A motion to remove the dozens of yellow and red business signs in downtown Carroll due to concerns over their dated appearance failed to garner enough support at last night’s (Monday) Carroll City Council meeting. According to Public Works Director Randy Krauel, the signs were first introduced in 2003 as part of the city’s original Corridor of Commerce plan in the central business district. City officials have received requests to remove the aging signs and brackets from the streetscape posts. Ward Four Councilwoman Carolyn Siemann supports their removal and says they have long outlived their purpose.
Carroll Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kimberly Tiefenthaler agrees with Siemann’s assessment that the central business district would be more aesthetically pleasing without the signs. She says Chamber staff began noticing them with the introduction of the summer Live + Local concerts on Adams Street.
These signs are updated around twice yearly as businesses leave and new companies move in to take their place. Tiefenthaler adds the signs no longer serve their intended goal for wayfinding due to their density, and local stores might be better served using their own facades to advertise their location downtown. At-Large Councilman LaVern Dirkx says his only concern is that they have yet to hear from the public or the business owners who would be impacted by their removal.
Ward One Councilman Tom Bordenaro, who also owns Bordenaro’s Meat Market on Adams Street, says it does not seem prudent to make a decision too quickly.
A motion from Siemann to remove the downtown signage failed to pass with Siemann and Ward Two Councilwoman Misty Boes in support and Dirkx, Bordenaro, and Ward Three Councilman Kyle Bauer opposed. The issue will likely appear again on the council’s Feb. 27 agenda. Residents and business owners are encouraged to contact City Hall or an elected official to provide feedback before the council’s next meeting.
