Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/03/2002, BUS 4 - ACCEPTANCE OF A $75,000 DONATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF ELIZABETH MCQUEEN'S SCULPTURE PUCK AND APPROPR i council Mating D.t I D&acEnoa REpoRt Tw.N..b, CITY OF SAN L U I S O B I S P O FROM: Wendy George,ACAO Prepared By: Betsy Kiser DeJamette, Assistant to the CAO ;ko SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF A $75,000 DONATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF ELIZABETH MCQUEEN'S SCULPTURE PUCK AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDING FOR PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION. CAO RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. As recommended by the Public Art jury, adopt a resolution accepting a monetary donation of $75,000 from citizens in the community for the purchase of Elizabeth McQueen's sculpture Puck for the City's Public Art collection. 2. Appropriate up to $15,000 from the Public Art In-Lieu account to complete funds needed for the purchase, installation and dedication of Puck. 3. Authorize staff to proceed with the purchase of Puck. 4. Appropriate $3,300 from the Public Art In-Lieu account to pay for installation costs associated with Carol Paulson's mural on Marsh Street Parking Structure expansion. DISCUSSION Background Several years ago, the City Council adopted a Privately Funded Art in Public Places Policy that allows an individual(s) to donate art to the City if the art 1) meets established criteria for public art and 2) withstands the rigorous review of a jury, the Architectural Review Commission (ARC), other commissions where appropriate, and the City Council. Since the program began, the City implemented the policy for the first time last spring with the acceptance of Kate Britton's Garnet. This past month, the City received a request from citizens in the community to accept a monetary donation to purchase Elizabeth McQueen's bronze sculpture Puck for the City's Public Art collection. Since the mid-90's, McQueen's Puck has graced the Downtown Centre and entertained the community with his mischievous stance. On loan from the artist during this time, McQueen recently removed the sculpture when no patron stepped forward to purchase him. The outcry was immediate and within a month, six families agreed to donate $76;000 (of the $85,000 asking price) to the City for purchasing the sculpture. They also requested that the City contribute the remainder of funds necessary to complete the purchase and install the piece. (Attachment 1) The select group of families includes Pam Dassenko, Catherine and Richard Luckett, Kirsten and John Swift, Linda and Robert Takken, Bert and Candace Forbes, and Diane Blakeslee. Council Agenda Report—Acceptance of Monetary Donation for Puck Page 2 Description of Puck Puck is a bronze sculpture of"that merry wanderer of the night" in Midsummer Night's Dream. He measures 9' tall from the ground to the top of his head and weighs approximately 900 lbs. His body is gracefully poised on a 28" tall granite base that adds an additional 900 pounds to the overall piece and permits the sculpture to rotate 360 degrees, making it interactive. (Attachment 2). The entire piece is supported by 7' cross members that anchor into the ground. Attached to the granite base is a plaque with the artist's name and a brief description of the art. This particular Puck is one of three casts of the original mold.. Approval Process The Art Jury. In accordance with City policy, an art jury, consisting of Judy Rohr (County Library), Barbara Bell (patron of the arts), Dick DeLong (member of the Art's Council) and Kate Stulberg (Executive Director of the Art's Council)juried the piece on November 21, 2002. They reviewed the artwork for appropriateness of scale, form and design, evaluated materials for longevity and safety and discussed possible site locations for Puck. They also looked at the artist's experience. Descriptors such as "excellent", "beautiful and timeless", "marvelous piece of art; beautifully conceived and executed" were used to describe the artistic excellence of Puck. The work received overwhelming support from the jury with a recommendation that the Council accept and purchase the piece for the community. ARC Review. Normally, following review by the jury, artwork is evaluated by the ARC using the Guidelines for Public Art. Comments and recommendations are then forwarded to the City Council for final approval. These Guidelines primarily look at issues pertaining to site location, compatibility with the neighborhood, durability of materials and public safety and health concerns. Because the donors requested that the purchase of Puck be fast-tracked to accommodate needs of the artist and tax interests, the exact site location for Puck has not been finalized. Therefore, staff is requesting that the Council accept the donation at this time and approve the purchase of Puck. Once a specific site location is determined, it will be taken to the ARC for site approval and subsequent final approval by the Council. CONCURRENCES The public art jury reviewed the piece and determined that it is appropriate for the City's Public Art collection. As stated above, once a site location is determined, the ARC will be given an opportunity to review the artwork for consistency with the Guidelines for Public Art. FISCAL IMPACT The purchase price of Puck is $85,000, with $75,000 of that being donated by the above mentioned families. Additional funds will be needed to complete the purchase, install and dedicate the sculpture. While the exact costs are unknown until the final site location is determined, staff is requesting that the Council authorize an amount not to exceed $15,000 from G:\Projects&Programs\Public Art\Current Projects\Puck\CAR Donation.for Puck 120302.doc A-a Council Agenda Report—Acceptance of Monetary Donation for Puck Page 3 the Art In-Lieu account to cover these expenses. (The Public Art In-Lieu funds are designed to support the acquisition, installation and improvement of public art in the City). A breakdown of expenses and funding sources follows: Cost of Puck $85,000 Installation(not to exceed) 5,000 TOTAL COST $90,000 Community Donation $75,000 Public Art In-Lieu Account 15,000 TOTAL SOURCE OF FUNDS $90,000 Staff is also requesting $3,300 from the Public Art In-Lieu account to pay for installation costs associated with Carol Paulson's mural on Marsh Street Parking Structure expansion. Funds are needed to lease scaffolding for the artist to work from as the mural is being painted. Currently, the Public Art-In-Lieu account has a balance of$47,926. If funding is appropriated, a total of$29,626 remains for future projects. ALTERNATIVES 1. The City Council could choose not to accept the monetary donation nor approve the purchase of Puck. Due to the goodwill and generosity of the citizens who donated the funds and the immediate public outcry for Puck to remain in the community, this is not a recommended alternative. Generous donations of this kind are not common occurrences and staff feels the community would react negatively to this alternative. 2. The City Council could accept the monetary donation and approve the purchase of Puck, but not authorize the additional funds for the purchase, installation and dedication of the sculpture. Rather, the Council could direct staff to continue to solicit donations from the community to complete the project. Although this is an acceptable alternative, staff feels that to contribute funds to the project demonstrates the City's high regard for public art and its commitment to public/private partnerships that assist in perpetuating both the public art program and community goodwill. ATTACHMENTS 1. Letter from Kirsten Swift regarding donation. 2. Photos of Puck 3. Resolution Accepting Donation GAProjects&Programs\Public Art\Current ProjectsTuck\CAR Donation for Puck 120302.doc 4 -3 ATTACHMENT 1 Ki RS ! EN ® SW[i' E 850 6uchon Phone:(80515 8 w San LOS Ob'�spo.CA 93401 Fax(805)541-16921692 E-rnat kbswiR@Chcuternet October 28,2002 To The Mayor of San Luis Obispo, To The Members of The San Luis Obispo City Council, Dear Mayor and City Council Members, A select group of admirers of Elizabeth MacQueen's sculptures have pledged a total of$47,000 in order to keep the sculpture"Puck"in San Luis Obispo.We feel the sculpture has already become a special addition to our wonderful city.It is our hope that you share this sentiment and that you would be able and willing to complete and finalize the purchase of"Puck". Karen Kile,executive director for The Art Center has negotiated a 15%discount for the City since MacQueen shares a strong desire to keep"Puck"in San Luis Obispo.By brmgmg the purchase price down to$85,000,the artist however stresses the importance of a timely transferal of fiords. The donors:Pam Dassenko,Kathy and Richard Luckett,Kirsten and John Swift,Linda and Robert Takken would Ince to know which qualified 501-C-3 would be willing to receive their donations. We look forward to hear from you,as we hope to proceed as soon as possible. Sincerely Yours Kirsten B. Swift Cc: Elizabeth K.Dejamette,assistant to the CAO RECEIVED SEP 2 9 2002 SLO CITY COUNCIL ATTACHMENT 2 4 PHOTOS OF PUCK JtRJ i 1 t �. _ � meq✓°''�VO,�M� ��s i � 4 1 w ATTACHMENT 3 Resolution No. (2002 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBIPSO ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF $85,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF PUBLIC ART SCULPTURE "PUCK" WHEREAS, the sculpture "Puck"was removed from the community by the artist; and WHEREAS, pursuant to receipt of a letter from citizens in the community, Exhibit A attached herein, indicating these citizens chose to donate $75,000 to the City of San Luis Obispo to enable the City to purchase Elizabeth McQueen's sculpture "Puck" for the its public art collection;and WHEREAS, subject to Resolution No. 8965 (1999 Series), Exhibit B attached herein, all donations exceeding $5,000 shall be accepted through a written agreement consistent with these guidelines and approved by City Council; and WHEREAS, Exhibit A serves as the written agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo hereby accepts the donation of$75,000 subject to the terms and conditions of Exhibit A and B. Upon motion of Council Member , seconded by Council Member and on the following roll call voter AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was adopted this_day of , 2002. Mayor Dave Romero ATTEST: Lee Price, City Clerk O D AS TO . effrey . Jorg n, i Attomey 4 Ap FROM FAX NO. : 805 5411692 Nov. 21 2002 03:21PM P2 CXl1 ib f A �8D(805)541-8498 B. SWIFT �� �Obispo.CA?W1 satb 5iMl_kbswittQctarter net November 21 s`,2002 To The Mayor of San Luis Obispo To The Metnbcrs of The San Luis Obispo City Council Dear Mayor and City Council