City Council debates signage and roof repairs

2 months, 1 week ago by Bob Gough

 

The Quincy City Council spent most of Monday night’s meeting trying to make accommodations for two franchised restaurants: One that has opened and one that is expected to open later this year.

Alderman approved overruling a decision by the Zoning Board of Appeals for a 7 foot by 13.5 foot sign for four businesses on East Broadway, including the recently-opened Texas Roadhouse.

The sign would be for Texas Roadhouse and three other businesses: Bed Bath and Beyond, Gamemasters and Sit Tight.

City Planner Chuck Bevelheimer the property had been issued multiple variances, but the Council approved this latest one.

As the City Council was in the process of expediting the four way stop for a new franchise restaurant to go into the former Johnny Bang Bang’s location, Quincy Police Chief Rob Copley had concerns with how the ordinance was drafted, saying he would make the determination when the signs go up.

“That’s not my call,” Copley said. “The issue’s not traffic issues, but political issues.”

Alderman Mike Farha (R-4th Ward) seemed to reflect the mood of the Council, by being confused on what Copley meant by “political issues.”

“The business was demanding the stop sign before they came to town,” he said. “That’s not a traffic issue. That’s a political issue.”

Alderman Jack Holtschlag (D-7th Ward) said it was an economic development issue and asked to amend the motion to ensure the four-way stop was in place 45 days before the new restaurant comes in. Developers have said they are complying with a non-disclosure agreement as they negotiate to bring a franchise to the riverfront.

The motion was given first reading Monday night.

And by an 8-6 vote, Aldermen approved a resolution lien against the owner of a duplex on the city’s west side in order to repair its roof.

Bevelheimer said the City had received a nuisance complaint against 636 and 638 Elm last November as the building’s roof has two holes. One half of the duplex is occupied.

Bevelheimer said the City would use $6,338 to make the repairs and the city would get reimbursed when the property sold. He said the City had used this rehab program starting in the 1980’s. Bevelheimer said the property didn’t qualify for any other type of assistance that would cover the repairs.

Aldermen Steve Duesterhaus, D-2nd Ward, Dave Bauer, D-2nd Ward, Kyle Moore, R-3rd Ward, Paul Havermale, R-3rd Ward, Jennifer Lepper, R-5th, Jim Musolino, R-6th Ward, Dan Brink, R-6th Ward, and Holtschlag voted for the plan while Aldermen Virgil Goehl, D-1st Ward, LeXze Mann, R-1st Ward, Mike Farha, R-4th Ward, Tony Sassen, R-4th Ward, Mike Rein, R-5th Ward, and Terri Heinecke, R-7th Ward opposed it.