UP IN THE AIR; CITY COUNCIL OKS BALLOON AD TASK FORCE.

Byline: Deborah Sullivan Staff Writer

After a long-winded discussion about bags of hot air, the City Council on Tuesday decided to form a task force on giant advertising balloons.

Floating figures, due for deflation under a proposed city ordinance that would have banned big balloons altogether, were given a 60-day reprieve, while a city task force investigates whether inflatable devices can exist without violating either safety regulations or good taste.

The ordinance was proposed on the grounds that inflatable devices might pose safety hazards or blight an area with unsightly visual clutter.

``These are proliferating, and have become a problem,'' said Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski.

Balloon advertising advocates protested that such balloons are a family-friendly form of advertising, and contrasted cuddly figures of an oversize snowman and penguin with sexually provocative billboards.

``Giant advertising balloons are safe, temporary, inexpensive, effective and aesthetically pleasing to the eye, unlike other forms of signage already permitted in the city of Los Angeles,'' said Adam Melendez of Creatable Inflatables in South El Monte.

``We're concerned about (auto) dealerships losing business if inflatables are not allowed in Los Angeles,'' said Ronald Merckling, director of government affairs for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

Council members agreed an outright ban on balloons might be too extreme.

``I'm personally not a fan of these rooftop inflatables, but it could be that if we take a closer look there might be a couple or three areas in the city where they are acceptable,'' said Councilman Mike Feuer.