Title
Resolution to Support the Installation of "Murals That Bridge" Project by Mary Thiefels of TreeTown Murals Railroad Metal Overpasses and Concrete Underpass Project on Huron Street near North First Street and Authorize an Application for a MDOT Permit
Memorandum
TreeTown Murals is an award winning, Michigan, mural and mosaic company specializing in custom design and community participation. "Murals That Bridge" is a two-fold public art initiative aimed at creating landmark attractions for all who live in and visit Ann Arbor, MI that has been commissioned by Watco, the owner of the railroad infrastructure. This project was spearheaded by Lucie and Larry Nisson, who possess great passion and authority in the space of public art in Michigan.
The railroad metal overpasses and concrete under passes on Huron Street near North First Street have been identified as a blighted and generally unsightly fixtures in a main artery of the City of Ann Arbor. This project has been endorsed by the Ann Arbor Public Art Commission (AAPAC) and will physically restore these spaces in a way which aligns with the Public Art Commissions’ vision to improve the quality of public spaces and structures in the Ann Arbor community.
Murals That Bridge is fiscally sponsored by Artrain, Inc. a 501c3 organization. The budget for the Huron St. project is $145,370.00. Major funders and supporters include:
● Harry A. & Margaret D. Towsley Foundation
● Destination Ann Arbor
● Major Donor - Lucie & Larry Nisson
● Mayor Christopher Taylor, Senator Jeff Irwin, and City Council Member Briggs
● Shaffran Companies
● Peter Allen & Associates Real Estate
● Columbia Asset Management
● JKK Kellogg Foundation Matching Fun
Because the Murals That Bridge project involves Huron Street, a Michigan state trunkline highway, it requires a permit from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and must follow its Highway Aesthetic Element Guidelines and Context Sensitive Solutions for Alternative Use of Highway and Right-of-Way. MDOT requires that the City be the permit applicant given the murals location. Below is listing of the items needed to satisfy the permit requirements.
The permit package must include the following items:
* Title sheet showing the location
* Image of the acceptable mural
* Street view of proposed mural
* Right of Way sheet showing the location of the proposed mural
* MDOT's CSS for Aesthetic Use of Highway Right-of-Way (Form 0525A)
* Signed letter granting permission to paint the mural from Watco
* A resolution by City Council supporting the project
* Operation and maintenance plan
Staff
Prepared by: Venita Harrison, Public Services Office Manager
Reviewed by: Brian Steglitz, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Watco has commissioned TreeTown Murals to complete the "Murals That Bridge" project on the I-94BL (Huron Street near North First Street);
Whereas, TreeTown Murals is an award winning, Michigan, mural and mosaic company specializing in custom design, community participation and creating landmark attractions for all who live in and visit the City of Ann Arbor, MI;
Whereas, This project is endorsed by the Ann Arbor Public Art Commission (AAPAC);
Whereas, TreeTown Murals has secured all of the funding for this project;
Whereas, The Murals That Bridge project requires a permit from MDOT to complete the work; and
Whereas, The MDOT permit requires a Council resolution supporting the proposed project;
RESOLVED; That City Council approves the proposed installation of Murals That Bridge for the overpasses and concrete underpasses on Huron Street near North First Street;
RESOLVED, That the City Adminstrator, or his designee(s), is authorized to apply for and obtain a MDOT permit to allow the Murals that Bridge project at the proposed location; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution and allow for completion of the project.