LaGrange approves downtown parking signage contract to implement parking-study recommendations

The Village of LaGrange board on April 13 authorized a professional services agreement with Parvin Kloss Sign Company to fabricate and install updated downtown parking signage, implementing recommendations from a recent parking study.

President Kugler said the work builds on actions already taken by the village, such as license-plate-recognition enforcement and expanded online permit processes, and that the signage update aims to clarify rules for customers and infrequent visitors. The proposed contract would waive competitive bidding because Parvin Kloss was the sole respondent; it covers standardized sign designs, quantities and installation for surface lots and the garage, and extends time-limited parking hours to 8 p.m. in some locations per the study.

Trustee Augustine and other trustees raised design concerns about legibility and the need to visually separate multiple messages on single signs—examples included the Brainerd and Burlington lot signage where a single-font layout currently lists "permit parking only 2AM to 11AM" and "no student or school parking anytime" without clear separation. Staff acknowledged pole limitations and said signs will be evaluated post-installation and adjusted as needed.

The board voted unanimously to approve the resolution authorizing the contract and waiver of competitive bidding; staff will proceed with installation and evaluate visibility after deployment.

Ending: The contract was authorized unanimously; staff will work with the vendor on sign layout and monitor visibility after initial installation.