Council approves June street-painting request from Clinton County LGBTQ network amid debate over policy and duration

Council approved a request from the Clinton County LGBTQ Network to temporarily paint stop bars on Main Street in pride colors for the month of June, with the applicant covering materials and labor.

During the discussion, council members and staff reviewed the city’s rules for such requests (recorded in the packet as Resolution “20 21 23” and available on the city website) and noted that permit forms list requirements for nonresident groups. Some council members raised concern that paint lasted longer than the requested month during prior uses and cited vandalism as a factor; one council member voted against the motion on the grounds that the paint might persist beyond the one-month period the policy specifies.

City staff and the solicitor said the rules and requirements for approvals are available on the city website and on the request form. Several members noted that prior approvals for other groups had been allowed where applicants met the stated criteria.

The motion to allow the temporary painting passed; the council emphasized that applicants must complete the formal request form, meet the policy criteria and coordinate with staff on installation and removal plans.