Red Bank city commissioners voted Tuesday to study the town's policy on temporary signs and put in place a 60-day moratorium on the fees businesses incur for displaying them.

The sign ordinance states that a permit must be obtained for temporary signs, which often have metal legs, flashing lights and movable letters and can be displayed only 105 days out of the year. Either a 15- or 30-day permit may be obtained for $10. City manager Chris Dorsey said the ordinance was enacted in 2003 under a different council and city manager.

City staff recently began cracking down on code violations such as unmaintained yards, derelict homes and unsightly signs within the city. He said enforcing the ordinance on temporary signs was just next on the list -- the city's code enforcer began issuing letters last month to businesses notifying them of the law.

"My job as a city manager is to enforce these ordinances. I didn't write them," he said. "If the ordinance needs to be changed, that's why you've got five commissioners up here."

Michelle Fitzsimmons, owner of the Red Bank Barber Shop, at 4105 Dayton Blvd., said she had never heard of the ordinance until she got a letter last week requesting the $10 fee. She asked commissioners to change the current ordinance to avoid hurting local businesses.

"That sign is our only means of advertising," she said.

Kandy Bolus, manager of Mattress Outlet and Mermaid Mattress, at 2100 Dayton Blvd., said she used her temporary sign year-round to advertise store specials and sales. She said the sign also allowed her to support Red Bank schools and athletic teams.

"It's been there so long," she said. "It brings in my customers and lets me support the community."

Ms. Bolus isn't bothered by the $10 fee, but only being allowed to have the sign up for 105 days out of the year is a problem, she said.

"I'm looking for 365 days a year," she said.

In addition to voting to halt all fees on businesses with the signs, commissioners agreed to set up a study group made up of council members and business owners to look at the current ordinance.

Mayor Joe Glasscock said the commission didn't want to hurt local businesses and would be working toward an acceptable compromise.

"We're going to get together, and we're going to work this out," he said.