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Alameda commission shortens banner duration and approves new storage‑unit policy
Summary
The Alameda Recreation and Park Department commission approved a revised banner policy that limits displays to 30 days and a new storage‑unit policy that establishes container sizes, initial fees and a late fee; the motion passed unanimously on roll call.
The Alameda Recreation and Park Department commission voted to approve two staff policies: an updated banner policy that shortens permitted display time and sets size and location limits, and a new storage‑unit policy establishing how containers will be registered and managed in parks.
Staff explained the banner policy changes that were carried forward from the December draft: banner displays will be limited to a maximum of 30 days (reduced from the previous 60 days), banner size will be capped at 4 feet by 6 feet, and two additional park fences were added to the list of approved locations. Those changes, staff said, aim to provide clearer parameters for allowable banners while protecting park aesthetics.
The storage‑unit policy is new: staff presented tiered container sizes with an initial fee structure and terms and conditions designed to discourage abandonment and allow the department to track ownership. Staff told the commission this is a startup fee structure rather than a revenue program and recorded a minimal financial impact of $1,500. The policy includes a late‑fee provision to encourage annual renewal; staff described the late fee as 50% of the base rate (examples cited during discussion included $25 for a small container and $75 for a large container as late fees).
Commissioners asked about key control and locks for storage units; staff said the department would issue locks with department and owner keys so staff retain access for enforcement and retrieval. Staff identified Joey Carol as the staff member overseeing the program.
After a short period for clarifying questions and with no public comment, a commissioner moved and another seconded to approve both the updated banner policy and the storage‑unit policy. The commission approved the motion by roll call: Commissioner Robbins — yes; Vice Chair Schwarz — yes; Chair Raides — yes. The motion carried and the policies were adopted.
The commission set its next meeting for April 9. The memorial policy that had been scheduled to return from the December calendar remains under revision and staff said it should be ready by April.
