San Juan EDC reviews proposed interstate monument signs, hears timeline and cost estimates

San Juan EDC board members heard a presentation March 4 from consultant Steven Walker on plans to install two monument-style signs and landscaping at Interstate 2 approaches to San Juan.

The signs would be attached to existing mechanically stabilized earth (MSC) retaining walls, Walker said, and the city has a 95% PS&E (plans, specifications and estimates) package that would be submitted to the Texas Department of Transportation for review. "I submitted 95 PS and E to the city back in November," Walker said. "I would think 2 to 3 months would be plenty of time for TxDOT — 6 months on the outside."

The nut graf: the presentation outlined the design approach, structural and permitting constraints tied to TxDOT review, an approximate timeline to reach a formal advanced funding agreement (AFA) and a ballpark budget for two signs and associated hardscape and landscaping.

During the presentation Walker said TxDOT has historically been conservative about attachments to MSC walls but was "favorable to the connection types that we're working with." He described the wall panels and cautioned against drilling into the panels' internal tabs. Walker also said the city of Alamo has completed similar plans and that San Juan's package includes TxDOT comments previously raised for Alamo.

Board members pressed for clarity on next steps. Walker outlined a sequence: (1) the city provide TxDOT the 95% PS&E set for review and comment; (2) TxDOT review the plans and, if acceptable, issue an AFA; and (3) the city council execute the AFA and the contractor complete final construction. Walker said the AFA process in this case is district-level and "wouldn't have to go to Austin," estimating two to three months for typical district-level processing and up to six months in an extended case.

On budget, Walker offered an itemized estimate. "The 2 signs are about $35,000 a piece," he said. "If the installation is 5 to 10,000, it's somewhere in there. We know the landscape is gonna be about 26 to 30. Irrigation around 18. Total cost is a hundred and 20. I would say that north of that, it could be a hundred and 50." Walker said warranties and contractor responsibilities would be spelled out in the bid documents and recommended competitive bidding for installation and landscaping.

Board members asked for technical assistance to shepherd the interim city manager and interim EDC director through the AFA/TxDOT review. Walker said he could resend hard copies of the 95% PS&E and walk staff through the submission steps but that TxDOT will only negotiate directly with the governmental entity. Board members asked staff to transmit Walker's contact information and the plans to TxDOT contacts, including Pete Alvarez or Rex Costly, assistant district engineer, for review.

No formal vote was taken on the monument project during the meeting. Board members asked staff to pursue the next steps Walker recommended and to return with updates.

The presentation also included design examples of backlit, polyurethane-faced signs intended for nighttime visibility and a projected useful life of 15–20 years, according to Walker. He emphasized contractor warranty responsibility for installation and suggested the city include the sign and landscaping in the bid package to secure competitive pricing.

A direction to staff captured during discussion: have the interim EDC director transmit the 95% PS&E and a formal request for TxDOT review; consultant Walker to provide technical assistance to city staff during the submission and AFA negotiations.

The board moved on to other agenda items following the presentation.