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Council hears proposal to use energy-transition grant for downtown kiosks and indoor screens
Summary
Jennifer Olsen briefed the council on a $60,245.25 energy-transition community grant and proposed installing three outdoor kiosks and 10 indoor screens to promote downtown businesses and support tourism and retail redevelopment.
Jennifer Olsen presented Marion's energy transition community grant submission at the Nov. 20 meeting, describing the program categories and a proposed project to expand digital kiosks and indoor screens across downtown and destination retail sites.
Olsen said the city has received $60,245.25 through qualifying community funding and recommended using the funds for three freestanding indoor/outdoor kiosks (the city already has three in front of the civic building) and 10 additional large screens with networked media controllers to share a common set of promotional content. "If they have power and strong Internet, preferably hardwired, they could be in restaurants, they could be in hotel lobbies, anybody who wants to partner with us," Olsen said, describing options for private partners to host displays.
The project would follow categories eligible under the grant: public investment in facilities, tourism and recreation supports, and downtown/commercial redevelopment incentives. Olsen noted last year's grant funded technology at the Boynton Community Center and that the city is still dispersing remaining funds from that prior project.
Council asked whether extra units could be purchased for placement in private businesses; Olsen said that is possible if sites can provide power and internet. The item was presented for consideration ahead of the consent and new-business votes later in the meeting.
