Dear Council Members,
In terms of Project 0903, a new call for public art, before authorizing expenses to this account, please determine if the Public Arts Committee will still exist in the 2024/2025 fiscal year and if the Art in Lieu fund has enough money to maintain its current commitments, particularly the Ives Park sculpture garden.
I recommend disbanding the Public Arts Committee and keeping its money in reserves.
It is unclear from last year’s budget how much the Art In-Lieu fund has remaining in its balances.
In addition, if the City would like to charge developers additional fees to enhance the public good, I would recommend implementing a fee that is the same as the Art In-Lieu fund and use it towards the maintenance of public spaces such as parks, sidewalks, and community buildings such as Ives Pool and the Community Cultural Center.
Best,
Kate Haug