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Discussion Regarding Digital Kiosk Program and Issuance of Request for Proposal.
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Meeting Date: October 3, 2023
Contact Person/Dept: Elaine Gerety Warner/ Economic and Cultural Development Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-5708
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [x] General Fund: Yes [] No [x]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [x] Attachments: []
Public Notification: GovDelivery (09/29/23);
Department Approval: Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager (09/28/23)
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
On November 8, 2021, the City Council directed staff to release a Request for Information (RFI) relative to the inclusion of interactive kiosks in strategic locations throughout the City. The purpose of the RFI was to understand the value of providing real-time interactive information about transportation services, City meetings, special events, facilities, classes, local businesses, weather, and emergency updates among other things. The RFI was released in January 2022. Four firms responded, with two providing prototypes suitable for an outdoor environment: Ike Smart City and Soofa. (Attachment 1)
In April 2023, the Economic Development Subcommittee reviewed the options and directed staff to invite both firms to present their prototypes via two community meetings. The purpose of the community meeting however was not to identify a particular model or style but rather to invite a high-level discussion as to whether digital kiosks would be an asset to the City. Two community meetings were held in August 2023. Ike Smart City attended with a working prototype and provided information about their model. Soofa was unable to attend, but information about their unit was made available. A survey (Attachment 2) was issued after the presentations for attendees. 22 surveys were received. The results of the survey indicated that 86% of the attendees believe the kiosks could be a benefit to the community. The top five categories for potential content/public information included transit information, City map, City meetings, cultural events and emergency alerts. Approximately 45% of the respondents noted that they had some concerns with a potential kiosk program with the two highest categories (five responses each) as sidewalk space and potential advertising. In considering potential locations for the kiosks, Downtown Culver City received the highest percentage at 86% followed by the Arts District/Ivy Station/Helms Bakery District, City Hall, and Culver Village at 64% and City Parks/Plunge at 50%. The last question of the survey asked whether the City should move forward with consideration of a digital kiosk program of which 15 respondents noted “yes”, one responded “no” and five were “undecided.”
In considering the development of a formal Request for Proposals (RFP), it is important to note that the allowance of such a program would require an amendment to the City’s Sign Code (CCMC Chapter 17.330) approved by City Council. To that end, and prior to the issuance of an RFP, it is recommended that the City Council first provide direction as to whether there is interest in pursuing a kiosk program, and the criteria of such a program; and, if there is interest in a kiosk program, that the process to amend the Sign Code to allow such a use occur first. This could be accomplished in conjunction with Current Planning’s forthcoming Comprehensive Sign Code Update, which is scheduled to be conducted later this fiscal year (would require additional funding and expanded scope) and/or in the creation of an Ad Hoc Sign Code Subcommittee or other recommendation by the Subcommittee.
In providing direction to staff, the Economic Development Subcommittee may wish to consider the following recommendations to the City Council:
1. Expand the scope of work for the Comprehensive Sign Code Update to include a discussion of necessary amendments to allow for a kiosk program; or
2. Pursue an amendment to the Sign Code to allow for a kiosk program on a separate track from the Comprehensive Sign Code Update; and
3. Consider creating an Ad Hoc Signage Subcommittee to address off-site signage relative to a kiosk program and other off site signage requests (i.e., Westfield). Such an Ad Hoc Signage Subcommittee could be helpful, as needed, during the Comprehensive Sign Code Update process; or
4. Determine a kiosk program is not pursued.