The colorful, eye-catching signs dot many business windows, advertising a monthly discount or offering a new service.For some, it’s a way to reach new customers. Others dislike the distraction the signs may cause.Warrenton city officials will now decide how window signs should be regulated.A long-ignored city ordinance recently caught many Warrenton businesses off-guard when notices were sent alerting them they were violating city code.After some businesses lashed out, the city backed away from proceeding with enforcing the ordinance until it is reviewed further.The ordinance prohibits signs from covering more than 20 percent of a window.“It seems to be an outdated ordinance,” Ward 1 Alderman Karen Casserly said at the Feb. 2 board of aldermen meeting. “I would consider putting a moratorium on the ordinance until we have time to review whether or not it needs to be changed.”The remainder of the board agreed. All five aldermen authorized an ordinance be drafted and be acted upon at a future meeting. The board’s next meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 16.Ward 2 Alderman Gary Auch recalled that several discussions were held around 20 years ago related to enforcement of the ordinance.“Some of the gas stations had signs and we looked at it a while and said it wasn’t worth enforcing,” Auch said. “Probably what we did, we screwed up and should have changed the ordinance at that time.”Other news• New city employees will serve a 90-day probationary period, while the length of time will be 180 days for uniformed police officers, as part of the city’s new policy. The probationary period also applies to present employees who are transferred or promoted to a new job.If the designated probationary period does not allow sufficient time to thoroughly evaluate an employee’s performance, it can be extended for a period not to exceed 180 days, or 270 days for police officers. The job evaluation must be completed by the supervisor at the end of the probationary period. An employee does not have the right to appeal a dismissal or other disciplinary action during the probationary period, according to the policy.• The board approved the revision of several policies related to employees who leave for another job that allows the city to recoup some of its expenses for uniforms and training. Employees also will not be able to use vacation, sick or personal days after they have submitted their resignation unless approval had already been granted.In addition, Martin Lutheran King Jr. Day was included in the list of paid holidays recognized by the city.• A budget amendment was approved by the board, near the halfway point in the fiscal year. The new budget reflects the transfer of $242,600 from the general fund to the capital sales tax fund related to paying the remaining balance on property the city owns on Pinckney Street in Truesdale. In addition, the amended budget includes increasing expenses on the city’s lift stations, stormwater projects and for other capital projects.• The board unanimously approved spending $5,146 from the tourism budget to purchase 62 light pole banners. The new banners will have the city’s new logo and replace the current ones in use.Warrenton