Loomis council approves $55,000 for new 'Discover Loomis' gateway sign at Taylor and Sierra College

The Loomis Town Council voted to appropriate $55,000 to build an economic-development gateway sign at the Taylor Road and Sierra College Boulevard intersection, adopting a resolution after a staff presentation and public input on color, lighting and maintenance.

Town staff and the economic development committee traced the sign project to 2016 and said the town executed a lease with Union Pacific in 2017 for the site. Staff presented bids received after a July 18 solicitation: JS West Construction was the lowest bidder for the structure at $38,000 and Solus Graphics was selected for the interior graphics at $12,300. The council was asked to appropriate $55,000 to award those contracts.

Ken Teichman of Solus Graphics described materials and systems proposed for the sign: a structural footprint constrained by the lease to roughly 14 feet by 10 feet, baked‑enamel aluminum finishes for UV durability, a solar lighting system consisting of five 5‑watt LEDs, two 120‑watt solar panels and two 79‑amp‑hour batteries, and removable vinyl panels for side messaging. Teichman said the solar array will be bracketed to face south so winter sunlight will keep batteries charged.

Responding to questions, staff said the annual lease fee to Union Pacific is $250 and that the lease payment is budgeted separately and not part of the $55,000 appropriation. The existing nearby gateway sign will remain, council members said; the new sign is intended to promote economic development and display rotating banners for events.

A motion to adopt the resolution was made on the record and seconded; a roll-call vote followed. Council member Nisley voted yes, Council member Youngblood voted yes, Council member Cortez voted aye, and Mayor Cartwright voted aye. The resolution passed and staff were authorized to proceed with awarding the work and returning with the usual contract documentation.