Title
Receive an update on the George Moses Horton Sign project and provide direction
Abstract
Introduction & Background: On June 16, 2025, the Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution requesting that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) erect signs on US 15-501 at the Orange County and Lee County lines honoring George Moses Horton. The original approach developed with NCDOT included a standard welcome sign and a supplemental sign honoring Horton.
In July 2025, NCDOT informed staff that the supplemental sign could not be produced under the federal 2023 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Staff subsequently worked with NCDOT to identify an alternative within its standard sign program; however, no suitable option was available that would fulfill the intent of the Board’s resolution.
Discussion & Analysis: Staff identified gateway signage as the primary alternative for displaying signage that specifically honors George Moses Horton. Gateway signs are locally initiated and funded but provide greater flexibility in design and messaging than standard NCDOT jurisdictional boundary signs.
If directed by the Board, the project would proceed in two phases:
• Phase 1 - Design and NCDOT Coordination: Engage a qualified firm to develop preliminary concepts, evaluate potential locations, coordinate with NCDOT, and complete any required traffic-safety or technical analysis.
• Phase 2 - Fabrication, Installation, and Maintenance: Return to the Board with proposed designs, locations, and estimated costs before separately procuring fabrication and installation. The County would be responsible for ongoing maintenance.
If the Board would like to proceed with Phase 1, staff is requesting approval of a project-specific resolution exempting the professional services contract from the Mini-Brooks Act and applicable Chatham County procurement policies.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: The project supports Plan Chatham Goal 1: Preserve the rural character and lifestyle of Chatham County by recognizing an important figure in Chatham County’s history and incorporating the County’s cultural heritage into gateway features.
Budgetary Impact: Phase 1 design and NCDOT coordination services are expected to cost less than $15,000.
No authorization for fabrication or installation is requested at this time.
NCDOT’s preliminary estimates for standard welcome signs total approximately $15,100 for the two locations; however, the cost of gateway signage may be higher or lower depending on the final design, materials, locations, and installation requirements. Phase 2 costs would be presented to the Board before proceeding. The County would also be responsible for ongoing maintenance.
Recommendation/Motion: If the Board would like to move forward with gateway signs the following motion is applicable:
Motion to approve the resolution exempting professional services for the Welcome Signs Honoring George Moses Horton Project from the Mini-Brooks Act and applicable Chatham County procurement policies, and to authorize the County Manager to negotiate and execute a contract for design and coordination services related to the project.