A plan to install an 8-foot-by-16-foot digital billboard at a busy Washington intersection has been rejected by the city council.
There was no vote taken Tuesday by the Washington City Council on Robinson Outdoor's variance request for the billboard, but City Attorney Mark Walton said a vote wasn't needed.
"Obviously, from previous discussions, there's a lack of approval from the council for the billboard," Walton said. "By having the variance request as a meeting agenda item, there's a formal record that the council does not support it.
"This doesn't imply that the council is against digital billboards. Just not one at this location."
"This location" is 1230 Peoria St. on a vacant lot at the southeast corner of the intersection of Eagle Avenue and Peoria Street, also known as U.S. Business Route 24. The lot was formerly the home of Todd's Servicenter; the gas station was demolished in 2021.
The city's Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously in November to recommend the city council reject the variance request from Missouri-based Robinson Outdoor. City staff also recommended denial, citing safety and other concerns.
Dozens of residents on social media criticized the proposed location of the billboard because of the billboard's possible impact on drivers.
Many residents noted the signalized intersection's proximity to Central Intermediate and Primary schools, and the large number of students who use the intersection to walk to and from a Beck's convenience store.
Danny Marler, property acquisition specialist for Robinson Outdoor, pitched the billboard idea to the council earlier this month, calling the location a "home run" because of the vehicular traffic. Council members did not agree.
Alderperson Brandon Moss said during the council meeting a week after Marler's presentation that he was annoyed that Marler talked more about the billboard's benefits for the city in the form of publishing city news and announcements than the safety concerns.
Moss called Marler's presentation an intentional ploy to cloud council members' judgment on their variance request decision.
Alderperson Jamie Smith had a succinct comment for Marler immediately after his pitch.
"This may be the best location for you, but not for our community," Smith said.
The most recent average daily traffic count in the intersection, done in 2023, was 16,200 vehicles. That doesn't include a new section of Eagle south of Peoria Street.
Tuesday's council meeting was the first for new Washington City Administrator Jeff Fiegenschuh. It also was the first day of work in his new job.
About a dozen residents attended a reception for Fiegenschuh after the meeting.
Residents will have another opportunity to meet Fiegenschuh during Mayor Lilija Stevens' monthly "Let's Talk Washington" informal discussion session at 4 p.m. Thursday at the Connect Center, 1750 Washington Road.
Police Chief Jeff Stevens, City Clerk Valeri Brod and Alderperson Paula Johnson also will be at the session.
