EAST PROVIDENCE — It's official. The dilapidated Kent Heights water tower will in short order receive a makeover after the city council approved the issuance of no more than $2.5 million in bonds to refurbish the two-decade old structure during its meeting Tuesday night, Nov. 15.

The council previously discussed the condition of the tower at its Nov. 1 forum. It was constructed in 1997 to replace the old one remembered by many for its red and white "checker board" paint scheme. The council gave its initial approval to the proposal presented then by acting city manager Tim Chapman and Public Works director Steve Coutu.

The past week, Messrs. Chapman and Coutu were joined by City Water Supervisor Jim Marvel in once again explaining the details of the plan, monies for which will be borrowed from the state infrastructure bank at rates well below market levels according to the manager.

The steel tower, known as a "pedesphere" tank," needs replacement coating both on its interior and exterior. The independent professional estimate of the cost to re-coat the tank is approximately $2.2 million, a figure confirmed by engineer Ben Levesque of Tighe & Bond, Inc., a civil engineering company specializing in water resource projects among other construction projects.

The remainder of the money, some $300,000, would be used for debt service and fees associated, Mr. Coutu added. The director at the prior council meeting noted the need for swift approval of the proposal was necessary because contractors eligible to do the work seek these kinds of jobs in the winter months.

Mr. Marvel reiterated much of Mr. Coutu's perspective from the latter's November 1 presentation, adding "The time to do this is now. The site will be cleared by spring. No one will bid on the job without funding in place."

The supervisor was referring to the status of construction currently taking place at the Kent Heights site. The build of a new water storage tank and chlorination station, part of separate $19 million bond for system upgrades, is near completion. Work is expected to be concluded before the onset of winter.

Included in the $2.5 million figure, though not approved last week, will be any aesthetic design element for the tower. Outgoing At-Large councilor Tracy Capobianco suggested some sort of representative marking be placed on the tower.

Her recommendation was the interlocking "EP" most association with the high school. Mr. Chapman suggested the city seal. Mr. Coutu, who presented a few renderings of the proposals, offered up one design with "East Providence" spelled out across the tower's face.

The incoming edition of the council will make a final decision on if any decoration is included in the final product, pending any additional cost and available funds.