The new 50-foot-long welcome sign at the Highway 87 overpass at Highway 50 was vigorously discussed Tuesday, July 5, at the regular meeting of the California Board of Aldermen.
"I'm happy with the concept, the design and the looks (of the sign)," said California Mayor Norris Gerhart. But I'm not totally pleased with the final result. I'm disappointed with the quality."
Members of the council also expressed disappointment with the new sign. "It looks good at 60 miles per hour," said Ward I Alderman Joe Coffelt. "The panels are wavy," said Ward I Alderman Ron Baker. "There are some problems," said Ward II Alderman Brian Lawson.
The council discussion of problem areas eventually included possible fading of the overall red color and of the brick veneer on the support posts. In fact, the brick veneer came in for several critical observations, including possible future deterioration, current mis-alignment and the need for the screw heads to be painted. The sign metal, which appears to have warped in the sun's heat, was criticized. Ward III Alderwoman Resa Dudley expressed disappointment that the some of the upper part of the metal was galvanized rather than powder-coated.
Eventually, the council and mayor decided that a three-person committee was needed to review the problems with the sign and to make recommendations. If feasible, the specific deficiencies could then be addressed by Charlie Rackers of Rackers Manufacturing. Committee members appointed by the mayor are Alderman Lawson, Alderwoman Dudley and Chamber of Commerce member Brad Baer.
In other business, updates were given on the the Wayfinding sign project, the sewer projects, the new shelter house at Proctor Park and water line improvement work along Industrial Drive near the firehouse and Smith Street.
Gail Hughes, representing California Progress Inc. (CPI), spoke to the council about the progress being made on the Wayfinding signs planned to be placed in the city. Since the signs are to go along Oak Street, which is Highway 87, the signs, posts and lettering must be approved by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). In addition, an agreement is required from the city before the signs can be placed. There are 15 signs, two for Proctor Park, in the basic Wayfinding sign agreement. A 16th sign, a small "Welcome to California" sign, requires a separate agreement.
The 2016 sanitary sewer project in the city is on hold for the time being. At the request of the water and sewer department, the project will be bid in November. Delaying the bid until then should result in a better price. Work can begin in January, and be completed about April which will allow for new asphalt to be laid on completion. If work would begin this summer, the project would be partly finished until the weather warmed up enough for putting down asphalt. The project for the 2016 sanitary sewer project in the Cedar Street area has been approved by the Department of Natural Resources and is awaiting permits for construction and acquisition of right of way before being put out for bids.
The southeast shelter house at Proctor Park is complete and the final inspection has been made. Before the documentation can be completed, and the LWCF funds collected, the promised local donations towards the project must all be collected and documented. At least one was still out at the time of the meeting. The LWCF project (Land and Water Conservation Fund) is a 45-55 percent matching fund project. The city is responsible for the 55 percent. LWCF Grant projects represent a wide range of grant activities, from state or regional acquisitions of large open space and natural areas to development of small city and neighborhood parks such as in California.
The council approved a bid of $21,500 to Summit Mechanical, Inc., Jefferson City, for a 12-inch water main to a building in an industrial section of the city for the Feather Factory. In addition, a bid of $7,880 for materials for extension of another water line to the same location was approved. The city water department will be installing that water line. An additional $7,378.94 was approved for a "Y" connector for the project.
The next regular meeting is in the City Hall Council Chamber, Monday, Aug. 1, at 7 p.m.