An ongoing concern about the hours of operation for some neighborhood businesses is still unresolved, but city officials hope a meeting with the owners will bring the two sides to a consensus.
At Tuesday night’s session, the Aldermen decided to draft a letter to the business owners inviting them to come meet with the city leaders to discuss noise levels, loitering and possible illegal activity.
Alderman Marvin Elder proposed issuing the invitation and asked City Attorney Gary Austin if it was a feasible idea. “Mr. Elder that would be the best suggestion I’ve heard.”
Alderman Sam Brock wants to impose an ordinance change that would allow for a 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., window of operation for certain stores located on the south side of town, citing that homeowners have complained about the level of noise and other activity late at night.
The businesses in Brock’s crosshairs are located on Bates Street and the corner of Garrard Avenue and Curtis Street. Austin said the stores in question are located in different commercial zones. The Bates Street store is reportedly zoned C-1 and the other is C-2.
Austin pointed out that one or two stores could not be targeted and that any proposed ordinance changes would affect any businesses located within that particular zone. “It’s all or none,” he said.
Elder was concerned that such a change could negatively impact other businesses in those commercial zones and said it would be better to target any criminal activity instead.
“Penalize the penalizer instead of encroaching upon the other businesses,” said Elder.
He and Alderman Ruben Woods queried Chief Edrick Hall about the complaints his department has received and suggested working to resolve those. Elder suggested having the police concentrate more on enforcing the laws instead of trying to change the zoning.
Hall said he has had grumblings about loud noises and talking, loud music and loitering, but according to him, one owner has said he allows people to hang out at his store, so it ties his officer’s hands unless an issue arises.
He assured the aldermen that they are working on the problem. Hall said his department has previously received complaints from a resident in that area, but none recently. “They’ve stopped, I don’t know if the person may have just gotten tired of calling,” he said.
Austin told Brock the current regulation has been in effect since the late 70’s to early 80’s and requires the Bates Street business to install a fence as a buffer, however that raised a question about the available space to erect a fence. City inspector Elvis Pernell said a fence would potentially be a bigger detriment to the homeowner than the business.
Regarding the zoning ordinances, Brock said it was time to look at revisions.
In other business,
The Indianola Fire Department working in conjunction with the Indianola Parks and Recreation Department and Indianola Police are making plans to light up the skies next month as the city prepares to host its first 4th of July fireworks show.
Chief Edrick Hall said the free gala is tentatively set to begin on the grounds behind the scout hut on Main Street around 7 p.m. on Independence Day. There is expected to be food and drinks at the onset with fireworks starting at sunset.
The city lawmakers voted to sign a consent letter that allows Cellular South to make changes to their existing equipment located on two of the city’s water towers. According to Mayor Steve Rosenthal the telecommunications provider has a 35-year lease that is subdivided into seven 5-year terms and the lease amount increases by 10 percent at each interval. However, before Cellular South can make any changes it has to be approved by an engineer and voted on by the sitting board.
