HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.F.5. Authorization to Fund Street Banners for First Avenue Consent Business 4. F. 5.
SHAKOPE E
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mark McNeill, City Administrator
DATE: 05/21/2013
SUBJECT: Authorization to Fund Street Banners for First Avenue (A)
Action Sought
Council is asked to approve funding, which will ultimately allow for the design and placement of up to 80 street
banners along First Avenue.
Background
Mayor Tabke has asked that Council consider authorizing the steps needed to provide for the purchase of street
banners for First Avenue, in the area from the 101 Bridge, east to the bridge by Dangerfield's Restaurant.
In previous years, banners have been placed at this location, as well as in some areas adjacent to 101. One of the
reasons for the earlier banner programs was to serve as a fund raiser for the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce,
which "sold" banners to sponsoring individual businesses. In addition, as part of the 2007 Sesquicentennial
Celebration, other banners were sold by the Shakopee Historical Society, again as a fund raiser.
However, those outside groups have chosen not to continue this program; it is my understanding it is due in part to
the amount of effort involved with the sales component.
However, the lack of banners does leave a void in terms of aesthetics, and a lack of a "welcoming" to this part of
Shakopee. New light poles were placed as part of the First Avenue reconstruction project last year, and locations for
brackets were provided on those poles.
If placed, these banners would normally be removed during the winter months. They are designed to last 3 to 5
years; however, with care and heavier weight vinyl, they could last longer than the five years specified.
If the Council is interested in pursuing this option, it should direct Staff to get additional information, and then
provide that information to the EDAC for further investigation and recommendation as to types and styles.
Recommendation
If Council sees this as a priority, I recommend that they approve funding from the EDA fund, and direct that Staff
and the EDAC research and bring back a plan.
Budget Impact
A very preliminary cost estimate shows that these banners would cost about $50 each. With 80 potential locations, it
would mean $4000.
Money is not specifically budgeted for this expense. However, if the Council so chooses, money could be taken
from the Council's unallocated budget.
Relationship To Visioning
This supports Goal A, "Keep Shakopee a safe and healthy community where residents can pursue active and quality
lifestyles."
Requested Action
Council should, by motion, authorize staff and the EDAC to do research and bring back a recommendation for
downtown street banners along First Avenue, with funding to come from the Council's unallocated fund.
Attachments:
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