2000-05-09 Special Called Meeting and Workshop Meeting

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0 • REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Agenda Date Requested: May 9, 2000 Requested By: Susan Kelley ZZV_ � Department: Purchasing Report Resolution Ordinance Exhibits: Attachments SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION During the July 1999 City Council Retreat, various types of electronic signs were presented to Council. At that time, Council chose a reflective type sign called EZ Marquee. Spectrum Corporation, located in Houston, is the sole distributor for this sign. Funds were budgeted for Fiscal Year 1999-2000 in the Hotel/Motel Fund for the amount of $30,000 to begin the procurement process. More information concerning this sign was collected and City sign requirements were researched. The EZ Marquee, Model #EZ4076, meets all City requirements and is conducive to our needs. The 8' x 7-1/3' sign will include the words "La Porte" in the top three-foot (3') section, allowing adequate space of approximately five feet (6) for wording. Staff visited the distributor of this sign, and viewed the flexibility and simplicity of programming messages by computer software. Following Council's direction at the Retreat to utilize this sign in a high traffic area toward the west side of town, staff began looking for high visibility sites for sign installation. After reviewing and evaluating several sites, staff recommends the Spencer/Underwood area as the best location. With City Manager approval, staff met with LPISD staff and asked permission to place the sign on Baker Jr. High School property. Dr. Sawyer and his staff were very receptive to the City's proposal. If Council approves staffs recommendation, the City Manager and LPISD Superintendent will enter into a written agreement for this proposal. City staff will prepare written guidelines for the electronic sign's usage. The cost for this electronic sign, including installation, software, training, and two (2) year warranty is $25,845.00. We anticipate other expenses such as electrical connections, telephone cable and connection for the modem, and removal/replacement of existing fencing for installation not to exceed $3,000. In addition, staff will need to stake the exact location of the proposed sign, contact Public Works and utility companies to check for underground lines, and coordinate with the Baker Junior High School for installation. Staff requests approval to expend budgeted funds for purchase and installation of an electronic sign for public service announcements, as requested above. Sufficient funds have been budgeted from Hotel/Motel Capital Improvement Project Account #037-9898-832-1100. Action Required by Council: Authorize purchase of EZ Marquee, Model #EZ4076 from Spectrum Corporation as sole source in the amount of $25,845, approve $3,000 for installation expenses, and provide direction to proceed at the recommended site. Availability of Funds: General Fund a er as ewa er Capital Improvement General Revenue Sharing XX Other Hotel/Motel Account Number: 037-9898-823-1100 Funds Available: XX Yes No Approved for City Council Agenda Robert T. Herrera, City Manager 5, 2-00 Date