This article has been updated to reflect that the sign funding was approved at Town Meeting in October, not June, last year.

Town Hall will be getting a new digital sign, as Development Director Cody Haddad presented the change to the Select Board at a May 10 meeting.

Funding for the new sign to the tune of $34,500 was approved at Town Meeting in October 2020 as part of the Memorial Stadium improvements.

“We heard from members of the community, particularly the residents that live close by, that parking is always an issue — but they were unaware of what events were happening,” explained Town Administrator Shawn MacInnes. “Also, this past year during Covid, it was instrumental for us to get out information.”

“You wouldn't believe the options out there for a sign like this,” noted Haddad.

He said the sign they chose is five feet by eight feet, with a 2.5 foot by 7.5 foot LED display.

“We’ll be able to use it for messages and we can also use it for various graphics,” Haddad noted, adding that the technology is “very impressive,” with the ability to control it remotely.

The new sign would replace the current one, he said, suggesting the existing sign could be moved to the other end of the parking lot.

“We’d likely have to get new granite posts,” he noted. “The existing ones aren’t tall enough.”

Feedback from the Select Board was positive.

“I like the design of the sign,” said Select Board Chair Shawn McDonald. “I think it’s simple, it’s sort of Neo-New England with the granite posts.”

“As far as the existing sign goes, I think the location in that corner right there makes it a little bit redundant,” he continued. “Personally I don’t think it’s necessary.”

“The sign does look great,” agreed board member Stanley Mickelson. “We’ve talked about it for a while now...welcome to the new century!”

Select Board members asked about access — a “very limited group” will control the messages, said MacInnes — and stressed the importance of adhering to the town’s own bylaws regarding signage.

“As the town, we have to be very careful that we follow every one of those bylaws, that we don’t do anything that would set a bad example,” noted Mickelson.

Haddad said that with the board’s approval, he will submit applications to the zoning board for a special permit and a variance due to the size and illumination of the sign.

But he added that the plan is to turn the sign off at night.

Board member Frank Gracie III noted that the sign could be used to let residents know if a notable community member has passed away.

“When we have a person of distinction that passes away, we put the flag at half staff,” he noted. “I do get people who want to know who passed away.”