TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Peter D. Lear, CPA, CGMA, City Manager
TITLE: Approval of North Port Aquatic Center Tribute Wall and associated revisions to Tribute Program
Recommended Action
Review and approve the proposed North Port Aquatic Center Tribute Wall and associated revisions to the existing Tribute Program.
Background Information
During a City Commission Special Meeting on July 9, 2018 a motion was made by Vice-Mayor Yates, seconded by Commissioner Luke, for staff to put together a sponsorship program for the North Port Aquatic Center to include opportunities for the facility, including memorial bricks or items. The motion carried unanimously.
On April 5, 2019 a memo detailing the sponsorship opportunities for the Aquatic Center was routed to Commission and stated that a customized recognition display was currently being designed (at no cost) by a local vendor that integrates art and text into a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork. The conceptual design and estimated costs are now ready for Commission review and approval. Since the proposed program will function as part of the existing Tribute Program, which was originally approved unanimously by Commission at a Regular Meeting on April 13, 2015, staff has also included an updated version of the Tribute Program to incorporate these new opportunities.
The proposed tribute wall seeks to engage the community by offering residents and patrons the opportunity to support the City of North Port through contribution available at various price points that may be tax-deductible. In exchange, donors will receive an acrylic plaque to be incorporated as part of an aquatics-themed artwork installation near the admission window at the North Port Aquatic Center. This prime location will enhance its prominence for patrons of the Aquatic Center, while also being visible to the public outside the facility. Opportunities will be available at the following levels:
Starfish $150
Fish $300
Turtle $500
Manta Ray $1,000
The design of the wall incorporates up to 24 donor pieces for the initial installation, with the option to expand in the future as needed. Should donors claim all 24 pieces available, the anticipated return to the City would be $4,712.
Staff also considered a pre-fabricated donor wall option; but felt that this art installation would better reflect the City culture while adding to the facility aesthetically. Staff is prepared to proceed immediately with this project upon approval from Commission with a target installation date of 8/1/19.
Strategic Plan
Parks & Recreation: Expand access to community recreation, green space and blueways for public enjoyment. Create and sustain a healthy and safe environment for residents & visitors.
Financial Impact
The initial cost for this project is approximately $14,000. Included in this amount is $4,487.74 for the acrylic marine life plaques, donor-selected engraving per specifications, and hardware; $4,889.64 for the metal hand cut ocean floor with hardware; $2,846.44 for the true aluminum vertical brushed-low gloss header lettering; $1,596 for the initial stocking inventory; installation template and necessary shipping costs.
As this amenity was not specifically identified as part of the North Port Aquatic Center project budget, staff is requesting consideration for use of the Art Fund. The Art Fund contains approximately $111,931. Of this, $16,000 is reserved for Walgreens at Heron Creek, so the potential amount available for funding is $95,931. The initial purchase includes plaques for the first 24 donors, the metal header signage, the metallic artwork to depict the ocean floor, initial stocking inventory for the plaques, shipping, and template for installation of the Tribute Wall. Annually, staff will budget for additional donor opportunities within the Aquatic Center’s operating budget which would be offset by each donation.
If use of the Art Fund is not approved, alternative funding options include adding this request to the FY20 Aquatics Division budget and deferring the purchase and installation until that time; or evaluating available project balance at close-out of North Port Aquatic Center construction.
Procurement
Although a Request for Informal quotes for the design and development of a sponsorship/donor wall was solicited on February 6, 2019, no responses were received by the due date. In response, staff contacted Recognition Art to provide design services for a custom-designed recognition display which could also serve as artwork for the facility. The selected vendor is a local Sarasota, woman-owned business and the design services are being provided at no cost. Per City Code, Section 2-403 (1) (3) e. “Works of art for public display or artistic services” are exempt from competitive procurement.
Attachments:
1. Tribute Program Guidelines with Associated Revisions
2. NPAC Tribute Wall Presentation
3. Meeting Minutes - Final City Commission Regular Meeting April 13, 2015
Prepared by: Laura Ansel
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller