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.