AgdaPkt 2014-05-12 Joint with Planning

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7.1.C. - Page 1 REPORT To the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the City Manager May 12, 2014 SUBJECT Utility Box Mural Art Program RECOMMENDATION Approve, by motion, the Civic Cultural Commission's recommendation to initiate the pilot Utility Box Mural Art Program; and confirm determination that the pogram is exempt from CEQA. BACKGROUND On July 22, 2013, the City Council approved the Public Art Master Plan presented by the Civic Cultural Commission [CCC]. The Public Arts Master Plan reflects the goals of the Cultural Element within the City's 2010 General Plan where public art is recognized as a means for promoting vibrancy, defining cultural uniqueness, supporting economic development, building community, and improving the quality of life for those that live, work and play here. The General Plan sets forth the goal that "Redwood City is the place on the Peninsula to experience and enjoy visual, performing arts, and cultural events by 2030". The Plan further states that "Culture and the arts inspire civic pride, provides opportunities for expression and sharing, and serves as a catalytic component of the Downtown economy". The purpose of the Public Arts Master Plan serves as a guide when considering aspects of public art such as: • Criteria for the selection and prioritization of potential sites for both public and private art projects • Procedures for the review and selection of art • New strategies for the funding of public art When presented with a new proposal for public art, the Commission will first decide whether or not the project has merit. Once the merit of a public art proposal has been established, the CCC will recommend that the project go forward to the next stage of review and a meeting of the Public Art Task Force [PATF] will convene. This Task Force is made up of three Civic Cultural Commissioners [Public Art Sub-Committee] and two City Council Members. Once the PATF has arrived at a positive review, the proposal returns to the CCC who vote on whether or not to make a formal recommendation to City Council.