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Staff Report�owx aF �0S cAt °S COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT DATE: OCTOBER 12, 2015 TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL FROM: LAUREL PREVETTI, TOWN MANAGER SUBJECT: MEETING DATE: 10/20/15 ITEM NO: Ctltii/lQ l� �%rLQ,�Cl1 #� BUDGET, APPROVE THE ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION (ACC) RECOMMENDATION TO: A. REALLOCATE $1,600 FROM THE FORBES MILL FOOTBRIGE PROJECT AND $2,000 FROM THE ARTS COMMISSION PROJECT TO THE CATWALK PHASE II PUBLIC ART PROJECT, FOR A TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET NOT TO EXCEED $8,000 B. APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATION FROM THE ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION TO ISSUE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR THE CATWALK PHASE II PUBLIC ART PROJECT RECOMMENDATION: Within the existing adopted Fiscal Year (FY) 2015/16 Operating Budget, Approve the Arts and Culture Commission (ACC) recommendation to: 1. Reallocate $1,600 from the Forbes Mill Footbridge Project and $2,000 from the Arts Commission Project to the Catwalk Phase II Public Art Project, for a total project budget not to exceed $8,000. 2. Approve the recommendation from the Arts and Culture Commission to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Cat Walk Phase II Public Art Project. BACKGROUND: In 2011, the Town Council approved the Art Plan, which identified four potential public art projects. One of the projects identified was the Cat Walk public art installation proposed for downtown Los Gatos, predominately oriented along Santa Cruz Avenue. The goal of the proposed project was to celebrate the Town's namesake through a creative and integrated art display of 10 designs of unique and individual cats. On March 17, 2014, the Town Council authorized the Town Manager to execute an agreement between the Town of Los Gatos and Faducci LLC to fabricate and install 10 sculptured cats along North Santa Cruz Avenue. The Cat Walk Phase I was completed and installed along North Santa Cruz Avenue in May 2014. PREPARED BY: CHRISTINA GILMORE4 Assistant to the Town Manager Reviewed by: Town Town Attorney N:\MGR\AdminWorkFiles\2015ComcilReports\October2O\Ca twalk \Cat Walk RFP Phase II Staff Report 10.12.15.doc PAGE 2 MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL SUBJECT: CAT WALK PHASE II PUBLIC ART PROJECT OCTOBER 12, 2015 DISCUSSION: Cat Walk Phase I Public Art Installation Survey In the fall of 2014, members of the Arts and Culture Commission (ACC) conducted a survey of the downtown businesses to assess the success and impact of the Cat Walk Phase I Public Art installation (Attachment 1). Of the 48 merchants surveyed along N. Santa Cruz Avenue, 35% of those surveyed thought that the Cat Walk Public Art installation has enhanced the shopping and/or dining experience in the downtown and 23% reported that customer feedback on the art installation was positive. Several merchants expressed their support of additional public art installations in the downtown provided that the art had visible placement for public viewing and interaction with the art. Recommendation for Reallocation offunds The FY 2015/16 adopted budget approved Arts, Culture and Education grant monies of $4,400 for the Cat Walk Phase II project, which would provide an average stipend of $293 to $440 for each cat (depending on the number of cats selected) for design, fabrication, delivery, and installation. Based on the Commission's experience from reviewing artist proposals received during Phase I of this project, increasing the proposed public art installation budget would enhance the stature of the project and ensure that proposals are received from professional artists. The FY 2015/16 adopted budget approved Arts, Culture and Education grant monies of $3,000 for the Forbes Mill Footbridge project and $2,000 for the Arts Commission project. The Commission is recommending that the Council reallocate $1,600 from the Forbes Mill Footbridge Project and $2,000 from the Arts Commission project to the Cat Walk Phase II Public Art Project. If approved, the Arts Commission project would have no remaining balance, the Forbes Mill Footbridge Project would be funded in the amount of $1,400 and the Cat Walk Phase II Public Art Project would be funded in the amount of $8,000. Request for Proposal The Request for Proposal (RFP) solicits proposals for Phase II of the Town's Cat Walk art project. Phase II is proposed to be installed along W. Main Street from North Santa Cruz Avenue to College (Attachment 2). The RFP process is intended to select one to two artists to create a total of 10 to 15 sculptural cats. The cats would be placed in the nooks of the trees along either side of W. Main Street between N. Santa Cruz and College Avenues pending the Town Arborist's review and approval. The selected cat art sculptures will be considered an acquisition from the artist(s) and the Town has right of placement and removal at the Town's discretion. If approved, the ACC proposes to release the RFP to the public on October 23, 2015, with a submittal