Agenda - Council - 07/28/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7. 1. CC Regular Session Meeting Date: 07/28/2026 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Strengthen and enhance our identity, brand and image. Title: Adopt Resolution #26-174 Accepting Donation of a Community Art Resource Purpose/Background: The purpose of adopting Resolution #26-174 is to accept the donation of a Community Art Resource (public art plan) by the Ramsey Community Foundation to the City of Ramsey. The following is an excerpt from the planning resource: Executive Summary Art for All Ages Art can transform public spaces, turning everyday sites into experiences of wonder, and sparking a unique sense of connection between people and place. Creative amenities bolster a sense of pride fbr residents, attract visitors with a promise of new and joyful encounters, increased, feelings of safety, and genuinely create a sense of place. In addition to these many social benefits, art in public places helps communities achieve economic goals, from increased foot traf k by local businesses, to further investment in business development in areas that, feature creative amenities. Many studies conclude investments in community art return benefits such as environments more conducive to business development, increased property values, and growth in cultural tourism. Further, when local community members are engaged in decision -making about community arts plans, residents feel empowered to create a place they love, fostering deeper civic engagement. With these goals in mind, the Ramsey Community Art Resource aims to inspire a breadth of community leaders with examples of art in public places that achieve these goals. The ideas presented here are offered to motivate further planning for enduring art that engages people of all ages. The subtitle Art for All Ages' serves not only as an evocative alliteration that speaks to the value of art for the very young throughout the span of a life, but 'Art for All Ages' also reminds us that public art serves to connect present generations into the future in a meaningful way. (Excerpt from Section 3, Community Art Opportunities) What is Community Art? Community art is creativity that lives in public life. It includes murals and sculptures, but also festivals, performances, classes, and temporary projects that invite people to participate. Unlike art that is confined to galleries or private collections, community art is shaped by the people who experience it such as neighbors gathering at a concert, children decorating a kite, or families building something together These projects create pride and connection, making everyday spaces feel more welcoming while strengthening the bonds between residents. As summarized above, Ramsey has witnessed the favorable integration of public art with both recreation programming and park development —with the new park improvements at The Waterfront but one example of community art enhancing residents' experience within the public realm. Notification: Over the past few years, Parks & Recreation and the Ramsey Community Foundation have had a presence at both the Two Rivers Art Fair and at Happy Days, collecting feedback and comments from residents, finding support for both public art and a community art plan. Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: The acceptance of the donation of a Community Art Plan was recommended by the Park & Recreation Commission on January 9th, 2025, and discussed by City Council at work session on February llth, 2025, and June 23rd 2026—with the consensus of the Council welcoming the Community Art Resource as a valuable tool in planning for place -making and beautification in the public realm into the future. Director of Development Christine Barrett from the Ramsey Community Foundation and Janelle Craft, Director of