PC 07/08/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Wright reaffirmed with Mr. Swift that the banners as eing discussed tonight apply only to religious servi=s. However, should the churches wish to display other types of banners they would have to comply with the original Code accord ng to size and other regulations. Commissioner McGuirk asked Mr. Sell if he had any idea how man churches or religious organizations there are in Pleasanton. Mr. Sell thought there were a out 30 churches. Commissioner McGuirk discussed with Mr. Sell the possibility that I 30 churches might choose to put up religious banners for four church holidays for the owed eight day period. Tom Schindler, 3780 Marlboro Way, member of the Pleasanton Co munity Church, stated he is here simply as a concerned citizen. He was concerned that Ci officials would even hesitate to approve the request by the Pleasanton Ministerial Associa on who were simply trying to promote good wholesome information for families and com unities. He was very much in support of the Code amendment to allow banners as reques te church and state. to hang a banner, even Chairman Hovingh stated his concern revolved about the need to sep The second thing that concerned him was if the churches have a righ an offensive one, then individuals also should have the same right. ,-. Tom McKeen spoke in favor of the amendment and stated he has bee a minister in Pleasanton for 31 years. In response to Chairman Hovingh's concern for the need to separate church and state, he read Article 1 of the Constitution. He further n ted that the search for religious freedom is what caused people to come to this country to b in with. In response to Chairman Hovingh's concern that an offensive church, such as the Church of Satan, might wish to put up a banner, Mr. McKeen felt that church should also ha e the right to do so. Mr. McKeen further noted that pastors are tax-paying individuals lik everyone else; that the churches are not jeopardizing the City by simply inviting people to me together to pray. David Theobald, pastor of Family Life Fellowship at 3200 Hopyard oad, stated he is also a resident at 788 Crystal Drive. He spoke in favor of the amendment, d reminded Chairman Hovingh that he was not stopped in coming to the church to have Rid eland meetings several months ago, even though he was not a member of his church. He fu er reminded Chairman Hovingh that the pledge of allegiance refers to God and is ven recited by government officials. In addition, he did not feel that Pleasanton is a particularly religious community and thought this could be further encouraged. Chairman Hovingh said he wished to state for the record that Mr. Th bald had donated the use of his church to hold Ridgeland meetings and also for meetings 0 affordable housing. He thanked him for that generosity. John Emerson stated he is pastor of Lynnewood Methodist Church, 44 Black Avenue. He spoke in favor of the amendment, noting that he concurred with the p evious comments by ~ Planning Commission Minutes July 8, 1992 Page 4