Committee discusses highway billboard lighting and temporary Washburn banner ahead of Aug. 1 unveiling

Committee members spent a portion of the meeting discussing plans for a highway billboard and a temporary banner to raise awareness for Washburn ahead of an Aug. 1 unveiling.

"I've called the state DOT, like, 4 times to find out about the the lighting for the billboards," said Committee member (S2), describing efforts to obtain a required DOT application that the committee has not yet received. S2 said John Schultz, who is running the project, reviewed and approved the banner shown to him.

Members debated whether to install a temporary poster-board banner in advance, weighing weather and legibility concerns. Committee member (S3) and others said that, at driving speeds, text-heavy banners are difficult to read and suggested picture-oriented graphics. "She can't read it," one member said of the current banner’s legibility at speed.

The committee also discussed applying for a grant to fund lighting to improve nighttime visibility and noted the DOT will need to approve any sign placed along the highway. Members proposed placing a temporary sign around July 23 depending on weather and to check again one week before Aug. 1 to avoid early or late placement.

The committee did not take formal action on permits or funding during the meeting; members said staff would continue to pursue the DOT application and finalize banner timing and materials.