Members, As noted in correspondence dated October 2e 2002,and further updated in this letter,a group of citizens$om the community have pledged$75.000 to donate to The City of San Luis Obispo to enable The City to purchase EIizabeth MacQueen's sculpture"Puck"for its public arts collection. The donors consist of the following people: Diane Blakeslee Pam Dassenko Bert and Candace Forbes Catherine and Richard Luckett Kasten and John Swift Linda and Robcrt Takken We look forward to the Council accepting Ibis donation and proceeding with the purchase of "Puck"so he can be returned to the community for the continued enjoyment of all. Sincerely, Kirsten B.Swift Ex�i B RESOLUTION NO. 8965 (1999 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ADOPTING A CITY DONATION ACCEPTANCE POLICY WHEREAS, individuals, community .groups, and businesses may wish to make donations to the City in either cash or in-kind contributions that enhance projects, facilities, and programs; and WHEREAS, the need for projects, facilities, and programs exceeds the City's ability to fund all such needed projects; and WHEREAS, it is an acceptable and appropriatepractice to accept donations, in order to enhance City programs and/or facilities to provide a higher level of service to the public. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo hereby adopts the following policy concerning the acceptance of donations: 1. The donation must have a purpose consistent with City goals and objectives 2. The City may decline any donation without comment or cause. 3. The donation will not be in conflict with any provision of the law. 4. The donation will be aesthetically acceptable to the City. 5. The donation will not add to the City's workload unless it provides a net benefit to the City. 6. The donation will not bring hidden costs such as starting a program the City would be unwilling to fund when the donation was exhausted. 7. The donation places no restriction on the City, unless agreed to by the City Council. 8. The donation shall become property of the City. 9. All donations will receive recognition appropriate to the level and nature of the donation as determined by the City. For those of a capital nature, that may be in the form of signage, marking, or naming. Any naming of Parks and Recreation facilities shall be consistent with City policy on the naming of such facilities as set forth in Resolution 8621 (1997 Series). Regardless of the recognition strategy selected, the intent shall be to appropriately honor the donor for their contribution to the community. The appearance of traditional commercial advertising shall be avoided. 10. Donations exceeding $5,000 shall be accepted through a written agreement consistent with these guidelines and approved by the City Council. In-kind capital donations will be subject to normal City review, permitting, inspection, and insurance requirements. Upon motion of Council Member Marx seconded by Council Member Ewan, and on the K 8965 I Cxh� 6�t , g Resolution No. 8965 (1999 Series) Page 2 following roll call vote: AYES: Council Members Ewan, Marx, Schwartz, Vice Mayor Romero and Mayor Settle NOES: None ABSENT: None The foregoing resolution was adopted this 7th day of September, 1999. Mayor Allen Settle ATTEST:-- , U,&r 2 Lee Pnce, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Jeffre or en , C Attorney F—�'gra' Pae 1 Betsy DeJarnette- Proposal to donate '<to SLO _ 9 � RECEIVED From: "Kirsten Swift"<kbswift@charter.neb To: "Betsy DeJamette" <BDEJARNE@siocity.org> NOV h 2002 Date: 11/27/02 10:37AM Subject: Proposal to donate Puck to SLO SLO CITY CLERK Kirsten B. Swift 850 Buchon San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Phone: (805) 541-8498 Fax: (805)541-1692 , E-mail: kbswift@charter.net Z COUNCIL ,�'CDD DIR CAO ! FIN DIR November 26, 2002 � �y ACAO -_ je-FIRE CHIEF ATTORNEY 1Z PW DIR WCLERK/ORIO 2 POLICE CHF To:The Mayor of San Luis Obispo © DEPT HEADS Z AEC DIR To:The Members of The San Luis Obispo City Council 612LIU 11.E m UTIL DIR r Refer to: October 28th and November 21 st Correspondence HR DIR Dear Mayor and City Council Members, A small group of citizens are pledging $75,000 towards the purchase of Elizabeth MacQueen's sculpture _ "Puck". We feel the sculpture should remain a special part of this wonderful city. Karen Kile, executive director for San Luis Obispo Art Center, negotiated a 15% discount if Puck was returned to San Luis Obispo. By bringing the purchase price down to $85,000, the artist stresses the importance of completing the purchase as soon as possible. We expect a resolution prior to December 31 st 2002. The donors, Diane Blakeslee Pam Dassenko Candace and Bert Forbes Catherine and Richard Luckett Kirsten and John Swift Linda and Robert Takken wish to donate $75,000 to the City of San Luis Obispo if The City approves and authorizes the final funds to complete the purchase and placement of"Puck." Several donors have expressed strong interest and a concern about the location for"Puck".We hope that their input will be considered when selecting a permanent site for this magnificent piece of art.We hope the City will accept our proposal as we would like to see"Puck"back in San Luis Obispo for all citizens to enjoy. We look forward to proceeding as soon as possible. Sincerely MEETING AGENDA Kirsten B. Swift DATE Abg ITEM # ;Betsy DeJarnette- Proposal to d ;to!LO Page 2? Cc: Karen Kile Cc: Elizabeth Dejamette