PURPOSE   

The purpose of this report is to request City Council approval of a proposed Art in Public Places project for the Chandler Bikeway, and authorization to purchase one of the selected bronze sculptures.  It is also the recommendation of staff that Council amend the Fiscal Year 2006-07 budget to appropriate funding from the Public Art Fund. 

BACKGROUND     

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.  This item was brought back to Council on September 19, 2006 as the first step, in what is referred to as the one-step, two-step agenda process, for additional Council discussion and consideration. 

At the meeting of September 19, 2006, Council directed staff to look for a realistic, traditional bronze sculpture that was either a one-of-a kind or limited edition art piece, with a cost of approximately $50,000.  Council also was interested in a bikeway theme or a person sitting on a bench, maybe with a shade element.  Staff was also asked to seek out a local artist, if possible.  Also Council directed staff to seek input from the Friends of Chandler, and bring back several options for Council to select a public art installation.

DISCUSSION:

Using various resources, staff researched art sculptures that would meet Council�s criteria.  The artwork of numerous artists was carefully reviewed.  Staff selected examples that represented Council�s direction.  In addition, Council requested that staff contact known local artists whose work meets the previously stated criteria.  Staff asked the two local artists who are finalists for the DeBell Clubhouse Art Project if they would be interested in submitting a proposal for the Chandler Bikeway.  Both artists submitted original sculpture concepts. 

On September 28, 2006 staff met with the Friends of Chandler and presented various examples of bronze sculptures.  The Friends of Chandler are excited to see a second art installation on the bikeway.  They preferred art installation that was an action oriented piece such as a cyclist, as opposed to an individual seated on a bench.  The overwhelming majority of the individuals attending were not interested in a piece depicting a railroad theme.  An individual suggested that a plaque detailing the history of the current bikeway would be appropriate. 

Staff, with the input of the Friends of Chandler, discussed potential site locations along the two mile stretch of the bikeway.  The existing bronze sculpture is at the northwest corner of Chandler Boulevard and Keystone Street.  Four sites were identified as potential locations for the second sculpture.  The locations include the corners of Chandler Boulevard at: Buena Vista Street; California Street, Hollywood Way and Pass Avenue.  It is staff�s recommendation that given the location of the initial art installation, the most appropriate site is the northwest corner of Hollywood Way and Chandler Boulevard.  This location would be a number of blocks away from Keystone Street, yet in a highly visible area to Burbank residents.  Although the desired location is near a major intersection, it will be installed in an area that is currently landscaped, far enough away to not obstruct the view of drivers, and provides protection from potential accidents.  Public Works� traffic engineer has approved the site for installation.

Based on staff�s research and input from the Friends of Chandler, staff is presenting several bronze sculptures for Council�s consideration.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The base cost of the art sculptures ranges from $24,000 to 90,000.  This does not include the additional costs for shipping, installation and sales tax.  The total cost for each piece including all applicable costs is as follows:     

Funding this proposed project can be secured by appropriating a specific amount from the Public Art Fund.   There is currently $489,095 available in the Public Art Fund.  Staff recommends that Council appropriate the necessary amount from Account 001.ND000.21016.000 to Account 370.PR46A.70002.0000.17364 to secure and install the selected sculpture. 

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Staff recommends that the Council select one of the proposed bronze sculptures and select an appropriate site for its installation on the Chandler Bikeway.  Staff also recommends that Council amend the Fiscal Year 2006-07 budget to appropriate the necessary funds to secure and install the selected sculpture from the Public Art Fund.

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