1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: July 15, 2024
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Courtney Padgett, Assistant City Manager
VIA: Joseph McDougall, City Attorney
Patrick Prescott, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: First Step Report on Consider ation of the Implementation of Interactive Kiosks
RECOMMENDATION
1) N ote and file; or,
2) Direct staff to bring item back for a Study Session to review and discuss feasibility of a pilot program , community engagement, potential Burbank Municipal Code amendments, and procurement process options.
BACKGROUND
At the March 11, 2025, City Council meeting, Council Member Mullins requested a first step report for Council to consider the implementation of interactive kiosks in the City.
This request was in response to a proposal received by the City from IKE Smart City , a national company that develops and operates interactive digital kiosks (Attachment 1).
DISCUSSION
Digital kiosks are interactive, standalone screens that provide information and services to the public. Kiosks have historically been used in environments such as shopping malls, airports, and hotels to provide wayfinding and service information. Recent advances in technology, user interface design, and equipment durability have allowed these systems to evolve and they are now being deployed in cities across the country to enhance pedestrian navigation, support local businesses, and deliver real-time public information.
CITY MANAGER’S
OFFICE
2 IKE Smart City Proposal
IKE (Interactive Kiosk Experience) Smart City (IKE) is a provider of smart city kiosk infrastructure, with deployments in over 20 cities nationwide, including Berkeley, Houston, Oakland, and San Diego. Recently, Culver City approved implementation of IKE kiosks (pending deployment) , and the topic is also under consideration by the City of Los Angeles.
IKE kiosks are dual-sided touchscreens designed to enhance the pedestrian experience in urban environments. Each kiosk is approximately 8 feet tall, featuring interactive screens (approximately 15 square feet) that provide a range of services, including:
• Wayfinding and interactive mapping;
• Real-time public transit information and bike share integration; • Civic resources including Burbank 311 and social services; • Public Wi-Fi access and emergency alert capabilities; • Public art displays, event listings, and photo booths; • Support for local businesses through free directories and discounted advertisements; and
• ADA-compliant, multilingual interface, and low-vision support.
To maximize t heir utility and visibility, kiosks are usually placed in areas with high pedestrian traffic and commercial activity. I n Burbank, potential locations could include downtown (along San Fernando Boulevard, near the Burbank Town Center, and near key transit stops such as the Metrolink station), the Media District (near major studios and office complexes), and in the Civic Center area (near City Hall and the Central Library).
IKE Kiosk installed in San Diego
3 IKE’s proposal offers kiosk installation, maintenance, and operation at no cost to the City, and includes revenue- sharing benefits. Revenue is generated through advertising opportunities on the kiosks and is shared between the City and IK E. IKE proposes deploying 30 kiosks, being completed in two phases of 15 kiosks installed in each phase.
The City is guaranteed an annual minimum revenue share of $300,000 (or $10,00 0 per kiosk), with a projected average of over $1.1 million annually. The City will also receive a
12.5% share of advertising time for City messaging, with additional time provided for unsold inventory. Funds generated thr ough the kiosks could be used to support infrastructure improvements, aesthetic enhancements, and community programs.
In addition to IKE, several other national vendors provide similar kiosk services.
Additional Considerations
Although digital kiosks can offer enhancements to pedestrian navigation, local business support, and dissemination of public information, some communities have expressed concerns about their deployment. These concerns have included:
• Kiosk placement;
• Potential distractions for drivers and bicyclists;
• Impacts to the scenic character of neighborhoods; and • Privacy considerations.
Burbank Municipal Code Sign Regulations
Article 10 of Burbank Municipal Code (BMC) Sign and Advertising Structure Regulations (Attachment 2) governs signage to preserve community aesthetics and safety. Under the Image Depicting Proposed IKE Kiosk in Downtown
4 existing code, self-illuminating and electronic signs are prohibited. As digital kiosks do not comply with the existing BMC, an amendment would be required to create a specific exception for digital kiosks, define the scope of the program and its advertising format, and address potential legal and aesthetic concerns by establishing clear design standards and location criteria.
Should Council desire to proceed with evaluating the implementation of interactive kiosks, staff recommends Council provide direction to bring this item back during a Study Session for further review and discussion of the following topics:
• Feasibility of a Pilot Project – Assessment of kiosk location options, deployment plan, and revenue projections;
• Community Engagement – Process for obtaining resident and business feedback; • Legal Review – Discussion of proposed amendments to the BMC; • Planning Review – Review of aesthetic design and potential neighborhood impact; and
• Procurement Process – Evaluation of the current proposal, other potential vendors, and procurement options.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This first step report has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and as such, is not a “project” subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 14 Cal. Code Regs § 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this first step report.
CONCLUSION
The implementation of digital kiosks may present an opportunity for the City to enhance pedestrian navigation, promote local businesses, and generate new revenue to support infrastructure and other projects , without taxpayer expense. Implementation of a kiosk program requires careful consideration to address legal, aesthetic, and operational considerations. Should Council desire to proceed with considering the implementation of kiosks, staff recommends Council further study the proposal through a Study Session to evaluate the feasibility of a pilot program, process for gather ing community feedback, legal considerations, potential aesthetic impac t, procurement options, and to ensure alignment with Council goals and existing City regulations.
5 ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – IKE Smart City Burbank Proposal
Attachment 2 – Burbank Municipal Code Article 10