Fiscal Note
This resolution approves a Sidewalk Poetry Program policy for use in association with street reconstruction projects. The Planning Division anticipates one or two sidewalk poetry projects per year at a cost of approximately $5,000 per project. 2016 projects will be paid for by funds included in the Engineering - Major Streets capital budget under the Reconstruction Streets project (minor project no. 10214).
Title
Approving a Sidewalk Poetry Program Policy (“Poetry Policy”) for use in connection with street reconstruction projects
Body
WHEREAS the City endeavors to incorporate art into public works projects in its efforts to implement the Public Art Framework adopted by the City Council (Resolution ID #30476 on March 19, 2002); and
WHEREAS sidewalk poetry is one form of art that can enhance the city’s pedestrian experience and encourage neighborhood placemaking; and
WHEREAS the Poetry Policy authorizes the Madison Arts Commission to select poems to be stamped by the City Engineering Division into sidewalks during street reconstruction projects and provides guidelines for the selection of those poems; and
WHEREAS the Poetry Policy authorizes the Madison Arts Commission to select where poems will be stamped based on input from the City’s Engineering Department regarding sidewalk panels that are suitable for printing; and
WHEREAS, the Poetry Policy requires MAC to place the item on the agenda of one of its regular public meetings in order to receive neighborhood feedback on poem selection and placement; and
WHEREAS the Poetry Policy provides that the City retains final authority over poem selection and placement; and
WHEREAS the Poetry Policy provides that the City reserves the right to remove any sidewalk panel stamped with poetry at any time and for any reason; and
WHEREAS in approving the Poetry Policy, the City is not opening up the physical structure of the city’s sidewalks as a forum of public expression.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Common Council approves of the attached Poetry Policy for use when the sidewalk poetry program is incorporated into street reconstruction projects.