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Council asks staff to return with options for downtown Wi‑Fi pilot after mixed reactions
Summary
Staff estimated initial downtown Wi‑Fi setup at roughly $14,000–$20,000 and ongoing maintenance near $10,000 annually; council members favored a pilot and asked staff to report on staffing, marketing, funding sources and impacts on downtown businesses and public spaces.
City staff presented options to provide free Wi‑Fi in the downtown area and reported preliminary estimates of $14,000–$20,000 for startup and about $10,000 per year for maintenance and internet service. Staff cited models in nearby cities (Brentwood, San Jose) and noted trade-offs including bandwidth limits, login/time caps and the potential for attracting people who would gather for long periods and create noise or safety concerns.
Councilmembers split on the proposal. Supporters said ubiquitous connectivity would help tourists and remote workers and could be marketed to benefit downtown businesses; others raised concerns about staff capacity to administer the system, potential loitering or safety issues, and reliance by businesses on an open network for payments. Vice Mayor Donnelly and others described observed problems at the library where public Wi‑Fi was already drawing regular users who linger.
Several members recommended a limited pilot with defined hours, a two‑hour daily time cap, a marketing plan (for example, window stickers for participating businesses), and outreach to downtown business owners. Council also suggested exploring sponsorships (service organizations or TOT dollars) and to report back on technical details, staffing demands and recommended funding sources before committing funds.
No final decision was made; staff was directed to return with a detailed cost breakdown, staffing estimate and outreach plan to downtown businesses and potential sponsors.
