Ellisville OKs Partial Signage Request; Honors City Exec. Assistant

An Ellisville business owner on Wednesday struck a compromise with the Ellisville City Council regarding new signage laws.

Custom Cuts hair salon CEO Peter Hall sought an exception to a recently-approved signage ordinance because, he said, his business would face hardship from reduced visibility in its shopping complex. Hall also said the new sign would not be consistent with his company's branding at its other locations.

Custom Cuts, Hall said, has rebranded itself as ‘Look After Hair Company,’ and tried to replace its existing sign with one that features the company's new logo. Midway through the course of the design process, he said, he learned the city's regulations for signs had changed.

Ordinance 3005, which went into effect in January, requires that signs be halo lit, or illuminated from behind, rather than “channel lit.” Hall reiterated to the council that customers would have a harder time spotting his store, which is located in the Clarkson Clayton Center, where other existing signs are grandfathered in.

After more than 15 minutes of discussion, the council eventually approved only part of Hall’s request, 4 – 1. Council member Dawn Anglin was the sole ‘no’ vote; Anglin said exceptions this early in the ordinance’s lifespan set a bad precedent. Mayor Matt Pirrello and Council Member Linda Reel were absent from Wednesday night’s meeting.

Though he admitted disappointment, Hall conceded that the compromise was an improvement.

"I've done business in Ellisville for 25 years, and I hope to be here for 25 more," Hall said after the vote. 

Executive Assistant Honored

Wednesday’s meeting also recognized the contributions of longtime city employee Donna Wright, who is retiring after 29 years of service to Ellisville.

"I've made a lot of friends here and I'm going to miss you all," Wright said, after receiving a plaque commemorating her service and getting a standing ovation from those in attendance.

Marquette Lacrosse Practice Spot OK’d

Other business at the meeting included unanimous approval of a request by the Lacrosse Club. According to the club's sponsor, the team was seeking temporary permission to use property at 300 Old State Road as a backup location, in case their regular practice field would flood before the school year ends in May.

More Pseudoephedrine Ban Talk

During the council's separate work session, they heard additional comments regarding the possibility of tighter , a chemical found in over-the-counter medicines that is used in the production of methamphetamine. Proponents suggest that drugs containing pseudoephedrine should be made available by prescription only.

The council took all comments under advisement, but didn't take action on a possible over-the-counter ban at Wednesday's meeting.