365976.1
Town of Yountville
Staff Report
6550 Yount Street
Yountville, CA 94599
Agenda Item #: {{section.number}}D
Yountville Town Council Staff Report
DATE: July 16, 2024
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Brad Raulston, Town Manager
PREPARED BY: Samantha Holland, Parks & Recreation Director
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution Number 24-4296, Approving, Authorizing, and Directing the Town Manager to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Robert Orr for the Donation of a Commissioned Bronze Sculpture of George C. Yount and Finding the Memorandum of Understanding exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
The Town has been approached by local resident Robert Orr to provide a donation of a commissioned sculpture depicting pioneer and founder George C. Yount to be placed at the front of Town Hall. The purpose for the proposal is to bring a historical remembrance of the Town’s founder for the public to enjoy and also learn of his contributions and historical impact on Yountville and the Napa Valley.
The proposed sculpture is life-sized, 6 – 7 feet tall and will be constructed of bronze. It will be created by experienced western subject sculpture artist Don Budy and will resemble the depiction shown in the attached image. The sculpture will be constructed to include installation points in the feet that will mount to a stone or concrete base that will be provided by the Town. The Town will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of the sculpture. A draft of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is included as an attachment.
The long-term vision is for the frontage of Town Hall to undergo landscaping improvements, as well as to include other historical artifacts which would bring the history of the Town to the front of Town Hall for future generations.
The concept also includes relocating the George C. Yount millstones from in front of Community Hall as well as the interpretive sign that tells their story to Town Hall. With the acquisition of the Yountville Commons site (6554 Yount St.), a plan is being discussed to relocate the book sculpture to the Commons site creating a historical space at the Commons site for Yountville Elementary School through the future transitions. The bell is proposed to remain, but the other Town owned-sculpture, Slingshot, would be relocated to a site to be determined by the Arts Commission.
This sculpture is considered a historical element independent of the Arts Commission. Although it could be included on the Art Walk, it is being considered outside of the Arts Commission’s purview for the purpose of accepting this donation and the addition of the sculpture to the Town’s other historical elements.
The presented resolution will approve an MOU between the Town and Robert Orr and authorize the Town Manager to execute the MOU on the Town’s behalf. The resolution will also authorize the Town Manager to 365976.1
modify the MOU as necessary to reach agreement with Robert Orr on the terms of the donation, subject to approval by the Town Attorney.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Staff considers the approval of the MOU to not be a Project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) (common sense exception) as it can be seen with certainty that the execution of the MOU and installation of the statue will not have a significant effect on the environment. To the extent the approval of the MOU is a Project under CEQA, it is categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15303 (new construction and conversion of small structures) as an installation of a new, small structure; 15304 (minor alterations to land) as a minor public alteration in the condition of land which does not involve the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees; and 15311 (accessory structures) as the placement of a minor structure accessory to an institutional facility. None of the exceptions to the categorical exemptions provided in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 are applicable.
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? Yes
Is it Currently Budgeted? No
Where is it Budgeted? N/A
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? Discretionary
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? Yes
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Is item Identified in Strategic Plan? No
If yes, Identify Strategic Goal and Objective. N/A
Briefly Explain Relationship to Strategic Plan Goal and Objective. N/A