TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action on Proposed Mural and Funding Source for Sponsorship Wall at the North Port Aquatic Center.
Recommended Action
Discussion and possible action on the proposed mural and funding for the Sponsorship Wall at the North Port Aquatic Center.
Background Information
During the June 6, 2019, City Commission Special Meeting, the North Port Aquatic Center Sponsorship Wall was approved with funding from the Public Art account. The Sponsor Wall includes a donor message fabricated from aluminum, acrylic sea life plaques and aluminum scrollwork depicting an underwater scene. Due to damage sustained from vandalism, the scrollwork portion of the Sponsor Wall requires replacement. The Parks & Recreation Department requested a quote from the original vendor for replacing the scrollwork and also reached out to the North Port Art Center to request a recommendation for a local artist who could complete an aquatic-themed mural that would be less susceptible to damage.
Based on her portfolio and work experience, the Art Center recommended Ms. Cathy Beausoleil. Ms. Beausoleil met with staff and put together a proposed mural that would incorporate the existing donor message and acrylic plaques. As has been past practice for public art/murals, the proposed mural was presented to the Art Advisory Board on April 12, 2022, for consideration. The board voted unanimously to proceed with the mural and present it to City Commission for approval. Facilities Maintenance has reviewed the proposed mural plan and have no concerns. In addition, staff from Neighborhood Development Services indicated there are no issues with the placement as it relates to the Unified Land Development Code.
The cost for the artist’s services and supplies as provided by Ms. Beausoleil is $4,200, plus a recommended $500 contingency for a total of $4,700. The cost for replacement as provided by the original vendor is $4,689.
Staff recommends approving the proposed mural concept by local artist Cathy Beausoleil as recommended by the Art Advisory Board for the sponsorship wall at the North Port Aquatic Center.
Strategic Plan
Protect and promote our natural, cultural, and historical heritage that help define the City’s identity, contribute to the economy, maintain balance, and improve quality of life.
Financial Impact
The artist’s project quote includes $3,800 for labor and $400 in supplies. Upon review, staff recommends including a $500 contingency for unanticipated increases in material and supply costs. Total project cost is $4,700. As of Sept. 19, 2022, the current balance of the Public Art Accounts (a.k.a. the ‘Art Fund’) is $128,917.33.
Should future maintenance of the mural be required, the artist fee is quoted at $15 per hour.
Procurement
The art services being procured are exempt from competition pursuant to Sec. 2-403 (a)(3)c of the City Procurement Code. When services are procured, applicable forms will be submitted to Procurement. The Parks and Recreation Department will manage the procurement and installation once the project has been approved by Commission and provide applicable updates to the Art Advisory Board.
Attachments:
1. June 6, 2019 City Commission Special Meeting Minutes
2. April 12, 2022 Art Advisory Board Minutes
3. Florida Coral Reef Presentation
4. Mural Plan and Maintenance Proposal
Prepared by: Laura Ansel, APR, Marketing and Engagement Coordinator/AAB Staff Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, CPRE, Director of Parks & Recreation