Webster Groves commission advances plan for watershed-entry signs, will check MUTCD and budget

The Webster Groves Green Space Advisory Commission reviewed a proposed program to place small blue signs marking watershed boundaries and other green-space features and discussed next steps for design, placement and funding.

Commission Chair Jamie Wagner and staff and members described a simple sign design showing a wavy stream graphic and a short legend to be placed at ridgelines and bridge crossings where roadways cross watershed boundaries. The commission heard estimates that an in‑house sign could cost under $100 to produce and that outside production using stickers or larger printed boards could range into the hundreds of dollars; one preliminary internal figure of $1,200 was discussed as an example for multiple signs.

The commission focused on two practical matters: where to place signs and whether state or federal traffic-control rules apply. Yvonne (city staff) told the group the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and related city rules may require an ordinance or council action for customized roadside signs, and she said she would verify whether council approval is needed and report back to the commission. The commission agreed that staff should check the MUTCD and return with a clear list of procedural steps and a recommended policy for sign placement.

Members asked staff to prepare a map-based list of priority locations (for example, ridgelines, bridges and likely driver sightlines) so public-works staff can estimate the number of signs needed. The commission suggested using existing frames or stone bridge walls where practical to reduce new posts and discussed adding a simple wavy graphic and a small logo; members asked to coordinate with the city communications/graphics staff for an official mark and to avoid any copyright issues.

On funding, commissioners said signage could be accommodated from the commission’s current-year funds if the city confirms procurement and ordinance requirements; they also discussed including more extensive production in the FY2026 budget if ordinance or larger-scale production is required. Commissioners agreed to get quotes from internal printing/graphics and from an outside vendor (Stickerbule was mentioned as an example) and to report back at the next meeting.

The commission directed staff to: (1) confirm whether an ordinance or council action is required under the MUTCD for the proposed custom signage; (2) provide a prioritized location map and a count of signs needed; and (3) obtain price estimates for in‑house production and external vendors so the commission can recommend a budget allocation.

Less urgent design refinements — such as exact logo selection and QR-code content — will be decided after the procedural and budgeting questions are resolved.