Ballots and flags have both made the news lately, and on the first meeting since Independence Day, both items will make appearances before Asheville City Council.
Jumping the gun on local activists’ July 16 petition deadline, Council member Carl Mumpower will introduce a motion on Tuesday to bring about a referendum on the partisan election debate. Regardless of Council’s reaction to Mumpower’s motion, the item is likely to draw discussion regarding Council’s earlier vote and the community’s reaction.
And a recent stink over a fireworks company’s use of United States flags has brought the issue to City Hall, where Council may consider changing the city’s sign ordinance.
Two fireworks stands set up for the Fourth of July were approached for violations of the city’s temporary-sign ordinance. According to a city report on the matter, the business owners complied with requests to take down most of their signs — but they refused to remove American flags posted atop their tents.
The sign ordinance allows for flags except when they are used for commercial or promotional advertising, but several suggestions in the staff report attempt to remedy that rule.
City Council will meet on the second floor of city hall at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10. The complete agenda is available here.
— Brian Postelle, staff writer
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