The Sandpoint Sustainability Committee reviewed a draft, AI‑generated letter on Nov. 13 that would ask the University of Idaho to match students with spring projects for the city, and members agreed to pursue a December action item to finalize and send the letter.

Committee Chair Christine Moon introduced the document, saying the draft “was generated using AI.” She described five example projects to propose to the university, explaining the list reflects types of projects students have completed in the past rather than a final, prioritized request.

Members discussed feasibility and scope. Mary Wilkos, who prepared the committee's communications materials, said the draft should be coordinated with a phone call to the faculty contact before sending written requests so there is a mutual understanding of what students could realistically complete. Several members favored launching a small pilot in which one or more student projects would provide an initial benchmark for the city's planning work.

Committee members emphasized practical limits: studies that require licensed consultants (for example certain hydrology or permitting tasks) may be outside an undergraduate's scope, while greenhouse gas inventories and energy‑efficiency audits may be suitable for graduate or undergraduate projects. Pam Duquette, the council liaison, said starting with approval from the mayor and clear instructions about city expectations would be appropriate.

Next steps: the committee directed the chair to draft a final letter for consideration in December and to confirm, by phone, whether the university professor and students could take on components of the proposed work. The item will appear as a December action item so the committee can vote on whether to send the letter.