FROM:
City Clerk
SUBJECT:
Title
Public Hearing for Consideration and Adoption of a Campaign Sign Deposit
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 2024-021, adopting a refundable campaign sign deposit.
End
COUNCIL GOALS:
• To improve public safety by increasing operational efficiency, visibility, and availability.
• To practice sound fiscal management by producing timely and accurate financial information.
DISCUSSION:
Implementation of a campaign sign deposit requirement will help mitigate visual clutter in public spaces during election periods, contributing to a more orderly, aesthetically pleasing, and pedestrian-friendly environment.
Adoption of a campaign sign deposit has been identified as a measure to ensure accountability among candidates and reimburses the City for costs associated with removing non-compliant campaign signs. It is recommended that the City Council adopt a campaign sign deposit of $1,000.00 to offset the costs associated with removing non-compliant campaign signs that would be applicable to all candidates participating in local elections.
Setting a reasonable deposit amount is aimed at discouraging excessive or indiscriminate placement of campaign signs while remaining accessible to candidates from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. It also allows for the City to recoup costs for staff time to remove the improper signs.
Additionally, clear guidelines regarding the submission, refund, or forfeiture of campaign sign deposits, including provisions for enforcement and dispute resolution will be established upon adoption of the deposit.
On March 26, 2024, the City Council considered adoption of the proposed campaign sign deposit resolution and directed staff to amend the resolution to include an option to waive the deposit under the following circumstances:
1) For candidates who opt not to erect any signage during their campaign period, acknowledging their choice to forego this traditional aspect of campaigning;
2) For candidates whose gross annual household income does not exceed the area median income threshold for San Bernardino County set by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, recognizing the financial challenges they may face in participating fully in the democratic process.
A Notice of Public Hearing was published on April 19, 2024, and April 26, 2024, in the Herald News newspaper noticing the May 14, 2024, Public Hearing.
Approval of this report and adoption of the attached resolution will provide for all fees herein to be effective as of May 14, 2024.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Implementing a campaign sign deposit is intended to cover the costs associated with the removal of non-compliant signs along with managing the deposit system.
MOTION:
Approve staff recommendation.