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Sandpoint staff to seek bids for downtown parking-lot resurfacing; commission discusses art, kiosks and paid-parking integration
Summary
City staff reported plans to seek bids for resurfacing a downtown parking lot, preserve six trees, consolidate access off Third Avenue and potentially install digital kiosks and license-plate parking technology that could tie into broader paid-parking plans.
City staff told the Sandpoint Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation Commission on March 11 that the city will go out for bids in the next two to three weeks to resurface a downtown parking lot and make minor access changes.
Jason Walker, the acting city liaison, described a project that is primarily a new asphalt surface with relatively minor changes to swales and access points intended to reduce pedestrian conflicts. Staff said they will preserve six trees based on the tree commission’s recommendation and shift vehicular access to Third Avenue, eliminating north and south access points that create pedestrian–vehicle conflicts.
Commissioners discussed adding art and wayfinding to improve the lot’s appearance. Walker described plans to install two digital “calendar” kiosks on the western corners of the lot for civic engagement and event information, and said vendors under consideration include prefabricated kiosks with solar panels to power displays. He also noted new lighting and other modest improvements to make the lot read as a “front porch” to downtown.
Staff also explained that the city’s broader parking policy work could introduce paid off-street parking next summer. Walker described license-plate recognition technology as the intended approach: "It automatically scans your license plate. It notes. So then you get a discount by you punching your number, your slot. It knows who you are." The system is intended to enable touch-free parking payment and enforcement, reducing the need for on-site attendants.
Commissioners and staff agreed to form a subcommittee to advise on aesthetics, wayfinding and art placements as the resurfacing procurement moves forward. Staff emphasized that implementation timing depends on procurement and coordination with the parking-policy process now underway.
Ending
Staff will circulate bid documents and coordinate with the commission’s subcommittee on opportunities for art, wayfinding and signage as resurfacing and parking-policy work proceed.
