NORMAL - Businesses along the Main Street Corridor in Normal may get the option of installing an electronic sign but unless something changes, the same will not be true along the Bloomington stretch.

The Normal City Council will consider revised sign guidelines that would allow the animated signs when it meets at 7 p.m. tonight at City Hall.

Three weeks ago, the council approved interim design guidelines for the corridor but took out proposed sign rules for further review. The original proposal banned animated or electronic signs along the Normal stretch of the corridor that runs from north Normal to south Bloomington.

Mayor Chris Koos suggested electronic signs are here to stay so rather than banning them, the town should set up rules.

In the meantime, the Bloomington City Council approved all interim guidelines, including banning the electronic signs.

Bloomington Planning and Code Enforcement Director Mark Huber said he has no plan to revisit that issue unless told to by city administration or by a City Council member.

"We're comfortable with the ban," said Bloomington City Manager Tom Hamilton. "We're not getting a huge outcry from folks waiting to put these up like Normal did."

Weavers Rent-All, 212 Main St., Normal, and the Illinois State University Credit Union, 1309 S. Center St., Normal, were among the businesses waiting for the Main Street Corridor building moratorium to end March 31 so they could pursue an electronic sign.

They are still on hold waiting to see the outcome of Monday's vote.

Toni Petersen, who along with her husband, John, owns Weavers Rent-All, said she is impressed that the City Council decided to reconsider the ban.

"I'm happy to hear it," said Petersen, adding the action makes her feel like council members "actually care and want to listen."

Petersen said whether the new proposed guidelines allow her to keep the existing pole and add an electronic sign remains to be seen.

Meanwhile Tom Ewen, president of the ISU Credit Union, thinks the changes proposed by town staff are "a good compromise," keeping the vision of the town while still allowing businesses to get the latest in signs.