Lemoore Council adopts 'official city logo' ordinance despite Councilmember's objections

At stake was a rather routine second reading of an ordinance that spells out the proprietary rights and use of the official city seal, a discussion began at the January 17 meeting at which Blair demanded that she be allowed to add a union “bud” to her business cards. A “bud” denotes that the item was made by a union shop.

March 21 Lemoore City Council Agenda

After failing to locate a rumored official city policy regarding the logo, city officials broached the idea of an ordinance, spelling out who can and who cannot use the logo. In the meantime, a council vote allowed Blair to print business cards with the union controversial bud.

At its March 7 meeting, councilmembers got their first look at the new policy, waiving the first reading and then passing the proposed ordinance to a second meeting on March 21. An ordinance requires two hearings before it’s officially adopted.

However, once again Blair threw a minor monkey wrench into the second reading when she insisted that language be included giving would-be logo users an opportunity to appeal possible denials. Those requesting use of the logo would have to go through the Lemoore City Clerk’s office, which could approve or deny such a request.

However, according to the ordinance, the city council would have the last words about any appeal, in truth rendering Blair’s argument moot – that there may be individuals, groups, or businesses that may have a reasonable request for the logo’s use, but would be denied by the city clerk.

Blair earlier pulled the ordinance’s second reading from the consent calendar for further discussion.

“I actually appreciate the wording initially (of the ordinance),” she began. “It’s a good fit. My concern, and the reason I pulled it … I want to get it right. I don’t want to say yes to just (move) things along. When we do that, we bind ourselves in a way.”

She insists her concerns are that businesses, community service organizations, or individuals may approach the city with a reasonable request to use the logo, but because of the ordinance’s wording, could be denied use. “You know, we might have a community group that does something – not necessarily official city business, but with good reason they might request (use) of the logo.”

She said the ordinance, in its second reading, doesn’t give the city enough discretion to allow additional allowances.

Other council members disagreed, saying the language is already in the ordinance and allows for discretion. Mayor Ray Madrigal told councilmembers that he thinks there is a mechanism in the ordinance allowing appeal and review. “In my mind (the existing ordinance), it gives us that discretion you’re asking for.”

 Later Madrigal amplified on the right of appeal. “I think as its written and the scenarios brought before us, I think there’s enough latitude for us to make a reasonable (decision).”

Finally, councilmembers appeared to have heard enough, and Mayor pro tem Eddie Neal made a motion to adopt the ordinance. “I think we’ve been spending too much time spinning our wheels. I think we’ve gone over this a little too long,” before making the motion to pass the ordinance as is.

Councilmembers, despite Blair’s only “no” vote, passed the ordinance 4-1.