Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of Arts and Culture Advisory Commission’s Recommended Remaining Public Art Projects
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission’s (ACAC) recommended remaining public art projects from the 2026/27 budget.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the ACAC’s recommendations for remaining art projects from the 2026/27 budget which include, $13,000 for programmed events at Bob Hart Square, $10,000 for a splash pad mural at Stephen Leonard Park, and $20,000 for the Utility Box Refresh Project.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Arts and Culture Advisory Commission Ordinance #2489, Section 2.54.060 Jurisdiction of the Commission.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the Council Goals and Priorities.
DISCUSSION
As part of the 2025/26 Budget, the City Council allocated $75,000 for art installations throughout the City of Merced. During the Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget process, the remaining funding was reallocated to Fiscal Year 2026/27 to support completion of the approved public art program. Of that amount, $58,000 is available for additional projects. The Arts and Culture Advisory Commission recommends the following projects for City Council approval:
• $13,000 to continue programming at Bob Hart Square (dates to be determined). Funding will support a variety of community events, including line dancing, swing dancing, karaoke, and live performances by emerging local musicians. The estimated cost for each event is between $500 and $1,500, depending on the activity and programming needs.
• $10,000 for a splash pad mural at Stephen Leonard Park.
• $20,000 for the Utility Box Refresh Project. City Council previously approved $12,000 for this project. Due to the preparation process and labor required to repair and refresh existing utility box murals, additional funding is needed to complete the work. The estimated cost is approximately $2,500 per utility box, with a total of eight boxes included in the refresh project.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Sufficient funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget within the City Council's Professional Services Account (10000500-511012). No additional appropriation is required.
ATTACHMENTS
None.