deadline of November 20, 2015. A selection committee composed of members from the Public Art Sub - committee, the New Museums of Los Gatos, the Parks Commission, and the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce will be convened to review proposals and recommend finalists for this public art project to the ACC. The ACC will review the selected finalists and make a recommendation to the Town Council for their consideration and approval to enter into an agreement with the chosen artist for the fabrication and installation of the public art project. PAGE 3 MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL SUBJECT: CAT WALK PHASE II PUBLIC ART PROJECT OCTOBER 12, 2015 CONCLUSION: Staff recommends that the Council accept the recommendation from the Arts and Culture Commission to: 1. Reallocate $1,600 from the Forbes Mill Footbridge Project and $2,000 from the Arts Commission Project to the Catwalk Phase II Public Art Project, for a total project budget not to exceed $8,000. 2. Approve the recommendation from the Arts and Culture Commission to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Cat Walk Phase II Public Art Project. ALTERNATIVES: 1. Not approve the request for the reallocation of funds to the Catwalk Phase II Public Art Project. 2. Approve the Catwalk Phase II Public Art Project at its FY 15/16 budgeted amount of $4,400. 3. Not approve the recommendation from the Art and Culture Commission to issue a Request for Proposal for Phase II of the Cat Walk Public Art Installation. 4. Provide other direction. COORDINATION: This report was coordinated with the Town Manager's Office and the Finance Department. FISCAL IMPACT: The total cost for the project is proposed to be $8,000 which includes construction, delivery and installation of up to 15 sculptured cats. There are sufficient funds available for budget transfers from the Forbes Mill Footbridge Project (2102- 62430) and the Arts Commission Project (2102- 62432) to the Catwalk Phase II Public Art Project (2102- 62429) in the FY 2015 -16 adopted budget. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required. Attachments: 1. Cat Walk Phase I Public Art Installation Merchant Survey Results 2. Draft Cat Walk Phase II Art Installation RFP 3. Cat Walk Brochure (2014) Cat Walk Phase I Survey Forty -eight merchants responded to the following questions: 1. Do you think that the Cat Walk Art installation has enhanced the shopping and /or dining experience in the downtown? Yes No Maybe Not sure None Total 17 9 3 19 31 48 2. What feedback have you received from customers regarding the Cat Walk Installation? Love it It's Ok Hate it Neutral None Total 11 0 0 6 31 48 3. Have customers commented on the Cat Walk? 4. Do you have any other comments regarding public art projects in the Town of Los Gatos? Merchant Comments • Let public know where they are. • Make Cats more visible, great for kids. • People stand in front, point up, good comments (This cat is more visible). • Very Cool - After all it is Los Gatos. • Like it now that we know. • Love it now that we know. • Love it. Have seen some. Promote it more. • Very cool now that I know. • Now that we know, we will talk up. • Now that we know, I will tell customers. • Advise public of their locations. • Love it now that I know it's there — more. • Anything downtown in arts. • Love it now that we have seen it. "Love it hidden, but not hidden." • Put cat paw at each tree. "Look -Up." Re -hang existing to show. • Signs - Can you find the cat? I Spy. Page 1 of 2 ATTACHMENT A What Total Yes No Cats? 10 31 7 48 4. Do you have any other comments regarding public art projects in the Town of Los Gatos? Merchant Comments • Let public know where they are. • Make Cats more visible, great for kids. • People stand in front, point up, good comments (This cat is more visible). • Very Cool - After all it is Los Gatos. • Like it now that we know. • Love it now that we know. • Love it. Have seen some. Promote it more. • Very cool now that I know. • Now that we know, we will talk up. • Now that we know, I will tell customers. • Advise public of their locations. • Love it now that I know it's there — more. • Anything downtown in arts. • Love it now that we have seen it. "Love it hidden, but not hidden." • Put cat paw at each tree. "Look -Up." Re -hang existing to show. • Signs - Can you find the cat? I Spy. Page 1 of 2 ATTACHMENT A Merchant Comments (continued) • Signs every few blocks - have you seen the Cats? • Location too far up the trees. • Great idea - let more people know. • Update /What they look like. Brighter. Colorful. Pamphlets in stores. Why is there a cat in the tree? • Lost Cat Signs. Description. Conversation. • Keep doing it. • Public lighting of the trees. People really enjoy it. • Love it! If merchants are made aware it would draw more attention. Love all events - Plien Air, Wine Walk. • Comes in back and out back parking lot. • Heard people say "there's another one" but didn't know what they were referring to. Very good idea. We need more stuff like this to attract people to our beautiful downtown. • It's wonderful and a great way to bring guests back to Los