HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 10 Approval of Resolution for the Regulation of RoadsMeeting Date: November 7, 2023
Item #: 10
Contact Name: Saima Plasencia Department Director: Saima Plasencia
Contact Number: Ext. 3022 City Manager: Robert Frank
Background Summary:
The installation of roadside memorials by private individuals has caused concern regarding the safety of these
memorials. These homemade memorials are often placed in locations deemed unsafe by staff due to traffic or
the absence of a crosswalk or other method for safely accessing the memorial. The memorials also vary in
size and design with some incorporating lights and decor which can be a distraction to passing
motorists. Having a structured policy would better regulate the appearance, location, and duration of these
roadside memorials without the same safety concerns. The policy addresses the fabrication and installation of
uniform memorial marker signs as well as the removal of memorials other than those installed by the City.
Issue:
Should the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners approve the adoption of the attached policy to regulate
roadside memorials?
Recommendations:
It is the recommendation of Staff the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners adopt the attached policy
regulating roadside memorials.
Attachments:
1. Roadside Memorial Resolution
2. Exhibit A - Roadside Memorial Policy
Financial Impacts:
The cost of the fabrication and installation of the memorials will be funded by the Public Works Department.
Type of Item: Consent
City of • •e- :l • . Avenue - Ocoee, Florida 34761
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RESOLUTION NO. 2023-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF OCOEE TO ADOPT A POLICY FOR THE
REGULATION OF ROADSIDE MEMORIALS; PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the Roadside Memorial Policy is intended to allow for the temporary
placement of formal memorial signs within city -maintained right -of way at or near a location
where a traffic fatality has occurred; and
WHEREAS, this policy, and other similar policies and programs, is an effective method
of increasing public awareness of the need to drive safely; and
WHEREAS, the Roadside Memorial Policy establishes how such a program is to be
implemented; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that it is in the best interest of its residents and
the City to express its collective position in support of the Roadside Memorial Policy.
CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA:
SECTION 1. The Roadside Memorial Policy, attached hereto as Exhibit A, is hereby
adopted.
SECTION 2. RATIFICATION. Any act consistent with the authority and prior to the
effective date of this Resolution is hereby ratified and affirmed.
SECTION 3. SEVERABILITY. If any clause, section, or other part of this Resolution
shall be held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid, such
unconstitutional or invalid part shall be considered as eliminated and in no way affecting the
validity of other provisions of this Resolution.
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SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon
its passage and adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this
ATTEST:
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk
(SEAL)
FOR USE AND RELIANCE ONLY BY
THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA;
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND
LEGALITY THIS DAY OF
, 2023.
Fishback Dominick
City Attorney
day of , 2023.
APPROVED:
CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA
Rusty Johnson, Mayor
APPROVED BY THE OCOEE CITY
COMMISSION AT A MEETING HELD
ON , 2023,
UNDER AGENDA ITEM NO.
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EXHIBIT A
City of Ocoee Roadside Memorial Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the placement of standardized roadside memorials within
City -maintained right-of-way to memorialize people who have died as a result of a motor vehicle related crash.
The City cannot permit memorial markers on private property.
Authority
The City of Ocoee Police Department's Traffic Unit is responsible for the coordination of the Roadside Memorial
Program. The City of Ocoee Public Works Department is responsible for the construction, installation,
maintenance, and removal of the memorial markers.
Scope
The installation of a roadside memorial marker will be processed in accordance with the following:
Request
Requests for a memorial marker shall be submitted in writing to the Ocoee Police Department's Traffic Unit by
filling out a Memorial Marker Request Form. The form will be available online on the City's website or at City Hall
or the Ocoee Police Department.
Requests may be made by immediate family members or friends. Requests from friends will require written
approval from the decedent's immediate family.
Installation
Memorial markers will be designed, constructed, and installed by the Public Works Department. The exact location
and placement of the marker will be at the discretion of the City.
The applicant will be notified once the installation is complete.
Memorial markers will not be allowed within the limits of active construction work zones.
The City reserves the right to remove memorial markers due to construction or other maintenance needs.
Guidelines
There shall be no activities while the memorial marker is in place that pose a safety hazard to the public or that
violates any provision of Chapter 316 of the Florida Statutes concerning stopping, standing, parking, or obstruction
of traffic on public roads.
Memorial markers other than those designed, constructed, and installed by the City will not be permitted and will
be removed by City personnel. Supplemental decorations or ornaments will not be permitted and are subject to
removal.
Time Period
Memorial markers will be allowed to remain in place for 1 year after installation unless earlier removal is
necessitated by construction or maintenance activities. After 1 year, the marker will be removed by City personnel.
The applicant may request a 6-month extension before the end of the 1-year period.
Sign Design
The memorial marker shall be a 15" diameter aluminum sign with a white background and black letters.
The sign message will state "Drive Safely — In Memory' and the applicant will have the option of adding the
decedent's name to the sign.
The sign will be mounted at a height of 42" from the ground to the top of the sign.
Cost
The City will bear the cost of design, construction, installation, maintenance, and removal of the memorial marker.
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