Bloomfield council backs idea of veterans banners, asks organizers to return with technical plan

Bloomfield council members expressed broad support for a veterans banner program to honor local service members, but stopped short of approving an exact display plan and asked organizers to return with engineering and permitting details.

A presenter asked the council for permission to place banners on poles around the square with each banner carrying a veteran’s name, branch and dates of service. The presenter described expected content, sizing and a desire to keep banners visible for longer than a single holiday week.

Council and staff raised several technical and permitting issues: newer poles include electrical hookups that limit bracket placement, state-mandated mounting heights (an 8-foot minimum) restrict where banners can be attached, load-bearing and wind-load concerns may prevent placing two banners on a pole, and holiday wraps on poles in winter create conflicts with year-round displays. Staff suggested some banners could be mounted on the courthouse-side poles where space and mounting are feasible or on highway approaches into Bloomfield.

Several members said the idea honors veterans and deserved attention but emphasized fairness and durability. One council member said, "I personally signed my life away to be a veteran," to explain why a brief display window felt insufficient, and pressed for a solution that balances visibility with equipment longevity.

The council directed the veterans' group to coordinate with staff (Rusty and Jen) and with county officials about placement on county poles, and to return with a schedule, technical mounting plan and any needed Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) filings for the historic square. The council signaled general support contingent on the plan and county approvals.

Ending: Staff and veterans organizers will return with a detailed plan that addresses mounting, load studies, seasonal rotation and permitting requirements before any banners are installed.