Minutes - Council Work Session - 04/25/2023

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become publicly funded art, she would prefer to see privately funded art where the City provides space for this. Ms. Johns agreed and stated that other cities do this and there are many examples of this. She reiterated the importance of putting a plan in place for this and then the City can look at requests that come forward on a case -by -case basis. Councilmember Specht brought up when the snow plows were painted and how much kids in the community enjoyed that.. He agreed that the aesthetics of the City are important. He stated that he would not like to see money from the budget used to fund the art. Mayor Kuzma stated that if the Foundation can provide the funds then they can look for opportunities and can fundraise for particular projects. Ms. Johns shared that she attends the Elmcrest Art Fair every year and every year it continues to grow and the turnout is great at the event. Councilmember Musgrove thanked Ms. Johns for coming out and sharing this with the Council. She reiterated what she shared at the Strategic Planning meeting, that roads need to be emphasized. She stated that art is good for the City; however, there are other things that could use City time and funds at the current time. Mayor Kuzma clarified that this would not be something that would fall on City Staff, it would be outsourced. Councilmember Riley shared that every time something is built or rebuilt there is an opportunity to add some art features. Councilmember Howell asked the group how many are members of the Ramsey Foundation, Councilmember Woestehoff, Mayor Kuzma, Mark Riverblood and Jill Johns raised their hand. She shared that she loves art but the City has been far behind with roads that she would rather see this program start slow rather than bringing in the plan right away to be spending revenue and Staff time. Councilmember Musgrove stated that Parks and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood mentioned that there would be some Staff time involved in this. Parks and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood shared that one way to move forward is for the Foundation to have a booth at the art fair or at other community events to get feedback from the community on their thoughts on public art. Councilmember Musgrove said that is a good idea; however, it would get a biased outcome by asking people at an art fair if they value art. She asked if there could be a booth at other City events. She shared that she appreciates art but the City currently has other priorities. City Council Work Session /April 25, 2023 Page 4 of 7