Title
Art in Public Places Trust (APPT) Solar Walk Project Update (B)
Explanation
The Solar Walk project is a scaled solar system designed for installation along NW 8th Avenue. Artist Elizabeth Indianos has completed the first contract with the City for this project which entailed City First Step approval of engineering drawings and installation requirements.
On March 7, 2001, new models and engineering drawings for the works were presented to the APPT and the Alachua Astronomy Club (AAC). The proposed materials and designs met with the approval of both committees.
Fiscal Note
The City of Gainesville has fulfilled its portion of the commitment to this project, and there is no further financial impact to the City anticipated.
The City Commission allocated $5,000 for this project in November of 1998, at which time the AAC pledged to raise an additional $25,000. Sixty-five hundred dollars of this $30,000 total has been expended for the first of two planned contracts with the artist. The AAC has succeeded in securing $20,000 of the remaining $23,500 necessary to fulfill the balance of their commitment. They plan to revisit this issue with their expanded membership at their meeting scheduled for May 15, 2001, and anticipate receiving approval to raise the outstanding $3,500. At that point, the next contract can be issued with the expectation that the project can resume by this summer.
The City's entering into a second and final contract with the artist will be contingent upon first receiving the $23,500 from the AAC.
Recommendation
The City Commission hear a brief report by APPT Vice Chair James Wyman.