Sunman hears sign vendor pitch, council agrees to pursue grants and appropriations for new digital sign

At the Town of Sunman council meeting, Carrie Fitzpatrick of Green Sign Company presented a proposal to replace the town's existing single-color sign with a full-color Watchfire digital display and to refresh the upper cabinet faces that spell "Town of Sunman." Fitzpatrick showed a 4-by-8 demo, described features including 4G wireless connectivity, auto-dimming, remote vendor support and a five-year parts warranty (with parts stocked for 10 years), and said the company can remote into the sign for maintenance.

The council discussed durability and control features. Fitzpatrick said sign scheduling is available so messages can be limited by hour, and brightness can be reduced if complaints arise. She said delivery and build of the unit typically take four to six weeks. Funding discussed included a recommended additional appropriation from the EDIT fund, a $2,000 pledge from the Park and Recreation board, a $2,000 pledge from opioid-restricted police funds, a proposed $5,000 contribution from the water utility, and an application to the Ripley County Community Foundation; staff said those sources would cover the budgeted shortfall and legal publication costs. Fitzpatrick noted the company she represents (Watchfire, Danville, Illinois) is an American manufacturer rather than a generic online LED vendor.

Officials emphasized controls and public-safety benefits. One council member expressed caution about the town's cash position and sign cost but did not block the plan. The council made a motion to proceed by applying for the Ripley County Community Foundation grant and to begin the appropriation steps; there was a second and the council moved on to other business. The transcript did not record a roll call tally for that specific motion; the conversation continued without an objection recorded on the record.

What happens next: staff will submit the grant application, refine the appropriation request for the EDIT fund, and confirm Ripley County requirements for replacing an existing sign (town staff indicated Ripley County does not require a new permit if an existing sign is being replaced).