Lemoore City Council takes its first look at ordinance defining the use of city's logo

The issue arose last month when first-year Councilmember Holly Blair requested that she be allowed to use the logo on her business cards, a request that included using a union “bud” signifying the card was printed by a union shop.

City Council March 7 Agenda

The issue initially surfaced at the Jan. 17 meeting when Blair requested that she be allowed to use the logo on her cards. She indicated she would pay for the cards at a union shop. At its Feb. 7 meeting, councilmembers, after a long, sometimes rancorous discussion, directed staff to prepare a policy for the logo’s use, but also agreed to allow Blair to print her cards.

The issue pertains specifically to the proprietary rights and the use of the official city seal and other insignia. Tuesday’s report, from Lemoore City Clerk Janie Venegas, states that the proposed ordinance establishes the city’s official seal as proprietary, and restricts its use to official city business only.

Councilmembers will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, and if approved, will send the ordinance to a second hearing at the next council meeting.

A specific clause in the ordinance states that is “unlawful for any person to knowingly or willfully use, or to cause the use of, a copy or replica of the seal of the city, a copy or replica of any city logo, for any private or commercial purpose.”

Furthermore, unlawful use of the city’s logo could result in a misdemeanor charge.

Councilmembers will also take their second look at an ordinance regarding skateboarding, scooters and roller skates, an issue brought to the council’s attention after several vandalism incidents to the city’s skate park resulted in the park’s closure for repair. The recommended changes are meant to create a safer environment for those who use the park.