By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
A draft proposal covering the use of banners in downtown Decatur is expected to come before city council at its meeting next Tuesday, Oct. 3
City Attorney Anne Razo told council at its latest meeting that she has prepared the proposal for presentation Oct. 3.
Several questions about banners that are strung across Second St. downtown came up at the Sept. 5 meeting of council. Mayor Dan Rickord raised the issue, saying that some guidelines are definitely needed.
After a lengthy discussion, it was decided to have Razo prepare a draft proposal as a starting point for further discussion.
Some of the questions that arose involved how long a banner should remain up; should banners be allowed only for city-related city events; or only events on city property?
Then, there is the matter of the First Amendment, which protects free speech.
A total of 11 banners currently are raised each year. They are owned by the organizations and events being touted by the banner.
Some other organizations have inquired about having a banner hung.
City employees have to erect the banners, a time-consuming exercise.