Stricter Ban on Roadside Memorials in Waterloo

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — A Waterloo City Council panel has recommended that the city more clearly ban the display of roadside memorials to honor loved ones who have died.

The three-member building and grounds committee unanimously voted Monday to recommend the adoption of an ordinance to clarify that such tributes are not allowed on public property. The measure is slated to go to the full seven-member council for consideration next week.

Committee member David Jones says the council has received complaints about flowers, signs and other items left at sites where people died in automotive accidents.

Pat Morrissey, another councilman on the committee, says he supported the move, but that he would like a provision permitting families to memorialize loved ones in a way that wouldn't interfere with city mowing and maintenance operations.

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