Campaign signs can be posted earlier in the election season, Iola City Council members decided Monday. THE COUNCIL scheduled April 27 public hearings for owners of properties at 321 S. Washington Ave. and 802 N. Cottonwood St. to discuss why those structures are considered unfit or dangerous. THE CITY renewed its contract with the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility for stray or abandoned dogs and cats. IOLA’S property, general and liability insurance premiums will go up 3 percent this year. THE COUNCIL accepted a bid from Solomon Corporation, out of Solomon, to purchase a series of electric transformers to accommodate the upcoming Gates Corporation expansion. COUNCIL members accepted the resignation of Lauren Johnson from the clerk/utilities office.
The council unanimously approved changes in the city’s codes, allowing campaign signs up to 45 days in advance of an election, and seven days afterward.
The existing code limits signs to 21 days in advance of an election, a problematic number, City Administrator Carl Slaugh admitted, because advance voting begins 20 days before Election Day.
The new ordinance also regulates pole signs for businesses in Iola’s downtown business district and for businesses in residential areas. Those signs are limited to 100 square feet.
Iola had no such ordinance for those signs, Code Enforcement Officer Shonda Jefferis said.
The changes will take effect April 8, one day after the upcoming city elections.
Council members were told earlier by Virginia Macha that she and others unwittingly posted campaign signs too early this year. Those signs can remain, provided they aren’t on city rights-of-way.
Information sheets will be given to candidates in future years noting the sign regulations.
“I wish we had something to deal with garage sale signs after the fact,” Councilwoman Beverly Franklin said. “They’ll leave a sign out for two weeks after the sale. It’s pretty disgusting.”
Council members also briefly discussed cutting the days after an election before signs should be removed before agreeing seven days is ample time.
“That gives them the following weekend” to remove the signs, Councilman Jon Wells said.
Councilman Steve French noted a pair of investors are considering buying the property at 321 S. Washington. If so, that public hearing would be rendered moot.
“That will give the investors plenty of time to decide” whether to purchase the structure, French said.
The city pays ACARF $90 for each animal taken to the shelter.
Iola paid $15,795 in shelter fees in 2014, while recouping $4,885 for animals claimed by their previous owners.
The 2015 contract terms will remain unchanged.
The city also allowed ACARF and Second Chance host a craft show at the Bass Community Building on Nov. 21.
Council members renewed the policy with EMC Insurance, effective April 1, for $366,945.
The higher premiums are affected by a number of factors, explained Debbie Taiclet from Iola Insurance Associates, including property values and the number of workman’s compensation claims over the past three years.
The city typically receives an annual dividend check if premiums outweigh expenses. Iola received $21,482 last year, Taiclet said.
The Solomon bid of $239,140 for materials was the lowest of three received.
City loosens rules for campaign signs
