SUBJECT: AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF SAN JOSE AND DONNA BILLICK TO FABRICATE A WORK OF ART FOR THE ALVSIO BRANCH LIBRARY/COMMUNITY CENTER

COUNCIL DISTRICT: 4

RECOMMENDATION

Adoption of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with artist Donna Billick to fabricate and install a work of art for the Alviso Branch Library and Community Center in an amount not to exceed $30,600.

BACKGROUND

The San Jose Library Branch Facilities Master Plan (BFMP) recommends that all existing branch libraries are significantly improved and six new branches are constructed over the next eleven years. Each library project budget will include 2% for public art.

The BFMP recommendation for the Alviso Branch Library, located at 1060 Taylor Street, called for replacement of the existing facility. At the time of the conceptual design, a $40,000 budget for public art was identified, but as the project developed, there was an estimate of project cost overruns and the public art budget was put on hold. At this time, the project has been complete without a public art component; the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services has identified a public art budget of $40,000, including administrative funds.

In May 2000 the Arts Commission approved a selection panel’s recommendation of a pool of pre-qualified artists for branch library facilities. A seven member community-based panel was assembled to review the works of the pre-qualified artists. The panel recommended to the Public Art Committee that the Department Director negotiate an agreement for $3,400 to develop a design. At its August 2000 meeting, the Arts Commission approved that recommendation.

ANALYSIS

Ms. Billick, working in close collaboration with members of the community, the Department of Public Works, the Library Department, and the Community Center staff, developed a design proposal that the Public Art Committee reviewed in July 2001. At its November 14, 2001 meeting, the Arts Commission approved the proposal.

PUBLIC OUTREACH

Public outreach for this action included national release of a Request for Qualifications seeking artists for the commission, and inclusion of representatives from the community on the selection panel.

The artist conducted multiple community meetings and workshops to elicit feedback from the public on the direction of the artwork design proposal.

The recommendations of the selection panel are reviewed by the Public Art Committee, the Arts Commission, and City Council, all of which are publicly-noticed meetings.

COORDINATION

This item has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office, the Risk Manager, and the Budget Office.

COST IMPLICATIONS

The funding for the contract is not to exceed $30, 600.

BUDGET REFERENCE

Fund: Alviso Library Public Art – General Fund – 001.

Amount: $3,400.

Budget Document: 2000-2001 Adopted Operating Budget, page 642.

CEQA: Exempt status.

NANCY JOHNSON

Director, Conventions, Arts and Entertainment