TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Review and Approval of the Art Advisory Board Recommendation for the Creation of a Mural at the Community Education Center Building in Support of the Senior Center at a Cost Not to Exceed $10,000.
Recommended Action
Approve the Art Advisory Board recommendation for the creation of a mural at the Community Education Center Building in support of the Senior Center at a cost not to exceed $10,000.
Background Information
During the April 12, 2022, City Commission Regular Meeting, a motion was made to direct staff to work with the Art Advisory Board and the Senior Center in order to bring back a project for placement of a mural on the Senior Center building.
The following is a timeline of actions taken by the Art Advisory Board during their regularly scheduled meetings regarding the selection of a mural for the Community Education Center building:
Ø May 10, 2022: The Board had a preliminary discussion regarding the direction of the mural project. There was consensus to invite Senior Center President, Helen Marchese, to the next meeting to discuss mural logistics with the Board.
Ø June 14, 2022: The Board received a presentation from the Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society. Following the presentation, the Board had a discussion regarding the placement of the mural and building entrances.
Ø July - October 2022: The Art Advisory Board did not meet during the months of July, August, and September due to a lack of a quorum. The October meeting was canceled due to City operational impacts post Hurricane Ian.
Ø November 8, 2022: City staff, representing the Social Services Division, attended the meeting and shared the suggested subject matter of flora/fauna for the mural on behalf of Senior Center President, Helen Marchese. Discussion ensued regarding a potential partnership with the North Port High School based on the level of interest from art students. Additionally, information related to the North Port Art Center mural and budget was requested.
Ø December 13, 2022: The Board selected flora and fauna as the subject matter for the mural. It was determined that it would be in the best interest of the project to solicit local artists and offer a stipend for their work instead of preparing a general Call to Artists.
Ø March 14, 2023: Two preliminary proposals were presented from two separate local artists, Laura Pucci and Laura Pommier. Both artists were asked to return with a rendering of the mural as it would appear on the Community Education Center and an itemized budget for their work.
Ø June 13, 2023: The Board reviewed the mural renderings and associated budgets proposed by each artist. The Board was unanimous in their recommendation to move forward with a proposal from Laura Pucci entitled Florida Native Butterfly Garden.
Strategic Plan
Quality of Life
Financial Impact
Per the proposal submitted, the cost for Ms. Pucci’s services is $9,640, which includes her artist fee of $8,640 and supplies of approximately $1,000. An additional $360 is being requested by staff as contingency for any unexpected expenses associated with the project. As of August 17, 2023, the current balance of the Public Arts Account 001-0000-324-62-05 (a.k.a. the ‘Art Fund’) is $68,607.47. Upon approval of this item, staff will present a budget amendment (Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget) to Commission to formally allocate funds to account 001-0760-573-49-22 for the associated 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. Pucci Mural Proposal
2. Pommier Mural Proposal
3. 2023-06-13 Art Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
4. 2023-03-14 Art Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
5. 2022-12-13 Art Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
6. 2022-11-08 Art Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
7. 2022-06-14 Art Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
8. 2022-05-10 Art Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
9. 2022-04-12 City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
Prepared by: Shelby Mendelson, Recreation Manager
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks and Recreation Director