Public Art Committee

Public Art Committee Agenda Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater October 10, 2024 - 5:30 PM If you require any accommodation (i.e. qualified interpreter, large print, reader, hearing assistance) in order to attend this meeting, please notify the Administrative Office at 913-322-5500 no later than 24 hours prior to the beginning of the meeting. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. ACTION ITEMS 1. Consider approval of the Sept. 12, 2024 Public Art Committee meeting minutes. Public Art Committee - Sep 12 2024 - Minutes - Pdf IV. PROJECT UPDATES 1. Parking Structure Stairs 2. Hearts Across Merriam Public Art Project Proposal - Hearts Across Merriam 3. Public Art Tour on the Otocast app 4. City Updates 5. Other Items from the Floor V. ADJOURNMENT  MINUTES Public Art Committee Meeting City of Merriam, Kansas Merriam Community Center, 6040 Thursday, September 12, 2024 5:30 PM Slater I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Public Art Committee - Sep 12 2024 called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM II. ROLL CALL Committee Members Present: Staff Present: Christopher Leitch Lauren Krivoshia, Assistant to the City Administrator Gerald Becker Jan Schoonover Jordan Gomez Maggie McConnell Shawn McConnell Jason Silvers Staci Chivetta Christine Nelson Vanessa Chasm Committee Members Absent: Julie Denesha III. ACTION ITEMS 1. Consider approval of the August 8, 2024 Public Art Committee Meeting minutes. Committee Member Becker made a motion to approve the minutes. Committee Member Schoonover seconded and the motion was unanimously APPROVED. IV. PROJECT UPDATES 1. Carter Ave. Underpass Staff showed enthusiasm and support for the idea of an art project at this location. However, in researching the site further, many considerations were noted. While the Page 1 of 3 Public Art Committee Minutes – September 12, 2024 City owns the bridge and maintains the area, the southern portion of the site is Right-of- Way land owned by KDOT, which means any projects may require obtaining a permit from KDOT, and KDOT's policy does not allow public art. Given the unique situation and ownership issues, staff reached out to our bridge inspector as well as a contact at KDOT, both of which indicated a project sounded plausible. However, no real answer would be known from KDOT until a site specific proposal is brought to them for consideration. Any project involving the bridge would require engineering to ensure that the project wouldn't impact the structural integrity of the bridge with any attachments that may modify the weight capacity. If lighting is use, it shouldn't distract drivers, and would need to be connected to Evergy's electric lines. If murals are considered, it should be noted that any future bridge repairs could damage the murals. It's advised that an artist who has done similar collaborative work would be essential for a successful project. Staff noted that the more specific the committee can be about a potential project, the easier it is to vet. The committee recognizes these challenges and does not view them as insurmountable. City Council approved a design study for the interchange at I-35 and Shawnee Mission Parkway at the Sept. 9 council meeting. The Carter Ave. underpass is included in the area of traffic that the study will review. This study will provide a preliminary design for reconfiguring the intersection and should take about a year to complete. The committee agreed they are still interested in pursuing this project pending the results of the study, and they would like a representative to participate on the committee for the study. 2. Other Project Options Given the challenges of the Carter Ave. underpass location, staff prepared alternate location options for the first public art project that should be more easily achievable. Using the community survey results, the public art master plan, and previous committee input as guidance, three options around the MCC and Library site were selected. The most desired (and currently feasible) locations to see public art on the survey was for art incorporated into infrastructure, closely followed by unexpected places, and at the Merriam Community Center. Beautification was the most important aspect of life for purpose of public art on the survey. There's also a desire to do a project at a community gathering place, and for the project to be highly visible. Location options included the retaining wall along Slater St., the exterior parking structure stairs, and in the interior parking structure stairs. Given that these are all on City owned property and lack the complexity of the Carter Ave. location, it's likely that a project could be accomplished much faster. An art project on the exterior stairs could be quick and easy, could create a photo moment, bring joy to those who use the stairs, and improve crosswalk safety by raising awareness of the stairs existence. The interior stairwell has approximately 1,000 square feet of dark gray walls and plain concrete stairs. A project in here could create a more welcoming entrance, is