Gatos. • Anything that brings people into Town is a good idea. • Love this idea - you should talk to Montalvo Art Residence - maybe they will help. More art! • 1 think the public art in Los Gatos is very well done, and I think the Cat Walk will do very well. • Would love to be involved in any way! Love public art in Los Gatos! • More promotion and handouts throughout the Town. • If you had a cat with pizza, I think people would notice or want pizza. If the cats were a little more noticeable, I think customers would enjoy seeing them. I like the idea of different cats, different colors, different shapes (real /fake). • Include Old Town if possible. • I'm all for it!!! The more the better! Let us know what we can do to help. • Promote it more! • Love to see more. Cats should be more visible maybe glowing eyes at night - even sounds like meow. Not loud but subtle. Art makes this Town more unique than it is. Thank you for the cats. • #4 escaped - was not there. Is this the 1st year to be done? How is the public to know? • The art projects add flavor and make a walking, exploring more fun than looking at buildings only. Thank you for the efforts - all the best and count us in your list of all time fans! • Would love to have more. More colorful. • Definitely should have advertised, may not be enough. Want it in front of their store. Need a promo. • Wish there were more cats toward Highway 9. Thanks to Town of Los Gatos. • Thanks for asking. Very fun project. Page 2 of 2 1:_ Call for Artists: The Cat Walk Request for Proposals for a Public Art Installation BACKGROUND The Town of Los Gatos is a community of 30,532 nestled against the Santa Cruz Mountains on the edge of Silicon Valley. The Town has an adopted Arts Master Plan, which includes the installation of public art displays. The Arts and Cultural Commission, a 9- member, Council - appointed advisory body, administers the public art program, and makes recommendations to the Town Council, whose decision is final. OVERVIEW OF PUBLIC ART PROJECT This RFP solicits proposals for Phase II of the Town's Cat Walk art project. Phase I of the Town's Cat Walk Project was installed in May 2014. The Cat Walk is an art installation located in Downtown Los Gatos, oriented along Santa Cruz Avenue. Phase II is proposed to be installed along W. Main Street from North Santa Cruz Avenue to College Avenue. The project celebrates the Town's namesake through a creative and integrated display of 3- dimensional cats in Downtown trees. One to two artists will be selected to create a total of 10 to 15 sculptural cats, likely to be placed in the nooks of the trees, along either side of W. Main Street between N. Santa Cruz and College Avenues. The selected cat art sculptures will be considered an acquisition from the artist(s) and the Town has right of placement and removal at the Town's discretion. BUDGET The current budget for the Cat Walk project is $8,000, which provides an average stipend of $533 to $800 associated with each cat (depending on the number of cats selected) for design, fabrication, delivery, and installation. DESIGN GUIDELINES /TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS The cats should be appropriate public art suitable for display to a wide and diverse audience. Artists are asked to create three to four designs of cats that are unique and individualized. For example, if there are to be 12 cats, there could be three to four different designs with three to four of each design produced. The cats are to be crafted of durable materials that will withstand the elements, as well as be resistant to theft, vandalism, and deterioration. The cats should be constructed to avoid expensive maintenance and repair. Other specifications include: • The cats must be designed to last for ten years. • Possible materials include fiberglass, cast materials, and fabricated metals. ATTACHMENT DRAFT • The cats must be 3- dimensional. • The head and body of the cats should range between 12 to 16 inches (excluding the tail). • Maximum weight of 10 pounds. • Cats must be free from unsafe conditions or factors that could bear upon public liability and the safety of the community. • Artists must also design brackets that will affix the artworks to the trees without damage and accommodate future tree growth. SELECTION PROCESS Submitted designs will be evaluated in accordance with the Town of Los Gatos Public Art Selection Policy and Procedure. The selection process will occur in two phases: 1) A selection panel comprised of members of the Arts and Culture Commission will review all applications and select up to four finalists; and 2) A selection panel comprised of members of the Arts and Culture Commission, community members, representatives from local business and arts organizations, the Parks Commission, and town staff will meet again to review and /or interview finalists and select one to two artists to be awarded the project, and make a recommendation for final approval by the Town Council. Evaluation criteria will include, but not be limited to, the following: • Aesthetics: deemed to be an artwork of lasting aesthetic value. • Quality: artistic merit as determined