Smyrna Public Art Committee - HR Training Room — Minutes
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May 02, 2025 11:30 AM City of Smyrna Smyrna Public Art Committee Meeting 2800 King Street SE HR Training Room Page 2 of 4 Rickey N. Oglesby Jr. asked for an update on the crosswalk mural repairs. Carson Haynie informed the committee that the crosswalks remain in good condition. Carson Haynie also explained that the artists used primer and sealant provided by the city to ensure that the murals last. C. 2025-186 Project Ideas (tabled from last meeting) Committee Member Robert Harrison said that he had a presentation prepared for a project idea for a sculpture in the Smyrna Market Village. Robert Harrison informed the committee that Mayor Norton recently reached out to him about his desires for landscape changes and improvements at the entrance to the Smyrna Market Village. Mayor Norton would like pavers with an artistic and impactful presentation. Robert Harrison and Gabi Madrid (not present at the meeting) came up with a steel Jonquil sculpture concept that would be eight feet tall with a concrete base of about five feet wide running around the entire sculpture for seating. Robert Harrison said if this is approved, Gabi Madrid can begin the sculpture while the City works on infrastructure progress. Robert Harrison informed the committee he will not have any financial involvement as it would be a conflict of interest. Robert Harrison also shared the estimated budget with the committee. Imani Thomas requested clarification on the sculpture’s diameter to make sure it will be big enough for seating. Robert Harrison clarified to her satisfaction. Imani Thomas raised concern regarding mosaic tile and its longevity. Robert Harrison ensured if this installation is done correctly, it will hold up well. Rickey N. Oglesby Jr. asked for clarification of mosaic art in which Robert Harrison responded with information he received from local mosaic artists which is $300-350 per square foot. Carson Haynie informed the group that Smyrna’s procurement process requires that any project over $5,000 must receive at least three competitive bids. Anna Talarico raised concerns about the structural aspects of the project. She informed the group how crucial it is to follow certain processes when implementing art. She explained that the artist who will build the sculpture must work with a structural engineer to ensure proper safety of the installation. The sculpture would need to be engineered with breakaway points in case of an accident (considering the proximity of the sculpture to Atlanta Road). Robert Harrison assured Anna Talarico that the concrete aspect of the sculpture would be on the City/Public Works side. Anna Talarico voiced concern about mosaic overlay which could potentially obstruct cracks that may not be seen during inspection. Burke Scott agreed. Rickey N. Oglesby Jr. raised the opinion that the flower aspect of the structure is the most desired and therefore should be executed as soon as possible. Anna Talarico confirmed that the committee could open a bidding process specifically requesting a large Jonquil Sculpture in the Market Village. Anna Talarico resurfaced the project idea of rotating pads from last year and said the steel Jonquil sculpture could be moving that way. Rickey N. Oglesby Jr. also said he does not think the project will be fully funded with public art funds. Carson Haynie reminded the committee that there still needs to be a fair procurement process, and internal discussions must be made before a motion is made to move forward with the sculpture. Imani Thomas asked where the committee’s expertise and guidance falls in this process. Rickey N. Oglesby Jr. responded that Deputy City Administrator / CFO Kristin Robinson will be involved. Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. voiced that anything involving public art should be decided through the Public Art Committee. Other Projects Discussion Rickey N. Oglesby Jr. proceeded with other project ideas and asked about the concrete retaining wall on the CSX right-of-way. Committee Member Robert Harrison said he