7A, Proposal to Purchase 2 Gateway Signs From SignArt

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sign base was going to be constructed as part of the overall project. Staff and the developer discussed the idea of constructing the base before tlle redevelopment starts, but the developer expressed concern about constructing the gateway sign ahead of the redevelopment proj ect. Gateway Si�n Proposal With the undefined timeline for the proposed gateway sign associated with the Arden Plaza redevelopment, the EDC reviewed alternative gateway sign options at their March 17, 2010, meet�ng. As previously noted, the EDC had considered a more moderate sign before the Arden Plaza redevelopment was proposed. The moderate design included an approximately 7' x 3' sign face that was constructed from aluminum, had raised lettering, and was mounted to aluminum poles (Attachment A). The EDC reviewed three sign quotes at their March 17 meeting based on the sign design concept in attachment B. At that meeting, the EDC recommended constructing two gateway signs based on the quote from SignArt USA for $4,900, which includes installation (Attachment C). After reviewing several possible sign locations, the EDC recommended installing a sign in the southwest corner of County Road E and Lexington Avenue and a second sign in the southeast corner of the Highway 96 and Round Lake Road intersection (Attachment C). The EDC recommended these locations because they are primary entry points to the City, particularly for businesses, and because there is space to construct the signs without the need for easements. There is suf�cient right-of-way for the sign in the southwest intersection of County Road E, and no easements would be needed. However, in preparation for a redevelopment of the Arden Plaza property, the EDC wanted to ensure that the signs could be relocated if needed. Instead of burying the sign poles in concrete, the poles can be bolted to footings, which would be a solid foundation but also make it possible to relocate the sign. This modi�cation increased the cost per sign from SignArt USA to an estimated $5,250 per sign, which still includes installation. The cost for producing and installing two signs from SignArt USA would be $10,500. For comparison, the quoted cost would increase to �5,500 per sign from Signs by Tomorrow and to $7,830 per sign from Lawrence Signs. The City owns the land at the proposed Highway 96 location, and the sign could be installed on the slope of the hi11. Although the City granted approval for Chesapeake Companies to use a portion of the land on Highway 96 for a sign when their office building is constructed, there is suf�cient space for both signs or the gateway sign could be relocated. Staff con�rmed with Ramsey County that the gateway sign location would not interfere with the proposed Highway 96/ 10 interchange reconstruction proj ect. City of Arden Hills I IAhdocsl lah IAHdata IPlanninglEconomic DevelopmentlGateway Signs1041210 - CC Memo - Gateway Sign Selection. doc Page 2 of 3