Council approves $61,900 amendment for gateway signage design and environmental work

The Lebanon City Council on July 14 voted to amend task order 43 with Olsen Engineering by $61,900 to continue site work, environmental studies, topographic and boundary surveys, geotechnical exploration and development of construction documents for up to five proposed gateway signs. Nut graf: The amendment funds further engineering and community engagement for gateway signage at several highway entrances; staff said the designs could be tailored to celebrate schools, civic organizations or local industries and that actual construction is likely to follow a separate budget cycle in 2027. City official Troy said the amendment would fund work to finalize sites, perform environmental and geotechnical studies and prepare construction-ready documents for up to five signs (two on Highway 5, one near Highway 60/64 by the high school, one near Highway 32 by the public works facility and one yet-to-be-determined site). "This would be 60,000 to get us through all the environmental work, finalize the sites, and, probably finalize the design in conjunction with the rebranding efforts," Troy said. The item passed on two readings. Ending: Staff said they will pursue public engagement on design options and coordinate the gateway signage work with other Exit 127 planning; the ordinance becomes city code 71-16.