Mayor Gary Moore thinks $25,891 is too much to pay for a new electronic sign outside the city public works building on North Main Street.
But the rest of the City Council disagreed, and Monday they approved the purchase on a 3-1 vote.
City public works director Kevin Newton presented a plan to purchase a sign that can display graphics as well as lettering to replace the sign that’s now along North Main Street just south of Fifth Street,
The eight-foot sign would be “like what you see at the Kewanee School District,” Newtown said. The school district offices on North Main Street has a sign by the street which can display photos and other graphics.
“It’s all about information,” Newton said. He added that the sign could display messages from every department of the city.
Councilman Tyrone Baker said the sign would offer “effective communication, and Councilman Chris Colomer said he also likes the idea.
“It modernizes the city,” Councilman Mike Komnick said. “If you want to get information out, that’s what you do.”
He added that the only time he pays attention to the existing sign is when he’s waiting for a train at the Main Street crossing.
Mayor Moore, though, said he thought the price of the sign was “exorbitant.”
“I don’t think the cost is out of line for what you get,” Komnick said.
Also Monday:
— The council hired Dixon Engineering and Inspection Services to perform maintenance and security inspection services on the city’s two 500,000-gallon water towers.
Newton said Dixon has done work on the water towers in the past, and is famiiar with the local water towers.
— A variance to the side yard setback requirement was approved for Dan and Brenda Kuffel. The variance will allow them to build an addition to their detached garage at 224 E. Garfield St.
— The council approved the bid of Nanninga Concrete and Excavating to demolish a house at 1105 Roseview Ave. for $4,950.
— The council approved the appointment of Adriana Landers to the Commission on Human Relations.