by the selection committee. • Style: compatible in scale, materials, form and content with its surroundings. • Permanence: Due consideration given to structural /surface soundness, resistance to theft, vandalism, weathering and excessive maintenance costs. • Public Liability: Examined and approved for safety conditions and factors which may bear upon public liability. • Technical Feasibility: Convincing evidence of the artist's ability to successfully complete the artwork as proposed. • Duplication: Artist shall be asked to warrant that the sculpture is unique to the Town, unless stated to the contrary in the contract. The full text of the Public Art Selection Policy is available on the Town's website at www.losgatosca.gov /artselection DRAFT NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS The artist (s) selected will be notified at the conclusion of interviews and panel deliberations. Applicants will receive notification of the panel's decision by e -mail. The Town of Los Gatos reserves the right not to select any of the applicants. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS To submit a proposal, please provide the following: 1. Statement of Interest ➢ Include your name and contact information; ➢ A brief description of your proposed design(s); ➢ Proposed budget; ➢ Proposed schedule /timeline (from fabrication to installation); ➢ A description for how the project will be installed; 2. Resume 3. Selected list of previous works (include description, materials, location, budget, client or commissioning organization). 4. Design(s). Each application can contain no more than six (6) sketches, drawings, images and /or photographs and are to be submitted in an electronic format (PDF, .jpg, GIF, TIFF) and include: ➢ Dimensions and weight of proposed cats. ➢ Materials, finishes and proposed colors to be used, with description of durability, weatherproof qualities, and maintenance requirements. ➢ Design for brackets for installation in the trees. 5. Affirmative representation that the artist owns all copyright rights without restriction or infringement on any third party rights to the artwork submitted for consideration. The selection committee may require additional drawings and /or a maquette for its review. The selection committee and the Town Council reserve the right to reject any or all proposals. The Town reserves the right to accept any applications, to not accept any artist recommended by the Selection Committee, to initiate an alternate selection process, or to reissue the RFP. If the submittal material package does not include all items listed above, the Town of Los Gatos shall determine which submittal packages are responsive and reserves the right to reject all incomplete proposals. Please do not send information or materials not specifically requested as part of this application. DRAFT PROPOSAL TIMELINE* • RFP issued to the public – October 23, 2015 • Submittal Deadline – November 20, 2015 • Review of proposals by Public Art Committee – November 30- December 4, 2015 • Selection Committee Review of finalists – December 7 -15, 2015 • Commission Approval – December 16, 2015 • Notification of Results— December 18, 2015 • Recommendation to Town Council – January 2016 • Installation – Winter 2016 *Dates are tentative and subject to change. PROPOSAL DUE DATE Proposals must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., November 20, 2015. Proposals can be emailed to the attention of Christina Gilmore at CGilmore(a)LosGatosCa.eov with the subject line "LOS GATOS CAT WALK 2015 PROPOSAL." All inquiries regarding this Request for Proposals should be directed to Christina Gilmore at the email address above or 408.354.6822. RULES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS By submitting a proposal, artists grant the Town of Los Gatos the right to use the selected artists' work in Downtown Los Gatos, as well as for advertising, promotion, and for any other Town purpose. By submitting the proposal, proposers agree that the Town of Los Gatos is not responsible for any incorrect information caused by any technical or human error that may occur in the processing of submissions by the Town, including but not limited to any misprints or typographical errors. By submitting the proposal, proposers agree that the artist is solely responsible for the costs associated with replying to the RFP and participating in the process. The Town of Los Gatos will not be responsible for incomplete, defective, or unreadable entries or for failure to receive entries due to transmission failures or technical failures of any kind. ALL SUBMITTALS BECOME THE PROPERTY OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS. + ) � 2 ) � ° — # � — } . � � \ � � 2 FE » � - f »$a # @£ee3a7,a } a»22a\E /i /r ± G t \ \ \ { 2 »\f« ©tR - § - \{ ] E / \ Z� \})) E {� \/ § @) \{ 2 ®je \ ; §_{ alffa \ \\ ® V \ \ ) ATTACHMENT 3 0 N � � ,P C A e p J � .Q r � q C m N N F O Z a LM o r Q E S a d im � ha r � 2� Q r �m m Ml rlri C;� 4e - h OI N � � V C A p J � .Q � q C q N N O Z a o r Q E S a d V a c i 5 v T d d L V 5 d >c rlri C;� 4e - h OI N � � V C A L .Q � q C q N N O Z a Q C Q T d d L 4 4 `q,