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Town to pursue grant, appropriations to replace aging sign with digital Watchfire display
Summary
GreenSign Company demonstrated a Watchfire digital sign and the council approved pursuing grant funding and additional appropriations to replace the town’s existing single‑color sign with an LED display that the vendor says will be wireless, auto‑dimming and user‑editable.
Carrie Fitzpatrick, a representative of GreenSign Company, showed council members a demo Watchfire display and described the product the company proposes to install for the town. “My name is Carrie Fitzpatrick, GreenSign Company,” she said, and explained the demo truck displayed a 4‑by‑8 sign while the quoted device is a 3‑by‑7 unit; she said the sign is wireless with 4G connectivity, includes free software and training, and has a five‑year parts warranty with parts guaranteed on the shelf for 10 years.
Council members asked about brightness, scheduling and permits. Fitzpatrick said the sign auto‑dims via a photocell and can be scheduled up to five years in advance, and noted Ripley County does not require a permit when replacing an existing digital sign. Clerk (Speaker 2) laid out a funding plan that would combine small contributions—the park and recreation board and the marshal each offered $2,000—with a $5,000 contribution from the water utility and a grant application to the Ripley County Community Foundation.
After discussion, Committee member (Speaker 4) moved to approve pursuing the additional appropriations and applying for the community foundation grant; Chair (Speaker 1) seconded the motion and the council voted to proceed. The council directed staff to double‑check county approvals and to return with final project numbers once grant results and appropriations are clear.
