La Palma council delays decision on 70th‑anniversary art and banners, favors saving funds for later

The La Palma City Council on April 1 debated options for the city’s 70th anniversary celebration and chose to table immediate spending on a proposed repaint of the Walker Well, deferring major expenditures for later consideration.

Alan Rivera, management assistant, presented two options for the Walker Well artwork: a full redesign with an estimated cost of about $24,000 or a restoration/refresh estimated at roughly $15,000 (plus removal/preparation costs). Staff also proposed commemorative street banners for roughly 55 banner poles at a unit cost of $110 and a culminating Halloween carnival slated for Sunday, Oct. 26 (the city’s anniversary date).

Councilmembers questioned the cost and timing. One councilmember said $24,000 is “a lot of money” and favored a minimal refresh this year and reserving major painting until a milestone (the 75th). Another said the banner option was more cost‑effective and recommended allocating funds there instead. Resident Sharon Gujar urged better publicity for anniversary events and suggested placing permanent signage where “everybody can see it” if the city spends significant funds.

Mayor Waldman said she preferred saving the money and several councilmembers agreed. Mayor Pro Tem Nitesh Patel moved to table the agenda item for later consideration; the motion was seconded and passed on a 5‑0 vote.

Staff said the items discussed will be considered for inclusion in the FY 2025–26 budget at council discretion and that staff would refine cost estimates and designs if directed.