HomeMy WebLinkAbout12071999 Perlin Staff ReportSARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY NO.:
AGENDA ITEM:
MEETING DATE: December 7, 1999
CITY MANAGER:
ORIGINATING DEPT.: City Manager
PREPARED BY:
SUBJECT: Proposed water sculpture for the City Hall courtyard
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Accept the offer of Saratoga Rotary to fund a water sculpture for the City Hall courtyard and
authorize staff to arrange for its installation.
REPORT SUMMARY:
For nearly the past two years, staff has been attempting to secure a permanent art display for the
City Hall courtyard. During this time, there have been several pieces of art created by local artists
placed on display, but each time the artists have eventually removed their work due to their sale.
Earlier this year the idea of installing a water sculpture was conceived after the attached article
featuring local artist Heather Donaldson appeared in the Saratoga News. Pursuit of the water
sculpture became sort of a pet project of the late Mayor Shaw and myself and this is what
prompted me to suggest it as a memorial to Jim when the City Council was discussing that
subject. In October, Saratoga Rotary informed the City that it would fund the installation of a
water sculpture designed by Ms. Donaldson. A design concept has been developed with staff' s
input, and the artist is prepared to begin work on the project which should take only a couple of
weeks to complete. Before proceeding further however, staff is seeking Council approval of this
effort.
The many attractive benefits of a water sculpture are well documented in the attached article.
While there are certainly many other art forms that could be considered, none in my opinion seem
to have as much appeal to a diverse public as a water sculpture. In addition to its practicality, it is
felt that the sculpture would complement the Japanese theme of the courtyard landscape and
identify with the City's Sister City relationship with Muko-Shi. In fact, once Jim and ! became
whetted (no pun intended) to the idea of the water sculpture, we had hoped that we might be able
to have it installed in time for it to be dedicated during the recent visit of the Muko delegation to
Saratoga as a monument to Saratoga's 15 year relationship with Muko. While that no longer
appears likely, staff remains very supportive of the water sculpture idea and encourages the
Council to support the concept.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
As noted, Saratoga Rotary has committed to fund the design and installation of a water sculpture
designed by Ms. Donaldson. After it is installed, the sculpture will require very little maintenance
and upkeep. Water use is minimal as the sculpture is designed with a recirculating pump that runs
off the existing 110V system.
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT FOLLOWING RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Council would not approve the installation of the water sculpture.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
The Council could direct staff to pursue some other form of art to be placed on display.
Alternatively, the Council could direct that the display area be landscaped or simply left as is.
FOLLOW UP ACTION(S):
Staff will work with Saratoga Rotary and Ms. Donaldson to complete installation of the water
sculpture.
ADVERTISING, NOTICING AND PUBLIC CONTACT:
Nothing additional.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Saratoga News Article.
2. Memo from City Clerk with attachments.