Title
Approval of Expenditure of Arts in Public Places Funds to Replace Two Outdoor Plaques for the Oppenheimer and Groves Statues and the Pollyanna Statue
Recommended Action
I move that Council approve the expenditure from the Arts in Public Places fund not to exceed $900 to replace two outdoor plaques for the Oppenheimer and Groves statues and the Pollyanna statue.
County Manager's Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that the Council approve the request of the Arts in Public Places Board to expend funds to replace two outdoor plaques for the Oppenheimer and Groves statues and the Pollyanna statue.
Board, Commission or Committee Recommendation
Per the July 2024 meeting, the Art in Public Places Board recommends the purchase of two outdoor plaques for the Oppenheimer and Groves statues and the Pollyanna statue.
Body
Oppenheimer/Groves statues: On 4/25/24, Wendy Parker, Parks Superintendent, made a presentation to the APP Board requesting a replacement plaque (Attachment A) due to damage caused by what is assumed to have been heavy machinery to the Oppie/Groves statue plaque. The damaged plaque is bent and cannot be repaired. The damaged plaque is different than the standard outdoor plaque because it includes some historical information. Now that an historical sign (Attachment B) near the Oppenheimer and Groves statues is installed with similar information, only the Los Alamos Public Art collection standard plaque design is needed as shown in Attachment D.
Pollyanna statue: The family who donated the Pollyanna statue brought the damaged plaque to County staff in April 2024. It is unclear how this plaque was damaged, but the face of the plaque is scratched, and the mounting screws have been sheared off (Attachment C). Pacific Coast Conservation, the company that is contracted by the County to provide annual maintenance to the outdoor art collection was contacted. They think they can restore the plaque when they come to do their annual maintenance visit in August 2024. They estimate the cost will be less than the cost to replace the plaque. The APP Board decided to approve the cost of a replacement plaque, as a place holder, in case the current plaque cannot be restored to an acceptable quality (Attachment D)
The quote, including shipping, for both plaques is shown in Attachment E. If the Pollyanna plaque can be restored, the cost for just the Oppenheimer and Groves plaque will be less.
Alternatives
Council could not approve the expense and leave the damaged plaques in place.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Planned Item
The fiscal impact will be up to $900 for the purchase of the plaques plus additional installation costs from the Parks division. Staff will order the plaques. Parks staff will install the plaques using ADA height standards.
Attachments
A - Picture of damaged Oppenheimer and Groves plaque
B - Picture of new historical sign that is installed near the Oppenheimer & Groves replacement plaque
C - Picture of damaged Pollyanna plaque
D- Picture of replacement mock-up of Oppie Groves and Pollyanna plaques
E- Outdoor plaque quote