PURPOSE   

At the August 22, 2006 City Council meeting, Council Member Vander Borght requested that staff place an item on the agenda to discuss the potential of developing another  public art installation on the Chandler Bikeway.  Prior to extending significant staff effort, this item has been placed on the agenda as the first step, in what is referred to as the �one-step, two-step process�, for additional Council discussion and consideration.

BACKGROUND

The City has developed numerous public art installations in conjunction with new capital projects.  These would include, but are not limited to, the Police/Fire Headquarters Facility, the Stough Canyon Nature Center, the Buena Vista Library/Lincoln Park, the McCambridge Park renovation and the Burbank Water and Power facility.

The Art in Public Places Ordinance requires that a development project with a construction budget over $500,000 contribute 1% towards an art installation. A development project is any development which requires a building permit.  Private developers who do not desire to install on-site art must contribute their 1% obligation to the Art in Public Places fund.  Currently, there is approximately $489,095 in the fund. 

On October 26, 2004 City Council appropriated $50,000 from the Art in Public Places fund for the development of an art project on the Chandler Bikeway.  On December 2, 2005, the Wagon Pull, a bronze sculpture by W. Stanley Proctor was installed on the corner of Chandler and Keystone.

DISCUSSION:

Funding this proposed project can be secured by appropriating a specific amount from the general fund or by utilizing a portion of the Public Art Fund.  The current Public Art Fund policies govern the manner in which projects are brought forward by entities other than Council (Attachment I).  However, they do not specify a procedure which Council must follow.

For the purpose of discussion, the following �pros� and �cons� are based upon Council directing staff to utilize the Public Art Fund to fund another art project for the Chandler Bikeway.

Pros:

1)         Funds are available.  Only a portion is set aside for repairs and maintenance ($20,000).  Other policies require matching contributions and there is a maximum amount which governs proposals that are forwarded by Boards, Commissions, civic organizations, and individuals.  However, neither of these policies are directed toward Council initiated projects.

2)         Public involvement could be secured through the creation of a Site Specific Art Committee or it might involve input from the Friends of Chandler, who would make a recommendation to Council.

3)         The Chandler Bikeway has definitely improved the quality of life for many Burbank residents. There are individuals of all ages walking, skating and biking along the corridor. Installing another appropriate art piece, at a different location along the path, would enhance this active environment. The bikeway offers numerous additional opportunities for art installations. 

Cons:

1)         Public Art Fund projects utilize a specific procedure. Once an art piece has been recommended, it will be brought back through the Arts in Public Places Committee to Council for final approval.  This process can be time consuming.

2)         There are a number of other projects which could utilize the Public Art Fund in the future.  They include the Community Services Building and additional art piece for Lincoln Park (sites have previously been designated).  

FISCAL IMPACT:

As the first step in a two-step agenda process, this item is being presented for discussion and additional Council direction only.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Staff recommends that the Council initiate discussion on the possibility of directing staff to initiate the process of developing an art installation for the Chandler Bikeway.

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