City Council approves distinctive signs

Stephen Curran

Thursday, July 8, 2004 | 9:34 a.m.

The North Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a series of concrete and stone signs council members hope will give a distinct identity to the city that is poised to be Nevada's third largest.

The two approved designs, one of which could cost as much as $46,000, represent the first stage in the city's redevelopment plan, Kenny Young, redevelopment manager for North Las Vegas, said.

The decision came after council members initially shot down designs proposed by landscape designer Ed Brondo of Las Vegas-based WRG Design Inc. Council members, who were presented with four different designs, dismissed two for being too tombstone-like in favor of a tall, obelisk-shaped tower that would potentially be positioned at the Lake Mead Boulevard exit off Interstate 15.

The obelisk design, which features an elaborate lighting and a plant at the top, would cost the city between $40,000 and $46,000, Brondo told the council. The other, a wide, triangle-shaped structure, is estimated to cost between $14,000 and $20,000.

Both signs would feature a custom-made bronze sculpture with the city seal, which council members also approved after lengthy discussions about potential of vandalism at the site.

"We focus on what could happen 1 percent of the time instead of what happens 99 percent of time," Mayor Michael Montandon said before approving the more expensive seal.

The seal, which was chosen over a cheaper painted version, could cost up to $1,500 extra, Brondo said.

Councilwoman Stephanie Smith said the sign would help the city, which has long struggled with an undesirable image, reinvent itself.

"If we're trying to be the 'new North Las Vegas,' unless it's excessive we should spend it (the extra money)," she said.

Young said city leaders have no timetable for building the signs.

In other action, the council: