Kirsten Van Gend, an analyst in the public works engineering division, told the Neighborhood Improvement Commission that staff recommends the South End of General Jim Moore Boulevard as the site for a new City of Seaside welcome sign and asked the commission to approve the general area.

Van Gend said the City Council previously approved $70,000 for an additional welcome sign and that earlier candidate sites proved infeasible after further review. "I'm here this evening to provide an update on the Seaside welcome sign project and the request and to request approval of the South End Of General Jim Moore Boulevard as a location for the City Of Seaside sign project," she said.

Commissioners asked whether materials or a sketch were available; Van Gend said no final design exists yet and staff will issue an RFP to select a designer who will produce design options. "Once we've chosen the location, we're gonna put out an RFP for design," she said, adding that prior applicants will be notified and may resubmit. She also said staff will conduct a biological assessment before final siting.

On lighting, commissioners asked whether electricity exists at the recommended location and whether solar-powered illumination could be used. Van Gend said she believed no electrical service exists on the right side of the road, that she would investigate other possible placements, and that solar options "could" be explored depending on cost.

A motion to approve the South End of General Jim Moore Boulevard as the general location for the Seaside welcome sign was moved and seconded and the chair called for "all in favor." The transcript records affirmative responses but does not show a roll-call tally or a formal recorded vote in the meeting transcript.

Next steps: staff will issue an RFP for a designer, conduct a biological assessment, study exact placement (right side, left side or median), and report back with design options and technical findings for the commission and council as required.