Commercial signs in Warrenton were again a topic of conversation during the board of aldermen meeting March 3.

Alderman Larry Corder proposed an amendment to the city’s sign ordinance. Corder said he wanted to propose that pole signs be allowed to stay after businesses close down so long as the sign face is fully covered with clear white rigid paneling. The city’s current rules require removal of a sign’s face and sometimes the entire sign structure after six months of vacancy, Corder said.

“The problem that I see here is the unnecessary cost to the property owner,” he said. “Loss of usability of signs and structures for new tenants when they get ready to move in, and the extra demolition and waste of those materials.”

Corder said the benefits of his proposal would be a clearer, more uniform look, lower costs during tenant turnover, less waste and faster setup for a new business.

Alderman Brandon Lang mentioned that there are signs in town that have not been used for years. Lang wanted the city to continue to follow its current ordinance and in a previous meeting sought more aggressive enforcement of the city’s current ordinance.

Mayor Eric Schleuter proposed a compromise of requiring signs to be painted so they will look better.

Alderman Christine Wait said she agreed with Corder and said she believes requiring removal of signs would put an undue financial burden on property owners.

As the conversation continued Lang continued to argue for the current ordinance, while Corder and Wait argued in favor of Corder’s proposed revision to the city’s ordinance.

City Attorney Bradley Pryor said he would have to review the city’s code and determine what amendments would be required. He said the ordinance would be prepared and presented at a later date.