06/17/2002MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
June 17, 2002
The Village Board met as a Committee of the Whole in the board room of the village hall at 8:25 p.m.
following their regular meeting on Monday, June 17, 2002. In attendance were:
Steven Harris, Mayor Robert D. Franz, Village Manager
Jerry Kayne, Trustee Barbara Little, Director of Public Works/Engineering
Derek Ragona, Trustee John Sliozis, Chief of Police
Harriet Rosenthal, Trustee Diane Mikula, Assistant to the Manager
William Seiden, Trustee Peter Coblentz, Village Attorney
Matthew Wylie, Trustee
Deerfield Lo 0
William Meyers, attorney with the firm Goldberg, Kohn, Bell, Black, Rosenbloom & Moritz, was in
attendance to discuss issues relating to trademarking the Deerfield (deer) logo. Mr. Meyers
summarized his written report filed earlier with the Board. He reported that, based on his firm's
comprehensive trademark research, the logo is available for use and for registration with the U. S.
Trademark Office and with the Illinois Secretary of State. In his opinion, there is little to no risk that
anyone would have a claim against the Village even if it were not registered. Nevertheless, he
recommended it.
In responding to questions from the Board, he described how the law is very clear on prohibiting
commercial use of the logo but that first amendment rights make it difficult to restrict use of it for
political purposes. There was support from some board members to try, by ordinance, to prohibit the
use of the logo in campaign literature and signage. Mr. Meyers advised the Board that enforcement of
such regulations will be a problem and that a legal challenge to the ordinance might very well be
successful.
Discussion ensued on how best to discourage the use of the logo for political purposes without outright
restrictions. Also, there was agreement that it is essential to emphasize that use of the logo not confuse
the voter into thinking that the Village was endorsing any one candidate or party. The Village
Attorney was directed to work with Mr. Meyers on a strong policy position governing the Deerfield
logo. Once there is a draft, discussion may continue on the actual wording as it pertains to use of the
logo for political purposes.
Central Disvatch Service
The Village Manager and Chief of Police gave a brief status report on the discussions among
communities of the East Shore Radio Network regarding central dispatch. At this point, staff does not
believe that joining a central dispatch operation is in the best interests of the community.
Minutes prepared by-
ob rt D. Franz, Village Ma ag