After a two-year hiatus, the Roanoke Avenue holly trees were reintroduced to city council as an issue at its meeting tonight.

The issue came up during a public comment section and was led by Yvonne Doughtie, Mayor Emery Doughtie’s wife. Mayor Doughtie had Mayor Pro Tem Carl Ferebee lead that portion of the meeting.

Mrs. Doughtie, who with her husband and Wesley Pepper, runs an antique store on the avenue and told council two trees obscure the overhead sign of the business.

The trees continue to push the surrounding pavers up, creating a liability if someone should fall, she said. “The attractive street light is barely visible because of the trees.”

Ruthie Gregory, of the city’s Beautification Committee, countered that most people look for the signs on the windows and not the overhead signs.

Container plants won’t work, she said, because they won’t catch enough water and are easy targets for vandals.

Pepper told council, “I have no problem with the hollies.”

He suggested that the city should reduce their size by twice a year trimmings. “One in the late spring and one in the late fall.”

Shannon Warren, who owns the bakery on the avenue, said, “One of my big concerns is that people can’t find my bakery because of the trees.”

She said the small leaves make a mess. “My personal opinion is I wish they were gone. It’s a problem for me and my business. If you have a business you want your store to be seen.”

Mayor Doughtie said following the meeting council would take the matter under advisement.

The city, he said, would have to look at the numbers before deciding whether to begin a trimming regimen. “We will look at all options and try to make a decision that’s in the best interest of the city.”

The mayor said he understands business owners want their establishments to be visible. “The question is how much will it cost? We could trim them,” he said, explaining over the last two years the city has had to deal with tornado damage, hurricanes and flooding. “The trees are not an emergency.”

Ultimately the mayor, who does not have a vote unless there is a tie, said, “I feel like the council will vote on it.”