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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 18,2011 11 F. Gateway Signs (continued) Councilmember Holden suggested a gateway sign be constructed similar to Shoreview's at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Highway 96. She stated this didn't have to be the same scale, but should be similar in design. She didn't want the City's sign to pale in comparison to Shoreview's. Mayor Grant agreed this sign would have to be larger in scale. He asked if the Council could agree on a budget or design for the gateway signs. He noted one Gateway Sign was $12,000 which included installation. Councilmember Holmes felt the City should not place a Gateway Sign at Lexington Avenue and Highway 96. She did not want the City to try and compete at this location. She questioned how many signs would be erected each year. Councilmember Holden was fine with$20,000 per sign. Mayor Grant stated he would support the $20,000 per sign as well. He indicated the Council budget would dictate how many signs could be installed each year. He recommended a design be chosen and put out for bid. A location could be determined at a later date. Councilmember Holden noted the EDC meets on Wednesday and could discuss the location further. Councilmember Holmes questioned the benefit of the Gateway Signs. She was not convinced the City needed to expend funds on such signs. Councilmember Holden stated a great deal of surrounding communities had Gateway Signs which provided those entering the City with a landmark. Mayor Grant added that the signs would create City-wide branding with a new logo for the community. He questioned if Councilmember Holden would support a sign price of$25,000. Councilmember Holden indicated she would -go up to $25,000 per sign but did not want to exceed $200,000 for the total gateway sign expense. Councilmember Werner suggested the most visible intersections be fitted with signs first. Councilmember Holden stated the EDC had a recommended a list of priorities. Councilmember Holmes did not support this sign expenditure. She would prefer spending the money on a trail in the community. Councilmember Werner explained he wanted to see a quality sign placed at the City's key intersections. However, this would be a great expense for the City. He recommended only four signs be installed and that each be tailored to the site. He noted he would support a high quality sign in the range of$25,000.