Signal Mountain town officials are not sold on the idea of Saturday solicitation, but there has been no negative feedback from the community during a trial period. The vote whether to provide an extension, either temporary or permanent, was tabled at the March meeting but will be decided April 11.
“I don’t like it at all but without anybody complaining, I don’t see any problem with it,” said Vice Mayor Susan Robertson. “It’s one those cases, do you vote your opinion or do you vote what you think is best for the community? We’ve been running it for six weeks now in Council Notes … and haven’t heard a word, so we’re thinking it must be OK in the community.”
While some residents have spoken up in opposition to any solicitation, officials say that does not necessarily speak to the issue at hand. Under the ordinance, which will expire April 30 if not extended, Saturday solicitation is allowed between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
All solicitors, regardless of when or for whom they are selling, are required to register with Town Hall and receive a permit, which must be renewed annually. A sign denoting this will likely be placed at the entrance to town.
Blue dots are available at Town Hall for residents who do not want to be called on by any registered solicitors. Officials have stressed that blue dots do not protect against unwarranted solicitors. Town Manager Honna Rogers said the only complaints she’s had have been due to such solicitors. The town receives four or five solicit permit requests a year, according to her.