[Fuusm-l] Seeking congregational in put on "Wayside Pulpit" replacement

Thu Oct 26 09:43:36 CDT 2023

Dear FUUSM Members and Friends,
Below is a letter to FUUSM members from the Buildings & Grounds Committee,
penned by Al Tuttle, regarding replacement of the Wayside Pulpit (the
outdoor sign I update every Monday). A PDF version of this letter is
attached. Your input is requested.

To provide input, you can reply to this email--your message will go to
EVERYONE on the fuusm-l list. Alternatively, you can send your comments to
bandg at fuusm.org, and your comments will go only to the members of the
Buildings & Grounds Committee.  Thanks!  --dawn

FUUSM Wayside Pulpit Replacement

The Building and Grounds Committee has been exploring options to replace
the wayside pulpit (outside bulletin board/felt letter board) that is used
to post information about FUUSM services and activities.  The old “manual”
felt letter board display is falling apart and needs to be replaced.

The question is whether to replace with a similar “manual” felt letter
board system with boxes of letters and symbols, or to modernize and go with
an electronic LED sign as many of the churches and businesses in the area
have done.

The Building and Grounds Committee is recommending that FUUSM modernize and
install an electronic LED sign/wayside pulpit to replace the existing
wayside pulpit.  Our “Church Lady” – Dawn Hewitt and Reverend Kat are also
supportive of an electronic LED sign.

In support of the LED sign, a FUUSM member has offered to pay a significant
portion of the expense.

However, before proceeding, the Building and Grounds Committee would like
to input from the FUUSM general membership regarding their thoughts and
ideas on uses and other pros and cons.   We would also like input from
members regarding the use and nature of the messages to be displayed (see
issues below).

Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the Manual felt letter board vs.
Electronic LED signs.

The old-style manual system (Felt Letter Board) with boxes of letters and
symbols

Pros:

Cons:

· Less Expensive -$1,200 to $5,600 plus letter sets ($60 to $150 per set)
and installation.

· Less flexible re: number and length of posts

· Some think less intrusive

· Requires being outside carrying a box of letters – oops I spilled the
whole box!

· Takes longer to post messages

· Not easily updated re: changes to messages

· Becoming obsolete

· Would also require electrical work if a lighted sign board was selected

· Larger letters needed to be seen from distance (1.5” tall viewable from
<= 20 ft) and larger letters = shorter message

· Shorter warranty period – typically one year.

· Letters break and/or get lost over time.

Electronic LED Bulletin Board/Sign

Pros:

Cons:

· Can be updated without having to go outside, and perhaps even from home
via internet link.

· Expensive

· Unlimited number of messages/posts can be programmed to display on the
sign.

· Some may think it will detract from historic nature of the Church

· Messages can be easily added or updated to reflect new information or
changes to planned events

· If attached to the network or accessible via Bluetooth, security must be
considered – re: hackers posting/altering messages.

· Depending upon model, it may be possible to display recorded or video
events.

· Will require installation of a dedicated electric circuit to power the
sign.  (cost not part of proposal)

· Some believe an electronic LED sign may draw younger members.

· Able to display letters and graphic images

· LED lights of quality signs typically last 20,000 hours or more –
typically guaranteed for 5 years.

*Proposal from Elite Signs:*

The Building and Grounds Committee has received a proposal from Elite Signs
for installation of a 4’2” wide x 2’4” tall LED sign manufactured by Optec
Displays (*OptecDisplay.com*).  This size is recommended for easy viewing
from the sidewalk and vehicles at the intersection.  We are considering two
possible models.  One has LEDs spaced 10 mm apart ($10,405) and the second
is a finer resolution with LEDs spaced 6 mm apart ($12,165).  Though more
expensive, we are leaning toward the finer resolution sign for better
clarity.   Installation would include removal of the old sign, installation
of new posts to support the weight of the sign, and placement of the
existing arched FUUSM name plate on top of the new sign.  Installation of a
dedicated electrical circuit to power the sign is not included and would
have to be done by an electrician.

Elite Signs is making arrangements with the manufacturer for an onsite
demonstration of the two proposed signs and the software/computer interface
that would be used to program the messages and their appearance.
Prospective date for the demonstration would be around November 21st or 22nd.
   The exact date is yet to be determined.   When the date is finalized, we
will announce it via email.   You are welcome to come for the viewing and
offer your suggestions and/or comments as to your preferences.

If you cannot make it to the demonstration, you can view similar signs
installed by Elite at the following locations:

1. St. Michaels Catholic Church, Vienna – this is a 10mm LED sign

2. Vienna Elementary School – this is a 10mm LED sign.

*Issues:  These are outside of the purview of the Building and Grounds
Committee and reflect more on FUUSM Policy regarding use of an LED
electronic sign*

*Content:*  Because the messages/announcements on an electronic LED sign
can be displayed much like a slide show, rolling ticker tape,  or power
point presentation, the number of messages and announcements that can be
placed is unlimited.  So, a decision must be made as to what kinds of
messages can be displayed.  Only FUUSM related services and activities?
Social Justice Issues and/or meetings held by other organizations?
Advertisements (as St. Michaels in Vienna does)?  Activities in the church
by other organizations, e.g. girl scouts, Green Sanctuary?  Etc.

*Who Decides Content: *Is it the Board’s responsibility to set a policy on
message content?  If not who?  Once a policy is set, how will exceptions be
handled?

*Appearance:*  We would like the sign display to be eye catching but not
garish, and not to detract from the appearance of the church.   We need
design standards, perhaps based on guidelines provided by Elite Signs and
the manufacturer.  Messages should have a consistent appearance.  Who/what
committees in FUUSM should establish or have input into these design
standards?
-- 
Dawn Hewitt
Office assistant
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Marietta
232 Third St.
Marietta, OH 45750
(740)373-1238
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 10 a.m.--2 p.m.

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