The Brentwood Communications Committee voted to approve a revised banner policy that allows educational institutions — public, private and parochial — to place banners on city light poles for up to 90 days, provided the requesting institution pays for production and installation.
Michelle, communications manager, summarized the changes: the policy now explicitly includes "private and denominational schools located in the City of Brentwood" and clarifies that the city provides the space while the institution pays the financial costs. "We are offering the space, the real estate on our light pole banners," she said.
The nut graf: the policy aims to increase use of the city's banner poles while shifting production costs to community partners; staff will retain final approval over artwork and may reject content that violates city code or could prompt litigation.
Committee members raised concerns about perception and the use of public space for parochial or private-school promotion. One member asked whether allowing parochial schools to pay for banners could create an appearance of city subsidization; the chair replied that the city attorney had reviewed language and staff would revisit the attorney's advice at the management meeting and again before the policy moves to the full board.
The committee moved to forward the banner policy to the Board of Aldermen for approval, contingent on confirmation by the city attorney. A motion was made, seconded, and carried by voice vote.