REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Oliver Chi, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Chris Slama, Director of Community Services
Subject:
title
Authorize the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) and the formation of an Ad-Hoc Review Committee for the commissioning of a Public Art Element in Huntington Central Park
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Statement of Issue:
To date, the City has accrued $353,000 in restricted public art funds that have to be spent on the development of public art in one of the City’s parks (Fund 236 - Public Art in Parks). In the fall of 2019, staff conducted an online survey that indicated a strong desire for public art in Huntington Central Park. To that end, staff is requesting that the City Council authorize the release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) / Call for Artists in order to solicit and commission a public art piece in Huntington Central Park. Of note, as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020/21 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget, the City Council approved funding for the Library Fountain Restoration Project. While it remains to be determined the best location for a public art piece in Huntington Central Park, staff has discussed the possibility of incorporating the public art piece in conjunction with the restoration of the Library Fountain as one possible concept.
Financial Impact:
No funds are required for approval of Recommended Actions A or B. Upon final selection of an artist and approval of a design concept, funding would be appropriated using the existing Public Art in Parks Fund 236.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
A) Authorize the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to commission a public art component of the Central Library Fountain Restoration project currently included in the FY 2020/21 CIP; and,
B) Authorize Mayor Semeta to appoint an ad-hoc Huntington Central Park Public Art Committee to develop a scope of services for the RFP, review the proposals, and recommend to the City Council the final art selection and location.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve the recommended action and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
Staff has been working during the past few months to identify options for the expenditure of restricted art in public parks funds. Of note, in the fall of 2019, staff conducted an online survey to garner community feedback regarding public art in Huntington Beach. The survey results showed a significant amount of feedback expressing the desire for public art in parks, and specifically, in Huntington Central Park.
Given those survey results, coupled with staff review, it is recommended that the City Council move forward to expend restricted art in public parks dollars on a project to be located in Huntington Central Park. To facilitate the process of identifying the location and type of public art, staff is recommending that the City Council authorize staff to develop and release an RFP to commission a public art project in Huntington Central Park, and that Mayor Semeta be tasked with appointing an ad-hoc Huntington Central Park Public Art Committee to develop a scope of services for the RFP, review the proposals, and recommend to the City Council the final art selection and location.
Of note, as part of the FY 2020/21 CIP budget, the City Council allocated funds to restore the Central Library Fountain located on the northwest side of Central Library. Staff has identified an opportunity to incorporate a public art element in conjunction with the fountain restoration project that could serve as the eventual location for the art piece to be commissioned. Any art piece would have to harmonize with and respect the integrity of the unique architecture of the Central Library and with the natural aesthetic of Huntington Central Park; however, staff does believe that such an opportunity exists, where an accessible iconic public art piece can be developed for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Environmental Status:
Not applicable.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Enhance and maintain infrastructure
Attachment(s):
None.