Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wayfinding Signs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission forms ad hoc committee to develop downtown wayfinding sign design
Summary
Commissioners directed staff to pursue updated wayfinding signs with about $9,700 in available funding and formed an ad hoc committee of two commissioners, a council member and business representatives to refine designs and locations.
The Willows Planning Commission on Sept. 2 directed staff to proceed with a downtown wayfinding sign redesign and voted to form an ad hoc committee to refine design details and siting.
Staff said several existing wayfinding signs around downtown are faded and dated. The city has $4,729 in leftover local funds and has been awarded a PG&E grant; staff reported roughly $9,700 in total funds available for updating the signs, and noted the amount will determine whether additional locations (including I-5 off-ramps at Road 57 and Wood Street) can be added. Staff also said the wayfinding project is part of a larger sign-replacement effort that previously estimated approximately $40,000 to replace multiple stop and name signs citywide.
Commissioners and members of the public commented on mock-ups shown at the meeting. Commissioner Keith Quorum said he preferred designs that emphasize the city name and suggested a willow-tree icon to reflect local heritage. A public commenter favored a green-and-brown color scheme and a rural-style icon.
Chair Bratt moved to create an ad hoc committee composed of two planning commissioners (naming Commissioners Keith Quorum and Bobby Nygaard), one city council member and two business owners; Commissioner Court seconded. The motion passed by voice vote. Staff said it will agendize the ad hoc committee formation or schedule a special meeting to finalize membership and begin producing refined mock-ups.
Staff said the timeline for grant requirements is not urgent but that they will check the PG&E grant schedule. Commissioners requested that, if budgeting allows, signs on higher-speed approaches such as Wood Street be made larger or more reflective so that they are readable at night.
The ad hoc committee will provide recommendations to the Planning Commission on sign style, iconography, hierarchy of destinations (for example, listing "downtown" before "civic center"), and potential locations for one or more new signs. The commission did not award contracts at the meeting; staff said bids will be required before purchases or installations proceed.
