Signs of the building’s name are still OK.
So, too, are the awning and directional signs that adorn the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.
But outside advertisements — like those for the Hunt, Green & James law firm — aren’t legal.
And according to a bill passed Tuesday night by City Council, anything else that will be affixed to the exterior of the city-owned structure will have to adhere to Downtown design standards and be approved by the Downtown Development Review Board.
The council bill puts those rules into place almost a week after city attorneys said the exterior advertising by the local law firm violated the city’s charter and state laws.
The firm in September signed a $300,000 sponsorship agreement with SMG, which runs the city’s venues.
The deal was later amended to allow window advertising on all four sides of the arena.
City law, though, said exterior signage had to advertise products, activities or services associated with the facility.
Council could amend the charter to change those signage regulations, but state law also was violated when the firm’s advertisements on the north side of the building weren’t far enough away from the highway.
Overall, the signage led to pushback from those who oppose billboards and from other scenic groups, with council member Bill Bishop introducing legislation in late January to remedy the situation.
“Hopefully, we won’t have to go through all that again,” Bishop said.
In addition, the size and location of future electronic billboards at the arena would have to be approved by the Downtown review board.
Bishop’s bill passed 14-2, with Reggie Brown and Kimberly Daniels voting against.
Jones out, Anderson in for election board
The politics swirling outside City Council crept into Tuesday’s meeting regarding a spot on the county’s election canvassing board.
Council member Warren Jones was slated to be an alternate member to the board, which helps certify election results and comprises a council member, judge and supervisor of elections.
But, as council member Denise Lee pointed out, Jones is involved in the mayor’s race and that affiliation could bring scrutiny.
Jones and several other former council presidents last week publicly backed Mayor Alvin Brown in the race against Lenny Curry.
The bill was put on hold for much of the meeting while the Office of General Counsel reviewed and discussed the matter.
An amendment came out later that swapped council Vice President Greg Anderson for Jones, with the bill passing unanimously.
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