City Says No Limit on Election Signs

LOCK HAVEN – City council moved Monday night to remove any confusion relative to political signage on properties.

Council gave final adoption to an updated sign ordinance allowing unlimited political signs. There had been a question relative to the constitutionality of the ordinance first approved in March. As explained Monday night by city manager Greg Wilson, the courts have determined that the updated ordinance does not regulate political signs.

City resident Bill Mincer, at the meeting’s outset, had castigated the city for approving the ordinance changes at its March 19 meeting with no prior discussion. He charged the city was limiting free speech by allowing only two political signs on a property and asked for a delay in further action on the changes.

But Wilson said after further consultation with the city solicitor, it was determined that political signs are exempt from the two-sign limit. Wilson said the ordinance will be in compliance with federal law and said the city “will not violate the city rights of any community member” as long as he is city manager.

Mayor Bill Baney cast the lone no vote as council approved the changes; he said he was not happy with the arbitrary limit of two signs per property for non-political signage.