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Commission reviews sign cleaning and rooftop-lighting updates; vendors, costs under review
Summary
Members reported one district parking sign cleaned in-house after the local vendor would not remove decals; sign blank costs were discussed and rooftop lighting vendor said work at Old Orchard will finish before mid-fall and Old Webster will be completed thereafter.
At the June 24 meeting the Old Webster Special Business District Advisory Commission reviewed progress on two public-realm items: removal of decals from district signage and progress on rooftop lighting installations.
Commissioners reported that one parking sign was successfully cleaned in-house after a vendor declined to remove decals. Commission discussion covered the labor intensity of cleaning: staff described using chemical strippers, razor blades and adhesive remover; they estimated roughly two hours of effort for a single sticker. A staff member noted that a company called A1 Signs had submitted the lowest bid previously and that blank aluminum sign faces were quoted in conversation at about $80 each for the raw aluminum piece.
The commission also discussed options: pursue further cleaning, contract a vendor to replace sign faces, or have the city produce custom blanks. Commissioner comments noted that Laura (staff) had a contact who does metalwork and signage and that she would follow up with a replacement option and a firm quote to present at the next meeting.
On rooftop lighting, a vendor update said crews were finishing work at Old Orchard and plan to complete Old Webster roof lighting before the holiday season; the vendor told staff that installations should be up and running before mid-fall.
No formal procurement or funding decision was made at the meeting. Commissioners said they will gather firm quotes for either cleaning or full sign replacement and will follow up once more detailed pricing is available. They noted that final funding may depend on the city councils action on the district budget and that staff will compare the cost of cleaning versus replacement before recommending a path forward.
Why it matters: District signage and lighting affect wayfinding, district identity and safety. The choice between cleaning, replacement or in-house production affects cost, timeline and staff workload.
What happens next: Staff will obtain quotes for sign replacement and circulate cost comparisons; Laura will report back on the metalworker option and estimated lead times.
