I. RECOMMENDATION:
The Fire Department is requesting approval of a budget adjustment for the installation of a programmable LED electronic message sign at the fire station. The original design was previously approved as a onetime project on June 18th, 2025 in the amount of $25,000. The larger sign will replace the damaged sign, greatly enhance the ability to communicate time-sensitive public safety information, emergency notifications, recruitment messaging, and community engagement updates.
II. BACKGROUND:
The Fire Department currently relies on static signage, social media, and the city website to share information. While effective for some audiences, these platforms do not reach residents who:
· Do not use social media
· Do not frequently visit the city website
· Require immediate, visible, and location-based notifications
An LED message sign would provide real-time, high-visibility communication to residents traveling through the area. The current signage is no longer illuminated. The new illuminated lettering would be consistent with signage on other city properties such as City Hall and the Police Department.
III. DISCUSSION:
The LED sign is an enhanced public safety communication. The sign would be used to display:
· Emergency alerts (road closures, severe weather warnings, wildfire conditions)
· Disaster preparedness information
· Fire prevention messaging
· CPR/AED training announcements
· Smoke detector campaign reminders
The original sign project was developed prior to a vehicle accident on July 29th, 2025, which resulted in damage to the existing sign. Following the accident, the scope of the project was revised to replace the damaged structure with a monument-style LED sign.
The updated design is larger and will significantly enhance our ability to effectively communicate information to the community.
IV. ALTERNATIVES:
1. Do not approve and continue with the original smaller sign.
V. FISCAL IMPACT:
The updated estimate for the larger two-sided programable LED display monument sign and replacement of current wall signage on Elm Street side of property would be approximately $72,000. $62,409.70 for the two sided monument sign and illuminated signs on the Elm street side of the station, $2,981.15 for the electrical connection, and a 10% contingency. The requested adjustment is approximately $47,000. |