Members of Schwenksville’s business community brought concerns to Thursday night’s Borough Council Meeting.

After January's meeting, the Schwenksville Borough Council asked members of their business community to attend February's meeting, which was intended to get business owners in front of the council with their suggestions for a new sign ordinance.

Four business owners attended the meeting, bringing their comments and concerns, and challenging the council to address their questions.

Al Manning of Schwenksville Investment Properties opened the discussion, bringing up concerns regarding the size of signs businesses are allowed to have.

"Parking here is really a problem in town, and it's not going to improve for businesses coming in. If somebody has to look for a small sign on a business and then try to find parking, it's not going to be a big help," he said.

Manning also asked how the borough plans to handle signs for buildings with multiple businesses, as well as businesses with more square footage than others. Manning suggested signs that are around 20 to 25 square feet for buildings that are 800 square feet or more. 

Council members said that the current regulations allow for signs to be around 8 square feet, but changes will be considered.

Univest Bank Property Manager Richard Mariner said his bank was happy with the size and lighting of their signs. Mariner spoke about the competitive nature of the retail banking industry and the need for visible signs.

Borough Manager Mike Galla assured Mariner that the bank's signs would not have to come down because they were already grandfathered in.

Next, John Scioli, owner of John's Old School New Skool Barber Shop, confronted the council on some more personal sign issues. Scioli said he felt singled out when he received a letter from the council, notifying him that his sign did not comply with the current ordinance. Scioli argued that his shop has brought a lot of business to the town, and his signs should be left alone.

"I think you should allow any signs ... I think you should be permissive in general; as long as a sign is not offensive, I don't think you should have an issue," said Scioli.

The council addressed Scioli, letting him know the problem was not with illumination, but rather the number of signs the shop had.

On another note, Councilwoman Lee Ann Miller congratulated Scioli on his business's continued success, for which Scioli was very appreciative.

Lastly, David Friel, owner of The Gold Post on Main Street, spoke about the "flag like" signs that he had out front of his shop. Friel said he would like to be able to keep those signs because they did seem to be attracting business.

Galla responded that the issue was the size and number, among other things. Friel said he realized his circumstances were a bit different because he was by a traffic light, but he would like to be able to keep the signs out.

Council once again reiterated that it will take each person's input into consideration when drafting the new ordinance.

Finishing up the audience portion of the meeting, Schwenksville resident Robert Duda brought to the council his concern about the number of dogs a neighbor has in the yard. Duda explained that his neighbors have nine dogs living at their house, which is causing problems with noise, and especially problems with waste.

Duda says he has had several people, including the State Police, Board of Health and the SPCA up to the property to evaluate the problem.

While the authorities are doing the best they can to help the situation, Duda said he thinks an ordinance addressing the number of animals on one property would be beneficial.

"I'm kind of at my wits' end for me and my family. I really don't know what else to do," said Duda.

Mayor Joe Giunta responded to Duda, stressing to the council that there needs to be an ordinance with language regarding the number of animals allowed on one property, as most other municipalities do.

"Bob, I just want to let you know after talking with you at length and seeing the pictures, nobody should have to live under those type of conditions," Giunta said.

The mayor, along with Lt. David Buckley, of Skippack Township, who was present, reassured Duda that his concerns were heard, and something will be done.

In other business:

• The council has appointed Dave Leh of Gilmore & Associates as the new borough engineer.

• The council passed a motion to apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), which will go toward improvements to the alley behind Main Street.

• The next council meeting will take place Thursday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m.