City Council Minutes 2023 01 10 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes January 10, 2023 Page 6 of 8 the community heal from the collective trauma of the past year. Main Street is a visible, high traffic location where people can engage with the art. The process has included fire survivors and they were an integral part of this process. The Subcommittee feels this location creates the most exposure and engagement for the artwork. Mark Cathcart, member of the LCC but speaking on his own behalf, stated he submitted comments via email for the record as well. He stated those comments outline his concerns with this process and the Cultural Council. He asserted that many LCC members have not yet taken open government training and the appropriate process was not followed. Councilmember Leh asked what process was followed. Schmitt stated the public art process was followed.The jury included 14 people including residents who lost homes in the fire, business owners, and LCC members. Councilmember Most asked who selected the 14 person jury. Schmitt stated the jury was chosen by members of the LCC Public Art Subcommittee and they extended the invitation to business owners, residents who lost homes, and LCC members. Members did disclose any conflicts of interest. Mayor Pro Tem Fahey stated she very much likes the sculpture but feels it is not the correct location. She stated the arboretum would be a more appropriate location as it was in the fire, it is visible from Via Appia, and it would be visible from homes that are being rebuilt after the fire. She added there is parking and accessibility there and Via Appia has more traffic. She also noted this is not just an art sculpture but also a memorial for the fire victims and as such would be more appropriate being in the burn area. She would like to see it put at the arboretum. Councilmember Most asked why the call for entry specified a location in downtown and wondered if that was not in the call if it would have affected the sculpture design, scale and mass. Schmitt stated if the location is changed the LCC would start the process again with a new Call for Entries. Councilmember Dickinson stated he is ok with the location at City Hall, but agreed it may not be the perfect location for all people. Councilmember Brown stated this location was supposed to be a place of honor but we need to be sensitive to everyone. He stated he feels the sculpture is good, but he is uncomfortable with the location. Councilmember Leh stated the process was created to give the LCC appropriate leeway and that process has been followed. He stated it wouldn't be appropriate to approve the sculpture but not the location. This is not likely to be the only Marshall Fire memorial.