DATE: September 16, 2024
TO: Council Sustainability Committee
FROM: Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: Downtown Hayward Improvement Association Art Project for Big Belly Litter Cans – Discussion and Direction to Staff
RECOMMENDATION
That the Council Sustainability Committee (CSC) reviews and comments on this report and provides direction to staff regarding the Downtown Hayward Improvement Association’s proposal to decorate Big Belly litter cans located in Downtown Hayward with art.
SUMMARY
The Downtown Hayward Improvement Association (DHIA) has proposed to install vinyl artwork by local artists in the Downtown on Big Belly trash and recycling receptacles. The Strategic Roadmap for 2024-25 includes the priority to Cultivate Vibrant Neighborhoods. Objective 3 of that priority is to Beautify and Activate Public Spaces, and this project can help accomplish that goal.
BACKGROUND
The DHIA was established in 2018 to administer the Downtown Hayward Community Benefit District, a property-based special assessment district established to implement services above and beyond what was currently being provided by the City. The DHIA manages the implementation of a wide range of cleaning services outlined in the district management plan that includes litter collection, and streetscape improvements. The services are paid for by a special assessment on properties within the District boundaries, which are depicted in Figure 1 on page 2.
Figure 1, DHIA Service Area
DISCUSSION
On March 11, 2024, the CSC suggested including placemaking art on Big Belly style cans. The DHIA would like to release a call for artists to submit artwork that would be displayed by means of a vinyl wrap on at least 35 Big Belly style public litter cans located in the area served by the DHIA. The DHIA’s Call for Artists to provide artwork for the Big Belly public litter cans aligns with the DHIA’s goal to provide streetscape improvements within the District. The DHIA provided City staff a draft Call for Artists in April of 2024 (see Attachment II). Pending direction from the CSC, the DHIA’s request for submissions from artists may be released in the Fall of 2024.
The Big Belly litter can art project entails inviting artists to submit artwork within about a two-month period. The DHIA’s selection committee, the District Identity and Streetscape Improvement Committee (DISI), would select which submissions will be placed on cans, and artists will receive $800 for each submission selected. The theme which the artist will be asked to address is:
“History & heritage of Hayward, the artistic and creative environment of the City, the contemporary culture of its citizenry, local landscapes and scenic overlooks, symbolic landmarks, historical figures or positive symbols reflecting the diverse and unique experiences of Hayward.” Submissions that emphasize or relate to Downtown would be prioritized. Staff is seeking additional input from the CSC on the proposed art and placemaking program for public litter cans.
Figure 2, Big Belly Cans From Other Jurisdictions Wrapped in Art
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Cleaner, more vibrant, public spaces can create a positive economic impact. Providing clean, pleasant areas for people to visit can increase the vitality of an area, and the potential of visitors patronizing local businesses. Artwork can also discourage and reduce instances of vandalism and graffiti.
FISCAL IMPACT
This project will be entirely funded by the DHIA and will have no impact on the General Fund or other City funds.
STRATEGIC ROADMAP
This agenda item supports the Strategic Priority of Cultivate Vibrant Neighborhoods, but it is not specifically related to a project identified in the strategic Roadmap.
SUSTAINABILITY FEATURES
Placing art on public litter cans has no direct sustainability features.
PUBLIC CONTACT
There has been no public contact related to the implementation of this project.
NEXT STEPS
Upon direction from the CSC, staff will work with the DHIA to implement the proposed program.
Prepared by: Jeff Krump, Solid Waste Program Manager
Erik Pearson, Environmental Services Manager
Recommended by: Alex Ameri, Director of Public Works
Approved by:
____________________________
Dustin Claussen, Interim City Manager
Management-District-Plan_DHIA_2018.pdf (visithaywardca.com)