City Council Planning Sessions

Monday, December 10, 2018 1. Call to Order The Planning Session was called to order at 7:33 p.m. by Mayor Gresk following the conclusion of the City Council Special Meeting. The following were: Physically Present: Mayor Gresk Councilman Barbier Councilwoman Fitch Councilman Prendiville Councilman Rutledge Councilman Scalzo Councilman Suess Absent: None City Staff Present: Michael Dzugan, City Manager John Duguay, Assistant City Manager Sarah Kallas, City Attorney James Kozik, Director of Planning & Economic Development Arin Thrower, Public Information Officer Sharon Barrett-Hagen, City Clerk 2. Public Comment There were no public comments. 3. Approval of October 22, 2018 Minutes The City Council approved the October 22, 2018 Planning Session Minutes. 4. Banner Policy City Manager Dzugan stated staff has reviewed a banner policy that has been in place since 2001. He explained that based upon the new Downtown streetscape and a fairly recent Supreme Court case defining government speech, staff is recommending the Council consider a new banner policy. Public Information Officer Thrower presented an overview of the new policy. She explained that the new policy would allow the display of City of Wheaton banners, City Boards and Commission banners as well as banners from other units of local government or entities funded by local tax dollars and which have contracts with the City. In response to Council questions, City Attorney Kallas explained that the new policy would remove the limited public forum allowed by the current policy and instead establish a policy for government speech only. CITY COUNCIL PLANNING SESSION MINUTES DECEMBER 10, 2018 In response to Council questions and comments, City Manager Dzugan indicated staff would review the section on eligible entities to ensure appropriate wording is included to maintain government speech only in the banner policy. City Attorney Kallas advised that under the proposed policy, the City would institute certain specifications for the banners and would take ownership of the banners to be displayed so members of the general public understand that it is the government speaking. Under the new policy, the City would be able to determine what banners could be displayed. There was some discussion as to whether or not the Chamber could be included as an eligible entity as it does not have a contract with the City, but does partner with the Wheaton Park District on several events. In response to Council questions, Public Information Officer Thrower stated the proposed policy currently states the City would have 14 business days to either approve or deny a banner request, but staff could review that provision to ensure the time period is appropriate. In response to Council questions, Public Information Officer Thrower stated entities left out of the proposed policy that may have displayed banners in the past would be charitable and non-profit organizations, as well as Wheaton College. 5. City Council/City Staff Comments None. 6. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Barrett-Hagen 2