Culver Town Councilman Apologizes for Removal of Signs

An issue concerning the removal of signs by a Culver Town Councilman drew remarks of disappointment by fellow council members in a recent meeting.

Councilman Rich West noted that Councilman Bill Cleavenger reportedly removed signs promoting the wine fair, the gift of warmth event and the farmer’s market after the permits for the events were unanimously approved for placement in the right-of-way during a special Culver Town Council meeting on Aug. 29.  The following day, Town Manager Jonathan Leist said Cleavenger arrived at Town Hall with those signs saying that they were non-compliant.

They attempted to put the signs back up, but couldn’t as the ropes were cut too short to remount them.  Beyond that, the designs on the signs were damaged.

Typically, a sign placed in the right-of-way is deemed compliant non-compliant after a complaint is received by either Leist or Building Inspector Chuck DeWitt.  If the sign is non-compliant, it is removed by Leist or DeWitt. 

Councilman West commented that he’s disappointed that someone on the council would do that to the organizations that were being supported. 

Council President Ginny Bess Munroe said she received a letter from the Culver Visitor’s Center asking that Cleavenger pay restitution for the damaged banners and for the time spent for repairs and remount the signs. 

Cleavenger did not provide a comment concerning this discussion during the meeting.  Since then, Cleavenger has apologized for his actions to all involved and was making an effort to provide restitution in this matter.