The Stuart Town Council took up the issue of a sign that was constructed at New Life Community Church, adjacent to Woodland Drive, at its Wednesday, October 16 meeting.
Town Manager Bryce Simmons said the sign was constructed without the town’s approval or a sign permit. “The issue is that the sign is not in compliance with our ordinance, and we have received complaints from multiple citizens regarding the sign,” he said.
Simmons said he plans to schedule a Planning Commission meeting to review the situation.
“The major issue is that it is an electric sign that flashes and is in a residential area. We’ve notified the pastor, they have provided the permit application, which of course, I will have to take to the Planning Commission and go through the process of trying to get into compliance either through removal and/or special use permit,” he said.
Traditionally in cases like this, Mayor Ray Weiland said the council would go to the Planning Commission but also contact the surrounding property owners.
“Well, they contacted me, so they’re aware,” Simmons said to the laughter of the council.
Weiland said he thinks the town may have to have a public hearing on this issue.
“We will certainly have to have a public hearing,” Simmons replied.
In the meantime, Simmons said he contacted the pastor of the church and shared the resident complaints.
“They have turned down the brightness of the sign, but they’re also cutting it off at 8” p.m., he said. “It wasn’t brought to our attention until literally the sign was shining. There was literally a sunshine that came up on it.”
In other matters, the council:
*Discussed the Fiscal Year 2023 audit report. Simmons said he plans to request the auditor to be available at the November 20 council meeting to review the audit and discuss any issues within it.
*Discussed the need to repaint handicapped parking spaces within the town.
*Discussed the need for council member profiles to complete the town’s new website.
*Heard public works updates.
*Discussed the Downtown Revitalization project.
*Approved the meeting minutes as written.
*Paid the bills.
