Stanton Municipal Code Ch. 1.14 City Official Indicia

The city wishes to protect the city seals and logos, collectively, the city's "Official Indicia," as follows:

A. An older version of the city's official seal, which is still in circulation:

B. The city's current official seal:

C. An older version of the city's official logo, which is still in circulation:

D. Past special occasion versions of the city's official logo as depicted below:

E. The city's current official logo:

F. The imprint or stamp of the city clerk's official seal, the seals of the city, and the city logos constitute the Official Indicia of the city. Only two city seal apparatus shall exist at any time, one in the form of a rubber stamp and one in the form of a metal embosser. The city's seals shall be kept in the custody of the city clerk and used only by the city clerk. No digital impression of the city seals shall be created or utilized. Under no circumstance shall a third party possess a city seal or utilize its impression or a facsimile thereof.

The official seal of the city, city clerk's office shall be affixed to all ordinances of the City, the minutes of the meetings of the City Council, contracts made on behalf of the city, bonds, and other contracts and obligations of the City where required by law, when signed by the mayor, or the mayor pro tem in the absence of the mayor, and attested by the city clerk. This seal is depicted as follows:

(Ord. 1161, 4/8/2025)

The city clerk is the custodian of the city's Official Indicia. It is unlawful for any person, corporation, organization, or entity, other than city personnel, to knowingly or willfully use, or cause the use of, a copy or replica of any Official Indicia of the city or the original or a copy or replica of city letterhead, stationery, or business cards without prior approval of the city council.

(Ord. 1161, 4/8/2025)

A. Misleading Use of Official Indicia. No person shall use the Official Indicia of the city or a symbol that imitates any Official Indicia, or that may be mistaken therefor, that is designed, intended or likely to confuse, deceive or mislead the public, for political/campaign, private or commercial purposes, or for any purpose other than for the official business of the city.

B. The Official Indicia of the city are graphic symbols that identify the city of Stanton as an organization and are often the primary means by which the public forms an image of the city. The Official Indicia are also considered and perceived by the public as symbols of the authority and jurisdiction of the city and, as such, are valuable assets of the city and its citizens.

C. It is unlawful for any person, corporation, organization, or entity to use any Official Indicia of the city for political, private, or commercial purposes.

D. Definitions.

"Commercial purpose"

means and includes, the unauthorized promotion, support or endorsement of any group, entity, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, firm, association, or individual which is for profit and/or connected in any way with trade, commerce, or business.

"Political purpose"

means for purposes of supporting or opposing the nomination or election to any city or other public office of himself/herself or any other person, or for purpose of supporting or opposing any ballot measure, nor include such Official Indicia in any writing distributed for purposes of influencing the action of the electorate or any part thereof, in any election.

"Private purpose"

means and includes the unauthorized promotion, support, or endorsement of a person, issue or cause, or the promotion, support, or endorsement of any religious, political, charitable, or otherwise not-for-profit organization, entity, or cause.

(Ord. 1161, 4/8/2025)

Any person, corporation, organization, or entity violating any of the provisions of this chapter, as determined by the city council, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for a period of not more than six months or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(Ord. 1161, 4/8/2025)

The penalties imposed by the provisions of this chapter shall be supplemental and in addition to any other penalties or remedies which may be imposed or provided by other laws or ordinances, such as disciplinary action, removal from public office, judicial order or judgment, or other matter.

(Ord. 1161, 4/8/2025)