Bluff intern outlines dark-sky outreach materials, website and permitting guides

Josie Lehi, the Town of Bluff's community engagement and communications intern, presented a suite of communication materials at the July 15 council meeting aimed at public education about Bluff's dark-sky designation and at making building and permitting information easier to find.

Lehi told council members she had developed postcard and brochure mockups, a kiosk sign and proposed website landing pages that explain exterior-lighting rules, shielded fixtures, correlated color temperature and lumens. "I helped with some of the website and development" for the building department and created a potential kiosk sign, she said.

Why it matters: Bluff adopted dark-sky designation elements in its strategic plan and the internship work ties directly to that policy goal by producing public-facing materials. Lehi's work also touches operational tasks for the building department, which could reduce permit confusion and calls to staff.

Details: Lehi described two brochure versions she drafted after a work session with people involved in the dark-sky process: one aimed at residents and one at business owners. The resident version covers light pollution, shielded fixtures, lumens and motion sensors; the business version includes guidance specific to parking areas, access lanes and curfews.

She also presented a small insert showing different shielded fixtures, and a kiosk mockup with content on environmental and cultural significance and a visual of the night sky. Lehi recommended additional review of the brochures by planning and zoning and further work to clarify enforcement approaches and simplify lumen compliance for property owners.

Lehi said she worked with Kristen, the town's permit technician, on a QR-code sheet and a 'what permits do I need' guide that differentiates when land-use clearance, building permits, both or neither are required. She said the materials will be replicated in a digital format on the town website with dropdowns and downloadable PDFs.

Council response and next steps: Council members praised the intern's work and encouraged printing and distribution of postcards and kiosks. Lehi said printing decisions (single photo versus several runs) and final color choices remain to be resolved; staff members asked to coordinate printing logistics and to review the brochure text with planning and zoning staff.

Lehi closed by recommending next steps: additional review by planning staff, brainstorming enforcement-friendly lumen guidance, and development of a potential dark-sky certification program and resident recognition program to encourage voluntary compliance.

Ending: Council members thanked Lehi for her contributions and said they would pursue printing and website publication in the coming weeks.