Council OKs free concert series

The Coeur d’Alene City Council approved an agreement for a free concert series at McEuen Park this summer, but not until the promoter convinced them he could do it. 

“I'm not afraid to enter into those kind of things when it's a massive community commitment,” Michael Koep told council members Tuesday night. 

He said he sees the concerts growing into something larger that could attract thousands on warm, summer evenings.

“I want it to evolve into something,” Koep said. 

The five-year deal calls for free Wednesday night concerts. Koep Concerts will pay a refundable deposit of $5,000 due at the start of each season and $400 for each concert. There is no cost to the city. Boundaries for alcohol sales and consumption during the concerts will be determined.

But Councilor Kiki Miller said she wanted clearer definitions in the agreement.

“The lines get a little blurred on who is responsible for what,” she said.

She asked for an amendment that calls for a review after one year.

She said relying on sponsorships to cover the concerts was asking a lot. 

“Maybe a little more research, a little more test run,” she said.

Councilor Amy Evans said she liked the idea of free concerts and believed Koep would do well, but was also concerned Koep might need to charge for the concerts and under the contract, could not.

“I want to make sure we don't get two seasons in and it’s not making ends meet. As much as I love it being free, I don't want to tie his hands,” he said. 

Bill Greenwood, Parks and Recreation director, said he has a good rapport with vendors. He said some have left before their agreement with the city expired and it has not been a problem. 

City attorney Randy Adams said, “There is no termination clause in the contract before you,” but he said they are standard with city contracts. 

He said there should be one “to allow either party to terminate if it's not working out.” 

Adams said any contract can be amended by mutual agreement of both parties. 

Miller said she preferred to have the termination clause added for the protection of both parties.

Councilor Dan Gookin disagreed.

“I think Mr. Koep has proven himself in both the City Park and Riverstone concerts. He has the skills to pull this off. He has more than enough runway to get it to launch,” Gookin said. 

He said he didn’t have any issues with the free concerts.

“I think it's a damn fine idea and I think we have the best guy putting it on,” Gookin said.

Councilor Dan English said Koep came into the situation with his “eyes open” and it was a clear process that spelled things out.

“This is what we've got tonight, and the major parties are comfortable,” he said. 

Koep said he had no problems with the agreement and that free concerts are doable. He has found success in landing sponsorships.

Koep Concerts already organizes free shows at Coeur d’Alene City Park on Sundays and in Hayden at McIntire Family Park on Thursdays.

He expects to put on eight to nine Wednesday concerts at McEuen Park starting in July.

“It’s a very, very simple concept,” Koep said, adding he was open to contract amendments. 

He said he’s confident he will not come to the council later and said he needs to charge money for the concerts. 

“We may pass a hat,” Koep said, smiling.

After much debate, the council unanimously approved the contract as presented, but it may be amended to include a termination clause and a call for a one-year review. 

“We wish you all the best,” Miller said.

“It’s going to be a climb, no doubt,” Koep said. 

    Koep