PURPOSE   

At the May 8, 2007 City Council meeting, Mayor Ramos 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, the Burbank Water and Power facility and Chandler Bikeway.

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 $454,000 in the fund. 

Currently, there are two bronze sculptures installed along the bikeway. W. Stanley Proctor�s �The Wagon Pull� was dedicated in December 2005 and Gary Lee Price�s �Family Outing� was dedicated in May 2007.  There are other potential installation sites available.

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.  However, they do not specify a procedure which Council must follow.

Previously, City Council has directed staff to initiate a search to secure proposals for realistic bronze sculptures that would depict activities which occur along the bikeway.  There was also a thought to include a railroad theme, since the bikeway was a rail line a number of years ago.  Once proposals have been evaluated, finalists would be selected and shared with the Friends of Chandler for their input.  All finalists would be presented to City Council for selection and appropriation.  City Council appropriated $50,000 for �The Wagon Pull� and up to $60,000 for �Family Outing.�

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 somewhat time consuming.

2)         There are a number of other projects which could utilize the Public Art Fund in the future.  They include an 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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