Sign issue resolved in Marquette

The Marquette Village Board unanimously voted to approve an amendment that will require property owners in Marquette to apply to the county zoning commission for permits to display “yard art” during its regular meeting Monday night.
The vote after brief discussion before a crowd of approximately 35 people brought an end to a nearly two-year dispute involving large metal signs in the community, which will be allowed to remain based on Monday’s action.
According to board chairman, Rich Archer, a decision was made last month by the board to approve the proposal presented by Hamilton County Planning and Zoning Administrator Hillary Betka. He noted that the board was unable to take any action due to last month’s public meeting only allowing discussion regarding the zoning regulations.
“It was just that we can’t vote on something that isn’t black and white,” Archer explained. 
Yard art is defined as ornamental decor that decorates a residential lawn or yard such as vintage signs aging 30 years or older, statues or sculptures or various art types excluding billboards, which was recently added to Marquette’s zoning ordinances.
Owners will have to pay $150 per permit, with a maximum of four ‘yard art’ displays per permit.
Among the 35 people who attended Monday’s meeting was, Randy Beckman, owner of Scotty’s Bar in Marquette, who had been trying to find a solution that allows him to keep his vintage gas station signs up on his residential property not far from his restaurant.
“My understanding was they are going to grandfather my signs in and going forward it’s four per lot,” Beckman said. “It takes 15 days to post this, is what I understood. It should be done after two years.”
Beckman commented that he was relieved a decision was made after spending two years speaking against proposed zoning regulations.
“I’m super relieved,” he said. “Two years of this is enough. I’ve talked to so many people and that’s amazing to me, and I’m not saying it because it’s leaning in one way, but I have heard zero against in two years, though sometimes people don’t tell you to your face. That’s what encouraged more on this whole deal  more than anything, is that people actually stand up for what’s right.”
Following approval of the sign ordinance, the village board approved the incoming village clerk, Cassidy Cox, who will be replacing Melissa Rankin to be able to sign checks, endorse funds, access the village board’s safety deposit box and be allowed a village credit card.
Cox will begin her new role as village clerk for the village on Nov. 1.
Towards the end of the meeting, Rankin read a statement regarding an ongoing investigation into bank fraud.
“The Village CPA and the attorney chair of the board of trustees were notified that within minutes of the discovery, the board voted to open a new account and closed the bank account that was compromised,” she read. “The bank covered all the cost associated with the two primary checks. At this time, the village has not lost any money because of this situation.”
Rankin read that the village board has been working with Cornerstone Bank to set up a new check and balance account, as well with the sheriff’s department and its attorney throughout the investigation, to make sure protections are in place to prevent any fraudulent activity.