protected from the elements, and could be done in a variety of mediums. Committee members specifically commented on the possibility of using the windows or the railing. The retaining wall is approximately 300 feet long and varying heights. It has a textures surface and is an angled wall, and is adjacent to the native hill that could also be used. One committee member expressed concern for a saturation of art projects at this Page 2 of 3 Public Art Committee Minutes – September 12, 2024 location and spending public money all on one location. The hill on the east side of the building along Slater St. was suggested as a possible location, as was letting the artist decide where they would like to do a project on the campus. Others expressed that providing guidelines can be very helpful for artists and staff. The committee also discussed their previous interest in "The Clearing" along the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail and noted how popular it is for kids and dogs, and would be a great location for something interactive. The committee recognized that this could be a more long term project than the options at the MCC campus. It was also noted that the City would like to see a project progress sooner given that we are almost two years in to the CIP funding for public art. After discussion each committee member shared how they would like to move forward. Consensus was to move forward with soliciting an artists to do a project at both the exterior parking structure stairs and the interior stairwell for a maximum budget of $50,000. This project will allow the committee to build experience with the procurement process before committing to more complex projects. It was also agreed to continue considering The Clearing for a next project. Christopher Leitch voted no. 3. Hearts Across Merriam Staff occasionally have ideas for small projects that fit the Public Art and Placemaking Master Plan, but are not currently budgeted for in the City's regular budget. Hearts Across Merriam is an idea presented by the Tourism and Economic Development Manager to celebrate the City's 75th Birthday next year. The idea is to have Merriam resident and glass blower Dierk VanKeppel create glass hearts with a Merriam logo on them that can be hidden around the City from January to October 2025. Jan and Gerry visited Dierk's studio to learn more and had a very enjoyable and positive experience. It was also shared that he often hosts a studio open house in October. Several committee members had to leave so this item was not discussed at length, but will be at the October meeting. 4. City Updates Lauren Krivoshia is unavailable for the October meeting but other City staff will host the meeting. Johnson County Parks and Recreation recently completed a park poster project, and Antioch Park was featured in one of the posters. The Parade of Hearts ended and the City purchased the heart My Heart Resides in Strawberry Hill by Kate E. Burke at auction for $3,250. City Council has an open seat in Ward 4 and applications are due by Oct. 9 at 4:30 p.m. 5. Other Business from the Floor V. ADJOURNMENT There being no other items to consider, the meeting was adjourned at 6:46 p.m. Page 3 of 3  PUBLIC ART PROJECT PROPSAL Project Overview Hearts Across Merriam is a community initiative aimed at combining art and exploration as part of our "Feel the Love" campaign launched in 2024. Local glass-blowing artist, Dierk Van Keppel has been approached to created these heart keepsakes to celebrate the City's 75th birthday (75 hearts for 75 years). Kicking off in January and running through October, hearts will be hidden across the city in local parks and city facilities, plus a few participating businesses, historic sites, etc. Seekers can keep the heart as a reminder of the love we have for our city or share the love by hiding it again for another person to discover. Utilizing a social hashtag (#HeartsAcrossMerriam), we can encourage finders to share their hearts online, furthering the engagement and reach of this fun, community scavenger hunt. Which Placemaking Outcomes does this project meet? Creative Placemaking Community Development Economic Development ▢ City Identity ▢ Health and Safety ▢ Tourism ▢ Wayfinding ▢ Engagement ▢ Property Redevelopment ▢ Neighborhood Identity ▢ Inclusion ▢ Business Development ▢ Gathering Place ▢ Creative Class ▢ History Project Location Various locations across Merriam Budget Initial project cost Annual/maintenance cost Comments $3,500 N/A 75 hearts + mold + Merriam imprint Schedule / Timeline September: Art committee funding request; October: commission artist; January: place initiative in Visitor Guide 2025, social posts, etc.; Jan-Oct: place hearts Artist(s) Selection Are there any artist eligibility restrictions? ▢ No ▢ Yes (Describe in comments) How will artists be solicited for this project? ▢ RFQ ▢ Direct contract Comments: Preferance for local artists. Local glass-blowing artist, Dierk Van Keppel was contacted for an initial quote. Staff Project Manager Name Title Department Karen Crane Tourism & Economic Development Manager Admin