Welcome sign debate divides board meeting

California City Hall
California City Hall

By David A. Wilson

dwilson@californiademocrat

After a vigorous debate about the city's new 60-foot-long welcome sign, the California Board of Aldermen on Monday conditionally agreed to pay the bill for the sign.

Two motions were made for payment of the $70,313.79 bill for the sign, located at the Highway 87 overpass at Highway 50. Both motions failed.

After the failed motions, the discussion focused on what had been done to improve the brick veneer of the sign. One complaint was that the corners did not line up and that the screws were shiny. Rackers Manufacturing personnel removed the brick veneer, replaced and glued it, as well as colored the screws.

There were other concerns about how well the veneer will last. There is a one-year manufacturer's warranty, but several of the council members wanted a longer warranty.

Others weren't sure that is necessary. "If it makes it through one winter, we'll know if its going to be there," said Mayor Norris Gerhart.

The benefit of the additional work done with metal added along the bottom of the sign was discussed. Then, the motion was made again. Although the motion was seconded, it failed by a vote of 3-2.

After the council refused to approve payment a second time, Gerhart spoke. "The council needs to come up with a reason," he said, "if we're not going to pay for the sign."

The council went over the problems as each perceived them to be, attempting to see what could be done to resolve them. Finally a third motion was made and seconded to pay $60,313.79, withholding the additional $10,000. The motion passed 4-1, with Darryl Elliott voting no. The payment is contingent upon the agreement of Charlie Rackers, owner of Rackers Manufacturing, to comply with the city's requests.

The requests are an additional year guarantee on the brick veneer material and some additional metal work to be installed.

In other business:

Other topics discussed were updates on several projects, as well as the information that the Wastewater Department has been processing 1.8 million gallons of water a day. Wastewater operator Patrick Murphy commented that the amount of water processed was very good, but there is still a lot to do. "The Monday morning rain added 5 million gallons to the holding ponds, so we have a lot to do."

Due to the Labor Day holiday in September, the next regular meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, in the City Hall council chamber.