Waterloo Council Supports Ban on Roadside Memorials

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — The Waterloo City Council has shown support for an ordinance that would crack down on roadside memorials.

The council voted 5-1 Monday to approve the first reading of the ordinance, which would require the removal of memorials left on property maintained by the city as tributes to victims of traffic accidents.

Councilman Ron Welper voted against the reading because the ordinance says the city "can" and "may" dispose of the memorials rather than saying it "shall" remove them.

Ordinances require three readings before they can be adopted, so the proposal returns for approval next week.

There is already an ordinance in place banning the placement of items along roadsides but the city has been reluctant to remove memorials.

Mayor Buck Clark says the ordinance would be enforced if passed.

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