05. Wayfinding Master Plan Staff Report
Date of Meeting: June 24, 2025
For: EDA President Kronmiller and Board members
From: Kyle Morell, City Administrator
Subject: Wayfinding and Review of Sign Ordinance
Background
The City’s inquiries into wayfinding signage began in 2022. The idea originated with the Tourism
Committee but never seriously progressed due to the MnDOT requirement that a Wayfinding Study
be completed before the City applies to install signs. The following documents about Wayfinding
are attached for your review.
1. TEM Engineering Manual – Community Wayfinding Sign Program
2. Manal on Uniform Traffic Control Devices – Wayfinding Signs
3. Bolton & Menk email on Wayfinding
4. Wayfinding Master Plan – Marshalltown, IA
As you review the Master Plan, note that some of this work has already begun with the City Center
Study. It may be worth asking Bolton & Menk how much more work would need to be completed.
I had remembered their original estimate of the cost of a Wayfinding Master Plan was between
$15,000 and $20,000. This was not the case, as their original email from August 2023 provided no
cost estimate for completing the Master Plan.
As we discussed at our last meeting, some of the Wayfinding Study work was completed during the
City Center Study. This work can be used towards the development of a Wayfinding Master Plan.
The attached proposal letter from Bolton & Menk states they can complete our Master Plan for a
not-to-exceed amount of $19,518. For reference, they recently completed a Master Plan for another
City from scratch, which cost that City $37,000.
The Scope of Services is outlined on page 2 of the proposal. It will need to be modified to also
coordinate with Washington County, as Olinda and Oakhill are county roads. Additionally, the City
Center Study has proposed sign concepts that, if adopted, could save the City costs related to Task
2B: Develop Layout Concepts.
This work is not in the 2025 budget. EDA funds could be used to pay for the work, or funds could
be allocated from several funds (EDA, General CIP, Public Works, Parks, etc.) so that no single
fund is adversely affected.
N:\Proposals\Scandia\Wayfinding Plan Development\2025-06-18_Scandia Community Wayfinding Plan_Cover Letter.docx
111 Washington Avenue South
Suite 650
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: (612) 416-0220
Bolton-Menk.com
18 June 2025
Mr. Kyle Morell
City of Scandia
14727 209th Street North
Scandia, MN 55073
RE: Community Wayfinding Plan
City of Scandia, MN
Dear Mr. Morell,
The 2024 Scandia City Center Study took initial steps to identify a consistent branding theme in directing
tourists and members of the community to area attractions where they could learn about the people
and places that shaped Scandia. Bolton & Menk, Inc. is excited at the prospect of assisting the
community in progressing this dialogue and developing a Community Wayfinding Plan. The following
scope and fee have been prepared in alignment with prior conversations and after review of the 2024
Scandia City Center Study. We encourage review of our proposed scope and are open to further honing
this approach to meet the community’s needs.
Through review of the Scandia City Center Study, we understand that the community would like
assistance in confirming and/or refining themes that will affirm the city’s’ branding, identify community
destinations and impart information to tourists and community members alike. We also understand the
city’s desire for this Community Wayfinding Plan to adhere to MnDOT requirements to make it easier for
future implementation efforts in coordination with the District Engineer.
We are excited at the opportunity to continue supporting the City of Scandia with development of the
Community Wayfinding Plan. I will serve as the Principal-in-Charge and lead client contact for this effort.
Please contact me at 515.460.1399 or Joshua.Shields@bolton-menk.com if you have any questions
regarding our proposal.
Sincerely,
Bolton & Menk, Inc.
Joshua L. Shields, PLA
Principal Landscape Architect
Enclosures (2) - Exhibit A: Scope of Services
Exhibit B: Example Work – Excerpt of Community Wayfinding Plan - Perry, Iowa
EXHIBIT A – SCOPE OF SERVICES
Project Understanding Based on our review of the Scandia City Center Study along with correspondence between yourself and TJ Hofer, this scope is to prepare a Community Wayfinding Plan adhering to the requirements of MnDOT, as detailed herein.
TASK 1: Project Management a. Ensure appropriate staff and resources are available to develop materials outlined in the scope and according to project schedule. Includes review of time on job and preparation of invoicing/progress reports and adjustments requested by the city. TASK 2: Confirm Thematic Direction a. Kick-off Meeting to Confirm Wayfinding Intent: Participate in an in-person kick-off meeting with city staff and key stakeholders to confirm desired direction for Community Wayfinding Plan based on effort to develop the 2024 Scandia City Center Study. b. Develop up to 2 Preliminary Layout Concepts: Prepare up to two (2) preliminary layout concepts illustrating potential forms, materials, colors and forms for each of the various types of wayfinding identified in the 2024 plan: directional blades, kiosks, trail markers, interpretive signage and bike racks. These shall be diagrammatic scaled sketches based on materials provided in the City Center Study along with feedback at the Kick-off Meeting. c. Coordination with MnDOT Metro District: Project team staff will coordinate with MnDOT Metro District Engineering staff to confirm requirements for wayfinding plan meeting MN MUTCD Standards and requirements once installed.
