Title
Approval of Recommendation from the Art in Public Places Board to Relocate the Prehistoric Cookware Replica Pot, part of the San Ildefonso "White Rock Pottery Project"
Recommended Action
I move that Council approve the recommendation from the Art in Public Places Board to relocate the Prehistoric Cookware Replica Pot, part of the San Ildefonso "White Rock Pottery Project", from its current location to the proposed new location approximately 200 feet to the west at the intersection of the new mid-block trail crossing and the existing trail along the south side of NM4. (Relocation Option #3).
County Manager's Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council approve the relocation of the Prehistoric Cookware replica Pot, as requested.
Board, Commission or Committee Recommendation
Art in Public Places Board recommends the relocation of the Prehistoric Cookware Replica Pot, part of the San Ildefonso "White Rock Pottery Project", from its current location to the proposed new location approximately 200ft to the west at the intersection of the new mid-block trail crossing and the existing trail on the south side of NM4. (Relocation Option #3).
Body
As part of the NM4 Crossing and Multi-Use Trail Improvement Project, the trail along the south side of NM4 will be realigned to meet American with Disabilities (ADA) requirements. Due to this realignment, the large black and white pottery replica, representing prehistoric cookware and part of the San Ildefonso “White Rock Pottery Project”, must be relocated. (See Attachment A)
The “White Rock Pottery Project” was completed in February 2016, following a 2015 collaboration in which ten artists from San Ildefonso Pueblo painted six large-scale pottery replicas, each representing distinct historical pottery styles. Five pots and one plate were installed at various locations throughout White Rock to celebrate and honor the region’s cultural heritage.
On June 26, 2025, Keith Wilson, Deputy Public Works Director, and John Stricklan, Project Manager with Public Works, presented the NM4 Crossing and Multi-Use Trail Improvement Project to the Art in Public Places Board (APPB). They outlined the need for relocating the pot and presented three potential relocation sites. (See Attachment B)
Following discussion, the APPB unanimously selected Relocation Option #3. (See Attachment C) This location is approximately 200 feet to the west of the current location and will be situated on the southeast corner of the intersection of the new mid-block trail crossing to be constructed across NM4 and the existing trail that runs along the south side of NM4.
Construction for the NM4 Crossing and Multi-Use Trail Improvement Project is currently scheduled to begin late Fall 2025 and be completed by the end of 2026. The selected contractor will relocate the pot during this construction period.
Alternatives
The Council may choose not to approve the recommended relocation of the Work of Art and instead select an alternative location from the other proposed options.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Planned Item
There is no fiscal impact to the Art in Public Places Fund. The cost of relocating the Prehistoric Cookware replica pot will be incorporated into the overall construction budget for the NM4 Crossing and Multi-Use Trail Improvement Project and covered by the selected contractor as part of the project scope.
Attachments
A - Image of Current Pot Location with New Trail Alignment
B - Suggested Relocation Options
C - Desired Location- Option 3