Thursday, March 22, 2001
Even a banner promoting a high school play won't fly here without special permission.
By PETER H. MILLIKEN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CANFIELD -- Don't plan on hanging any banner other than the flag here unless you apply for and receive special permission from the city.
"The laws that city council has passed specifically prohibit banners," except for those getting approval through the proper channels, said city Manager Charles Tieche.
The issue arose over two banners, each 2 by 10 feet, promoting "Guys and Dolls," to be performed at the high school at 7:30 p.m. March 29, and at 8 p.m. March 30 and 31.
Shirley Freed-Matula, a parent volunteer working on the production, appeared before council Wednesday to ask for city officials' help with regard to banners promoting the play. "When we have such positive youth activities, let's tell our youth that we're here to support them," she urged council.
Within three hours after it was erected at noon Monday, city officials removed one of the banners from the public right of way at U.S. Route 224 and Cardinal Drive, and Freed-Matula later picked it up at the office of zoning inspector Ted Frazzini. The other hangs at the high school, and city officials have asked school officials to remove it and other banners.
Tim Bresnahan, a member of city council and the city's planning and zoning commission, said city officials want to promote positive community events, such as the high school play, but that regulations must exist concerning banners to avoid having eyesores or blocking motorists' view.
Apply for permission: As a practical matter, anyone wishing to hang temporary banners should apply to city officials for permission at least three months in advance to allow enough time for the commission to put the matter on its agenda and have a public hearing, Bresnahan said.
City Atty. Mark Fortunato suggested school officials might want to apply before the start of the school year for the dates they wish to hang banners for the coming year.
Regulations amended: Council passed an ordinance amending the subdivision and land development regulations in its zoning code. The new regulations forbid construction in any flood plain, which would be inundated by a once-in-100-year rain. They also specifically permit precast concrete basement walls, but they must have a concrete footer like all other basement walls in the city.
Tieche announced that Herman Stack, a public works laborer and the city's longest-term full-time employee, would be retiring, effective May 30, after 40 years with the city. Tieche described Stack as " one of those kinds of guys that's always there when you need him" and said he will be "sorely missed.''