Are you a nonprofit worker looking to boost awareness about a civic welfare initiative or part of a group seeking to get the word out about a City-sanctioned event through the medium of street pole signage?
Well, you’ll probably be relieved to hear that Scotts Valley now has an official banner policy, putting to rest the confusion that reared its head amongst local organizations during the pandemic.
Scotts Valley Council approved the formal process for reaching pedestrians and motorists with non-commercial advertisements along Scotts Valley Drive at their regularly scheduled March 15 meeting.
The policy was presented by City Attorney Kirsten Powell, who stressed this wasn’t a unique messaging free-for-all by a long shot.
“Banners can promote events or occasions that have a direct and substantial civic and/or community benefit and offer an aesthetic and visual appearance that is beneficial to Scotts Valley Drive,” she said. “Street lights are a non-public forum and not a forum for free expression of the public.”
The banner display opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, civic or social welfare organizations and groups promoting an event sanctioned by the City.
Here’s what’s the application process will involve:
- Submit plans to the City Manager’s office three months to six weeks prior to an event;
- Banners must be of standard size;
- Applicants are responsible for covering installation, removal and staff oversight costs;
- Banners can stay up for no more than 90 days;
- Applicants must obtain insurance and indemnify the City; and
- Banners can’t be used for commercial or political purposes.
“I think it’s a very sensible policy,” said Councilmember Allan Timms.
He asked if it was true that the discretion of approving a banner proposal was up to the City Manager—unless appealed to Council. Powell confirmed that to be the case.
Mayor Jack Dilles asked if there would be any impact to the Public Works Department. Powell said the City will hire a company to do the work and then bill the applicant.
“We will still control the process,” she said. “But it will be done by an outside company, not Public Works staff.”
Powell said Public Works employees would be involved, because they take care of city streets and the street poles.
“They would also award the contract to the company that would be doing the work for us,” she said.
Dilles followed up to ask if that included maintenance employees. Powell said maintenance staff wouldn’t be involved in hanging and taking down banners. Dilles said he was just making sure those workers weren’t being dragged away from other projects.
Timms asked if there would be full cost recovery. Powell said that’s the aim.
No members of the public spoke during the public hearing.
Councilmember Derek Timm said the policy sprang out of the significant number of community groups seeking clarity about the process.
“Thank you for addressing this,” he said. “I’m very supportive of the policy.”
Timm moved approval. The motion was seconded by Timms and approved unanimously.
