06-14-21 Regular Meeting of the La Porte City Council

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AD0005 – Upgrade Flashing Roadway Signs Account Number: 0156054-510Budget Funding:BudgetExpendituresEncumbrancesRemaining Fiscal Year 19-20$ 108,000$ -$ - Fiscal Year 20-21 - - 89,130 Total$ 108,000$ -$ 89,130$ 18,870 P ROJECT D ESCRIPTION In 2008, the LEPC purchased and installed nine (9) Flashing Roadway Signs for the City of La Porte at various locations throughout the city. These signs were intended to alert drivers to an emergency situation, and direct them to AM 830 to listen for more information. Today, the signs are not in good working order, and the process of referring drivers to AM 830 is outdated. The radio station is not managed by the City of La Porte, so the City cannot ensure it is always working properly. In addition, staff feels it would be more effective to provide an emergency announcement to drivers, including protective actions that should be taken. While the signs can be used for emergency situations (i.e. Shelter in Place, Flash Flood Warning, Tornado Warning, Mandatory Evacuation Order, etc.), they can also be used for day-to-day community messaging. This would allow the City to promote various events and City activities along roadways throughout the City. This initial request is to upgrade six (6) of the original signs, but the system can be expanded in the future, if desired. The signs would be used to promote citywide events and to attract visitors to La Porte to stay and shop. Staff feels this project would be beneficial, not only for public communications, but also for improving aesthetics at the proposed locations. F IRST Q UARTER FY20-21 On December 14, 2020, staff presented several sign options to City Council, and requested direction for the project. City Council directed staff to seek pricing for two, double-sided signs with a decorative pole. On January 25, 2021, staff will take this option to City Council for approval. S ECOND Q UARTER FY 20-21 On January 25, 2021, City Council approved $89,130.00 for the purchase of two (2) double-faced, high quality LED signs with decorative poles. The LED displays are now complete, so the contractor will begin working to put the entire sign together. The two (2) new signs will be installed at: (1) the th north side of Main Street westbound, between SH 146 and 14 Street, and (2) the south side of th Fairmont Pkwy eastbound, between SH 146 and 8 Street. Staff is hoping the signs will be installed by the beginning of June. 6