Todd Welch, owner of 1858 Coffee House, told the Downtown Design Review Board on June 12 that he will modify his illuminated sign to comply with Downtown Salina sign guidance after staff questions about the installed cabinet illumination.

Staff had sent a letter to Welch noting the installed sign differed from plans discussed at a January 2024 board review. Staff and board members said the downtown design guidelines (adopted 02/2008) prefer signs where only text and logos are backlit rather than full illuminated sign cabinets. Welch told the board he misunderstood the technical meaning of “backlit” when he approved the installed cabinet and said he will have the sign altered to the backlit-letter approach at his own expense.

“I’m 100% guilty,” Welch said at the podium. He told the board the sign company advised that the original dark design would be hard to read in daytime and that the installed cabinet was chosen for daytime legibility. Welch said the cost to convert the installed sign panels into a design that illuminates only the letters is “just under a thousand bucks” and that he will proceed with the change so the record shows no variance was requested.

City planning staff acknowledged the episode highlighted confusing terminology and said they will produce clearer examples and an informational handout for future applicants showing acceptable and unacceptable sign styles. Staff said the design guidelines state that “a system that backlights sign text only is preferred” and that the board and staff will add more visual examples to avoid future misunderstanding.

Board members thanked Welch for coming before the board and for his willingness to correct the installation. Staff also noted they received written comments from nearby businesses about signage, shade and drainage; the board and staff agreed drainage and winter ice mitigation in adjacent alleys are outside the board’s purview and would be referred to public works for follow-up.

No formal variance or board vote was required: Welch indicated he would modify the sign voluntarily and staff said they will refine guidance materials and return the educational packet to the board for feedback at a future meeting.

Sources: Design Review Board meeting transcript, June 12, 2025; statements by Todd Welch and Dean Andrew (city planning staff).