's attitude regarding business in the city. We are allowing our officials to tell business to go somewhere other than Tipp City.

By: Bryan Budding

Bryan Budding — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:03:21 +0000

It is our shame to share that no latitude was given in the instance of Gardens Alive .Springhill has been operating in Tipp since 1889 and while it has enjoyed the low utility rates and local tax rates Tipp offers .It has also been one of the largest contributors to our tax base without any taxpayer incentive that I can find. In an economic time when many cities and villages are giving incentives to companies to locate in their towns we failed to allow any relief to a company that has contributed so much too ours .The isolated expansion they developed does not engage in retail sales and is not expected to have active public access.While the 8000-11000 paving bill mandated by our city can probably be handled by Gardens Alive .The hassle and lack of flexibility on our part will not likely be forgotten when the next expansion plans are considered.

By: Kathy Jackson

Kathy Jackson — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:28:45 +0000

I am really wondering what the reasoning was in the development of the sign laws. It would appear that the rickety old structure still standing would be in violation of this code:" (E) Construction. All signs shall be constructed to meet all current building and electrical code regulations of Miami County. All signs and related surroundings shall be properly maintained and shall not show signs of rust or corrosion, exposed wiring, chipped paint or faces, cracked, broken, or missing faces, or loose materials. The structural integrity of all sign foundations shall be maintained."It appears to me that Holiday Inn's proposed sign would be more easily maintained and a great improvement over the eyesore that has been in place. This is the kind of thing that makes us (Tipp City) look silly. We have this dandy new hotel – again, a great improvement over what had previously been there – and we don't want to let them put their sign up? The new sign looks modern – are we trying to look old and worn out? Antique, downtown historical signs/buildings are special to our town and I can see being picky about the regulations in the "historical" part of Tipp City – but come on, right by the interstate? I think the new sign would attract attention to Tipp City, which is a good thing, right? Might even draw business for Tipp of the Town restaurant because Holiday Inn brand is a well know, respected. Can we stop throwing roadblocks and find ways to help our businesses?What was the purpose behind the size in the zoning code? What is the point in being this restrictive outside of the historical district? If variances can't be granted on an individual basis, more thought should be given to the code so that it is not a hindrance to development. It also concerns me that not all the downtown businesses are included in the major decision making about the Main Street project. Better get them on board now instead of further down the line.These are my opinions as a citizen and I appreciate the work of our boards and councils.

By: johnkrabacher

johnkrabacher — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:40:35 +0000

I am a small Business a 25 seat Cafe Kanoe Cafe I promote Tipp City in all my advertising either in social network venues and all media. I asked the zoning enforcement about a signage to the street. I was told I was not allowed to move my current signage or put one on the posts all ready at the edge of the shopping center. I try constantly to put my image out to the street but I get from many new customers i did not know you were here. My sign on the building is so small even at night with lights on can not be seen. I checked into digital lighting but not allowed. So I asked about a sandwich sign on 571. Not allowed even though downtown is allowed. Why? The ordiance needs to be updated to allow entrepueanur ship to flow in Tipp City. Not stifle.

By: Mike McDermott

Mike McDermott — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:22:38 +0000

Correction made good sir. I have a feeling that this issue may be broached during your radio and TV interview tomorrow at 1PM. While I have a pro business stance in Tipp and everyone should know where I stand on the sign code by now.. It was unfortunate that council was "dressed down" last evening seeing that there was only one council member up there that was present during the sign code creation (with the exception of Mr. Moore) It is also unfortunate that with all of the many years that Mr. Moore has served Tipp's Council that he was silent to the myriad of unconstitutionalities of our current sign code during its creation and maturation.

By: Joe Gibson

Joe Gibson — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:50:55 +0000

My understanding of Council's actions as to the Holidy Inn public hearing was to affirm the BZA determination, and not grant the applicant any variance. It's not that there was no vote, or to hold-off until the retreat on Friday. Rather, Council's action was to not grant the variance for Holiday Inn. Good choice of words, though when you use "chastised". That's exactly what it was.