Patriotic crosswalk

Urged the council to apply crosswalk policies fairly and equally to both the rainbow and patriotic crosswalks.

Said the council opened Pandora's box with the rainbow crosswalk and must apply the same rules to the patriotic crosswalk.

Spoke in favor of the patriotic crosswalk, noting Monterey's military ties and the flag's history raised at the Custom House.

A self-described patriotic military family member urged approval.

Past president of the Navy Daughters of the Golden West, expressed strong support for the red, white, and blue crosswalk.

Donated $500 and called the crosswalk an inclusive celebration of American freedoms; said he was insulted by the debate over maintenance.

Called it a unifying, nonpartisan issue and urged the council to stop equivocating and just approve it.

Opposed all decorative crosswalks, saying streets and crosswalks should stay plain for driver safety and the city can't afford the staff time.

Said the council opened Pandora's box with decorative crosswalks and should scrap the entire policy; supported installing this one.

Supported agendizing the topic, urged clarifying the policy first, and noted the NCIP process as a model; saw potential in diverse crosswalk designs.

Supported agendizing the crosswalk discussion, saying the policy needs to be buttoned up so sponsors pay all costs and maintenance responsibility is clear.

Opposed using city streets as billboards for messaging, suggesting the city should rent crosswalk spaces and questioning how locations would be chosen.

Said banners over the street would be more appropriate than a crosswalk for commemorating the 250th anniversary.

Favored a permanent patriotic crosswalk and suggested a city-run donation mechanism could offset costs.

Said simplicity is best and crosswalks should stay white, warning the policy opens Pandora's box; suggested banners and rotating monthly colors as alternatives.

Argued painted crosswalks shouldn't be allowed at all because they're a safety hazard, citing violations by an existing decorative crosswalk holder.

Zoom commenter again flagged broken audio and supported agendizing Smith's decorative crosswalk policy discussion.

Supported the request, saying the city needs a systematic approach to celebratory activities for its diverse community rather than ad hoc decisions.

Supported agendizing Smith's item and urged creating a standing crosswalk policy so future requests don't require hacking through each case ad hoc.