Laguna Woods council authorizes up to $20,000 for commemorative City Hall street clock

The Laguna Woods City Council on March 18 authorized staff to purchase and install an Electric Time Courtyard two‑dial street clock at City Hall in a brown palette to match existing light poles, with a not‑to‑exceed budget of $20,000. The clock is intended to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary and include a cast bronze plaque.

City Manager Chris Macon described logistics: staff identified a location that uses an existing light‑pole footing and power, reducing installation costs; the clock vendor estimated fabrication at 12 weeks under an expedited schedule. The base clock price cited was about $10,000 (not including tax, shipping or installation) and the all‑in estimate was "no more than $20,000." Macon said staff could accept tax‑deductible contributions into the Laguna Woods Civic Support Fund to offset costs and suggested a special Civic Support Fund meeting on April 15 to consider fundraising levels and donor recognition.

Public commenters and council members debated design choices, visibility (two‑ vs. four‑dial options), and whether to remove an existing decorative light pole at the ADA ramp; some council members supported city funding to meet a July 4 target while others preferred fundraising to test resident interest. The council voted to direct the city manager to proceed with purchase and installation and to pursue fundraising options; the vote recorded one opposition.