Title
Receive an informational report regarding a stairwell mural project at the County Government Center, in response to Board Referral No. 2020.09.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Capital Improvement Committee receive an informational report regarding a stairwell mural project at the County Government Center.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On February 25, 2020, the Board of Supervisors issued Referral No. 2020.09 directing County staff to partner with the Arts Council for Monterey County (hereon referred as “Arts Council”) to create murals on the walls of the stairwells at the County Government Center, located at 168 W. Alisal Street. The referral further requested the artwork depict Monterey County’s economic drivers, diverse landscape, and community values. Initial discussions ensued between both parties following the issuance of the referral, at which time, consensus was reached on focusing the eastside stairwell on the Salinas Valley and the westside stairwell on the Monterey Peninsula. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic event, and subsequent Shelter-in-Place orders, further coordination efforts regarding this matter were put on hold until the summer of 2021.
In August 2022, the eastside stairwell mural was complete by muralist Jose G. Ortiz (Founder and Lead Art Instructor for Hijos Del Sol Arts Production). Jose Ortiz and his team created “Destination, Salinas” using natural light and lush colors to showcase the beauty of the Salinas Valley, which has been a destination of hope and prosperity for so many people over the decades. The Arts Council and the Monterey County Board of Supervisors unveiled the new mural in the County Administration Building on Tuesday, September 27, 2022.
In August 2023, County Administrative Office (CAO) and Arts Council staff resumed deliberations and mutually agreed to commence with project activities on the westside stairwell. The referenced project consists of a Monterey Peninsula themed mural on one (1) wall of the westside stairwell covering approximately 465 square feet. La Neta Murals has been selected to design and execute the stairwell project. A brief synopsis of La Neta Murals’ profile, previous artwork, and current project schematic are attached to this report as Attachment B for the Committee’s reference.
Arts Council staff and the muralist have conducted site visits to take photos and measurements of the project area. Based on the information compiled, the Arts Council developed an anticipated budget for the subject project totaling $12,000. It is anticipated that all project activities will be completed within a five (5) week period, subject to extension. A detailed budget is attached to this report as Attachment C. Below is a summarized breakdown of projected costs.
Project Management $1,900
Mural Art Design $9,000
Supplies and Equipment $1,000
Ribbon Cutting $100
Administrative Costs $0
Total Project Cost $12,000
The CAO is unable to absorb project cost within its current fiscal year (2023/2024) budget. To advance this project, the Arts Council has proposed to utilize available grant funds within their current year budget to cover the full project amount. Project activities are expected to commence in November 2023.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrative Office collaborated with the Public Works, Facilities and Parks Department and Arts Council for Monterey County during the preparation of this report.
Staff also consulted with County Counsel.
FINANCING:
There are no costs associated with receipt of this report. The Arts Council has proposed to cover the cost of the westside stairwell project ($12,000) during the current fiscal year.
Prepared by: Isela Sandoval, Management Analyst II
Reviewed by: Richard Vaughn, Economic Development Manager
Approved by: Nicholas E. Chiulos, Chief Assistant County Administrative Officer
Attachments:
Attachment A - Board Referral No, 2020.09
Attachment B - Muralist Profile, Previous Artwork, and Current Project Schematic
Attachment C - Project Budget
Attachment D - PowerPoint Presentation