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BY CAROL ARNETT

Several Florissant business owners were in attendance at last week’s city council meeting, some to ask the council for some leniency regarding signs, and others to protest the proposed business license fee increases.

Jeff Keeven, who owns several businesses in the city, including the Car Wash Express on Lindbergh Boulevard, presented the council with a petition asking that small businesses be allowed to put up temporary signs.

“For a month,” Keeven said, “we had a floppy sign at the car wash, and business was up 20-30%.” Keeven noted that while the increased landscaping along Lindbergh was pretty, it could also block regular signs.

John Shively, Keeven’s co-owner at Car Wash Express, also asked the city to allow the temporary signs. “Businesses are struggling,” he said, “we’re coming to you for help.”

Rich Henenhofer, the owner of Henefer Jewelers, also spoke to the council. He said that when his business put up a canvas sign that said “we buy old gold,” his business went up 28%. “We’re trying to hold our own in this recession,” Henenhofer said. “Then we were told to take the sign down.”

Bonnie Bartkowski, the chair of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the proposed business license fee increases. The increases are scheduled to be voted on in the Nov. 3^rd elections. The issue will be on the ballot at Proposition A.

“Many businesses are struggling to keep their doors open,” Bartkowski said. “The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce opposes Proposition A.” Approximately 15 business owners stood in support of Bartkowski.

State Rep. Michael Spreng also addressed the council. “This business tax you’re proposing – I’ll oppose it,” he said. “The timing is wrong.” Spreng also noted the projected revenue from the increase. “This will get the city only $50,000-$60,000,” he said.

Spreng said he feared that different municipalities in North County would begin competing for businesses, which could cause all the cities to lose in the long run. “I hate to see cities compete for businesses,” he said.

Councilman Tim Lee introduced a bill that would provide $7,500 for an educational campaign about Proposition A.

Councilman Andrew Podleski asked what form the educational campaign would take. Lee said that, legally, it must be an educational campaign; the city cannot take sides.

Councilman Keith English said that since he did not support the fee increase, he would not support the funding for the educational campaign.

Lee then asked if English would allow the council to hold three readings and a final vote on the bill that night. The council must vote unanimously on allowing the third reading on the same night the bill is introduced.  Council President Tom Schneider said that he would not give the bill three readings.

Councilwoman Karen McKay noted that the city has not increase fees since the 1960s. “I believe the city has an obligation to educate residents about this issue,” she said.

Councilmen Podleski, Schneider, and English all voted against the third reading. The bill will be on the agenda for a vote at the next council meeting.

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