PC 07/08/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Wright reaffirmed with Mr. Swift that the banners a being discussed tonight apply only to religious services. However, should the churches wis to display other types of banners they would have to comply with the original Code accor ing to size and other regulations. Commissioner McGuirk asked Mr. Sell if he had any idea how m y churches or religious organizations there are in Pleasanton. Mr. Sell thought there were bout 30 churches. Commissioner McGuirk discussed with Mr. Sell the possibility that all 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 C ty officials would even hesitate to approve the request by the Pleasanton Ministerial Associ tion who were simply trying to promote good wholesome information for families and co munities. He was very much in support of the Code amendment to allow banners as reque ted. Chairman Hovingh stated his concern revolved about the need to se arate church and state. The second thing that concerned him was if the churches have a rig t to hang a banner, even an offensive one, then individuals also should have the same right. Tom McKeen spoke in favor of the amendment and stated he has b n a minister in Pleasanton for 31 years. In response to Chairman Hovingh's conce for the need to separate church and state, he read Article I of the Constitution. He further oted that the search for religious freedom is what caused people to come to this country to egin with. In response to Chairman Hovingh's concern that an offensive church, such as e Church of Satan, might wish to put up a banner, Mr. McKeen felt that church should also ve the right to do so. Mr. McKeen further noted that pastors are tax-paying individuals li e 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 Hopyar Road, stated he is also a resident at 788 Crystal Drive. He spoke in favor of the amendmen , and reminded Chairman Hovingh that he was not stopped in coming to the church to have . dgeland meetings several months ago, even though he was not a member of his church. He rther reminded Chairman Hovingh that the pledge of allegiance refers to God and i even recited by government officials. In addition, he did not feel that Pleasanton i a particularly religious community and thought this could be further encouraged. Chairman Hovingh said he wished to state for the record that Mr. eobald had donated the use of his church to hold Ridgeland meetings and also for meetings on affordable housing. He thanked him for that generosity. John Emerson stated he is pastor of Lynnewood Methodist Church, 4444 Black Avenue. He spoke in favor of the amendment, noting that he concurred with th previous comments by Planning Commission Minutes July 8, 1992 Page 4