Editor's Note: Previously, we misattributed Steve Sucher as the GEDC board member who voted against the light fix plan. Larry Wehde voted against the plan, not Steve Sucher. The Inquirer regrets any confusion the error caused.
The Gonzales Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) board of directors voted to allow GEDC Board President Dewey Smith and GEDC CEO Genora Young to engage the services of National Signs to repair or replace the lights along the Lynn Theater marquee and sign. The project will not exceed $79,000.
The decision came after the board heard two pitches from National Signs, a Houston-based sign shop. No decision has been made between the two options yet. The movement only grants the GEDC the ability to continue working on the plan. Board Member Larry Wehde was the only member present that voted against the plan, claiming he “needed more information.”
One proposal was to fix the neon and replace electrical infrastructure in the sign. The other would replace the current neon lights with LED lights. According to National Signs representative Allen Sawyer, neon lights are significantly more fragile than LED. The LED lights have a 3-year warranty, while the neon light’s warranty is only good for 9 months. LED would also be more power efficient. Sawyer did not have an example he could show the board at the meeting and he will return at a later date. Since the expenditure is not already budgeted, the GEDC will need to hold a public hearing which will be announced at a later date.
Recently the GEDC received an insurance check of approximately $2,800 for storm damages to the Lynn lights. Newly joined board member Andy Rodriguez questioned Young on the amount and asked if the board could attempt to seek more from the insurance company. Sawyer corroborated Rodriguez’s question, claiming the amount did seem “light.”
Other news from the meeting: