Some new banners with motivational messages will be going up along Lake Boulevard in St. Joseph this year, replacing previous banners that honored veterans and active-duty military personnel. But the matter has come with a little controversy.

Speaking to city commissioners this week, St. Joseph Department of Public Works Director Greg Grothous said resident Carl Meyer started displaying the banners in 2019. However, in recent years, he’s stopped receiving requests for specific veteran mentions, and so he’s proposed the new banners.

Meyer had eight submissions, but City Manager Emily Hackworth said the Downtown Development Authority thought one that says, “Life is precious” could be interpreted as political. Meyer clarified he meant nothing political with “Life is precious,” but Commissioner Michael Fernandez proposed a motion to allow the new banners, except for the “Life is precious” one. During the rollcall, Commissioner Michael Sarola objected to taking that one out.

“I support all the signs,” Sarola said. “That’s my position.”

Sarola voted no on the motion to the applause of the audience. The motion still passed, three to one, with Commissioner Tess Ulrey not present.

The new banners will soon go up along Lake Boulevard for the rest of the summer. They say things like, “Our future starts here,” “Respect each other,” and “Be kind.”

The DDA says it hopes to work with Meyer on new banners for next year.