GEDC moves forward with Lynn light fix

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:

• The board approved sending the amended language of the proposed Administrative Services Agreement between the GEDC and the City of Gonzales to city council. Board Member Gerri Lawing voted “aye” but noted she had concerns regarding some of the restrictiveness on some of the language.  
• The board approved a $20,000 grant to be used by the soon-to-be-opened Farmers Daughter market. A public hearing on the development was set for June 17.
• The board authorized Smith to enter into a contract with web development company Insyteful. Young will serve as a point of contact for negotiations. A public hearing on the development was set for June 17.
• GEDC moved forward with a plan to consider investing in a tour van with the tourism board.
• GEDC will close all financial accounts with Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union and deposit funds into a credit account with Sage Capital Bank.
• The board approved transferring GEDC’s unused iPads to the City of Gonzales.
• June 17 is the set date for the next GEDC meeting.
• Financial reports were read and accepted as is.
• Minutes from April 8 meeting were approved; minutes from March 25 were tabled.