The Clayton Planning Commission on Tuesday discussed next steps for a town wayfinding banner program after commissioners said the design and hardware have been approved and businesses have expressed interest in sponsoring banners. The body debated whether the town should purchase banners up front and recoup business contributions later or wait for confirmed sponsors.

Commission member Dave said the commission’s priority is to finalize the design and hardware and then present that package to the town council for purchase approval. "My main thing I wanted to get done was approval of the design and and hardware and then present that to the town council for approval of purchase," Dave said.

The issue matters because the commission anticipates private sponsors but also needs control over placement. Commissioners said banners will generally use Duke Energy utility poles and be placed where they serve wayfinding rather than simply in front of sponsoring businesses. "We’re gonna use the Duke Energy utility poles, and we’re gonna put them in places that are appropriate for wayfinding," a commissioner said.

Commissioners discussed a proposed 50/50 cost split between the town and businesses; several local businesses (mentioned by name during the meeting as D and E, Copper Top and Integrity Mechanical) already expressed interest in sponsoring multiple banners. The commission debated whether the town should buy all banners before sponsorships are finalized and then reimburse the town when sponsors sign on. One commissioner suggested the town could purchase the banners up front and place them, and reimbursements would go back into a municipal fund when businesses commit.

Commissioners agreed to draft a sponsorship contract and a banner-placement map showing key locations for wayfinding. "I will write up some ideas on the banner sponsorship ... and also, I will come up with a map that shows key placement where a banner really needs to be to utilize the wayfinding signs," a commissioner said.

No formal motion or vote on the banner-purchase approach was recorded at the meeting; the commission indicated staff will prepare contract language and a placement plan for a future meeting and for presentation to the town council.