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Council allows one‑time antique‑festival banner in historic district and directs use of LED sign for Sip & Stroll
Summary
After extended debate about sign rules in the Historic Preservation District the council approved a one‑time exception for an Antique Festival banner this year (outside the right‑of‑way and not obstructing traffic) and directed that the Sip & Stroll be placed on the city LED sign when feasible.
MONTGOMERY, Texas — The City Council on April 22 approved a limited, one‑time exception to allow an Antique Festival banner on city‑owned property within the Historic Preservation District and directed event organizers to use the city’s LED sign for the regular Sip & Stroll advertisement when the digital display is functional.
Council discussed whether temporary banners are permitted in the historic district and whether city‑owned property requires separate council approval. Staff and councilmembers noted the main distinction in this case was that the banner would be placed on city‑owned property and that the LED sign had been nonfunctional when the organizer purchased a banner. Councilmembers stressed the placement must be outside the public right‑of‑way and must not obstruct traffic.
The approved motion — moved by Councilmember Fox and passed with an on‑the‑record amendment — allows the Antique Festival banner for this year only on city‑owned property outside the right‑of‑way provided it does not create a traffic hazard. Council also directed staff to coordinate with Public Works to place Sip & Stroll information on the LED sign (referred to in the meeting packet as the Harry V. sign) when feasible, and asked staff to work with the event organizer on proper permitting and placement.
Councilmembers and staff said the action was intended as a limited accommodation because the LED sign had been out of service when the event organizer initially sought display; the council emphasized future requests should follow the city’s sign ordinance and that the one‑time exception would not establish precedent for future years.
The council’s motion included caveats that the banners be tasteful, not impede traffic, and comply with public‑safety requirements; staff and Public Works were assigned to ensure compliance prior to installation.
