TAMRMS#: B09
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Request for Withdrawal from the Public Art Reserve
Presented by: Kelly Jerrott, Director, Community Services
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RECOMMENDATION(S)
recommendation
That Council approve the withdrawal of $10,000 from the Public Art Maintenance Reserve to facilitate the urgent removal and storage of the Stephen Barr Memorial Sculpture, by Myles MacDonald.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
To provide Council with the information required to approve the withdrawal of $10,000 from the Public Art Maintenance Reserve to facilitate the urgent removal and storage of the Stephen Barr Memorial Sculpture by Myles MacDonald located at Servus Place.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITY
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO SERVICE DELIVERY
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Service Name: Public Art Collection |
Service Definition Maintenance, Addition and removal to the City’s public art inventory |
Service Component Public Art Collection Art in Public Places |
Current Service Level: Policy C-CS-04 Inspect, assess and maintain the City of St. Albert's public art collection to minimize deterioration and ensure professional presentation of the collection Public Art Reserve - 1% of eligible capital projects funds are pooled annually for acquisition and creation of art in public places. Public art is incorporated into the design of eligible capital projects and infrastructure throughout the City. |
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL (OR COMMITTEE) DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
N/A
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
As per Policy C-CS-04 Public Art, Stephen Barr Memorial (the Artwork) by Myles MacDonald (The Artist), 7’ by 15’ by 1’, 2009, location: Servus Place, West Entrance, 400 Campbell Road St. Albert, has been identified as a high priority for maintenance in the City of St. Albert Public Art Collection.
This artwork was donated in 2009 by the Barr family, the Rotary Club of St. Albert, and various members of the community.
Community Services Staff hired Macson Developments Ltd. In October 12, 2018 to inspect the structural anchors and CIC Inspection and Consulting to inspect the Artwork welds in February 3, 2020.
The engineer’s structural inspection in 2018 concluded the following in summary:
• Anchoring into the wall is unknown, however, the artwork appears to be well secured and is in very good condition. The wood frame is beginning to warp and weather. The sculpture steel appears to be in good condition; the anchoring of the steel sculpture to the wood frame also appears to be in good condition.
The weld inspection results in 2019 concluded the following in summary:
• Visual inspection of the sculpture components revealed fatigue fracture on the mid section attributed to constant wind vibration movement. The sculpture is not sturdy enough to resist wind movement as limited bracing was provided to prevent vibration. The sculpture support is attached to a wooden frame which is currently exposed to the elements.
As a result of the two above reports, and the possibility that the artwork could fall off of the wall due to a steel fracture and limited bracing, swift removal and storage for further assessment is recommended to ensure public safety.
Based on these inspection reports, the Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) has passed the following two motions:
Due to condition and safety concerns, PAAC recommends the temporary removal and storage of the Stephen Barr Memorial Sculpture by Myles MacDonald, for further assessment.
PAAC recommends that staff prepare an Agenda Report Request, which includes a budget request, for Council to withdraw funds from the Public Art Maintenance Reserve for the temporary removal and storage of the Stephen Barr Memorial sculpture by Myles MacDonald.
Following removal and storage of the artwork, the City will work with Servus Place to ensure that the supporting wall for the artwork will be restored to a condition that is acceptable to Servus Place.
In addition, following removal and storage of the artwork, Community Services will consult with technical advisors including PAAC, the Artist, the Donors, contract conservator/s, technical specialists and internal stakeholders to provide future assessment and restoration options.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
N/A
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
None at this time.
Legal / Risk:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
None at this time.
Organizational:
None at this time
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
If Council does not wish to support the recommendation, the following alternatives could be considered:
Alternative 1. Leave the Artwork in place
Should Council recommend to leave the artwork in place, there would be a cost savings that would facilitate other future Public Art maintenance projects, however, wind could cause the artwork to fall and potentially injure a member of the public. Repair on site is not recommended due to the limited bracing of the artwork and weathered condition of the wooden frame support.
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Report Date: April 6, 2020
Author(s): Heidi Alther
Committee/Department: Community Services
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer: Kerry Hilts
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble