A new sign system pointing out area attractions to visitors is in the works for Polson.

The City Commission on Aug. 17 approved a $7,000 contract with Helena-based Cygnet Strategies to help plan for the decorative signs.

The sign system would consist of a number of street signs placed along main routes in downtown to direct visitors to major landmarks, such as city parks, shopping, parking, City Hall, the post office and other public attractions.

According to Polson's proposal submitted to Cygnet, currently there is "little to no signage directing travelers to the assets existing in Polson and the community would like to capture additional spending from those passing through town."

“If we want people to stop here, we need to give them an indication of where to stop,” said Commissioner Carolyn Pardini in support of moving ahead with the plan.

The need for wayfinding signage is a goal identified in the urban renewal plan and the Polson Growth Policy.

According to Karen Dunwell with the Polson Redevelopment Agency, similar wayfinding systems are in place in Whitefish and Kalispell.

“I’m passionate about this,” Dunwell said. “We need a sign for the riverwalk. We need a sign for the parks. We need a sign for the dock. We need a sign for swimming.”

She noted that the state transportation department is “pretty restrictive” about what can go on a sign. Generally, it’s limited to major historical landmarks, she said.

“MDT keeps a pretty tight cap on size and the amount of verbiage that can be put on each sign,” Dunwell said.

Interim City Manager Wade Nash said he’s encountered numerous visitors looking for parking or other city services.

“Not a lot of people know there is a parking lot near the VFW,” he said. “I don’t know how many times I’ve heard people coming through out town … and they say there is no parking here at all. And we refer them down to that area.”

The signs would be placed on existing sign posts around town.

Cygnet is tasked with defining wayfinding destinations, mapping sign locations, creating sign concepts, assisting with right of way applications, among other tasks.

Dunwell estimated that total cost for the physical signs would be around $3,000. The city plans to tap into its tax-increment financing funds to pay for the project.

In other City Commission actions:

• The City Commission on Aug. 17 OK'd a zoning variance request from John Kellogg of PCI, Inc., on

behalf of property owner, Soft Rock, LLC. The variance requested a 10-foot reduction in the front yard setback on a corner lot bordering 1st Street West, a collector street. According to the city report, the subject property has sat vacant for numerous years. Approving the request would increase the width of buildable area.

• Two old police cars will be put up of auction after the City Commission OK'd the city property as surplus. A 2009 and 2010 Chevy Impala will go the Gardner Auction for sale.

• The City Commission approved a recommendation from the Polson Redevelopment Agency to approve revisions to the PRA Urban Renewal Grant Program.

• The Commission OK'd a resolution to de-annex the remainder of Skyview Subdivision Phase 1 for a total of 34.14 acres. Current property owner Cody Jensen does not plan to final plat the subdivision and would like the property to stay as-is. He said he plans to keep horses on the property. In exchange for the de-annexation, Jensen agreed to grant the city an easement for a water mainline.