China Grove won't launch anti-sign campaign

Thursday, July 09, 2009 3:00 AM  |  Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend | By Jessie Burchette

jburchette@salisburypost.com

CHINA GROVE — While town officials want yards mowed and property kept up, they aren't ready to tackle a new crop of signs popping up around town.

Tony Cline, the town's code enforcement officer, noted increasing complaints about signs during the Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday. He asked whether the board wants the town's ordinance fully enforced.

Cline quickly cautioned, however, "If you go after one, you have to go after all of them."

Aldermen agreed that yard sale signs need to be taken down, but showed no interest in the town launching a full-scale attack on yard signs or other signs.

Mayor Don Bringle encouraged people who put up yard sale signs to take them down once the sale is over.

Aldermen instructed Cline to enforce the town ordinance dealing with overgrown yards and other nuisances.

Bringle note there are several overgrown yards around town at rental properties and houses that have been seized by banks through foreclosure.

Residents have 10 days to come into compliance once they are cited. Otherwise, the town contracts the mowing or cleanup and places a lien against the property for the cost.

In other matters, the board:

- Approved a change in the town's ordinance dealing with placement of trash bins at commercial buildings.

- Agreed to buy more American flags and fix pole brackets to allow for a better display on the Fourth of July.

Pete Kluttz, a Railroad Avenue resident, registered his displeasure with the small number of flags put up last week.

- Agreed to seek bids for repair or replacement of a damaged culvert on Bostian Street.

- Approved a proclamation for "Salisbury-Rowan Reads," and encouraged parents, grandparents and family members to take time to read to a child.

Town officials will join for a reading event at the Tadlock South Rowan Library on July 29 at 5:15 p.m.

- Appointed Sheena Honeycutt and Traci Gledhill to the town's Park Advisory Board.