TASK 3: Final Wayfinding Plan Packet a. Prepare Dimensioned Wayfinding Recommendation Packet: Bolton & Menk will incorporate feedback from stakeholder reviews of preliminary layout concepts to develop a single recommendation packet for the community. This packet will include an overall plan for intended community wayfinding identifying sign locations and designating which are intended to be located on public or private property. Additionally, the project team will prepare elevations for each type of wayfinding feature to illustrate scale and messaging parameters; including intended colors (CMYK), materials, font face and dimensional layout of a typical sign or feature. This effort will also include a map of each of the various elements and a corresponding table as a summary of proposed wayfinding features and intended destinations for each intended sign/feature. b. Prepare Estimate of Probable Element Costs: The project team will develop preliminary estimates of probable construction costs for the elements of the Wayfinding Plan. c. Procure MnDOT Plan Acceptance: The project team will work with the MnDOT Metro District Engineer to obtain consensus of the recommended wayfinding plan prior to submitting a final packet for city council consideration and will work with the city to formally submit the plan once it has been accepted by council. d. City Council Meeting: Bolton & Menk will attend one council session to present the recommended Community Wayfinding Plan for their consideration of acceptance for future
Scandia Community Wayfinding Plan
Page: 2
implementation. (MnDOT does require a Council Resolution to be put on file as a agreement for the community’s long-term management of the community wayfinding system.)
Estimated Fees and Proposed Terms Based on the scope of services described above, we propose a total not-to-exceed fee of $19,518 to be billed on an hourly not-to-exceed basis as follows:
Task 1: Project Management $1,055
Task 2: Preliminary Wayfinding Development $6,770
Task 3: Final Wayfinding Plan Packet $11,693
Total Not-to-Exceed Fee $19,518 Additional services, owner requested re-design, and services in excess of stated allowances will be performed at Bolton & Menk’s standard hourly rates.
Additional Meetings: If meetings in addition to those listed in the above Scope of Services are requested, it is assumed this additional cost will be $700 per attendee/per in-person meeting and $190 per attendee/per virtual meeting.
Additional Services / Future Phases Bolton & Menk’s approach to preparing the Community Wayfinding Plan is to leverage progress from 2024 efforts as a springboard to confirm destinations and streamline a thematic approach. Consulting services performed other than those authorized under Tasks 1-3, shall not be considered part of the Basic Project Services and may be authorized by the Client as Additional Services. Additional Services consist of those services, which are not generally considered to be Basic Services; or exceed the requirements of Basic Services; or are not definable prior to commencement of the project; or vary depending on the technique, procedures, or project schedule.
+ Final Design Documentation
+ Public Engagement
+ Other services not explicitly listed in the scope of services The Bolton & Menk design team is fully committed to completing this project in a timely manner. A complete schedule, identifying the project duration and anticipated presentation of project deliverables will be prepared immediately upon receiving a notice-to-proceed.
141141141WILLIS AVENUENORTH STREETPATTEE STREETIOWA STREET214Dog ParkDowntownBoat Ramp1Pa!ee ParkDog Park6McCreary Community CenterDowntownElementary School10Pa!ee Park11Elementary SchoolMcCreary Community CenterWiese Park1917Elementary SchoolMcCreary Community CenterWiese ParkMcCreary Community CenterElementary SchoolWiese ParkMiddle/High SchoolSchool Athle"c Complex23McCreary Community CenterElementary SchoolDowntown915McCreary Community CenterWiese Park16McCreary Community CenterWiese Park18McCreary Community CenterElementary SchoolWiese Park20Middle/High SchoolSchool Athle"c Complex14McCreary Community CenterElementary SchoolWiese ParkDowntown12McCreary Community CenterWiese ParkElementary School13McCreary Community CenterWiese ParkDowntownPa!ee ParkDog Park5McCreary Community CenterPerry Elementary SchoolCaboose ParkDowntown83Dog Park2Pa!ee ParkAthle"c FieldsDog Park22Middle/High SchoolSchool Athle"c ComplexDowntown7Pa!ee ParkCITY PARKS / GREEN SPACESSCHOOLSCIVIC BUILDINGSRACCOON RIVER VALLEY TRAIL (RRVT) WAYFINDING*HIGH TRESTLE TRAIL (HTT) WAYFINDING*HIGH TRESTLE TRAILHTTDOWNTOWN BUSINESS ROUTELOCAL TRAILRACCON RIVER VALLEY TRAILPERRY COMMUNITY WAYFINDING*Refer to RRVT/HTT Trail Directional Signage MapEXHIBIT B - WORK EXAMPLE
NUMBER RECOMMENDED CONTENT EXISTING IN PLACE CONENT1→ Downtown← Boat Ramp→ Downtown← Boat Ramp2
18
DIRECTIONAL SIGNCITY HALL FACADE SIGN
6’-0”
10’-0”
8’-0”HOURMAX.
