Title
Approval of Olympia Downtown Association 2014 Neighborhood Matching Grant
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Arts Commission recommends approval of the Neighborhood Matching Grant proposed by the Olympia Downtown Association.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the $4,000.00 Neighborhood Matching Grant for the Olympia Downtown Association.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve recommended 2014 matching grant for the Olympia Downtown Association, a Recognized Neighborhood Association.
Staff Contact:
Michelle Sadlier, Associate Planner, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8031
Presenter(s):
Michelle Sadlier, Associate Planner
Background and Analysis:
On May 27, 2014, the Olympia City Council reviewed applications for the neighborhood matching grant program submitted by six Recognized Neighborhood Associations (RNAs). As a result of the review, the City Council approved the funding of matching grants for five of the RNAs at the meeting: Bigelow, Bigelow Highlands, Cooper Crest, Hidden Creek, and Northeast.
During the review, Councilmembers raised concerns over the proposal submitted by the sixth RNA, the Olympia Downtown Association (ODA). The ODA's submission proposes installing art with a sculptural element that celebrates the artesian well in the alley that connects Jefferson St SE and Cherry St SE, between 4th Ave E and 5th Ave E. Details on the design of the proposed artwork have not been provided with the application to allow the future artist the opportunity for full artistic expression.
In discussion of the proposal, Councilmembers raised a particular concern over the role of the Olympia Arts Commission in reviewing publicly-funded art even when the art itself would be privately owned and maintained. City Council referred the application to the Arts Commission.
Arts Commission Review
Community Planning and Development staff members Michelle Sadlier and Todd Stamm attended the June 12, 2014 meeting of the Arts Commission. Ms. Sadlier presented the City Council referral to the Commission. The Arts Commission discussion included the following remarks:
The Arts Commission appreciates the Council's sensitivity that the proposal could look like public art. Commission members also appreciate knowing what art is proposed in the community;
The group noted that the proposal was brought forward by a neighborhood association and that it meets the criteria that the Arts Commission would consider for any City project;
Commissioners appreciate creative ideas that celebrate the artesian wells downtown and thought it would be nice to have more three-dimensional work downtown; and
Commission members expressed hope that this project would inspire more artwork in alleys, which should feel safe and inviting.
To conclude the discussion, the Arts Commission unanimously recommended that Council approve the funding for the ODA's 2014 matching grant proposal.
Additional Information on Project Vision
While details of a design have not been provided at this stage of the application, the ODA has discussed some of the community's ideas for the projects with City staff. The Turtle Place sculpture in Vancouver, Washington has been described as the original inspiration for the project. The ODA has also given consideration to the idea of the sculpture being a gateway in form. Attachment 1 has been submitted by the ODA to provide Councilmembers with more information on their vision for the project.
Staff Recommendation
Based on the recommendation by the Arts Commission, City staff recommend the approval of funding for the ODA's proposed project, which staff view as consistent with the goals of the program "to encourage projects that foster civic pride, enhance and beautify neighborhoods, expand citizen involvement, and promote the interests of the Olympia community." The proposed project would work towards strengthening the vitality of downtown by beautifying and increasing the safety of one of Olympia's downtown alleys while celebrating and raising the profile of the city's much-appreciated but underused artesian wells.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
General public interest in downtown art and downtown alley safety
Options:
1. Approve the ODA neighborhood matching grant as described, directly contributing to the City's and Downtown neighborhoods' efforts to improve the safety, aesthetics, and public experience of Olympia's alleyways; or
2. Approve partial funding of the grant request; or
3. Do not approve funding for the ODA's matching grant proposal.
Financial Impact:
The 2014 budget provides up to $23,000.00 to be used for the Neighborhood Matching Grant program. If this grant is approved, the total approved funding for the program will be $20,936.08. If the grant is not approved, the total funding for the 2014 Neighborhood Matching Grants will be $16,936.08.