Title
Approving a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a mural easement agreement between the City and Two Brews Holdings LLC, the property owner of 100 W. Pecan Street, Pflugerville, Texas, allowing for the installation of a public art mural on the existing building.
Summary
The Downtown Action Plan identifies public art as a short term, mid-range, and long-term action item as opportunities arise. Over the past few years, the City has added public art to Downtown within the Best Little Plaza in Texas, right next to City Hall, as well as at City Hall on the wall at Suite 500.
In the Spring of 2023, the City Council adopted policies for the Art in Public Places program which outlines general art policies and review processes for the commissioning and purchasing of public art. In the policies, one board and two commissions will have the responsibility of reviewing and considering public art based on the location of public art. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall review and consider public art proposals for public art that is proposed within the public right-of-way (streets), at public facilities with the exception of the Pflugerville Public Library and the Recreation Center, and public art on private property with public easements or similar agreements granting the City authority use of the property. Within the adopted art policies, public art is allowed to be located on private property with the use of public easements or comparable agreements to create more opportunities for public art Downtown. The property owner is amenable to granting the City a temporary easement for a minimum term of 5 years, which may include automatic renewal terms if either party does not desire to terminate the agreement.
In FY23, the City contracted with a regional artist, Mike Johnston, to design a mural with the theme of an old postcard with a more modern approach that would highlight vibrant visual elements within the community. The themes and elements represented in the mural concept are provided below.
• Native flowers - Indian Blanket, Primrose, and Bluebonnets
• Lake Pflugerville Park
• Collage of profiles of people to represent diversity in abstract design
• Bluebonnets
• Rockman Sculpture at Lake Pflugerville
• Old Pflugerville water tower
• Green Red Barn as a symbol and celebration of the City's agrarian past and future innovation (The Green Red Barn is a state-recognized, renewable energy facility with a "grid tie" system, which produces electricity from solar panels and small wind generators that ties it back into the power grid.)
• Green space and hiker on a trail to highlight the City’s trails and green spaces
This is anticipated to be a destination mural that supports tourism, economic development, and the overall vibrant identity and character of the community.
Prior to the installation of the mural, the wall will be prepped by power washing and the application of a primer. Fade-resistant exterior paints will be used for the artwork. After the mural is completed, either a UV protectant clear coat or an anti-graffiti with a UV protectant coating will be applied.
On November 6, 2023, the Planning and Zoning Commission discussed the initial design concept for the “Greetings from Pflugerville” mural, and on December 4, 2023, the Planning and Zoning approved the commissioning of such mural contingent upon City Council authorization of an easement on the subject property.
Deadline for Action
Action is requested on January 23, 2024.
Fiscal Impact
Artwork - Approx. $31,000 from Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) revenues.
Attachments
Resolution
Exhibit "A" of Resolution - Easement
Location Exhibit
Letter from Property Owner
Adopted Art Policies
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the mural easement agreement.
Recommended Motion
Motion to approve staff's recommendation as presented.