Committee considers ordinance to regulate memorial displays on public property, seeks further refinement

The committee discussed a proposed ordinance intended to create consistent rules for temporary memorial displays on public property after deaths or traffic fatalities.

Sponsor Doctor Aldridge said the measure grew out of constituent concerns and recent long‑standing roadside memorials. "These displays, while serving a purpose, sometimes make it really difficult for our crews that do the mowing of those areas to be able to work around them," Aldridge said, proposing a seven‑day display period and a removal process.

Planning staff and Public Works highlighted implementation questions. Seth Lloyd, planning staff, warned that leaving displays up for seven days may encourage temporary illegal signs and that the ordinance should distinguish city‑owned parcels from public right‑of‑way. Public Works Director Vicky Nemechek said street crews currently mow around memorials and asked for clearer guidance so crews can remove displays without public backlash.

Committee discussion ranged from sympathy for grieving families to concerns about consistency, safety and precedent. Some members suggested studying the state approach to roadside memorial plaques and refining the definition of "public property" in the draft. A motion to adopt the ordinance was moved and seconded and put to a voice vote with both ayes and some no votes recorded; the chair later stated the committee would not forward a recommendation to the full council that Monday, and staff will work on clarified language.

Next steps: Staff will work with the city attorney to refine definitions and enforcement language before further consideration by the committee or full council.