By Sue Moore
The Planning Commission, working on a sign ordinance for downtown Vicksburg, has scheduled a December 21 public hearing on the proposed changes.
It has some important changes in how signs will be regulated by the village and what type of awnings can be used by downtown businesses.
Replacement LED lights for the 106 Vicksburg village street lamps were proposed by Carl Keller, who is representing All-Phase Electric. The total cost for the light emitting diode replacements would come to $36,040. The village could amortize the cost in less than two years if the grant money comes through along with the rebate from the power company, Keller suggested.
Village Manager Ken Schippers asked the Council and audience to check out a test light that has been installed on the southwest corner of Main and Prairie streets. The only way the village could afford this cost upfront would be to apply for a grant from the state that might be available to fund half the cost, Schippers said.
He also recommended that Kids Closet move from the Leja house by the industrial park to the downstairs of the community center. “They have outgrown the house with so much clothing that they need a better, more accessible spot. With this move, we can shut down the house’s heat and lights, and possibly sell it. There is no promise as to how long they can stay in the community center,” he said.
Lowell Seyburn and Terry Mleczewski of MLC Industries asked the Council for an increase in a 12-year tax abatement from $1.5 million to $1.6 million. “We are $450,000 over budget. Our process needs more debugging because some of the equipment has failed and costlier parts will need to be replaced. It is going to take more money invested before we are up and running,” he told council members. They approved the company’s application.
Leaf pickup will be for bagged leaves only, beginning this month, Schippers reminded residents.