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

Thu Oct 26 16:43:28 CDT 2023

I vote for the old style for aesthetic reasons.

Joan Coffey

On Thu, Oct 26, 2023 at 10:43 AM Dawn Hewitt, FUUSM office assistant via
Fuusm-l <fuusm-l at fuusm.org> wrote:

> 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 22
> nd.    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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