Kathy Schipper of Schipper Designs presented a branding plan for the city of San Juan Bautista at the April 19 City Council meeting. Since the middle of November, Schipper and her team have been working with the city to develop a “destination brand,” resulting in the city defining itself and communicating that message to people living outside of the area.
During her presentation, Schipper discussed her process for developing a new logo and tagline. Phase 1 consisted of conducting a survey over various mediums. The survey, which received 137 responses, asked residents and visitors questions like “define who we are,” “who people think we are” and “what are the main attractions?”
From there, Schipper was able to proceed to Phase 2. She suggested that the council keep the motto “City of History” but added using the tagline “Lift Your Spirit.”
In Phase 3, Schipper and her team created a logo that melds old and new together, keeping old themes and tying in new elements. Schipper said she hoped it would convey the message of what San Juan Bautista residents love about their city, as a way of helping encourage others to visit
“This is functional and it has a purpose,” Vice Mayor Chris Martorana said of the logo. He added that he is excited for the next phase the project.
Schipper told the council the next step would be to get the logo and tagline licensed and trademarked. Once that happens, she needs to create guidelines for usage so businesses organizations and city members can use the new branding materials to create a cohesive look for the city.
In other council news, community members came together to support the council’s decision to open the Orchard Garden Lot, located on Third Street. Members agreed the opening of the lot could provide positive historical, archeological, and cultural experiences for visitors, tourists and residents.
Councilman Tony Boch said the Rotary Club would help clean up the lot and add some benches, but it would take the community coming together to make it work.
Shawn Novak from the Water Resources Association gave a presentation about water consumption and rainfall over the past four years. This year, there has been an average of 12 inches of rain, just short of the area’s average of 13 inches in a year — but that is not enough to pull the community out of drought.
Novak said that even though the area is on the threshold of average rainfall, “we are still in a drought, we need to conserve.”
The council also approved a motion to conduct a court-ordered noise impact study on the proposed site of the fuel station, convenience store and quick serve restaurant, which is to be located on the Alameda.
The next city council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. May 17 in the council chambers at City Hall on Second Street in San Juan Bautista.