#1 Authorize use of signs for League of Women Voters (File Res. #2010-685)
Community Development Department Memorandum
March 15, 2010
TO: City Council
FROM: Gale Price, AICP, Manager of Building and Development Services
SUBJECT: Action on a proposed resolution authorizing the League of Women voters
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to erect signs on banner posts celebrating the 90 anniversary of the
creation of the organization. (File Resolution No. 2010-685)
Summary
Kay Dupree of the League of Women Voters of Janesville is requesting authorization to
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erect signs celebrating the 90 anniversary of the creation of the League of Women
Voters on banner arms within the downtown area for a period of up to 45 days.
Councilman Brunner & Council Vice President Voskuil have sponsored this request.
Department Recommendation
The Community Development Department recommends that the City Council support a
motion to approve Resolution No. 2010-685 authorizing the placement of the requested
signs.
City Manager’s Recommendation
The City Manager is supportive of the request by the League of Women voters. I have
attached a sample policy that could be modified and adopted for future requests to be
handled administratively. We have not put a fee in place, but that would be reasonable
in the future since it may require staffing support.
Suggested Motion
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Move to approve Resolution No. 2010-685 permitting signs celebrating the 90
anniversary of the creation of the League of Women Voters on banner arms within the
public right-of-way along public streets within downtown Janesville.
Background
A. Kay Dupree of the League of Women Voters of Janesville has requested that the
City Council approve a resolution authorizing the placement of signs within the
downtown on banner arms within the public right-of-way. The banner arms typically
display banners for the Downtown Development Alliance and are also used for
display of flower baskets during the summer months.
B. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging
informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through
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education and advocacy. The League is celebrating nationally their 90 anniversary
during 2010 calendar year.
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C. The League as a part of the 90 anniversary desires to display signs celebrating the
anniversary from banner arms on light poles over the public sidewalk along several
streets in the downtown area. These banner arms typically display banners for the
Downtown Development Alliance and other downtown activities.
D. The proposed signs are 24 inches by 18 inches and would be hung from the banner
arms on light poles within the downtown area. A picture of such a sign is attached.
They would also be attached to the pole to prevent them from swinging in the wind.
The signs would be permitted for up to 45 days.
E. The Sign Ordinance generally prohibits the display of signs within the right-of-way
unless authorized by the City Council. This type of sign is a “public sign” which
includes signs of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest, and with
approval of the proposed resolution, would be permitted by the governmental unit.
F. Staff recommends approval of the resolution to allow the signs since the League of
Women Voters are a public organization with a mission of education and promoting
active participation in government. The group is a national organization celebrating
a milestone anniversary. Staff believes that the small size and temporary nature of
the signs is appropriate and should be approved.
cc: Eric Levitt
Jacob J. Winzenz
Criteria & Procedure for Special Event Vertical Banner Permit
Sample
Request
When requesting a permit to display vertical banners on existing light poles on Main
Street or Milwaukee Street certain requirements will need to be satisfied by the
applicant. These requirements are as follows:
1. The banners shall identify a cultural or civic event or recognition, which:
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Is sponsored by a non-profit organization or identifies an event which is of
general community interest.
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Is open to the general public.
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Is designed to attract community-wide participation.
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Is located within the City of Janesville limits.
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Has obtained all necessary city permits.
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Banners shall not be politically partisan or religious in subject matter and shall
not be used for advertising a specific product or corporate entity.
2. The maximum period that vertical banners may be displayed is thirty (30)
consecutive days.
3. The application must be submitted a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the
banners being installed.
4. A permit fee of $______ must be paid at time of banner request.
5. The dates are reserved on a first come first serve basis.
6. Banners are meant to be festive and decorative. Bold, simple, and colorful
designs are most effective. Banners must be printed on both sides with same
design.
7. For optimum impact, it is suggested that the minimum number of banners
requested per event should be six (6).
8. The sign copy on the banners shall be limited to the event title, corresponding
information and logos.
9. A color drawing or photo of the banner design must be included with the
application.
10. The City assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to the banners or for
banners not picked up within one week from the date of notification. Should
damage occur to any installed banners, the applicant will be notified and the City
will request removal of the damaged banner.
Criteria-Application.Doc
RESOLUTION NO. 2010-685
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Action on a proposed resolution authorizing the use of signs celebrating the 90
anniversary of the League of Women Voters to be displayed on display arms on poles
within the public right-of-way in the downtown area (League of Women Voters, Kay
Dupree).
WHEREAS, the League of Women Voters is an American institution known for its voter
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education efforts which was created after passage of the 19 Amendment to the
Constitution; and
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WHEREAS, the League of Women Voters is celebrating its 90 year of existence in 2010;
and
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WHEREAS, the League of Women Voters of Janesville desires to celebrate the 90 year of
the organization by display of signs on banner arms within the public right-of-way along
several public streets within the downtown; and
WHEREAS, the City of Janesville Sign Ordinance requires City Council authorization for
the display of signs within the public right-of-way; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the signs are of a noncommercial nature and in the
public interest; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council that the display of signs
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celebrating the 90 anniversary of the League of Women Voters is hereby authorized to
take place on banner arms within the rights-of-way of downtown Janesville for a period not
to exceed 45 days from there installation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon the completion of the 45 day period, the signs will
be removed by representatives of the League.
ADOPTED:
Motion by:
Second by:
APPROVED:
Council member Aye Nay Pass Absent
Brunner
Eric J. Levitt, City Manager
McDonald
Perrotto
ATTEST:
Rashkin
Steeber
Jean Ann Wulf, City Clerk-Treasurer
Truman
Voskuil
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney, Wald Klimczyk
Proposed by: City Plan Commission
Prepared by: Community Development Department