Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the Planning Division Director to execute an agreement with True Mosaics Studio, LLC for the design, fabrication, and delivery of artwork at the Bartillon Shelter. During the design development phase of the Bartillon Shelter project, it was determined that this project was eligible for Percent for Art per MGO 4.30. It was determined that, based on eligible funding sources, the Percent for Art allocation for the Bartillon Shelter project would not exceed $85,000. The agreement with True Mosaics Studio, LLC is $60,000. Budget authority is available within the Bartillon Shelter project (Munis #13346). No additional appropriation required. Per the Percent for Art ordinance, unspent funds upon completion of the project shall transfer to the Arts Aggregated Fund or the Art Maintenance and Conservation Fund (MGO 4.30(5)).
Title
Approving the fabrication and installation of a mosaic mural for the Bartillon Shelter at 1904 Bartillon Dr. and authorizing the Planning Division Director to execute an agreement with True Mosaics Studio, LLC for the design, fabrication, and delivery of an installation-ready mosaic mural and to arrange for and sign any necessary documents to create and to install this public art project. (District 12)
Body
WHEREAS, on April 19, 2022, the Madison Common Council adopted Resolution RES-22-00295, File # 70582, approving the selection of the property located at 1902 Bartillon Drive as the site for a permanent shelter facility serving men experiencing homelessness, authorizing the City’s Engineering Division to undertake a competitive process to select an entity to provide architectural and engineering design services, subject to Common Council approval, and authorizing the City’s Community Development Division to undertake a similar effort to select an operator for the facility, again, subject to Council approval; and
WHEREAS, on August 2, 2022, the Madison Common Council adopted Resolution RES-22-00539, File # 72631, approving the selection of Dimension IV - Madison, LLC to provide architectural and engineering design services, and construction administrative services, to the City of Madison for the development of a homeless shelter facility at 1902 Bartillon Drive (12th AD); and
WHEREAS, during the design development phase it was determined that this project would be subject to the Percent for Art ordinance; and
WHEREAS, from October 2023 to February 2024, City arts staff worked with Mosaic Historian and Artist, Lillian Sizemore, to consult with Dimension IV - Madison, LLC and the City to identify opportunities to incorporate an architectural mural into the facility; and
WHEREAS, Lillian Sizemore proposed holding five (5) vertical spaces along the windowless street facing portion of the building and to continue the lyrical pattern of the windows; and
WHEREAS, Dimension IV - Madison, LLC and City Engineering staff accepted Lillian Sizemore’s proposal to save five (5) spaces for the mosaic panels and City arts staff incorporated that design into the call for artists request for qualifications (RFQ); and
WHEREAS, on June 13, 2025, the City of Madison arts staff released an RFQ calling for artists to apply to create a mosaic for the Bartillon Shelter and received three applications; and
WHEREAS, on July 14, 2025, the Public Art Subcommittee of the Madison Arts Commission met to review the responses to the RFQ and recommended Laurel True of True Mosaics Studio, LLC; and
WHEREAS, on July 28, 2025, the full body of the Madison Arts Commission approved the Public Art Standing Committee’s recommendation to select Laurel True of True Mosaics Studio, LLC to create a design for the Bartillon Men’s Shelter public art feature; and,
WHEREAS, between August and October 2025, Laurel True engaged stakeholders, including attending a public meeting at the East Madison Community Center and spending several hours at Porchlight listening to staff and overnight guests, and subsequently submitted a design proposal to the City; and
WHEREAS, on October 14, 2025, the Madison Arts Commission reviewed and approved Laurel True’s design proposal.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Madison Common Council hereby approves the fabrication and installation of a mosaic mural by Laurel True of True Mosaics Studio, LLC for the Bartillon Shelter; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby authorizes the Planning Division to execute an agreement between the City of Madison and True Mosaics Studio, LLC for $60,000 for the design, fabrication, and delivery of an installation-ready mosaic mural; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby authorizes the Planning Division Director to sign any necessary contracts, agreements, and other documents necessary to create and install this public art project.