Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager
DATE:	May 5, 2014
CC:	Cynthia Wagner, Assistant City Manager Britt Crum-Cano, Economic Development Coordinator
RE:	Lawrence VenturePark Sign

Please place the following item on the consent agenda for May 13, 2014:

Authorize the City Manager to execute a proposal from Star Signs, LLC for a permanent 60 square foot monument sign for the entrance of Lawrence VenturePark in the amount of $16,950.

Background

The Lawrence City Commission approved the naming of Lawrence VenturePark several months ago.  City staff has developed a logo and is in the process of placing signage at the business park advertising available lots. 

As the infrastructure work at the Park is progressing, it would be appropriate to place a permanent sign to designate the Park location. 

Staff issued requests for proposals to local sign vendors in December, 2013.  Four vendors submitted proposals.  After reviewing all of the submitted proposals, staff believed that the submittal from Star Signs most closely met the professional, yet natural feel desired in the sign. 

Discussion

The sign will be a 60 square foot double-sided monument sign, depicted in the attached drawings, and referenced in the proposal.  The sign features the new VenturePark logo.  The City will provide landscaping and the large stone around the signage, which ties into the overall landscaping theme for the Park.  The general sign location is depicted in the original landscaping drawings for the Park and is generally directly to the east of the new O’Connell Road intersection, which will be the main entrance to the Park.  The City will also provide exterior lighting for the sign, which will illuminate it at night. 

As a related note, the City is also proceeding with a temporary real estate sign for the property, advertising available lots for industrial development.

Recommended Action

Authorize the City Manager to execute a proposal from Star Signs, LLC for a permanent 60 square foot sign for the entrance of Lawrence VenturePark in the amount of $16,950.