TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Art Advisory Board Recommendation for a Piece of Art to be Placed on the First Floor of City Hall at a Cost Not to Exceed $800.
Recommended Action
Approve the Art Advisory Board recommendation for a piece of art to be placed on the first floor of City Hall at a cost not to exceed $800.
Background Information
The following provides a chronological order of events regarding the Art Advisory Board recommendation for a piece of art to be placed on the first floor of City Hall:
Ø March 8, 2022: During the City Commission Regular Meeting, former Art Advisory Board Chair, Tony Kelly, and former Art Advisory Board Staff Liaison, Laura Ansel, presented a recommendation from the Art Advisory Board for a mural concept to be placed on the first floor of City Hall. As part of the project, approval was requested for Mr. Kelly to donate his time and skills to complete the mural, with the North Port Art Center donating paint and other materials required. At the conclusion of the discussion, a motion was made to approve Mr. Kelly’s concept for a mural on the back wall of the Customer Care Center on the first floor of City Hall.
Ø June 2022: After further review of the mural location, it was determined that it would be prudent to paint the proposed mural on canvas, so it could safely and easily be moved and reinstalled should future expansion or renovation of the Customer Care Center take place. To support this change, staff requested a budget amendment under Resolution No. 2022-R-31 to utilize funds from the Public Art account for the purchase of a large, custom artist canvas.
Ø June 7, 2022: During the City Commission Regular Meeting, the following motions were made:
ü A motion was made in light of the new information, to direct the City Manager to work with the Art Advisory Board Chair to create a piece of art on the back wall of the first floor depicting the Sandhill Crane.
ü A motion was made to continue Resolution No. 2022-R-31 to second reading on June 28, 2022, depicting the changes made for the art on the first floor.
Ø June 28, 2022: During the City Commission Regular Meeting, a motion was made to approve Resolution No. 2022-R-31 as presented.
Ø August 2022: The canvas needed to facilitate the project was secured.
Ø August 14, 2022: Due to impacts from Hurricane Ian and other challenges experienced by the artist, commencement of the project was delayed. After several attempts to restart the project, Mr. Kelly informed staff that he could no longer complete the project. As such, the canvas was returned to the City to be held for future use.
Ø September 25, 2023: A new concept for the art piece was submitted to the City by local artist and North Port Art Center instructor, Clare Harvey.
Ø October 10, 2023: During the Art Advisory Board Meeting, the proposal was reviewed. At the conclusion of their discussion, the Art Advisory Board made a motion to bring forward [the proposal] to Commission for approval and have a range of $720, but not exceed $800, to complete the project. As per the proposal, Ms. Harvey will perform the work at the North Port Art Center and will use the same canvas previously secured for the project.
Strategic Plan
Quality of Life
Financial Impact
Per the proposal submitted, the cost for Ms. Harvey’s services is $770, which includes her Artist Fee of $720 and supplies of approximately $50. An additional $30 is being requested by staff as contingency for any unanticipated expenses associated with the project. As of September 30, 2023, the current accumulated balance in the General Fund Public Art account is $200,468.36. Upon approval of this item, staff will work with the Department of Finance to complete a budget transfer to allocate funds to account 001-0760-573-49-22 for the approved project expenses.
Procurement
The art services being procured are exempt from competition pursuant to Sec. 2-403 (a)(3)c of the City Procurement Code. Applicable forms will be submitted to Procurement pending project approval.
Attachments:
1. Harvey Proposal
2. 2022-03-08 City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
3. 2022-06-28 City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
4. 2023-10-10 Art Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
Prepared by: Shelby Mendelson, Recreation Manager
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks and Recreation Director