Title
Adopt a Resolution to Authorize the City Manager to Approve a Transportation Art Maintenance Agreement with the California Department of Transportation in Support of an Encroachment Permit Application for the Installation of Utility Box Art in Washington Plaza
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
* Community & Business Development
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a resolution to authorize the City Manager to prepare and transmit a Transportation Art Maintenance Agreement (Agreement) to the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) assuming responsibility for the cost, installation, maintenance, removal, and restoration of mural art on CalTrans-owned traffic control cabinets in Washington Plaza in Downtown San Leandro.
BACKGROUND
In 2022, the City of San Leandro celebrated 150 years as an incorporated City. Multiple celebrations of varying kinds took place throughout the year. To visually memorialize this milestone, the City issued a Call for Artists to recruit local talent to contribute artwork for placement on utility boxes in six locations throughout San Leandro. This artwork celebrates the City's sesquicentennial by depicting historic buildings, a legacy of manufacturing, or San Leandro's diversity and culture.
Analysis
Of the six locations chosen, five are home to City-owned utility boxes and only one is CalTrans-owned. The Agreement applies only to the utility boxes located underneath the oak tree in Washington Plaza, adjacent to E. 14th Street. Created by artist Casey Rickey, the artwork for this location incorporates photographic images of Washington Plaza throughout history, that creates a visual historic marker for the site. The artwork will be printed on a 3M vinyl wrap to be professionally applied upon receipt of an approved permit from CalTrans.
The City first began adding art to utility boxes in 2013 and has since adorned 84 cabinets in 49 locations across San Leandro. The need for maintenance of th...
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