City tightens enforcement of flier, handbill ordinance

The city of Bloomington has begun enforcing a long-standing ordinance banning the posting of fliers and handbills on light poles, telephone poles and other locations around town, eliminating an inexpensive advertising method for local bands and arts events. The crackdown came as a result of complaints from area businesses who feel the fliers, particularly in the newly renovated Kirkwood Avenue area, hurt the attractiveness of the downtown shopping district.\n"We've had complaints by store owners. They were upset that the fliers were pasted to the posts. They get taken down, and the new ones come up -- it's destroying the posts," said Lynne Friedmeyer, manager of Zoning Enforcement for the Bloomington City Planning Department.\nJohn Freeman, Bloomington Director of Public Works, sends a team out every day to clean up the fliers. Since the crackdown, he's noticed a definite decrease in postings.\n"There's been a really, really noticeable decline," he said. "There were days that we were taking down hundreds of fliers -- some days recently we haven't had to take any down. People are being very cooperative, and we really appreciate that."\nSince there's no easy way to track down the bands who put the fliers up, the city has sent out warning letters to local venues. \n"I think every club got one," said Dave Kubiak, general manager of the Bluebird Nightclub, 216 N. Walnut St. "The city of Bloomington hasn't really made it clear who's ultimately going to be responsible for it -- I think it's still a gray area. We're trying to get everyone to cooperate."\nAccording to the letters, repeated violations of the ordinance will result in a $25 fine the first day the flier is up, with a $50 fine each subsequent day the flier remains. Friedmeyer says that cooperation has been prompt, and no fines have been assessed.\n"The venues have called and asked us to be understanding of their position in that they have to contact the bands and say 'Please don't put these up anymore,' -- so we've been understanding. They (the venues) have been so responsive."\nIn the meantime, venues and bands alike will be looking for alternative locations to post their fliers and promote their shows. A flier kiosk used to be located at People's Park on Kirkwood and Dunn but was removed and not replaced when the park was reopened in May.\n"We're hoping to get some kiosks...there needs to be some kiosks there," said Kubiak.\nBloomington resident Rick Olsen plays in local band Pious Companion, and also has a part ownership in several downtown venues. He claims he's definitely seen a decrease in show attendance since the flier crackdown commenced.\n"I've seen less and less attendance (at local concerts) ... people just don't know," said Olsen. "As a band and also as a venue, I'm losing money. Hopefully, they can put a flier board back at People's Park and maybe at a few intersections."\nKubiak is unsure what effect the flier ban will have on his business and others, but he's optimistic.\n"It may hurt business. I hope it doesn't. I think people find out about shows one way or another"