By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
It seems like stringing a banner across Second St. in downtown Decatur is such a simple matter. But as activities increase and more groups are involved, the banners have become something of a problem for city officials.
The banner matter came up at the latest meeting of city council and it became obvious that several questions need to be resolved.
It should first be noted that city employees have to erect the banners, a time-consuming exercise.
During a discussion it was noted that there is the matter of the First Amendment. Also, how much time should each banner have over the downtown? Should banners be allowed only for city-related city events? Or events on city property?
Mayor Dan Rickord raised the issue, saying that some guidelines are definitely needed. After the ensuing discussion, it was decided to have City Attorney Anne Razo research the issue further and draw up a draft proposal for council to look at and debate further during the next council meeting, Sept. 19.
A total of 11 banners currently are raised each year. They are owned by the organizations and events being touted by the banner.
Some new organizations have inquired about having a banner raised, the mayor said.
Razo raised the matter of the First Amendment and emphasized that the city must be careful that any guidelines it establishes not be discriminatory.
Operations Manager Jeremy Gilbert raised another issue: the time that the banners remain up. There are no guideline established, and Gilbert noted that some banners don’t remain up long when there are back-to-back events.
Gilbert said the time factor “can get very frustrating,” adding: “We try to be fair.”
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