2026-05-28 May 28, 2026 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes - FINAL
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6:00 PM City of Smyrna Mayor and Council Meeting 2800 King Street SE Human Resources Training Room Page 4 of 9 Argyle Elementary School Bridge Mural $90,000 FY 28 Total $141,000+ Example Phasing Chart for Public Art Projects Appendix Summary of Public Art Policy Updates Matching Mural Grant program overview Councilmember Hines asked how the art projects are announced to the community so they are aware of the work that is taking place. She also asked about pop up opportunities. Ms. Talarico explained that there has been a pop up art project at a recent festival where the public can actually participate in the making of the art. It is leveraging opportunities where people are already going to be and allowing the public to engage or participate. Ms. Talarico also stated that the plan does not have built-in marketing strategies specifically around public art. Councilmember Oglesby spoke about the ARTery and the challenges of finding spaces to add sculptures. And because the ARTery is downtown specific, Ms. Talarico reiterated that the public was clear that they wanted to see art citywide. She did, however, say that the ARTery would definitely be a subject brought up at tomorrow’s Public Art Committee meeting. She also mentioned that city-owned properties are spaces that are really good for large scale projects and sculptures. Carson Haynie, Special Projects Manager, explained that at the last Public Art Committee they approved two ARTery projects: two different sets of sidewalk murals, and they are is discussion about a retaining wall mural. The Public Art Work Plan in the Public Art Policy states that at the beginning of each fiscal year, a list of projects is to be brought before Council which updates the Council on the progress made by the committee. Councilmember Welch asked about the budget for public art. Kristin Robinson, Deputy City Administrator / CFO, stated that public art is budgeted as part of the budget process. Discussion took place about the approval process for art projects. Some members of council thought recommendations from the Public Art Committee then had to come before Council for final approval. Scott Cochran, City Attorney, stated that it is best that the council not formally vote/approve art projects so it does not appear that the government is supporting or blocking art. Mayor Norton expressed that the committee functions within a FY 29 Annual 10% Maintenance Allocation Varies Annual 5% allocation for future large-scale project Varies Fire Hydrant Program $10,000-20,000 3 Utility Boxes $9,000 Retaining Wall Mural in priority location $10,000 Major Sculpture or Artist-designed play structure $200,000 FY 29 Total $239,000+