Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Art topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Downtown group asks Dundee to add mural rules and funding support
Summary
Downtown Dundee Main Street asked council to add mural provisions to the city’s sign code and offered seed funding; council supports exploring code edits and directed staff to review existing sign rules and an example model ordinance.
Representatives of Downtown Dundee Main Street asked the City Council to amend the sign code so murals can be permitted, curated and promoted as part of downtown revitalization.
Gail Ickerson, identifying herself as a member of the Downtown Dundee Main Street design subcommittee, told the council her group researched neighboring cities and found Newberg’s local mural code a useful example. She said the subcommittee is prepared to provide some funding for mural projects and suggested simple “welcome to Dundee” murals as pedestrian‑friendly photo opportunities to promote local lodging and businesses.
Council members expressed general support for murals but cautioned that code language will need to distinguish original public art from commercial signage and avoid subjective restrictions. One council member suggested setting thematic or style guidelines (for example, agricultural and family imagery that reflects local goals) rather than trying to police 'taste.' Staff said existing sign provisions may already contain some relevant guidance and pledged to review the current code and the example ordinance provided.
Council asked Ickerson to share the model material she prepared and directed staff to return with an analysis of whether the code needs amendment, or whether existing sign rules can be applied to permit murals. The council emphasized clarity to reduce the risk of legal challenges and recommended developing objective standards (size, minimum display period, permitting steps) to guide applicants.
