Architecture Review Board Chair Seeks Council’s Advice on Signage Violations
Barnesville Architectural Review Committee chair, Luke Johnson, attended last Monday’s council meeting with concerns regarding signage of the new Tobacco and Vape Shop at 123 N Chestnut St., seeking solutions of how to address the situation.
When the shop initially submitted the signage for the front of the building, it was supposed to be a white sign that said “Tobacco and Vape”. The final sign includes blues and reds and is internally illuminated. The business also has a 20-foot inflatable display. The shop has a sign on the sidewalk with “Tobacco and Vape,” another sign in the grass that says “Tobacco and Vape” and a tobacco sign located on public property in the front of the parking lot.
“What we’re really concerned with is precedence and allowing other businesses to do the same,” Johnson said.
A temporary sign is one that could be readily removed, made of paper, wood, vinyl or plastic and the application should be made to the historical district and architecture review board to display any temporary signs on any building designated to be in the historical district, according to the guidelines.
The downtown historic review ordinance was approved by village council in the early 1990s as a required condition of the State of Ohio investing $1.1 million in the downtown streetscape project. Read the full ordinance online here
Johnson said multiple infractions are happening at the shop. Businesses could face a $100 fine for violating guidelines. This is where the committee would like suggestions from council on how to approach the situation.
“We gave copies (of the ordinance) to every council member, and we’re kind of turning it over to you to give us guidance,” he said.
Village Administrator Roger Deal said he has never seen a tobacco and vape shop that didn’t have neon signs, flags and banners. He suggested the board send a letter to the business.
“None of us are looking for money,” Johnson said. “We’re looking to improve the appearance.”
Johnson added that in the past, businesses approached by the board did not follow the guidelines after concerns were raised.
Council members asked who is responsible for enforcing guidelines?
Fire Chief Tim Hall and Police Chief Rocky Sirianni said they enforce ordinances in the village depending on the type of issue.
The consensus was someone from the architecture board should visit the business with a letter explaining the violations that need to be addressed.
“I’m definitely in the boat. Before we go issuing fines to somebody, let’s take the application up there and go over this,” council president Tony Johnson said. “You could probably do that and say, ‘Hey, this isn’t going to work. This violates this. This violates that.’ ”
Luke Johnson agreed with the process but said he believes having someone with a badge present would help the owners take the guidelines seriously. Mayor Jake Hershberger suggested that the board have Sirianni review the letter.
Luke Johnson indicated the board will write a letter and visit the shop but asked what the next steps are if the owners don’t comply.
“At that point it would be to communicate with Rocky…,” Hershberger said. “If we feel like we need to get council involved, we can ask council again.”
FINANCE/ORDINANCE
Council approved a payment schedule provided by fiscal officer Jeannie Hannahs in the amount of $174,278.95.
As Solicitor Richard Myser was absent from the meeting, Hershberger read the first two resolutions while village administrator Roger Deal read the third.
The first resolution, #4027, up for the first reading, is an application to participate in the Appalachian Region Commission program for the Barnesville North Waterline Extension project. The ARC awarded the village $250,000, an approved resolution required to move forward with the project funding.
The second resolution, #4028, which also had a first reading, authorizes the mayor to apply for, accept and enter into Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (WSRLA) agreement on behalf of the village for the construction of the same project that will serve the communities of Hendrysburg and Fairview and loop the Mt. Olivett waterline over to Route 800.
A third resolution,#4029, approved the annual employee holiday luncheon and the purchase of Barnesville Gold gift certificates for full- and part-time employees. Each year, Barnesville has a holiday luncheon for village employees, which includes retirees and officials, at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Tuesday before Christmas at the Youth Center. Deal needed council’s approval to spend up to $2,500 for the event.
This was approved following a suspension of the rules motion.
STREETS AND ALLEYS
Deal informed council the trail on Railroad Street is looking nice and has already proven to be a place for people to walk. He encouraged members to check it out.
“It’s shady in the summertime, which is always nice,” he said. “They have all the pavement markings now … everything’s looking really good today.”
Baker and Cast, the contractor for the project, informed the village they will not meet the completion deadline at the end of November due to weather. The team still has paving through the tunnel to complete. Work is currently focused on cleaning ditches along the railroad path through the tunnel, and putting rip rap and gravel to over the mud and murk that has been present for years.
Deal said he added a change order to make sure it was all dug out and cleaned.
Deal also told council about another large paving project planned for 2026. The village paved several streets in 2025 using state funds. The town has applied for Ohio Public Works Commission funding again as Phase II. If funding is approved, portions of eight streets will be paved.
SAFETY
Sirianni told council the police department is seeking to hire a full-time police dispatcher position to replace veteran dispatcher Kathy Norris who is retiring.
“We’re trying to hire a full-time police dispatcher to replace her, even though she’s not replaceable,” Sirianni said. “She’s really the only constant that I’ve experienced since I started. She’s been here through everything that I’ve been through … She’s much more than just a great dispatcher. She’s a dear friend and family member.”
PARKS AND RECREATION
Deal told council the Women’s Club of Barnesville, formerly known as the Junior Women’s Club of Barnesville, shelter is in a state of disrepair with leaning pillars, old decaying log roof supports and roof issues.
Deal received a $28,200 estimate from C & T Construction to replace the structure. He noted the Women’s Club doesn’t have the funds to cover the work and asked council members to inspect the shelter and consider village help to finance the project. The project would likely take place in the spring.
BIDDING
Deal handed out a legal bid ad notice for the sale of the 2006 Ford F-550 truck previously approved by council. The ad must publish five weeks. Bids will be opened and read at 10 a.m. Dec. 31. The truck with approximately 54,000 miles on it also includes an attached snow plow. It is currently located in the village parking lot adjacent to the fire station. Deal will place signage on it.
PERMITS
Council approved one permit for Scott McGee to construct a new home at 460 Watt Avenue.
I-70/800 WATER STATION LAND DONATION
Hershberger gave a “shoutout” to CapStone Holdings, Inc., a Belmont County firm, that has agreed to donate approximately one acre of land as part of the proposed northern water line extension project to relocate the bulk water station. The company is donating land for the village to be able to relocate the station to owned property. The current station is located on rented land at the ‘to Go” BP station on Route 800 south of the I-70 interchange.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Hershberger told council Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce director Jill Hissom requested the village help to fund additional lights for the Christmas in the Park project that will “light up” on December 3rd.
Council approved Hannahs to issue a check in the amount of $1,000.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at the municipal building.
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