#3 Approve Memorandum of Understanding with Forward Janesville to display mural
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE MEMORANDUM
October 1, 2009
TO: City Council
FROM:Eric Levitt, City Manager
SUBJECT: Authorization for the City Manager to Enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with Forward Janesville for the installation of a
Mural on the Franklin Street Side of City Hall
Request
Christine Moore, the Managing Director of the Janesville Design & Development Center
submitted a letter requesting permission to erect a mural depicting historic Janesville on
the backside of City Hall as a part of their public art campaign.
City Manager Recommendation
The City Manager recommends approval of the proposed MOU with Forward Janesville.
Suggested Motion
I move to authorize the City Manager to enter into the proposed MOU for Placement of
a Mural Display on City Hall with Forward Janesville.
Background
The Janesville Design & Development Center is finalizing their public art campaign to
erect three murals in Downtown Janesville. Christine Moore, the Managing Director of
rd
the Center has requested the 3 mural be placed on the outside of the City Hall
Building. The mural would be located on the backside of City Hall, the Franklin Street
side and would be erected either in late October or November, or in early spring
depending on when funding has been secured by the Center. Additionally the mural
would be visible at night by lights that would turn on automatically at dusk and turned off
by a timer at 2:00 am.
The size of the mural will be 25’ x 30’ and the artwork will be scanned, digitally edited
and printed on large sheets of UV-coated vinyl. The vinyl will be wrapped on an
aluminum frame and hung on the building surface. The artwork depicts the coming of
the railroads during the 1850s and honors the Tallman House and the visit of Abraham
Lincoln there in 1959.
Under the agreement the City would be responsible for lighting costs of the mural. The
Janesville Design & Development Center has secured an agreement from John
Westphal whom has agreed to donate the installation of the lighting at an estimated cost
of $2,500. The City would be responsible for the operational cost which has been
projected at an annual cost of $300. The cost could be reduced by 50% if the timer was
set to turn the lights off at 12:00 am instead of 2:00 am.
Attached is a digitally edited picture of what the mural will look like on City Hall as well
as a 2009 Heart of the City Outdoor Art Campaign fact sheet.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
CC:
Eric Levitt, City Manager
Jacob J. Winzenz, Assistant City Manager/Director of Administrative Services
2009 Heart of the City Outdoor Art Campaign
FACT SHEET
As of October 1, 2009
?
Sponsored by the Janesville Design & Development Center, a project of Forward Janesville, Inc.
?
Campaign created by Christine Moore, director of the Design Center, and Jeff Larson of the
Larson Group. The Larson Group created and managed the installation of the riverfront murals
in Beloit.
?
Three murals, each honoring a decade in the early life of Janesville. Subject matter based on the
“Wisconsin Hometown Stories: Janesville” program produced by the Wisconsin Historical
Society and Wisconsin Public Television in 2006
?
First mural references the city’s agricultural heritage. The artist is Ron Wick of Rockford. A
lease for this mural has been signed with Sara Investment Real Estate for display on the
northwest face of the building at 101 E. Milwaukee St.
?
Second mural references the Rock River. The artist is Larry Schultz of Milton. A lease for this
mural has been signed with Bliss Communications for display on the east face of the building at
1 S. Parker Drive.
?
Third mural references the coming of the railroads. The artist is Jim Richter of Janesville.
?
The artwork is scanned, digitally edited and printed on large sheets of UV-coated vinyl. The
vinyl is wrapped on an aluminum frame and the frame is hung on the building surface with
screws.
?
The murals are insured by Forward Janesville, Inc.
?
The building owners for Mural 1 and 2 have agreed to light the murals at their expense.
Westphal Electric has agreed to donate lighting installation for the third mural if the city agrees
to host the mural site.
?
Campaign endorsements: Janesville Art League, Rock County Historical Society, Janesville
Historic Commission, Forward Janesville, Inc., Thomas W. Walterman, Ph.D. , Maurice
Montgomery
?
Educational components are planned following the installations.
?
Cost of project approximately $57,000 including insurance. Approximately $34,000 raised to
date.
?
Target installation dates for third mural (provided funds are raised): Wednesday, October 28,
and Thursday, October 29, 2009. Alternative dates, Wednesday-Thursday, November 4-5, 2009.
If funds are not raised this fall, installation would be postponed until Spring 2010.