WARREN City attempts to keep illegal signs away

Sign enforcement is limited by manpower, officials say.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The city's building department is targeting advertisements attached to poles and trees and liquor establishments that have signs in their windows.
But William Totten, director of the engineering, planning and building department, said the city is limited in its ability to enforce all provisions of the city's sign ordinance.
"We're getting there, but it's a manpower issue," Totten said at a meeting Monday of council's engineering, planning and building committee.
He said one person cannot take care of all of the signs in the city and perform his or her other duties.
Christopher Taneyhill, chief building official, said he's already removed a lot of signs in the city. For signs on trees or telephone poles, which aren't permitted, Taneyhill rips them off.
Issuing warnings
Owners of portable signs that don't follow the city's regulations are given a warning notice. If the violation isn't fixed in 72 hours, Taneyhill takes the sign.
"Signs that are stapled to telephone poles are trashing the city more than anything else," said Robert Pinti, deputy health commissioner.
Some of those promote weight loss aids, a music business or available jobs and include a telephone number. Callers are asked to leave a message.
Signs on telephone poles in different parts of the city bear the name of RBG's, Councilman James A. "Doc" Pugh's business. The posted telephone number gives callers a recorded message about a music business. Pugh, D-6th, said he didn't post anything on telephone poles in the city and was unaware of the signs.
Taneyhill said he's also targeting businesses that sell beer and liquor that have signs covering doors and windows and obstructing visibility from the street. He said most business owners have been cooperative.
Striking a balance
Michael Keys, community development director, said sign regulations are stricter in the central business district. He said consensus is needed from council and the administration about what's in the sign ordinance.
The city is walking a fine line trying to keep downtown attractive without turning businesses away.
"Nobody wants to give a business owner a hard time; we just want them to comply," Pinti said.