City council wants public opinion on sign

Put off by bids all higher than expected, Electric City leaders May 14 tabled awarding a construction contract for a new entrance sign to the city until asking for the public’s opinion.

The city is now taking a poll to gauge public opinion. Votes, by Electric City residents only, can be registered at city hall or online at the city’s website at http://www.electriccity.us.

Expecting a bid for about $35,000, council members were hesitant to accept bids that started nearly $10,000 higher and climbed to more than $100,000.

“Seems like a lot of money, but would it help tourism any?” asked Councilmember Carol Nordine, noting the golf course’s golf ball sign is the only thing she sees for tourists when entering the city from the south.

“That sign didn’t cost that much,” noted Councilmember Lonna Bussert.

Councilmember Birdie Hensley said the proposed project was overpriced.

Councilmember Aaron Derr suggested asking the public what they think about it before awarding a contract.

The council voted unanimously to do so on a motion by Bussert, seconded by Derr.

The city has been working on the entrance sign idea for a decade, but finally settled on a sign design that incorporates the city logo, the slogans “Re-Energize Your Recreation” and “Visit the Ice Age Park,” all held up by columnar basalt on either side, or aluminum made to look like basalt.

DWK Fowler Construction bid $43,505.28 for the job. Graybeal Signs of Wenatchee bid $45,505.28. Western Neon, of Seattle, submitted bids of $61,822.58 for a sign with natural basalt, and one for $106,118.65 for one with basalt-like aluminum.

Voting opened May 19 and will run until June 4, at 5 p.m.

Votes dropped off at city hall without your billing account number will not be counted.