Sing, sign, everywhere a sign.

Apologies to the Five Man Electrical Band and its 1971 hit tune.

Along those lines, however, the City of Ripon is looking to soon have a banner policy in establishing right-of-way signage to allow non-profit organizations to promote community-wide initiatives.

The proposed ordinance says that “no banners, flags, signs or similar items shall be placed on City buildings or any other location within public right of way,” unless it is consistent with the Ripon Municipal Code as expressed in this policy once it becomes authorized.

The Ripon City Council discussed this item at the Nov. 13 session, requesting several changes along the way.

No action was taken while the revise to this ordinance will be brought back to a future meeting.

Elected leaders, thus far, are OK on the banner size not exceeding 30 inches by 72 inches with the image being printed on both sides.

They did recommend that the sign can be made from vinyl material or that “of equal material” – and as an add on – with wind vents.

It was Mayor Michael Restuccia, who asked, “Can it be another material that could stand up to wear and tear?”

American Legion Post #190, located in downtown Ripon, was used as an example of the sign ordinance, in particular, its promotion of holidays such as Veterans Day or Memorial Day.

Vice Mayor Leo Zuber inquired about other such organizations such as “the VFW or the new Church of Christ (that’s) not housed within city limits.”

In this case, City Administrator Kevin Werner noted that Council could use the sphere of influence to include these non-profits in the ordinance.

American flags, as part of the exemptions, may be installed along the city-owned streetlights in the Central Business District during nationally recognized holidays without the need of a permit.

The exemptions also consist of the City along with the Chamber of Commerce placing banners to promote sponsored events – Almond Blossom, Fourth of July, Soaring over Ripon, Main Street Days, and, as Restuccia added, First Responder Appreciation Day.

To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.