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Home My WebLink AboutRES2026-071 Corvus Design - Wayfinding SignageSponsored by: Sorensen CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2026-071 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH CORVUS DESIGN, INC. FOR WAYFINDING SIGNAGE DESIGN SERVICES FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $79,910 WHEREAS, the City of Seward and the Destination Stewardship Committee identified development of a comprehensive pedestrian wayfinding system as a priority to improve visitor navigation, pedestrian safety, community appearance, and connectivity between the cruise ship terminal, Alaska Railroad Depot, Small Boat Harbor, Waterfront Park, and Historic Downtown; and WHEREAS, the City issued Request for Proposals No. 2026-003 seeking professional services to develop a comprehensive wayfinding strategy, and received 14 proposals; and WHEREAS, Corvus Design, Inc. was identified as the highest -ranked proposer based on its relevant Alaska experience, familiarity with Seward, project approach, qualifications, and overall value to the City; and WHEREAS, Corvus Design, Inc. has extensive experience developing wayfinding and signage systems for Alaska communities and has completed previous planning and design work within Seward; and WHEREAS, funding for the project is available through the Commercial Vessel Tax (CPV) Fund for port facilities, harbor infrastructure, and other services provided to commercial passenger vessels and the passengers onboard those vessels, and the proposed wayfinding design services directly support such passenger services by facilitating safe and efficient pedestrian movement, access to transportation and visitor facilities, and connectivity between the cruise ship terminal and destinations serving cruise passengers; and WHEREAS, the proposed wayfinding project will improve pedestrian navigation, safety, and connectivity between the cruise ship terminal and transportation facilities, visitor destinations, and public amenities used by commercial passenger vessel passengers throughout Seward. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA: Section 1. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to enter into a contract with Corvus Design, Inc. for Wayfinding Signage Design Services in an amount not to exceed $79,910. Section 2. Funding in the amount of $79,910 is hereby transferred and appropriated to the Harbor CPV KPB Fund 11113-0000-8101. CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2026-071 Page 2 of 2 Section 3. The City Manager is authorized to approve minor administrative or legal revisions to the contract that do not materially alter the scope of services or increase the total authorized amount. Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA THIS 24TH DAY OF AUGUST 2026. fzi ff cite. Sue McClure, Mayor AYES: Osenga, Calhoon, Barnwell, Crites, Warner, Draper, McClure NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None ATTEST: Kris Peck City Clerk City Council Agenda Statement Meeting Date: August 24, 2026 To: City Council Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager From: Daniel Meuninck, Community Development Department Subject: Resolution 2026-071: Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Contract with Corvus Design, Inc. for Wayfinding Signage Design Services for an Amount Not to Exceed $79,910 Background and justification: In 2026, the City of Seward and the Destination Stewardship Committee identified the development of a comprehensive pedestrian wayfinding system as a priority project to improve visitor navigation, pedestrian safety, and connectivity between key destinations, including the cruise ship terminal, Alaska Railroad Depot, Small Boat Harbor, Waterfront Park, and Historic Downtown. The project is intended to create a cohesive wayfinding system that reflects Seward's community identity while improving the visitor experience and encouraging exploration of local businesses and attractions. To obtain professional design services, the City issued Request for Proposals (RFP) 2026-003 for Wayfinding Signage Design Services. The RFP sought consultant services to develop a comprehensive wayfinding strategy, sign family and graphic standards, sign location plan, construction -ready design documents, cost estimates, and a phased implementation plan consistent with the City's branding and long-term stewardship goals. Fourteen proposals were received in response to the RFP. A selection committee consisting of City staff and members of the Destination Stewardship Committee evaluated proposals using the criteria established in the RFP, including project understanding, relevant experience, project approach, qualifications, schedule, and cost. Following the evaluation process, Corvus Design, Inc. was identified as the highest -ranked proposer. Corvus demonstrated extensive experience designing wayfinding systems for Alaska communities, including Valdez, Kodiak, Homer, Juneau, and Ketchikan Their proposal also demonstrated familiarity with Seward through previous projects, including the Seward Historic Walking Tour and other community projects. The selection committee found Corvus' project approach, Alaska experience, and understanding of Seward's visitor patterns and community character to be particularly strong. The proposed wayfinding signage project will provide infrastructure and services that directly support commercial passenger vessel operations and passengers by improving pedestrian navigation, safety, and connectivity between the cruise ship terminal and key visitor destinations and transportation facilities throughout Seward. Funding for the project is available through the Commercial Vessel Tax (CPV) Fund for expenditures related to port facilities, harbor infrastructure, and other services provided to commercial passenger vessels and the passengers onboard those vessels. The wayfinding signage design services constitute an eligible use of CPV funds because the resulting wayfinding system will provide a direct service to commercial passenger vessel passengers by facilitating safe pedestrian movement, access to transportation and visitor facilities, and connectivity between the port area and destinations serving cruise passengers; Staff completed reference checks with previous clients, which confirmed Corvus' ability to deliver high -quality work, communicate effectively, and complete projects on schedule and within budget. The proposed agreement authorizes Corvus Design to complete the design phase of the City's wayfinding program, including preparation of a Wayfinding Strategy and System Plan, conceptual and final sign designs, construction -ready documents, graphic standards, cost estimates, and a phased implementation plan. The proposed fee for these services is $79,910. The effect of the proposed legislation would be to: • Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Corvus Design, Inc. • Authorize expenditure of up to $79,910 for professional wayfinding design services. • Initiate the design phase of the City's comprehensive wayfinding signage program. Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information mil This legislation is consistent with (citation listed): Comprehensive Plan: Strategic Plan: Other: Vol 1, Chapter 2.2 — Community Values • 2.2.1 — Small Town Feel and Atmosphere: Support convenient access throughout town, a pedestrian -friendly downtown, and an attractive community appearance • 2.2.12 — Transportation Facilities: Support pedestrian transportation routes that meet the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors Vol 1, Chapter 3 — Goals, Objectives, and Implementation Action Items • 3.1.1.1 — Economic Development: Encourage enhancement of downtown businesses and promote seasonal and year-round tourism, including heritage tourism • 3.4.2 — Transportation: Expand and maintain safe, fully accessible pedestrian pathways throughout the city • 3.5.1.1 — Port and Harbor Development: Continue to add public amenities and improve the appearance of the harbor area Fiscal Impact: Funding Source: X X Fiscal Impact Yes — Amount: $79,910 Budgeted: No General Fund: Enterprise Fund: Grant: CPV KPB 11113-0000-8101 Other: Finance Director Signature: X Yes No N/A 'I- 9""t° X Yes Attorney Signature: /s/Rob Palmer Not applicable Comments: Administration Recommendation X Adopt Resolution Other: