City staff updated the commission on multiple Route 66 promotion efforts, including wayfinding signage, a limited-edition polo shirt and plans for a new Route 66 historic marker at or near Big Chief Roadhouse.

Assistant staff described two permanent wayfinding signs planned at the Manchester intersections and said engineers are preparing drawings for installation. The department presented two banner concepts: a regular Route 66 banner and a complimentary 2026 centennial banner that reads, "Get your kicks in 2026, celebrating 100 years of Route 66." Staff said it plans to order both sets of banners and install them on existing bracket runs (Etherton to Taylor) and in targeted locations such as the roundabout and the historic pond area.

Commissioners raised placement and cost questions for extended stretches of Manchester where banner brackets do not exist. One commissioner suggested temporary solutions such as extendable poles, rented trailers or permission from private property owners to hang banners. Staff said adding brackets outside existing light-post runs would carry additional cost.

Historic-marker progress: staff said they had approved marker text and the Big Chief Roadhouse owner is supportive of siting the historic marker there. Staff said they are obtaining cost estimates from fabricators and will draft an agreement with the restaurant owner to proceed.

Other items: staff reported that city council adopted a resolution supporting a partnership on a Route 66 magazine initiative with a local publisher and that the Route 66 Association of Missouri had been invited to participate in Wildwood celebrations free of charge.

Next steps: obtain final drawings and cost estimates for markers and banners, finalize banner quantities (staff discussed ordering 18 of the regular banners), and prepare the installation agreements and fabrication contracts.