AGENDA PACKET - Laserfiche WebLink

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT August 20, 2024 Library and Recreation TITLE: PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING A PUBLIC ART FEE AND PROGRAM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City of Pleasanton recognizes the important role of public art in fostering civic pride and encouraging a sense of place. Unique or significant public art pieces can become landmarks that people associate with a community. With the support of generous benefactors, the City’s public art collection has expanded over many years. Notably, these donations are specifically allocated for the purchase of art and do not cover installation or maintenance of the artwork. By implementing a “percent for art” program, the City could bolster its public art collection by creating a continuous funding source for the installation and maintenance of public art, alongside the existing donor-advised funds, which are projected to grow over time. Staff recommends the City Council direct staff to develop a “percent for public art” program which would be brought forward for review and approval by the Civic Arts Commission and City Council as a work plan item in Fiscal Year 2024/25. BACKGROUND Chapter 13.16 of the Pleasanton Municipal Code (PMC) describes the purpose of “Art in Public Places” (Attachment 1), as being “to promote the acquisition, construction and installment of works of public art in Pleasanton that will foster creativity, engender civic pride, encourage a sense of community, and enrich the lives of our citizens.” The City currently has 46 permanent public art pieces, 20 utility box paintings, and two temporary public art pieces. These works are located in City parks and facilities, as well as on public streets and sidewalks, including areas around the Firehouse Arts Center, Alviso Adobe Community Park, Pioneer Cemetery and along Main Street. One public art piece is located at Kaiser Permanente medical facility on Stoneridge Drive. The City's Public Art Program is currently funded by the General Fund, an Internal Service Fund, and “Another H.A.P.P.Y.” (Another Harrington Art Partnership Piece for You). The General Fund supports $40,000 per year for conservation and maintenance (provided as part of the Library and Recreation Department budget). An Internal Service Fund — the Public Art Acquisition and Maintenance Fund (provided as part of the Public Works Department budget) — supports $20,000 per year: $10,000 for art installations, which includes lighting, concrete bases, and plaques, and $10,000 for art acquisition. Another H.A.P.P.Y. is a donor-advised fund established by George Gary Harrington and Nancy R. Harrington and held by the City. The Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council has been assigned the Harringtons’ limited control over the fund. As of July 2024, the balance of Item #1.b. Page 31 of 40