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The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on allowing a continuation of the pilot program for City promotional banners, establishment of a process to allow City special event banners, or direct staff to revise the sign code to allow City promotional banners. Discussion and Action.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
The City Council in March approved a pilot program using banners to promote the City-sponsored Salsa Festival. Citizens had suggested signs or banners were needed because too many residents were unaware of big events, even though the events were advertised in papers, newsletters, City channel, and on-line. Because many people commute to work outside the city, it is easy for them to miss information about City of Maricopa events.
Cities sponsor, run and promote large community festivals to bring people together and help to create a community identity. They also help residents meet their neighbors, gain knowledge about their city, which helps to create a stronger sense of community. These festivals also help business and organizations market themselves to residents.
As part of the approved pilot program, staff investigated use of large promotional banners to be viewed by commuters, and whether or not use of banners might be done before the Salsa Festival on March 31. The City of Maricopa has a Special Event Permit Process that allows for businesses and others to install banners promoting a special event for five days prior to the event, and limiting the banner to 32 square feet. (In addition, 24 hours prior to the event, directional signs are allowed as well.)
The City Council approved deviating from City rules to allow two large, special event banners promoting the Salsa Festival to be placed where commuters would be sure to see them. The pilot program tested the use of two 8x32-foot banners near northern entrance to City. (Staff had the approval of the HOAs as to locations.) In addition, the City installed smaller, 4x8-foot...
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