Submitted Photo An example of a wayfinding sign for primary destinations is shown in this rendering from Ackerman-Estvold, showing a sign on Burdick Expressway looking east toward downtown.

The Minot City Council allocated funding Monday to pay for the first phase of a wayfinding signage project, which doesn’t include downtown gateway arches.

Council members voted to accept a $367,419 bid, which exceeded the $232,000 set aside for Phase 1 in 2023. The difference will be covered by a portion of the $350,000 allotted to Phase 2 in 2024.

The city had bid Phase 1 twice, coming in well above the estimated cost both times. To address the issue, the wayfinding committee proposed altering the priority of the elements of the overall project. The council disagreed with the new priority list, which elevated downtown arches and entrance signs, asking the committee for another review.

The wayfinding committee met Nov. 16 and reaffirmed the previous priorities for highway signage and primary and secondary destination signs. Updated entry monuments and gateway arches remain in the proposed Phase 2.

City Manager Harold Stewart said about $215,000 from the 2024 allocation will remain once Phase 1 is completed. The committee recommended bidding design updates to existing entry monuments in 2024. The estimated cost two years ago was about $90,000.

“About 90 percent of the signs would remain in place but we would update those for contrast and consistency because I think each one has a different logo,” Stewart said.

Proceeding with future phases of the project will require council action at a future time. In addition to the 2024 dollars, the council has $398,000 in its capital improvement plan for additional elements in 2025. If that doesn’t fully fund the project, the council would need to determine whether it wants to add more sales tax money.

The primary signage to be funded in Phase I would provide directions to the historic downtown, shopping district, Maysa Arena, Scandinavian Heritage Center and Visitors Center, Municipal Auditorium, Roosevelt Park Zoo, State Fair Center, MInot State University and Magic City Discovery Center. Secondary signage would designate the South Hill softball complex, Souris Valley Golf Course, Jack Hoeven Wee Links, Minot High School, Corbett Field, Sertoma Softball Complex, Minot North High School and Dakota Territory Air Museum.

Among items in Phase 3 are pedestrian kiosks and signage and parking ramp signage.