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2025 8 11 Work Session Packet website

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Agenda Item 
IV. A.  Installation of Poles and Banners at Veterans Park 
 
Councilmember Sherlin: “Install Flag Poles and Veteran Flags along trail at 
Veterans Park that was approved by the Council more than a year ago.” 
 
Overview 
Councilmember Sherlin requested discussion regarding the installation of poles for veteran 
banners. This matter was previously reviewed during the October 9, 2023 work session and was 
formally approved by City Council at the October 17, 2023 r egular session. However, despite 
the approval, the installation was ultimately not carried out due to significant controversy 
surrounding the project and lack of written details. This discussion is intended to revisit the issue 
and consider potential next steps. 
 
Following discussion during the July 7, 2025 work session, the consensus was to place this item 
on the July 15, 2025 regular session agenda under New Business for further discussion. 
During the July 15, 2025 regular session, the Council voted to place this item on the August 11, 
2025 work session for further discussion.  
 
Since July 7, 2025, staff has developed a city- sponsored program consisting of acquiring 
decorative 12 -foot-high metal poles with hanger attachments that are in concert with the 
established design standards for the downtown area and are bolted to a concrete pad, determining 
pole locations, and determining pole installation cost performed by a private contractor using 
the city’s established purchasing policies.  
 
In addition to the poles, the banners would be 18 x 36- inch double-sided all-weather banners 
showing an individual’s photo, name, rank, military branch, dates served, and logo of military 
branch. This program would be similar to the brick program whereby t he Parks & Recreation 
Dept. would prepare an application and market this program through social media, McMinn 
County Veteran Services, American Legion, VFW, and other interested organizations. Interested 
parties would pay the city $50 per double -
sided banner, provide all the information for the 
banner as needed, and the city would install the banners for one year. After one year, the banners 
would be returned to their original owner. Estimated costs are below: 
 
• Pole/Hanger Cost: $625 each x 20 poles = $12,500 (each pole would have two banners  
for a total of 40 banners) 
• Pole Installation (20) by Private Contractor: $7,500 
• Total One-Time Pole and Installation Cost: $20,000 
 
• 18 x 36 Inch All-Weather Banner Cost (double sided): $25 each 
 
Attached is a graphic of Veterans Park and pole/banner locations and banner template. 
 
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