An artistic newspaper rack costing Urbana $60,000 was the main topic of debate at the city council meeting Monday night.

The newspaper rack, which will be located at the corner of Elm and Broadway streets, would hold 12 different newspapers but was met with very mixed reactions among the council members.

Alderman Brandon Bowersox, Ward 4, said he thought this project would be a good investment if paid for with donations.

Alderman Dennis Roberts, Ward 5, suggested a plan for a cheaper, smaller version of this newspaper rack that would cost an estimated $4,000 instead of the proposed $60,000.

David Gehrig, Ward 2, supports going on with the project as designed and explore additional fundraising options.

“I think we should leave the design to the designers,” Gehrig said.

Urbana mayor Laura Prussing said she thought the project was too expensive and exploring a cheaper option would be more prudent.

“The bottom line is that we are still paying for a $60,000 newspaper rack,” said Alderwoman Diane Marlin, Ward 7.

Aside from artsy news, the council members discussed ways to improve and synergize the city’s image.

Royse Wagner, Urbana resident, discussed ways the city can be improved and how they were being implemented.

Methods to improve Urbana included restructuring their Web site. Wagner said that the city will establish a content management system and reassign ownership of the Web site content and create a consistent design. The site reconstruction is set to be established by Feb. 8, 2010.