HomeMy WebLinkAbout101-Banner Policy Options .pdf SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
MEETING DATE: May 4, 2011 AGENDA ITEM:
DEPARTMENT: Recreation & Facilities CITY MANAGER: Dave Anderson
PREPARED BY: Michael Taylor DIRECTOR: Michael Taylor
Recreation & Facilities Director
SUBJECT: Banner Policy Options
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Review report and provided direction to staff regarding a banner policy/program.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Saratoga adopted a resolution establishing rules and regulations for hanging banners
at Blaney Plaza in June 1983. The policy was refined in May of 1985, updated in June 1990 and
revised again in July 2005. In July 2007, Council added the North Campus (Saratoga Prospect
Center) site to the banner policy (Attachment A). The implementation of the Prospect Center
program was delayed pending the installation of a permanent location sign. The sign is currently
expected to be installed by May 15th.
The City currently offers the sites for hanging public announcement, non-profit sponsored event
banners for a fee of $300 per week. The Recreation Department manages the banner program by
administering the policy, scheduling the plaza, collecting the fee, accepting, hanging, and
returning the banners approximately 32 weeks per year. Changes to the rules and regulations
must be approved by the City Council.
DISCUSSION:
On March 19, 2011, the Italian Stone Pine tree on the north side of Blaney Plaza was removed as
hazard mitigation. A result of this loss was the elimination of the banner program at Blaney
Plaza. A total of eight (8) groups were refunded their banner fee for previously scheduled use.
Since the removal of the tree, there has been no City banner program. Previous users have
expressed interest in renewing the banner program. At the April 6 meeting, Council directed staff
to return with banner options. Staff recommends Council approve a consistent banner program at
one or more of the following sites.
Blaney Plaza
Staff recommends installing an identical second pole approximately 12 feet south of the existing
pole used as a speaker stand for the public sound system. This would allow for a 3’ by 10’ banner
to be hung in front of the remaining pine tree just behind the plaza light poles. A photographic
depiction of a banner option at Blaney Plaza is attached (Attachment B).
Prospect Center
A banner program at Prospect Center was approved by Council in July 2007. The inclusion of
banner poles (identical to those proposed for Blaney Plaza) is planned. A photographic depiction
of a banner above the upcoming Prospect Center sign is attached (Attachment C).
Heritage Park Corner
The Orchard Park corner of Saratoga and Fruitvale Avenues is currently being used on an
occasional informal basis for banners advertising Library events, the Mustard Faire, and a few
SASCC and Recreation Department activities. The Recreation Department receives infrequent,
but regular inquiries about using the site for banners promoting local events. Without an official
policy or procedures regulating banners at the site, staff typically denies the request and
attempted to promote Blaney Plaza or the Prospect Center location. The installation of poles
identical to those proposed above would allow the City an additional site to promote community
events. A photographic depiction of a banner above the existing Library sign is attached
(Attachment D).
FISCAL IMPACTS: The cost of constructing the described banner mechanism at Blaney Plaza is estimated at $1,200.
Revenue generated from the Blaney Plaza banner program averaged about $6,800 per year. The
cost of constructing the described banner mechanisms at Prospect Center and the Heritage Park
corner is estimated at $1,800 each. The cost of installation could be charged to the facility
improvement capital fund. A banner program should be able to recover costs within one or two
fiscal years and result in a future revenue stream.
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT FOLLOWING RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff would move ahead with implementing the banner program at Prospect Center. Other
banner locations would not be available on a formal basis.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION: Council could direct staff to implement one or more of the above designated locations for
banners, or could direct staff to pursue other venues for banners.
FOLLOW UP ACTION:
If banner policy amendments are approved, staff will revise practices and procedures
accordingly.
ADVERTISING, NOTICING AND PUBLIC CONTACT:
Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, this item was properly posted as a City Council agenda
item and was included in the packet made available on the City’s website in advance of the
meeting. A copy of the agenda packet is also made available at the Saratoga Branch Library each
Monday in advance of the Council meeting.
ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A – City of Saratoga Banner Policy
Attachment B – Conceptual Depiction of Blaney Plaza Banner
Attachment C – Conceptual Depiction of Prospect Center Banner
Attachment D – Conceptual Depiction of Heritage Park Banner