An issue facing the Powell City Council illustrates just how tricky governing can be, even in a small town.In recent months, the legality of advertising signs placed on sidewalks in downtown Powell has come under discussion. Current city ordinances actually prohibit such signs, but several downtown businesses have been using them, and the City Council is considering changing the ordinance.The issue pits the needs of Powell's many small businesses, particularly those located off Bent Street, against safety issues raised if such signs obstruct pedestrians or distract drivers.The city's Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing, and next week will recommend that the council legalize such signs, but with restrictions, including that the signs be confined to the area in front of the store that places them, and for safety reasons, that they not be placed on corners, lest they distract drivers. In addition, a permit to place a sign would be required and the business placing the sign would have to be insured for any liability issues arising from the sign's placement.However, the commission's recommendation was not unanimous, and the dissent appears to be that the placement restrictions are too strict. On the other hand, legal advice to the commission is that the safest course for the city would be to ban the signs completely to avoid liability issues. The Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation is a compromise. Should the council accept the recommendation, there will be those who are unhappy with the change, and others unhappy that the change doesn't go far enough.Whatever the outcome, leaders, both the elected members of the council and the appointed members of the commission, must work to balance the needs of small businesses and public safety in the best possible way.

An issue facing the Powell City Council illustrates just how tricky governing can be, even in a small town.

In recent months, the legality of advertising signs placed on sidewalks in downtown Powell has come under discussion. Current city ordinances actually prohibit such signs, but several downtown businesses have been using them, and the City Council is considering changing the ordinance.

The issue pits the needs of Powell's many small businesses, particularly those located off Bent Street, against safety issues raised if such signs obstruct pedestrians or distract drivers.

The city's Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing, and next week will recommend that the council legalize such signs, but with restrictions, including that the signs be confined to the area in front of the store that places them, and for safety reasons, that they not be placed on corners, lest they distract drivers.

In addition, a permit to place a sign would be required and the business placing the sign would have to be insured for any liability issues arising from the sign's placement.

However, the commission's recommendation was not unanimous, and the dissent appears to be that the placement restrictions are too strict. On the other hand, legal advice to the commission is that the safest course for the city would be to ban the signs completely to avoid liability issues.

The Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation is a compromise. Should the council accept the recommendation, there will be those who are unhappy with the change, and others unhappy that the change doesn't go far enough.

Whatever the outcome, leaders, both the elected members of the council and the appointed members of the commission, must work to balance the needs of small businesses and public safety in the best possible way.