Now that the Clarkston DPW has a new lift truck, some city officials fear a greater demand for publicity banners across Main Street (M-15), with greater expense to the city for that service.
At their Dec. 13 meeting, the city council adopted an annual resolution required by the Michigan Department of Transportation (which has jurisdiction over the state highway) for the erection of banners over Main Street near Waldon Road.
Separate from that vote was discussion concerning requests for such banners and the way they may be handled in the future.
Prior to the purchase of the lift truck, the city DPW always requested help from the Independence Township DPW. That is no longer necessary, according to city DPW Supervisor Bob Pursley.
While there is no charge to erect the banners (which must be purchased by the sponsoring group), some council members wondered if requests might be coming too many and too fast.
In fact, the council rejected a request reported by City Manager Art Pappas from a group wishing to hang a banner on the bridge railing on one side of Main Street.
‘It’s a safety issue,? said Mayor Sharron Catallo, noting the risk caused by drivers turning their heads to read such a banner.
‘It could be ruled an ‘attractive nuisance,?? Pappas said.
Pursley said the requests for the Main Street banners are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. When there are time conflicts, banners are sometimes hung back-to-back. While no figures were reported, Pursley said he has been keeping track of workers? time with the lift truck on various tasks, including the hanging of the banners.
City Attorney Thomas Ryan said the council should adopt a formal policy to clarify what kinds of banners will be allowed and how costs will be covered.
In a related issue, the council granted permission for the Clarkston Coalition for Youth to erect banners from Main Street light posts beginning in mid-January.
For approximately one month, the banners will publicize the new slogan, ‘Each One Reach One ? Connecting for a Better Community.? The coalition adopted the ‘community message? as part of their effort to recruit other groups to promote positive developmental assets among local youth.
Officials noted the installation of the new street lights included the capability of small banners which should not interfere with motorists? visibility.