Rimbey town council is waiting for the final design before giving the go ahead to purchasing four new entrance signs for the town from a local supplier.
At its Tuesday meeting council discussed the pros and cons of purchasing four Behren signs for the town’s four major entrances including a large double-sided LED back lit sign for the entrance off of Hwy. 20. During last year’s budget deliberations, council earmarked $30,000 to go towards signs and the necessary electrical upgrades needed for the purchase.
The bid to purchase the signs from Rimbey distributor, Melvin Durand came in at under $23,000.
“The electrical upgrades have already been completed, said Mayor Rick Pankiw, later.
CAO Lori Hillis said that the upgrades cost around $573.00.
Coun. Gayle Rondeel noted that the previous council had discussed installing an event sign.
“Would our money be better spent on an event sign?” she questioned.
Melvin Durand, who sells the Behren signs, said purchasing an LED sign board would be a substantial investment, although a message board could be added to the bottom of the entrance sign.
However, Coun. Paul Payson said he has concerns about placing such a board at the entrance off of Hwy. 20.
“I’m not really against it, but the location scares me. There are plenty of accidents at that intersection and it may be a distraction. I don’t know if the drivers need something blinking at them.”
Mayor Rick Pankiw said the issue had been discussed previously and it was noted that in front of the Bank of Montreal was the best location for a digital message centre.
Council agreed to postpone a decision regarding the signs until its Nov. 28 meeting.
At that time Melvin Durand plans to provide a final design of the Behren signs.
