TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Jason Yarborough, ICMA-CM, Interim City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the City’s Public Art Contribution Program
Recommended Action
Discussion and possible action regarding the City’s Public Art Contribution Program.
Background Information
During the Commission Workshop on July 17, 2019, Commission provided direction to review the City’s public art contribution requirement, due to escalating construction costs since the Unified Land Development Code computes the public art contribution fee as a factor of construction costs. The City of North Port public art requirements state that all new developments must “contribute an amount equal to one-half (½) of one percent (1%) of the first fifty million dollars ($50,000,000.00) in construction cost for the project for a maximum contribution of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00) to the City Public Art Account.” Further, the minimum threshold for projects to be subject to these requirements is $250,000.00. The maximum mandated contribution is $250,000.00. It is important to note that while construction costs have increased for development Projects, this escalation would also apply to the purchase and installation of public art.
At the Commission Regular Meeting on January 14, 2020, staff provided a review of sixteen (16) public art Ordinances used by local governments in the State which mandate contributions towards public art for private development projects. Further, staff provided public art calculations using the different methodologies used across the State for a sample project. Commission discussed the following:
1. Methodologies for determining Public Art Fund contributions.
2. The original intent of the Public Art Fund.
3. The possibility of basing the requirements for Public Art Fund contributions on a Public Art Plan.
4. The Art Advisory Board’s role in creating this plan.
5. Establishing focal points in each Activity Center for public art.
6. Changing the criteria and calculations for contributions to be ‘fair and equitable.’
Commission voted unanimously to direct staff to provide scenarios using the various methodologies discussed at the meeting with potential pricing estimates put with it for a discussion in the future.
Pursuant to Commission direction, staff has completed the following analysis described below:
1. Attachment 1: Provides public art contribution calculations for 4 sample projects based on the following scenarios:
a. Scenario 1: This scenario looks at lowering the percentage of contribution required, while still basing it on construction costs. Calculations include, 1A: 0.33% and 1B: 0.25% of the first fifty million dollars ($50,000,000.00) in construction costs for the project for a maximum contribution of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00).
b. Scenario 2: This scenario looks at basing the contribution calculation on the building area of the new development or renovated area. This would allow for the contribution amounts to not fluctuate with changes in construction costs. Calculations include the rates prescribed by other local governments in Florida, 2A: $0.50 per square foot as required in the City of Coconut Creek, 2B: $0.40 per square foot as required in the City of Coral Springs, and 2C: $1.00 per square foot as required in the City of Naples.
c. Scenario 3: This scenario looks at basing the contribution amount on a derived cost to establish and maintain a public art level of service for Activity Centers. The percentage of contribution is based on the size of the property being developed against the total area of the Activity Center, removing area allocated towards road and drainage rights-of-way.
2. Attachment 2: Discusses the methodology used in Scenario 3 including the research, assumptions and future projections. It explains the calculations used to arrive at the total cost to establish and maintain a public art level of service for Activity Centers. Further, it provides the potential earning for public art using this methodology based on vacant non-residential areas in each Activity Center.
Strategic Plan
Guide the development of neighborhoods toward a desired image consistent with the approved urban design aesthetic.
Financial Impact
Financial impact will be determined in the future based on Commission direction.
Procurement
Attachments:
1. Scenario-Based Public Art Contribution Calculations
2. Level of Service and Total Contribution Methodology
Prepared by: Rhea Lopes, Planner III
Department Director: Jason Yarborough, ICMA-CM, Interim City Manager