Loading...
4. Staff Report-Public Works-Tourism Staff Report Date of Meeting: 4/26/2022 For: Tourism Committee From: Charles Fischer – Director of Public Works Subject: Wayfinding Signs Wayfinding Update: Public Works has been researching the potential for placing wayfinding signs near the intersection of Hwy 97 and Olinda Trail. As the intersection ROW is controlled by MNDOT the City is responsible to conform to specifications set by MNDOT and the Federal Highway Administration. Public Works has requested information from MNDOT and sent specifications of the type of sign recommended by the Tourism Committee. Further documentation has been collected from MNDOT and awaiting comments or concerns of the sign proposed to them. According to the MNDOT Traffic Engineer Manual wayfinding signs are allowed in the State ROW but must meet a series of conditions. Included in this packet is the document which outlines the conditions which the City would need to meet for allowance of a wayfinding sign. The notable requirements to focus on: • Development of Community Wayfinding master plan (map and concept design structure and sign) • Master plan must include a resolution • If a facility is listed on the sign trailblazing signage must be installed on city streets or local roads before signage on the conventional highway • If plan is approved other traffic generator signage will be removed and future signage will be the responsibility of the City approved by MNDOT • Sign size can be no more than 6ft wide and 2 feet high, letter mu st be 6 inches tall, 14 characters per line including spaces between Public Works Concern: In the event we move forward with a master plan what is the concern by the Tourism Committee over the removal of the existing signs currently on HWY 97. A number of businesses currently use the MNDOT system and Public Works believes they would lose their signage in the ROW. If they would like them to be replaced it would be the at the City’s expense for fabrication, installation and maintenance. Public Works is still waiting for further verbal clarification from MNDOT on these notable requirements and concerns listed in this report and if the sign design provided would qualify. 4/26/2022 Update: Public Works has been in contact with Washington County about placing signage in the County ROW within the Village Center. As expected, the answer was no, but Public Works returned questioning, if the signage was placed on the City owned light poles would there be any issue. Public Works feels that as the light poles are City owned, we should be able to place any type of Wayfinding sign on the pole, but still follow a standard sign design set by MNDOT and the County. An online meeting has been set up for Thursday, April 28th at 1:30pm to discuss the Wayfinding signage with Washington County. Public Works requested the possibility to have committee members attend the meeting as well and they agreed. Public Works is inviting any member to attend if they are available. With the invitation to meet with Washington County it will be in best interest to have some key points and questions ready for the meeting from the City to Washington County. I believe a large factor will be where the signs will be, size, and what entities or landmarks will be on the signs.