Council awards contracts for half‑scale ‘Mountains Cathedral’ monument and approves hardwired lighting

Staff presented a plan to construct a half‑scale replica of the existing Mountains Cathedral sculpture as an entryway monument at East Palm Canyon Drive (9 feet above ground with a 3‑foot foundation). The project was developed from a council subcommittee recommendation; staff solicited bids and recommended Hoffman Steel Fabrication as the lowest qualified bidder for fabrication and installation and Westcon Construction Services for the foundation.

For monument illumination, staff presented two options: (1) restore the existing solar power system (estimated materials work ~ $6,500 plus ongoing battery replacement costs of roughly $3,000 every ~3 years, with higher maintenance and vandalism risk), or (2) install a new hardwired LED system requiring trenching and repaving (estimated additional cost in the order of $30,000–$36,000 depending on contractor and final scope, with lower long‑term maintenance). Councilmember Ross committed approximately $106,000 in district improvement funds to the project; the remaining budget would be covered by a 50/50 split between gas tax and Measure A funds depending on the option selected.

Council discussed longevity, vandalism risk for solar, insurance (the city is self‑insured but staff said the city would examine its fine art policy with insurer Alliant), battery replacement intervals, and the option to extend hardwired lighting along the median in future phases. Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez moved to approve the hardwired option, Councilmember Lam seconded, and the motion carried (motion carries; all ayes). Staff will finalize contracts and issue the notice to proceed.