PURPOSE:  

The purpose of this report is to request City Council approval of the proposed Art in Public Places project on the Chandler Bikeway, and authorization to purchase the selected bronze sculpture.   

BACKGROUND:

The Public Art Fund was created as an option for developers who do not desire to install on-site art.  They can contribute their 1% obligation to this fund which is to be utilized for maintaining public owned art, enhancing new proposals, and developing additional art installations on public owned property.

At the September 28, 2004 City Council meeting, Council discussed the potential of developing a public art installation on the Chandler Bikeway to enhance the active environment at the recreational venue.  On October 26, 2004, City Council amended Fiscal Year 2004-05 Budget by appropriating $50,000 from the Public Art Fund for the development of an art project on the Chandler Bikeway. (Resolution number 26,818)

The Site Specific Selection Committee formed in May 2004 for the purpose of selecting two Art in Public Places projects at Burbank Water and Power, was also directed by City Council to select the art piece for the Chandler project.  The committee members are: Mary Alvord, City Manager; Ron Davis, General Manager, BWP; Bruce Feng, Deputy City Manager/Public Works and Capital Projects; Stacey Murphy, Councilmember; Robert Olson, BWP Board Vice Chair; Jef Vander Borght, Mayor; Penny Young, Art in Public Places Committee Representative; Eric Hansen, Park, Recreation and Community Services Director; and JoAnn Davis, Project Manager.

In August 2004, the Committee attended an annual art festival in Loveland, Colorado, the home of many large-piece artist galleries, foundries, and permanent displays.  They also toured a variety of fountains and sculptures in the cities of Cerritos and Brea.

ANALYSIS:

The artwork of dozen artists was carefully reviewed.  The Committee reached a consensus on the selection of a bronze sculpture created by W. Stanley �Sandy� Proctor.  The piece titled �The Wagon Pull� features two children, two dogs, and a wagon.  (Attachment A).  The bronze sculpture weights approximately 1300 pounds and is mounted onto a stainless steel frame.  Its dimensions are: 10� long x 45� wide x 44�� tall.  Upon placing the purchase order, the sculpture will be delivered within 14 to 18 weeks.  The weight of the sculpture alone will deter most vandalism, however the metal frame will can and will be mounted onto a concrete base with threaded rods embedded in drilled holes filled with commercial grade epoxy.   

The Committee also discussed potential site locations along the two mile stretch of the bikeway.  Nine sites were identified as potential locations for the sculpture, however the committee agreed that the ideal site would be the corner of Keystone Street and Chandler, the site nearest to Edison Elementary School.  (Attachment B).  Public Works� traffic engineer has approved the site for installation.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Staff has negotiated a price of $44,000, not including sales tax.  This is less than the list cost, and given the size of the piece and its detail, the committee feels that the City is obtaining the sculpture at a very fair price.  An additional $1,500 will be needed for shipping costs.  The cost of the installation will be approximately $700, bringing the total cost to $49,830.  There is currently $50,000 in account 370.PR32D.70002.0000.15439 (Chandler Bikeway Art Piece).  There will be no additional fiscal impact.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

It is the recommendation of staff that City Council approve the proposed Art in Public Places project on the Chandler Bikeway, and authorize staff to purchase the selected bronze sculpture.  

Attachments

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