The City of Wayland may s
oon join the growing movement toward installing electronic messaging signs.
Following the lead of Dorr Township and Yankee Springs Township, the City Council Monday night tabled the issue, but permitted City Manager Tim McLean to investigate costs of such a sign and other particulars.
Midwest Signs was the firm that installed such signs at the Dorr and Yankee Springs township halls, where information about meetings and coming events are flashed on the sign for passing motorists.
“This is something we wanted to get on the council’s radar,” McLean said. “This would be much more beneficial to the city than putting up banners.”
It was pointed out that the custom of hanging banners at the intersection of the downtown four corners no longer will be an option because they interfere with the new traffic signals, blocking their sensors.
Councilwoman Jennifer Antel noted the Wayland Union School District used to have an electronic sign at the entrance of the high school, but it was discontinued because it was deemed too costly.
She was told that the proposed sign near the downtown, which likely would be placed at the mini-park, would not run into the difficulties that confronted the schools.
The matter was tabled because Antel said, “I like the idea, but I’d like to wait until we know the cost and where the money will come from.”
PHOTO: This electronic sign sits in front of the Dorr Township Library on 18th Street.
