Seven incidents of graffiti were reported to the State College police Friday, four days after Borough Council received a proposal for a graffiti removal ordinance.

"Partially legible" graffiti was found on the side of a building at 234 W. Nittany Ave., and "illegible" graffiti was found on buildings at 508 and 524 Locust Lane, police said.

A dumpster at 234 S. Barnard St. was marked with the letters "LOC." Dumpsters at 720 W. College Ave. and 139 N. Patterson St. were also marked with unspecified graffiti, police said.

State College Police Cpl. Tom Dann said the incidents may not be related and may have occurred at different times. He said it could have been days before the graffiti was discovered.

The new ordinance would require property owners to remove graffiti from their grounds within 14 calendar days of borough notification. A fine would be issued if owners fail to comply.

Council member Craig Humphrey said the ordinance is a work in progress, and council will discuss it further at tonight's borough council work session.

Council President Cathy Dauler said she doesn't think the reports were due to the council's discussion about the graffiti removal ordinance.

"I don't think there is any connection, but it does seem like it is a problem," Dauler said.

Council member Ron Filippelli said he thinks there has been an increase in this type of behavior in the borough -- especially downtown -- because of drinking.

Filippelli said, however, he is not in favor of the ordinance as it has been proposed because the graffiti would have to be removed by the homeowner within two weeks of it being reported.

"They are the victims of the crime, and we should cooperate with them as best we can," he said.

Humphrey said his home was recently the target of graffiti. He said he has lived in State College for 30 years, and it was the first vandalism to his property.

"Whatever is going on is new and unique," he said.

Humphrey said he also disagrees with the new ordinance.

He said the two-week time limit is too short, especially in the winter when weather conditions prevent the proposed removal procedures from working. "To take the victim and then fine them -- it's a double whammy," Humphrey said.