AGENDA #5f
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Response to Petition to Allow Continued Use of the Greenways Program Logo
DATE: June 15, 2005
The Greenways Commission has requested continued use of a pine cone logo on all communications associated with the greenway system, including T-shirts, trail signs, brochures, reports, agendas, maps and literature. We recommend that use of the pine cone logo be discontinued and that the Town seal logo replace it.
The Council asked that we develop a single, unified symbol and use it consistently for all of Town government. On April 5, 2005, the Council approved a recommendation from the Committee on Council Communications to update the Town seal to improve its graphic representation. The new seal logo now graphically connects services provided by the Town. Departments are using the updated seal and discontinuing other logo types.
DISCUSSION
The consistent use of one distinctive logotype communicates who we are, with one voice, to citizens and others. Visual consistency helps create recognition and differentiates Chapel Hill from other jurisdictions and entities. Every representation of Chapel Hill should consistently communicate the unique benefits it offers to its residents, businesses and visitors. Use of a distinct logotype sends the message of a unified organization, thereby building upon the Town’s reputation and visibility. The seal graphic may be thought of as a piece of information, one that says: “This service or activity is provided by the Town of Chapel Hill. It is supported by tax dollars and expresses the values of its Town Council and its citizens.”
Greenways are valued by our community. The Chapel Hill Greenways Commission is doing important work toward the long term goal of developing more than 28 miles of trails that will allow pedestrians and bicyclists to quickly and safely access almost every part of our town. Citizens should understand when they see a greenways sign that their tax dollars paid to the Town of Chapel Hill are supporting their shared goal of expanding and enhancing greenways.
In updating the Town seal to be used as a graphic logo, the Committee on Council Communications expressed a desire for the Town to have a consistent image that is professional and distinctive and clearly reflects the quality of our services. The intent in no way diminishes the effectiveness of how departments and programs have represented themselves in the past. The goal is to insure that the Town is identified as a unified organization. A unified image in all our communications will help create a stronger, more coherent public image of our collective mission and goals. Cooperation in adhering to graphic identity guidelines will help us express our good work to the citizens of Chapel Hill. It will shape how they view and value us.
That the Greenways Commission use the Town seal in its communications.