PMcCreary Community Center
ElementarySchool
Downtown
CULTURE & COMMUNITY THRIVE HERE.CULTURE & COMMUNITY THRIVE HERE.
MCCREARY COMMUNITY
CENTER
MCCREARY COMMUNITY CENTERMCCREARY COMMUNITY CENTER
WIESE PARKWIESE PARKATAT
CITY OF
WIESEWIESEWIESE
CULTURE & COMMUNITY THRIVE HERE.
CITY OF
PARKPARK
6’-0”
10’-0”
8’-0”
MCCREARY
COMMUNITY CENTER
PERRY ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
CITY HALL
PUBLIC LIBRARY
MCCREARY
COMMUNITY CENTER
PERRY ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
CITY HALL
PUBLIC LIBRARY
CITY HALL
CITY OF
CITY OF
6’-0”
10’-0”
8’-0”HOURMAX.
PMcCreary Community Center
ElementarySchool
Downtown
CULTURE & COMMUNITY THRIVE HERE.CULTURE & COMMUNITY THRIVE HERE.
MCCREARY COMMUNITY
CENTER
MCCREARY COMMUNITY CENTERMCCREARY COMMUNITY CENTER
WIESE PARKWIESE PARKATAT
CITY OF
WIESEWIESEWIESE
CULTURE & COMMUNITY THRIVE HERE.
CITY OF
PARKPARK
THIS OPTION REVIEWED FOR
COMPLIANCE WITH MUTCD
STANDARDS6’-0”
10’-0”
8’-0”HOURMAX.
PMcCreary Community Center
ElementarySchool
Downtown
McCreary Community Center
ElementarySchool
Downtown
CULTURE & COMMUNITY THRIVE HERE.CULTURE & COMMUNITY THRIVE HERE.
MCCREARY COMMUNITY
CENTER
MCCREARY COMMUNITY CENTERMCCREARY COMMUNITY CENTER
WIESE PARKWIESE PARKATAT
CITY OF
WIESEWIESEWIESE
CULTURE & COMMUNITY THRIVE HERE.
CITY OF
PARKPARK
Aluminum sign panel with reflective coating
Black decorative sign post
DIRECTIONAL
SIGN
PUBLIC PARKING
LOT SIGN
CITY HALL FACADE SIGNAGE
Painted aluminum or powder-coat steel, dimensional sign and framing
Signs to be mounted to both the west and south facades of the City Hall building.
Sign bracket mounted to building facade
QTY: (2) City Hall west and south exterior walls.
ESTIMATED COST: $10,000 each x 2 = $20,000 + 15% Contingency = $23,000.
Engineering / Construction Fees (15%) = $26,450.
*Anticipated costs are intended for budget planning purposes only.QTY: (21) See Directional Signage Map. (6) Parking Signs, locations TBD.
ESTIMATED COST: $1,200 each x 21 = $25,200 + $900 each x 6 = $5,400, combined = $30,600 + 15% Contingency =
$35,190. Engineering / Construction Fees (15%) = $5,300.
*Anticipated costs are intended for budget planning purposes only.
EXHIBIT B - WORK EXAMPLE
H:\PERR\0T6125161\3_Design\E_Graphics\Perry Directional Signage.dwg 6/21/2023 9:23:54 AMR
Perry Directional Signage
City of Perry, MN
Directional Sign Schematic Details
March 2023
PARKING
McCreary Community Center
ElementarySchool
Downtown
FLAT ALUMINUM SIGN PANEL WITH REFLECTIVESHEETING, SUBMIT SAMPLES TO ENGINEER FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL
1/2” ROUNDED CORNERS
CITY OF PERRY
STANDARD LOGO
CMYK COLOR:
C: 22M: 99Y: 56
K: 7
SIGNS TO BE MOUNTED ON
POWEDER-COATED TENSLAR POSTS
3’-4”4’-6”ARROW TYPE D
4” UPPERCASE
LETTERING, 3” LOWERCASE
LETTERING
‘EXPRESSWAY’ FONT STYLE. ADOBE
EQUIVALENT OF ‘HIGHWAY GOTHIC’HOURMAX.
FLAT ALUMINUM SIGN PANEL WITH REFLECTIVESHEETING, SUBMIT SAMPLES TO ENGINEER FOR
REVIEW AND APPROVAL
1/2” ROUNDED CORNERS
CITY OF PERRY
STANDARD LOGO
CMYK COLOR:
C: 22M: 99
Y: 56K: 7
1’-8”2’-5”P
City of Perry, IA October 2023
EXHIBIT B - WORK EXAMPLE