The city will replace a number of 50th anniversary banners that appear to have been damaged by heavy winds in all three of the city's cores.
Coun. Sherri Roberts brought the issue to the attention of council Tuesday in a motion to replace the banners immediately.
The motion was presented without the typical notice after she heard from residents concerned about the state of the decorations that were installed earlier this year to mark the city's milestone anniversary.
The banners feature the slogan "Bridging community since 1973" and a stylized "50" logo featuring iconic landmarks from each of the four communities that were amalgamated to form the City of Cambridge.
"I don't know if it's due to the potentially really tough winter we had or whatever the case may be, they've experienced greater than expected damage," Roberts said, adding she hoped staff could get them replaced soon in light of the fact they were supposed to last throughout the year.
Roberts doesn't want visitors to see the prominent Main Street banner in its "torn and twisted" state when they arrive for the various events planned to celebrate the anniversary.
The cost to replace the banners in all three downtown cores will be funded from the municipal accommodation tax reserve fund to a maximum of $15,000.
"The ones on Queen Street are a mess. They're an absolute friggin' mess," said Coun. Mike Devine, in confirming the replacement will happen in all three cores.
"To be honest with you, the people that have provided them should be replacing them at no charge. We shouldn't have to pay a penny for that and if we do so be it, but then we should go back after them for the costs."
Coun. Corey Kimpson said she's had conversations with residents who are concerned about the banners in Preston and the "twisting and the cracking of the banners."
"I picked one off of King Street myself after it had been driven over by a vehicle," she added, recommending staff consult with each of the downtown business improvement areas.
Kimpson said they have experience with banners that last the entire season and would know if the anniversary banners are constructed and manufactured to the same standards.
Coun. Scott Hamilton agreed it's important to replace the banners immediately as a gesture to residents and small business owners that the city cares about something "that may seem small" but that shows pride in the community.
Deputy city manager Cheryl Zahnleiter assured council that staff had already been investigating options with the manufacturer, but would take direction from council.
