The Southwest Ranches Town Council held a meeting on November 21, 2024, addressing several key topics, including upcoming community events and proposed changes to campaign sign regulations.
During the meeting, it was announced that the DMV Flowmobile service has been canceled until January, with no specific reason provided. The town is preparing for its 20th anniversary celebration on June 7, 2025, which will take place at Rolling Oaks and the barn. Additionally, the annual carnival and country fair is scheduled for January 16-20, 2025, and a "Water Matters" event will occur at Treetops Park on March 8, 2025.
A significant discussion arose regarding the timing of campaign signs. Council members expressed concerns about signs being displayed too early, leading to visual clutter in the town. Currently, the code allows signs to be put up after the primary election, but this has led to confusion about which primary is referenced. Council member Jablonski proposed an amendment to the ordinance to restrict the placement of campaign signs until after the qualification date in June. This change aims to prevent signs from being displayed for extended periods, which council members believe detracts from the town's appearance.
The council discussed the historical context of campaign sign regulations, noting that signs were previously allowed only 60 days before the general election. Members agreed to explore the possibility of reverting to this timeframe, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the town's aesthetic while respecting candidates' rights to campaign.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to further research the legal implications of the proposed changes and to draft an ordinance reflecting the council's consensus. The next steps will involve reviewing the current code and determining the best approach to balance community standards with electoral expression.