Southington Town Manager To Decide Banner Use

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Southington Town Hall's central role in all of he town's affairs makes its hallowed grounds a desired place to promote local events and celebrations.

Earlier this month, the Southington Town Coumcil voted unanimously on a town banner policy that places all approvals of what can go up outside town hall, which is located at 75 Main St.

According to the policy, approved at the June 13 council meeting, the town manger — who is currently Mark J. Sciota — has the authority to determine what can go up at town hall.

The new policy, which was posted on the town's website, indicates the town manager "may display a banner on the outside of the town hall which advertises an official, town-sponsored function or recognizes town employees."

In addition to what can by promoted via a town hall banner, the town manager also can determine the length and location of the signage on town hall property, according to the policy.

There were some concerns expressed by council members June 13 about whether the policy should be expanded to include more discretion about what groups could use town hall to place banners.

Southington Town Attorney Alex Riccardone, however, warned council members that allowing anybody to post banners on town hall could open up the town to lawsuits down the road.

Ultimately, the current policy was easily approved after a roll-call vote.

For information on the Southington Town Managers office, visit this link.

For the full minute of the June 13 Southington Town Council meeting, click on this link.

For the announcement of the new Southington Banner Policy, click on this link.