City Council approves $66K public art installation for 2025 budget

The Petoskey City Council convened on June 2, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including the approval of a used utility truck and a public art installation. The meeting began with a discussion on the utility truck, which is intended to replace an aging vehicle used for servicing the city's overhead systems. Council members inquired about the assessment process for the used truck, which was evaluated by Altec, the manufacturer. The council confirmed that the current truck is still operational but requires replacement due to its age.

Following the discussion on the truck, the council moved to the consent agenda, which included multiple items. A motion was made to approve items A, B, C, and D, which passed unanimously with a vote of 5-0.

The meeting then shifted focus to the public art proposal, which had been unanimously approved by the Arts Commission. The proposed artwork, a bronze piece, is set to be installed in the Bayfront area, although the exact location is still under consideration. The council discussed the budget for the artwork, which is set at $60,500, with an additional $12,500 grant to support the project. The council debated whether to approve the full amount upfront or just the deposit, ultimately deciding to authorize the deposit while ensuring the total cost would be covered in future budgets.

Public comments were invited at the end of the meeting, with one resident inquiring about the status of vacant buildings downtown. The city manager responded that the issue is currently being handled by Emmet County, which is working with the property owner to address code violations.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to maintaining city infrastructure and enhancing public spaces through art, while also addressing community concerns regarding property maintenance. The next steps include finalizing the truck purchase and determining the installation site for the artwork.