Santa Needs Help

The following is the engineer’s base evaluation of the structure:
Based on the information gathered from our own observations, conversations with City Staff (listed below) and a general analysis of the Santa sign structure, the sign construction and attachment appears to be tenuous in nature. We would recommend at a minimum providing a stiffer framing system behind the plywood facing thus allowing a better and more frequent connection to the support structure. This framing should most likely be treated lumber for weathering purposes for long term use. Based on preliminary checks, the two existing utility poles do not have the embedment depth to take a design wind load on the structure. We calculate this depth may need to be up to 12 feet unless poles could be guyed in both directions perpendicular to the sign. Again we have not done a detailed design check on this, but based on preliminary information and analysis it appears the overall sign and supports would not meet required design load conditions.
Here is a summary of the information obtained from our own observations and City Staff:
• Santa is made of painted ¾” plywood and untreated 2x8 lumber.
• There are three sections that get installed with each of the lower two sections getting two 5/8” bolts with washers attached through the plywood, through the 2x6, and through the support poles. The upper section (head) gets one such bolt connection.
• The support poles are currently buried approximately 6-feet deep.
• The northerly support pole has a guy wire on it that supports aerial lines on the west side of Main Street.