Item #12
Date: August 18, 2023
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Jim Schaad, City Manager
Subject: Cotton Rosser Bronze Statue Project
Recommendation:
Pass a Motion to 1) approve the placement of a Cotton Rosser Bronze Statue in a location at Washington Square Park at the Northwest corner of 10th and E Streets and 2) authorize the City Manager to execute a contract between the City of Marysville and Friends of the Marysville Stampede and Artist, Jeff Wolf concerning the Gift of the bronze work of art.
Background:
Cotton Rosser was legendary in the professional rodeo world as the owner of the Flying U rodeo livestock contracting firm and was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1995. He is equally legendary in his hometown of Marysville as an entrepreneur and owner of Flying U and Cotton’s Cowboy Corral western wear store. In 2021, a group of community leaders formed a committee led by the Yuba/Sutter Arts Council to develop designs and raise funds for the Cotton Rosser Bronze Statue project, the first large scale monument in the Yuba-Sutter region.
The bronze monument would be placed at Washington Square Park, a City property located on Northwest corner of 10th and E Streets. The project involves the creation of a 1 ¼ times life size bronze statue of Cotton on horseback doffing his hat to the crowd. Noted western artist, and former bull rider, Jeff Wolf who knew Cotton for decades, was chosen to create the sculpture. Mr. Wolf spent time with Cotton prior to his passing in order to get all the details of the statue correct. Jessamyn Lett, a landscape Architect, has collaborated on preliminary sketches the park site. Other improvements are expected to include landscaping, lighting, a decorative concrete base.
Funding permitting, the molding of the bronze statue would begin in early 2023 and final assembly in July 2023. Site work at the park will begin in late July/early August of 2023. The project proponents are targeting the statue and associated park improvements to be in place by early September of 2023 in time for next year’s cattle drive and Marysville Stampede.
Discussion & Analysis:
This project provides public benefit to the City of Marysville by preserving local history, helping to engage and build community, fostering a sense of pride with the City and region, attracting tourism, boosting the downtown business economy and enhancing City parks. After deliberating the location of Item #12
the statue the Rosser family and City Staff have determined that the Washington square location will provide the best visibility and has the necessary infrastructure for the project.
Alignment with City Council Goal(s):
This Agenda Item helps support Goal #2: Expand Economic Development; and Goal #5: Support Parks & Recreation.
Fiscal Analysis:
On December 6, 2022, Council approved appropriations for the project in the amount of $5,000 being matched at contingent upon the donation being 100% by the private, anonymous donor, the project being fully funded in an amount of $270,000, and the project completed by December 31st, 2023. The City has no further financial obligation for construction and placement of the monument. The Agreement requires the Friends of the Marysville Stampede to reimburse the City for costs to insure the statue. The City will assume some ongoing costs to maintain the statue, lighting and other ancillary infrastructure.
Attachment:
1) Contract between the City of Marysville and Friends of the Marysville Stampede and Jeff Wolf