05-21-13-WS Draft Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 2 Council in 2012, and the Council has been working with the Economic Development Commission on this issue. At the December 19, 2011, work session meeting, the Council directed Staff to move forward with obtaining design and quotes for two signs to be installed in 2012, at the following two locations: County Road D and Lake Johanna Boulevard; and at County Road E at Lexington Avenue. City Planner Beekman explained the 2012-2016 CIP identifies $140,000 over three years for the installation of six gateway signs. It has been assumed that the cost of each gateway sign, with installation, lighting and landscaping would be approximately $25,000. In 2012, the CIP designates $65,000 for gateway sign installation which assumes two signs at a cost of $25,000 each, and a sign at Arden Plaza for a cost of$15,000 as the developer has agreed to pay for the sign base. City Planner Beekman commented Staff has met with two local sign contractors asking each to design several possible monument signs, and include price quotes for each. The only direction given to the contractors was that the City wanted a high quality design with long-lasting materials for a cost of less than $20,000 per sign. The quotes do not include the cost of lighting or landscaping, but do include installation. The quotes range in price from $7,600 to $12,900. Both sign companies have similar pricing in terms of installation and sign cost, though the designs vary in style and appearance. City Planner Beekman explained the sign quotes were much lower than Staff had anticipated, and that is due, in part, to the composite material that both sign companies propose to use. The sign would be made out of high density polyurethane, which is molded to imitate real brick or stone finishes. Staff found the material is long lasting and maintenance free. She requested the Council discuss the sign options and provide direction on a preferred sign contractor, sign design and use of budgeted funds. She suggested the Council also consider the height of each sign when making recommendations this evening. Councilmember Holmes asked if the material could withstand spray paint. City Planner Beekman commented Public Works Staff could attempt to remove spray paint, and if it could not be removed the panels were fairly inexpensive to replace, when compared to a brick and mortar sign. Councilmember Holmes noted Fourth Dimension Architectural Signage was located in Arden Hills and did really good work. She recommended the City work with this contractor. Councilmember Holden agreed stating she toured this facility last year. Mayor Grant commented the sign material was able to be hit by a hammer, but he recommended the Public Works Department be cautious with mowers and trimmers near the sign material. Councilmember Tamble explained he liked the flat-top sign presented at the last work session meeting. In addition, he would be in favor of an elevated sign to separate the sign from the landscaping. He suggested placing real stone in front of the signs further enhances the look of the stone sign.