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Carefree council awards $399,000 sign contract to Summit West for town-center wayfinding
Summary
The council authorized $399,000 in capital-improvement funds and awarded contract 2024-03 to Summit West Signs to fabricate town-center wayfinding and gateway signs; staff said the work will follow the council-approved sign plan and include shop drawings, mock-ups and survey verification of public right-of-way.
The Carefree Town Council on May 6 authorized up to $399,000 in capital-improvement funds and awarded contract 2024-03 to Summit West Signs to implement the town-center comprehensive sign plan approved by the council in May 2024.
Why it matters: town engineer CJ DiMaggio told the council the sign plan emphasizes high-quality, context-sensitive materials and colors to harmonize with existing features. The implementation contract covers fabrication, final siting verification and installation for a set of three gateway monuments, four directional signs, a kiosk and multiple parking signs. DiMaggio described the procurement as a design-build approach and said the contractor’s $388,975 proposal fell within staff’s $350,000–$400,000 cost estimate.
Details: DiMaggio said the contract requires shop drawings, a full-scale mock-up of each sign type and survey work to ensure signs are placed within public rights of way. DiMaggio also noted federal tariff uncertainty for imported steel that could affect schedules; the contract allows 180 days for completion, putting installation near the start of the holiday season. Tom Carr, marketing director for Summit West Signs, described the company’s local fabrication facility in Mesa, its certified welders and recent municipal work. Carr said powder-coat finishes and other protective coatings are available and that extended warranties and maintenance options can be negotiated.
Public input and council concerns: stakeholder members, business owners and residents who participated in the sign-plan process discussed materials, warranty length and a logo motif. Les Hardy, speaking as a resident, urged consideration of the town’s sundial as a symbol rather than a hummingbird silhouette; stakeholder representatives said the committee had debated this and recommended the current design package.
Action and next steps: a motion to authorize $399,000 for capital improvement funds and award the contract to Summit West passed unanimously. Staff will proceed with shop drawings, mock-ups and right-of-way verification before fabrication and installation.
