May 19, 2010

SUISUN CITY - Suisun City's Redevelopment Agency can go forward with plans to build a one-story-tall sign announcing the city's waterfront to Highway 12 motorists, the City Council decided Tuesday.

While everyone on the council liked the idea of putting up the iconic sign facing Highway 12 from near Spring Street, two council members said this may not be the time to build it.

The original proposed sign, inspired by the Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle, would sit atop four one-story pillars announcing the Suisun City Waterfront District and include a clock.

Council members Jane Day and Mike Hudson wanted to hold off spending money on the project because of the city's tough economic times.

'I like to invest in our waterfront, but now is not the time,' Hudson said.

The majority directed staff to move forward and made some changes to its appearance.

Mayor Pete Sanchez and Councilman Sam Derting said the wording needed to be changed from Suisun City Waterfront District to Suisun City Waterfront. Sanchez also told staff to eliminate the clock proposed for the sign and replace it with something more indicative of the area, such as a ship's wheel.

Councilman Mike Segala voiced concerns about the location and the possible existence of underground obstacles to the sign's foundations, but could not get other councilmembers to agree to move the location.

Staff are expected to come back in the near future with a modified sign design and get council approval to go out to bid.

The agency has put aside $265,000 in its budget to improve gateway and way-finding signs in and around Suisun City's entrances.

The Spring Street sign is expected to cost $145,000 -- maybe less due to the economy which has seen contractors turning in bids for public projects well below estimates.

By Ian Thompson - DAILY REPUBLIC