John Putnam, a spokesman for Citizens for a Decent Environment, a residents’ group opposed to Doyon’s operation and other sexually oriented businesses, said his group is pleased that the commission will take up the measure.

“The ordinance in Jackson County has become pretty standard, and I’m told it’s been upheld in a number of states,” he said.

Fleischaker has questioned whether Jasper County can adopt the same type of ordinances as Jackson County, which operates under a home-rule charter form of government.

Putnam said the group sought assurances earlier that the new measure would apply to existing businesses.

The measure defines a sexually oriented business as one that has as its regular or substantial purpose the sale or rental of materials relating to specified sexual activities or anatomical areas.

At those businesses, a licensed manager would have to be at the business and would be required to prevent anyone 18 or younger from entering. The manager would have to ensure that there is no loitering, alcohol sales, sexual activity, gambling, prostitution or controlled substances on the premises. The business would have to allow inspections by county officials, ensure proper lighting, and ensure that video booths are open, contain only one person at a time and can be viewed by the manager.

Failure to comply with part of the measure would be grounds for suspension or revocation of the operating license, while violations of other parts of the measure would be criminal violations punishable by a fine or jail time.

Commission meeting

Members of Citizens for a Decent Environment have attended meetings of the Jasper County Commission ever since plans for the adult business off Interstate 44 became public. This week’s general session is set for 9 a.m. Thursday in the Jasper County Courthouse.