Sandpoint Council welcomes advertising

SANDPOINT — City councilors voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a policy allowing advertising in city spaces. 

The move aims to generate funds for Sandpoint’s facilities, programs and services without increasing the tax burden on residents. 

“This is something that we haven't had, at least in modern times,” Community Planning and Development Director Jason Welker told councilors at the meeting. 

In a presentation to the council, Welker shared that the policy includes language to ensure all advertised content is appropriate and uncontroversial and will enhance the community experience without commercializing public spaces. 

Examples of advertising opportunities listed in the policy include temporary signs during construction, naming rights for facilities, and acknowledgement in printed materials. 

Advertising rates will be established by Sandpoint City Council; local and nonlocal businesses will bid on opportunities. A standards committee will review all advertisements for compliance, and all advertisers will enter contracts with the city. 

While the fine details of the system are yet to be announced, Sandpoint has already been approached with offers, according to Welker. 

“We have a very, very generous sponsorship opportunity at the sports center,” said Welker. 

If accepted by the standards committee, the agreement would “basically relieve the city of $40,000 worth of equipment purchases that we would otherwise have to do” at the soon-to-be-open James E. Russell Sports Center, Welker said.

Earlier in Wednesday’s meeting, Mayor Jeremy Grimm apologized to councilors and the public for what he described as a procedural mistake made during a Sept. 18 meeting.

Grimm acts as the presiding officer at council meetings: a position in parliamentary procedure responsible for maintaining order. On Sept. 18, he interrupted Councilor Pam Duquette and called a vote while the council considered whether to approve a grant application seeking funds for an asphalt pump track at Travers Park. 

“I incorrectly attempted to use a procedural process to call for the question, which as mayor and presiding officer, I have learned that I have no authority to do,” Grimm said Oct. 16. “My intent was to move the meeting along in the interest of time and respect for staff and council.” 

Grimm announced he had requested city staff to arrange an Oct. 30 workshop on procedural process training to help improve adherence to parliamentary procedure.