The civic symbol-bedecked image you see here is now (kinda, sorta) the official coat of arms and seal of the city of Eau Claire. On April 9, the Eau Claire City Council adopted it on a 9-2 vote in “essentially the same form” as composed by graphic designer Rachel Schimelman at the behest of City Council member Dave Duax. The seal/coat of arms combo won’t become official until Sept. 30, allowing time to tweak the design, which features everything from Old Abe the famed Civil War eagle to white pines to a flurry of fleurs-de-lis. At the council meeting, questions were raised about several elements of the design, including the acceptability of using images of Native American peace pipes (which at least one Native American told a council member was sacrilegious but other Native Americans have said is appropriate) and whether the attached motto should be in French or English. (The phrase is “Plus ensemble toujours,” which means “More together always” in English – although at least one person told Duax after the meeting that the translation was inaccurate.) Other possible changes include making the white pines look more white piney – i.e., more irregularly shaped. The council still must OK an implementation plan outlining whether (and when) the design will be used on city letterhead, vehicles, and the like. Duax said he’s pleased by the passage, but still awaits his ultimate goal: Getting the design on a T-shirt.