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The amendments were the result of a joint meeting of the Imlay City Commission and planning commission.

An amendment to the sign ordinance that has been a matter of contention is the issue of special event signs. New verbage reads: A sign advertising a community special event, limited to charitable organizations located within the corporate limits of the City of Imlay City.

Commissioner John Lengemann reminded the commission that Gary Howell, the city's attorney could defend the term charitable. Lengemann then asked the commission," Do we have a responsibility to put up signs from other communities?"

"Why not put in the words 'within Imlay City' or the 'township,'" said Commissioner Lois Brinker.

"Define community," Lengemann said to her.

Mayor Rod Warner then said, "This is an interesting conversation" and joked he'd been listening to it for years.

"I think we need something that's enforceable. We're going to have to get something and tweak it," Warner said.

Commissioner Marty Rankin said there should be a way to simplify the entire sign process and some of it may be interpreted as a "double standard" by residents.

Also, City Manager Amy Planck noted verbage for community special event signs states they're permitted for 14 days prior to and duration of the event and to be removed within three days after the event concludes. In the past, Imlay City Christian School struggled with getting a sign permit from the city on a mom-to-mom sale sign.

The commission will have the second reading and a public hearing at its next meeting at 7:30 p.m. April 15 at the Imlay City Hall.

Jennifer Decker can be reached at 664-0811, Ext. 8125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com.